Technic sets from 2009

[Mortymore]

Found some real pics of some sets for 2009 on this BrickShelf gallery

http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=348696

cumps

[LordGalewind]

8265 Front End Loader...!

Nice looking set...reminds me of the old front end loader which was oh so popular!

http://flickr.com/photos/vbbn/3213851652/

Edited January 20, 2009 by LordGalewind

[furious]

looks cool.

[5150 Lego]

Looks good! Bigger than i expected. I hope its motorized. Otherwise, its going to take days to wide up those linear actuators by hand.

[CP5670]

Well, it's nice to see I was wrong after all. This set looks a bit bigger than the old 8459, but just from that picture, there isn't any obvious functionality that it adds over the old set. (and there is only so much you can do with a front end loader anyway)

There is a second LA inside the body if you look closely. I don't see the prominent Power Functions sign that all the PF sets have had so far or any sign of a battery box, although it may be hidden in the back.

Edited January 22, 2009 by CP5670

[Crazydance]

Lowlug has a picture of the front loader.

As far is i could tell there is one LA visisble, but i bet there should be another one in there!

No PF box though! so maybe it isn't motorized, which means they missed an opportunity.

No word on the other set though (Crane truck)

Maybe the rumoured 1800 Pieces set.

[furious]

Lowlug has a picture of the front loader.

As far is i could tell there is one LA visisble, but i bet there should be another one in there!

No PF box though! so maybe it isn't motorized, which means they missed an opportunity.

No word on the other set though (Crane truck)

Maybe the rumoured 1800 Pieces set.

Hi could you throw us a link to the lowlug pic. I only speak english and could not find the pic.

[TechnicJuan]

Let's see if this works.

[CP5670]

If you click the "all sizes" button on Flickr, you can see the image in its original, much larger size. It is pretty grainy though and you can't make out much more detail than the small size.

[furious]

From the picture it looks like it uses studded and the new pieces.

[Buttons]

I look closley behind/above the nearest wheel you should be able to see another linear actuator.

[Musikfreak]

On the little picture on the bottom right side of the box where the bucket is raised you can see the 2. actuator even better.

Makes sense: One for raising/lowering the bucket and one for tilting it.

[legomilk]

summer technic sets http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=365907

[Buttons]

summer technic sets http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=365907

WHAT A FIND!

Now I study the pics.

[CP5670]

Very nice. The pictures are large and detailed too, unlike most leaked images we get.

As I thought earlier, the front end loader seems to be very similar to the old one, except with (non-motorized) LAs instead of pneumatics.

The most fascinating set is the big truck. The crane arm has two degrees of freedom (two LAs are visible) along with the winch itself, and the whole thing is on a turntable. I wonder if they actually have three independent geartrains on the turntable. This is impossible to do with current pieces (you can have at most two, using a differential) and something that Technic MOCers have wanted to do for a long time, so it would be interesting to see what they did there. Of course, it's also possible that they just took the easy way out and made the winch manual powered.

I can't tell how many PF motors and switches it has. My guess is at least two of each, since you wouldn't need switches at all if there was only one motor. Maybe one controls the four crane functions and another powers the stabilizers. Steering seems to be front wheel only, but we may also have an engine given the size of the model. One nice thing about Technic sets these days is that engines are more common than they used to be in the 1990s.

The one downside I see on some of the models is a bunch of those cheap panel pieces instead of beams, the same kind that we saw on the Hauler.

[Freddie]

At least the panels serve a critical function here in covering up the switches when the model is on display.

I have made one interresting observation, though. No new sets with XL-motors this year either. I'm wondering if TLC figured out it was too strong for its own good? It is afterall, only practical if you figure out a way to handle its power, or, in the case of vehicles, power the wheels directly.

[Dannnohhh]

The one downside I see on some of the models is a bunch of those cheap panel pieces instead of beams, the same kind that we saw on the Hauler.

I dig the looks of the summer sets, dont mind the new panels too much, nice to have for where their needed and can easily replace with beams which are way cheap on bricklink these days.

That said my first reaction to studying the pics is very bummed about no pneumatics, particularly the hugely desired Power Functions pneumatic switch. Yes I like linear actuators but dont want them to replace every stinkin function that pneumatics would be useful for. A combo of PF and pneumatics that could be operated via remote, already discussed here and other forums and blogs, is one of our greatest wishes. Even though TLG stated that pneumatics are not dead and they released the Lego Education pneumatic sets, it was all old stuff in new colors, and theres no evidence that pneumatics are coming back to technic sets.

So initally I'm disappointed but will get over it and buy all the summer sets.

Also, I totally agree with you that the winch is manual powered (another bummer), looks like thats what the gear knob sticking on the boom is for. Hopefully thats not the case, but thats also a downer if the expensive set is PF for the other functions and you still have to manually raise and lower the winch.

Anyway glad to see the pics!

[Dannnohhh]

summer technic sets http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=365907

Also, am I wrong or is color the only difference between the tractors on the 8063 and 8284. Havent had time to do detailed comparison and the pic might not be enough. Sure the rear assy is new but seems a copy of many MODs.

My first thought looking at the 8063 was bring back something else first, especially with unique parts such as 8420 streetbike, or of course 8455 with pneumatics

[paul_delahaye]

I am very pleased with these 2nd half sets, the truck is fantastic, very European in design,

I am surprised we have now not had the Power Function remote control 2 years running after it was first used in the bulldozer?

I was convinced we would get a full remote control technic car

The piste basher is a very strange choice of vehicle for lego to release but nice to see an alternative vehicle?

Paul

And I've just compared that red tractor to the green one from a couple of years ago and it definitely looks the same to me

[CP5670]

I have made one interresting observation, though. No new sets with XL-motors this year either. I'm wondering if TLC figured out it was too strong for its own good? It is afterall, only practical if you figure out a way to handle its power, or, in the case of vehicles, power the wheels directly.

You are probably right. The medium one is already quite a bit more powerful than the older gray 9V one, and the only place the XL has a clear advantage over it is for making large vehicles move. It's a good thing you can still buy them separately though.

That said my first reaction to studying the pics is very bummed about no pneumatics, particularly the hugely desired Power Functions pneumatic switch. Yes I like linear actuators but dont want them to replace every stinkin function that pneumatics would be useful for. A combo of PF and pneumatics that could be operated via remote, already discussed here and other forums and blogs, is one of our greatest wishes. Even though TLG stated that pneumatics are not dead and they released the Lego Education pneumatic sets, it was all old stuff in new colors, and theres no evidence that pneumatics are coming back to technic sets.

So initally I'm disappointed but will get over it and buy all the summer sets.

Yes, the LAs are nice but I wouldn't want them to replace pneumatics altogether. That truck is actually the sort of set that would have been better with pneumatics, which would allow you to control all the crane functions from the truck chassis itself.

The Lego Education set is nice, but quite expensive for what you get. You are essentially paying for the manometer and airtank with it.

Also, I totally agree with you that the winch is manual powered (another bummer), looks like thats what the gear knob sticking on the boom is for. Hopefully thats not the case, but thats also a downer if the expensive set is PF for the other functions and you still have to manually raise and lower the winch.

I looked at the picture again and I see what you're talking about. The winch control should have at least been on the base of the crane arm instead of having it up there. To be fair though, the only way to make it fully motorized would have been to have the motor on the turntable itself, which would be bulky.

[Musikfreak]

That would have been the perfect place to introduce the new S-Motor. Not going to happen...

I'm a bit disappointed by the whole lineup for Summer'09.

8263: They are trying to push the chains a lot. The model looks good but it doesn't seem to include any nice functions. And a Technicmodel just for display is a little bit boring.

8063: Seems like a cheap crossover of 8284 and 8264 - nothing new to find here.

8265: Looks mighty fine but could be another "endless spinning" model like the 8294 Excavator. If you really want to play with it you need a motor with the LAs or it's just boring and exhausting.

8258: This is the most promising model. The stilts seem to have a new system. I'm interested to see how it works. The freedom of the crane arm seems to be nice. However there is no big white arrow next to the hook on the little pictures on the left so I think the winch is not motorpowered. A real pity.

One last good thing: All the models have instructions (online or included) for secondary models. Maybe Lego included a real gem there.

Edited February 1, 2009 by Musikfreak

[Blakbird]

Sweet! Naturally, I would be buying all the new Technic sets even if they were only models of a lamp post, but I really like these. A few thoughts are below:

8063 - This tractor does look nearly identical to 8284, but I've been fooled before. For instance, when I first saw the pictures of 8674 I thought it was nearly identical to the 8458 Silver Champion. But when I built it I found that the construction was quite different. I see that the trailer has 4 of the nice tires from sets 8421, 8479. These are my favorite Technic tires so I am glad to have more of them. Sadly, the slightly larger ones used in the 5571 Black Cat have never appeared in Technic. The panels in the trailer look like an unusual green like in the 3450 Statue of Liberty. If so, this is the first time this color has appeared in Technic.

8258 - Beautiful! Looks like a cross between 8436 and 8292. 8 more of my favorite tires. I can't tell from the picture if both of the front axles are steerable. With only one M motor, it is possible that many functions are controlled by it which means perhaps a 4 way transmission. The front and rear outriggers have different mechanisms, so it will be interesting to see how they are synchronized. Comparing the wheelbase to 8421, which also had 8 wheels, this is a VERY large model. It could indeed be 1800 pieces. Sadly, the XL motors have still only appeared in one place. Surely there are more uses for them!

8263 - I like this very much, in no small part because LEGO has never done one before. More new big treads, new parts for the plow blade, and what appear to be new idler sprockets. The drive sprockets must also be new since the existing variety would not fit. Incidentally, Sariel just made a new Pisten Bully. His awesomeness makes me feel dumb. Some day maybe I will compliment him enough that he will allow me to build a replica of one of his models!!

8265 - This is also a very large model. From the side view, it certainly appears to be articulated. Can't tell if it all wheel drive or not (can't see U-Joints at the articulation axis). I actually find this use of linear actuators a bit odd. The one to tip the bucket looks out of place with the long swing arm on top. With no motor, that's going to be a lot of cranking like the Telescopic Handler. Still loads of good parts and it will look great next to 8459. Plus, this picture is clearly too empty!

[Dannnohhh]

Yes, the LAs are nice but I wouldn't want them to replace pneumatics altogether. That truck is actually the sort of set that would have been better with pneumatics, which would allow you to control all the crane functions from the truck chassis itself.

The Lego Education set is nice, but quite expensive for what you get. You are essentially paying for the manometer and airtank with it.

Totally agree with you. I already plan on MOD'ing the crane truck with pneumatics for the crane functions (just wish we had the PF pneumatic switch too).

So I realized today that I expected at least the 8265 wheel loader to have pneumatics because of the Lego Education set and the airtank being revived (not my own assumption--expressed by many others after those sets were leaked).

Short and to the point because I would like other's thoughts on this: TLG does multiple builds and models before reaching the final two or three and thats before choosing the final final model for production (as shown in the TLG videos of 8275 bulldozer). I'd be very surprised if a pneumatic version of the wheel loader wasnt in the final 2 options (yeah I know its just a rev'd 8439, but studless, and better yet--the airtanks are back!), but I'm suspecting the final 8265 succummed to TLG keeping costs down, and/or TLG's recent habit of keeping technic sets simple.

And the fact that we now have multiple technic sets with the more limited linear actuators instead of pneumatics indicates at the very least a trend.

Last year after the Linear Actuators were released, in the Ask a Designer section of the technic site it states the following: (emphasis added)

"Which was the LEGO goal by designing the upcoming TECHNIC Linear Actuator, that we see for example in the new Excavator (8294)? Develop a new part, to add functionality and new possibilities or does it aim to replace the Pneumatic Cylinders role in TECHNIC sets?" - FCorreia

"The goal we set for the new linear Actuator was to be able to add new functions and possibilities together with the new Power Functions system. On top of that we also designed it so it can be used to add functions in models that do not include motors.

It is not the idea that it should replace any of the pneumatic cylinders :-)

"

So I wonder if that answer still stands.

I posted a related comment on the TechnicBricks blog but wanted to post here in the forum for more discussion. It brings to mind many of us AFOLs voting for an expensive, more complex technic set--not many 12 year old lego fans can afford the $500 star wars sets, yet TLG sells a lot of them and keeps releasing new ones.

Even the 8421 had both pneumatics and a motor, the most recent set to have that combination and thats way before Power Functions. Personally I'd gladly pay a little more for an 8275 bulldozer with pneumatics tilting the blade (was waiting for the aforementioned PF pneumatic switch to add that MOD so it'd be RC too), and the new 8258 crane truck looks like a perfect candidate for that combo of PF and pneumatic functions...I wonder what the model "B" of 8258 had before getting axed.

That said, why doesnt TLG make these options available as another accessory set or even individual items like the recently added PF switch and lights at S@H. Better yet, since PF are pretty standard in the higher end technic sets of late, make pneumatics an optional add-on (there was the cool but useless pneumatic add-on to the 8466 4x4).

[paul_delahaye]

The piste basher has a very good resemblance of a real one

http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=h...l%3Den%26sa%3DG

[Cwetqo]

Well I did a simple 8275 pneumatic conversiona and it's working much better than original one. I was just waiting for PF pneumatic switch...