Why were there such big City sets in 2005-2006 but not since then?

[MrZ]

In 2005/2006 there were some very large City sets released, including 7900/Heavy Loader, 7294/XXL Mobile Crane, and 7905/Building Crane. Why did they release such large sets during these years only and not since then?

[Murdoch17]

Th city theme was just starting out then. They were most likely throwing things at the wall to see what stuck, and the huge, road hog vehicles (as wide as the entire road!) didn't take off. As for the crane, we didn't have tall buildings (such as modular buildings) until 2007 and it was probably a good idea coming out at the wrong time. I bet if it came out tomorrow, it would sell like hotcakes.

[TeriXeri]

3 hours ago, Murdoch17 said:

Th city theme was just starting out then. They were most likely throwing things at the wall to see what stuck, and the huge, road hog vehicles (as wide as the entire road!) didn't take off. As for the crane, we didn't have tall buildings (such as modular buildings) until 2007 and it was probably a good idea coming out at the wrong time. I bet if it came out tomorrow, it would sell like hotcakes.

910008: Modular Construction Site did get funded, so I think quite a lot of AFOL demand for a big crane has been fulfilled there (to go with Modular buildings)

 

2022 City Mobile Crane did retire however, so maybe there's some construction crane in the works again .

Ideally I'd see something like a 4x4 tower crane design for a static City Crane, perhaps using those parts for structure (with technic axle support for strength) , could be yellow , or perhaps the new orange like the parts are already made for the space base.

As in a little taller and thicker then the yellow crane from 60216: Downtown Fire Brigade, without going full 6x6 X shaped panels.

The newer screw shaped elevator pieces could also make for nice new construction elevators that could go alongside a crane, or a building, the piece doesn't really need a full elevator design as it's pretty strong by design as long as there's a solid attachment point.

Elevator platform piece in Friends Mansion : 

Or the simpler piece : 

Edited January 12, 2024 by TeriXeri