What is your favorite Technic Set and why?

[Carsten Svendsen]

33 minutes ago, Toastie said:

Now, with regard to VMs, serial ports, and so on: If you want to program these beauties, just install the BricxCC suite on any modern (Win11, 64 bit - works) computer, get an USB2Serial adapter, plug that in, run device manager, find the COM port number of that adapter, edit the address to < COM 8 (if necessary, simply move anything modern occupying the low COM port address space to port numbers > 8), run BricxCC, choose CM, choose the COM port of your adapter and then program, remotely control, monitor ... your CM PBrick.

I've never tried that software before, I'll give it a shot next time I've got my LEGO at hand. 
But the main fun, honestly comes from the software. You just can't beat those witty characters and cool cutscenes.

Edited April 29, 2024 by Carsten Svendsen

[Toastie]

1 hour ago, Carsten Svendsen said:

you just can't beat those witty characters and cool cutscenes.

Oh yes, that is true. The whole CM environment is so cool.

I have the original software (not) running (on Win11 but) on my Toshiba Satellite 4090, and I really admire the work they put into that true adventure. CM was before RCX, and it was much more play-oriented than programming. More or less the same approach TLG tried (again, but in reverse order) with the introduction of the Scout PBrick after the RCX. Both, the CM and the Scout have rather limited memory space of accommodating about 400 LEGO byte codes - but you can do a lot(!) with that, because you can tap into the countless built-in routines for sound, light and whatnot. I really like this approach: CM and Scout for having fun, RCX for heavy lifting - I have no idea, though, how many lifts were done ...

But you need to fire up your CM bricks again - even the moment it recognizes the tower = computer is a blast.

Best,
Thorsten

[Paul B Technic]

For me it is:

8043: I spent hours building different attachments and playing with it.

8110: This really gave me a kick to build different attachments and try to improve official sets.

[Sickbrush]

Hi! 

I'll just mention my list from the sets i have since the wishlist is massive:

42009 mobile crane, this was the first big set i got and what really got me into the hobby. It's so impressive and sturdy when built, just feels really cool to play with. Awesome B model too with decent playability. 

8258 crane truck - always admired and wanted this one, finally managed to grab it this year in good condition. Every time i want to take it apart to do b-model or alternates it just looks so nice i don't have the heart to do it!

8109 is a close third for me, very nostalgic as this was my first lego technic build.

So many beautiful building techniques in these and i'm really attached to them. 

Edited May 2, 2024 by Sickbrush

[Interceptor]

8868 Air Tech Claw Rig. I got in as a Christmas present from my dear parents in 1994. From aesthetic point of view, it has a clear and beautiful (old) design. Looks like the real thing, even sounds like the real thing. Compressor and pneumatic for the first time. Authenticity, because the pneumatic design comes closest to real one's hydraulic system. Challenging building and outstanding playability. Still my favourite Technic set.

Edited May 3, 2024 by Interceptor

[allanp]

16 minutes ago, Interceptor said:

8868 Air Tech Claw Rig. I got in as a Christmas present in 1994. From aesthetic point of view, it has a clear and beautiful (old) design. Looks like the real thing, even sounds like the real thing. Compressor and pneumatic for the first time. Authenticity, because the pneumatic design comes closest to real one's hydraulic system. Challenging building and outstanding playability. Still my favourite Technic set.

Funny you should say that, I haven't ever seen a truck that looks like 8868. I care much more about mechanical authenticity than looking authentic so it doesn't bother me, but it's almost like the designer invented the whole concept of this truck because they knew it would make a great set. I could be wrong though. Do you know of any trucks vehicle that 8868 could have been based on?

[Interceptor]

41 minutes ago, allanp said:

Funny you should say that, I haven't ever seen a truck that looks like 8868. I care much more about mechanical authenticity than looking authentic so it doesn't bother me, but it's almost like the designer invented the whole concept of this truck because they knew it would make a great set. I could be wrong though. Do you know of any trucks vehicle that 8868 could have been based on?

Here you go:

https://www.nuttauction.com/auctions/6172/lot/3163-1995-mac-truck-with-160b-barco-log-loader-truck-has-mac-250-engine-loader-has-cummins-4-cy-engine

This kind of truck does exist, it is called truck mounted log loader. You will find several examples via google.

I am sure it was not invented by the (otherwise brilliant) Technic designer of the set, Olav Krøigaard.

Edited May 3, 2024 by Interceptor

[allanp]

Oh wow, one of my all time favorite sets and I didn't even know it was based on a real thing! Now I feel dumb. You learn something new every day 

Edited May 3, 2024 by allanp

[Interceptor]

10 minutes ago, allanp said:

Oh wow, one of my all time favorite sets and I didn't even know it was based on a real thing! Now I feel dumb. You learn something new every day 

Yeah, this is more close to the LEGO version. 

[2GodBDGlory]

5 hours ago, allanp said:

Funny you should say that, I haven't ever seen a truck that looks like 8868. I care much more about mechanical authenticity than looking authentic so it doesn't bother me, but it's almost like the designer invented the whole concept of this truck because they knew it would make a great set. I could be wrong though. Do you know of any trucks vehicle that 8868 could have been based on?

I've also seen trucks similar to that at work in quarries, picking up stones to load onto flatbeds for shipping to landscaping companies

[Paul B Technic]

I have made some videos on my favourite sets from the 1980's, 1990's, 2000's and 2010's.
 

 

 

 

 

[recovering_from_dark_ages]

After extensive research, I'd say:

1. 42043 (year 2015 with 2793 parts), for all of the reasons mentioned in the thread. Afaik it has the most functions of any official Technic set ever created, with 15 functions combining motorized and pneumatic functions, and features a motorized pneumatic pump like 8868 (which only has 8 functions) and 8110 (which also has fewer functions). It's a very realistic replica of the Mercedes Arocs (including its non-independent truck suspension) and as another benefit, the set remains relatively affordable as of this writing. Lego seems to have tried multiple times to top 8868 and with this set, they finally did it unequivocally.
2. 8480 (year 1996 with 1368 parts), for combining fiber optics (only ever included in two Technic sets) with motors, and easily being the best Technic space set ever with the most functions. The B-model submarine is also arguably the best Technic watercraft ever produced to date, since no other Technic ship or submarine has as many functions. Many have probably seen the excellent write-up on this set here.
3. 42115 (year 2020 with 3696 parts), since it easily has the most functions of any official Lego Technic supercar set ever created including the venerated 8880 (which nonetheless has a higher average rating on brickset). 42115 realistically recreates the real Lambo. It's also the first Technic supercar with printed parts and no decals, although there were complaints of inconsistent green colors on a few pieces. It is the longest-produced Lego Technic set of all time, retiring EOY 2025.

To expand to an unordered top 10 list while spanning as many Technic functions as possible with minimal duplication (where A / B means I struggled to choose between two excellent sets that serve a similar purpose and gave a questionable win to A):

• 42100 (year 2020 with 4108 parts) / 8043 (year 2010 with 1123 parts): while 8043 is more popular in this thread, 42100 has the most parts and the most remote controlled functions of any official Technic set ever, and has arguably the best interface of all of the Control+ app-controlled sets while being a highly realistic replica of the real Liebherr excavator. 8043 has a fourth as many parts and almost as many functions, and many prefer its infrared controller since it can easily be rebuilt into any MOC while the remote control interface of every Control+ set requires a smartphone and is bound to the original Lego set. But 8043 had a number of engineering flaws including insufficient motor strength, an unrealistically large bucket, and defective linear actuators. Nonetheless, many Technic purists rightly prefer 8043 overall, which has a >3x greater density of functions per part. More info can be found in a recent poll, which 42100 very narrowly won. These two remote controlled excavator sets have nearly an identical average rating on brickset.com, with 4.376/5.0 for 8043 and 4.388/5.0 for 42100. Note that buyers willingly pay >$100 more on average for 42100 than 8043, despite the latter being 9 years older and hence scarcer.
• 42113 (year 2020 with 1636 parts) / 42145 (year 2022 with 2001 parts): these sets are competing to be the best aircraft set ever from Lego Technic and are both realistic and mechanically intricate licensed replicas of a real one. 42113 was canceled shortly after launch and hence is now prohibitively expensive for many would-be buyers. 42025 is is noteworthy as well but it's not a replica of a real aircraft and it's strictly an airplane, much like 42145 is is strictly a helicopter. 42113 is special because it's simultaneously an airplane and a helicopter.
• 8455 (year 2003 with 704 parts): with 10 overall functions and 7 pneumatic functions, this set has the most pneumatic functions of any Technic set of all time. It also has one of the greatest densities of functions per piece of any Technic set ever, and tops all other sets mentioned in this post in that regard.
• 8485 (year 1995 with 1079 parts): the remote controlled & roboticized dinosaur B-model in this set (see video), which features a controller that can record and play back inputs in a loop, is unlike anything else that Technic has ever produced. The helicopter A-model is quite interesting as well, although 42145 is a much more realistic, extensive, and detailed replica of helicopter functionality.
• 42054 (year 2015 with 1977 parts): this tractor set has the second most functions of any Technic set ever afaik, with a total of 14 of them. It's easily the most mechanically intricate farm equipment Technic set ever and combines motorized and manual functions with modularized and removable components. Uniquely among all Technic sets, it features adjustable steering that activates one of 3 modes: 2-wheel steering, 4-wheel steering, or crab steering.
• 42130 (year 2022 with 1920 parts): this is arguably the best Technic motorcycle or 2-wheeled vehicle set ever created, with a 4-cylinder engine, 3-speed gearbox, suspension, steering, swappable dashboard elements, and accessories such as a stand and a lift. 42130 has the most parts and a more realistic gear shifter relative to its mechanically similar counterpart sets 42159 and 42202, which do not include an additional rear axle lift like the one included with 42130.
• 41999 (year 2013 with 1585 parts): this set has the most functions of any official Lego Technic remote controlled wheeled vehicle set ever produced, featuring working lights (a Technic rarity) and a motorized winch. Like 8043, it has the infrared set-agnostic Power Functions remote control interface, and is the only winning set in this list to include it.

Honorable mention:

• 42009 (year 2013 with 2606 parts) / 42082 (year 2018 with 4057 parts): many mechanical aspects of these top two crane sets are redundant if one already owns 42043 and 41999, which is why I didn't include them in the list above that is intended to encompass as many Lego Technic functions as possible in a list of top 10 sets. However, if all sets were evaluated individually with no regard to function duplication between them, these two sets each top 41999 and 42130 in terms of having more functions and greater complexity. 42082 and 42009 are objectively extremely closely matched. 42009 won a recent Reddit poll by one vote and they have nearly identical average ratings on brickset.com, with 4.4505/5.0 for 42082 and 4.4499/5.0 for 42009. These sets have higher average ratings on brickset than all other official Lego Technic crane sets including 8258, likely because they have the most functions of all cranes (although 42146 has the most lifting power). It's also worth noting that after owning one of these two crane sets, the most mechanically full-featured Technic tow truck sets (e.g. 8285 and 42128) are largely redundant in mechanical functions and have a higher percentage of manually operated functions than the cranes.

Other excellent sets that didn't make the list:

• 42030 (year 2014 with 1636 parts): while it's one of the top 12 highest-rated Technic sets of all time on brickset, it has fewer remote controlled functions than 42100 and 8043, and fewer overall functions than 41999. If one already owns 8455 plus 42100 or 8043, the only additional function gained from this set is remote controlled articulated steering. One of its biggest benefits is that it includes a wide variety of discontinued Power Functions parts, listed here.
• 8275 (year 2007 with 1384 parts) / 42131 (year 2021 with 3854 parts): these RC bulldozers are unneeded if one already owns 8043 or 42100, since they each have fewer remote controlled functions than their excavator counterpart while redundantly being treaded RC dirt movers. 8275 uses the Power Functions remote control interface like 8043 and 41999, while 42131 uses the Control+ app like 42100.
• 42128 (year 2021 with 2017 parts) / 8285 (year 2006 with 1877 parts): while they are each arguably the best Technic tow truck ever, these sets (compared here) mostly have manual functions and the only distinct functionality gained from owning one of them after owning 42043 and 42009 is a towing platform. With a new price of around $200 USD and 11 overall functions (afaik), 42128 is a superb value in terms of functionality per dollar. A number of reviews and Reddit posts complain about its hideous decals, which need not be applied and help keep it cheap by reducing demand for it.
• 8461 (year 2002 with 1484 pieces) / 8458 (year 2000 with 1431 parts) / 8674 (year 2006 with 1246 pieces) / 42171 (2024 with 1642 pieces): while they are monetarily valuable and are highly rated on brickset, these F1 car sets are very mechanically similar to supercar sets like 8880 and 42115, except that they lack a transmission and have independent pushrod suspension instead of independent wishbone suspension (a minor difference). So they are essentially redundant except to F1 fans.

Edited December 30, 2024 by recovering_from_dark_ages

[Timewhatistime]

42043 is a nice set with many functions and was maybe the capstone of the last "golden era" in Technic, no doubt.

It had suspension and steering and four axles, which alone made it a great set.

However, I cannot really understand why it is that highly appraised.

I see two conceptual flaws in 42043:

1.) The whole truck is much too high. The wheel arches offer much more space than needed for the wheels. Together with too much spring travel (which is unrealistic, but nice for playing), the whole truck gets too much height.

And the crane even surmounts the cabin by quite a few studs!

 

2.) The outriggers are at the wrong place.

In the case of two outriggers, they should be right underneith the crane to provide best stability without too much torsion in the chassis. In 42043, the space under the crane is blocked by the second axle, and so the outriggers had to move to the rear.

I believe this is a consequence of the out-of-scale wheels, which are pretty common in Technic.

[Jundis]

3 hours ago, Timewhatistime said:

1.) The whole truck is much too high. The wheel arches offer much more space than needed for the wheels. Together with too much spring travel (which is unrealistic, but nice for playing), the whole truck gets too much height.

And the crane even surmounts the cabin by quite a few studs!

Really? Only the wheelarches on the second axle could be 1 stud lower by comparison.

 

4 hours ago, Timewhatistime said:

2.) The outriggers are at the wrong place.

In the case of two outriggers, they should be right underneith the crane to provide best stability without too much torsion in the chassis. In 42043, the space under the crane is blocked by the second axle, and so the outriggers had to move to the rear.

Imho thats impossible to achieve with lego bricks while maintaining playability, stability and (you mentioned it) placement of the crane. Markus did the right thing an put em between the 2nd and 3rd axle. 

[Timewhatistime]

1 hour ago, Jundis said:

Really? Only the wheelarches on the second axle could be 1 stud lower by comparison.

 

On top of the truck comes the crane, which increases the height.

According to https://www.brickmerge.de/42043-1_lego-technic-mercedes-benz-arocs-3245, the 42043 is 14 cm wide and 31 cm tall (with retracted crane an retracted outriggers, of course).

 

Given a maximum allowed width of 2,55 m, equivalent to 14 cm in scale, the set's height of 31 cm yields a hypothetical real-life height of 5,65 m.

However, maximum allowed height is 4 m - this is the measurement our eyes are used to when it comes to trucks on average roads (at least in Germany).

This seems to be the explanation why the 42043 looks a little bit out of shape.

All of us who have built some Technic crane trucks will know about the challenges of this type of vehicles. So we appreciate the affords of 42043, but still see the general flaws.

Edited December 16, 2024 by Timewhatistime

[Jundis]

24 minutes ago, Timewhatistime said:

the set's height of 31 cm yields a hypothetical real-life height of 5,65 m.

Of course the crane is too high, because of the limitations you and I mentioned, but I really don't see this as a general flaw. It would be flaw to not be able to play with it due space limitations ;-) 

The height of the cab is 28 studs / 22.4 cm (including the way oversized warning lights), which equals 4,08 m with the 14 cm in cab width.

[Amt0571]

8880 is probably my favourite set and it has a lot of sentimental value to me. I wanted it so much when I was a kid... I think I waited a couple of years for it, and when it finally arrived on christmas it was such a great moment! It's the only "old" technic I keep assembled on a shelf. I also really loved 8082 because I played so much with the motors but, unfortunately, like with 8480, which was also a great set, multi controls no longer work and the cables insulation has desintegrated leaving only the exposed wires.

On the modern ones I built after my dark ages, I love 42082: it's huge and the functions work great which makes it really fun to play with. Someone has told me that this year, Santa is coming with 42043 which I always regretted buying when it was new... we'll see if it surpasses 42082.

[bruh]

I haven’t had too many sets over the last 10 years I’ve been legoing, but out of the sets that I have, I loved 42110 Land Rover and 42098 car transporter. Both are functional, and are easily rebuilt into other mocs.

for sets that I don’t have, I really love the 42082 rough terrain crane.

 

[johnnytifosi]

18 hours ago, Amt0571 said:

I also really loved 8082 because I played so much with the motors but, unfortunately, like with 8480, which was also a great set, multi controls no longer work and the cables insulation has desintegrated leaving only the exposed wires.

You can easily repair them yourself with new 2 pin 24 AWG cables. Here you go:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000484027064.html

 

Edited December 17, 2024 by johnnytifosi

[Amt0571]

33 minutes ago, johnnytifosi said:

You can easily repair them yourself with new 2 pin 24 AWG cables. Here you go:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000484027064.html

 

Yes, I know that. In fact I have one of the connectors wired to a 9v wall transformer, from when I got tired of replacing batteries.

The problem is that the polarity reverser switches don't work either. I have 4 of them from 8480 and 8082 and 3 of them don't work at all and the 4th works partially, only in a specific position. The 8082 battery box doesn't work either. Someday maybe I'll try to disassemble them to see what can be done... I suppose the internals are corroded.

[johnnytifosi]

15 minutes ago, Amt0571 said:

Yes, I know that. In fact I have one of the connectors wired to a 9v wall transformer, from when I got tired of replacing batteries.

The problem is that the polarity reverser switches don't work either. I have 4 of them from 8480 and 8082 and 3 of them don't work at all and the 4th works partially, only in a specific position. The 8082 battery box doesn't work either. Someday maybe I'll try to disassemble them to see what can be done... I suppose the internals are corroded.

Yeah for the polarity switches you would have to go the bricklink way unfortunately, unless you are DIY inclined. It is then worth opening them up and checking for corroded contacts, mechanical parts like these are intuitive to repair. Battery boxes usually are not problematic, unless the battery contacts have corroded because you forgot a battery in there for years. It is an easy fix with some sand paper. It is weird that you didn't mention the micromotors in both your 8480 and 8082, because these are notoriously unreliable.

Edited December 17, 2024 by johnnytifosi

[Amt0571]

5 minutes ago, johnnytifosi said:

Yeah for the polarity switches you would have to go the bricklink way unfortunately, unless you are DIY inclined. It is then worth opening them up and checking for corroded contacts, mechanical parts like these are intuitive to repair. Battery boxes usually are not problematic, unless the battery contacts have corroded because you forgot a battery in there for years. It is an easy fix with some sand paper. It is weird that you didn't mention the micromotors in both your 8480 and 8082, because these are notoriously unreliable.

Eventually I'll probably disassemble the polarity switches and the 8082 battery box, but so far I have not felt the urge to do so. I assume the problem is corrosion because the cable connections fail sometimes too because of it. At least cables don't need to be disassembled to remove the corrosion, so It's an easy process.

I know micromotors tend to fail, but last time I tried, probably a couple of years ago, both of them worked like new.

[Amt0571]

Well, I've finally finished 42043. It has definitely surpassed 42082 as my favourite set.

Don't get me wrong: I love 42082 for its huge size and well working functions, but the Arocs functions all work flawlessly, the looks are great, and it's a set that feels like they didn't try to reduce costs anywhere.

Pneumatics with motorized compressor, a relatively complex gearbox with 3 other functions, 2 driving and 2 steered axles, full suspension, a 6L full size piston engine... It's just too good.

The only things I could wish for are a softer front suspension, a steering that felt slightly less stressed, a reversing gearbox a-la 42082 so it wasn't needed to use the switch on the battery box to change direction, and a crane that was "foldable" in a more realistic manner.

All things that I can easily pardon since the set is so good.

I paid more than the original price: 235€ + shipping for it, used, with original box, manual, fully cleaned, disassembled, and a new sticker sheet. It was definitely expensive, but worth every cent.

We need less cars and more Legos like this.

[DzieX]

8043 - it's pure technic masterpiece.