Getting started with Technic and Power Functions

[puddleglum]

Hi everyone! I’m relatively new to Eurobricks, and the LEGO online community in general, having just started actively building again this past fall. I’ve been very intruiged by the many Technic/Power Functions MOCs I’ve seen online over the past few months. I never got really into Technic growing up, so my collection of Technic parts is limited mainly to whatever parts came with System sets that I’ve bought.

I’m hoping some of you might be willing to give me some advice about how to go about “getting started” with Technic and (budget permitting) Power Functions. I’ve been reading reviews for some of the recent sets, and it seems like getting a set with a lot of interesting functions is quite a bit more expensive than I was expecting. I’m not looking to be able to build anything specific. I’m just hoping to get a set with enough functions and parts to allow me to tinker with and learn about Technic and PF. I was thinking of spending somewhere between $50-$90. Here’s how I see my options:

Excavator + PF set - $90. Right now I like this option best, as it seems to provide both a decent amount of Technic functions, and I can learn about integrating PF into a technic build. It’s sold out on S@H right now, but it looks like there are a few still available on Bricklink for ~MSRP.

Hauler - $60. Cheapest set with PF included. However, reviews give me the impression that there weren’t a lot of functions beyond steering and the PF-powered bed.

Telescopic Handler - $90. From reviews it seems to have a lot of nice functions, but if I go this way I’m spending $90 and not getting any PF.

Quad Bike + PF set?? - $70. I don’t believe the Quad Bike has any “official” PF integration. But I’m wondering if has enough parts and functions that I could at least tinker and learn with PF? The drawback here is I’m basically trying to figure out by myself how to integrate PF with Technic functions.

EDIT: I also got the impression from looking at the sets slated for release this summer, that a couple of them might be in the $50-$70 price range with optional PF integration. So I suppose "waiting" is another option for me to consider.

I really appreciate any advice that you all can offer, especially if you feel I have the wrong impression about any of the new sets. Thanks!

Matt

Edited April 3, 2009 by puddleglum

[CP5670]

Yes, the Excavator is probably the best 2008 set and also benefits from the PF extension pack the most.

If you're willing to spend somewhat more and want to really get into PF in a big way, grab an 8275 Bulldozer from ebay, which is far superior to any of those sets and includes a lot more in the way of PF components. It's out of production now but is still pretty common on ebay and can be found for around the original $150 price.

As for the upcoming summer sets, the main attraction in that price range will probably be the front end loader, which should be a good candidate for motorization too.

[Front]

I want to suggest as well that the 8275, Bulldozer, is the way to go. It is expensive though.

I have to point out that it is still in production, backorders are accepted on shop.lego.com, and the item should ship from 30th of April.

[puddleglum]

I want to suggest as well that the 8275, Bulldozer, is the way to go. It is expensive though.

I have to point out that it is still in production, backorders are accepted on shop.lego.com, and the item should ship from 30th of April.

Thanks for the heads up. For whatever reason, it looks like it is only available in countries not named "Canada" and "United States".

[Front]

Thanks for the heads up. For whatever reason, it looks like it is only available in countries not named "Canada" and "United States".

Sorry, was not aware of that. I even see the excavator 8294 is sold out in North America.

[Blakbird]

I concur with the others. The excavator with a PF add-on is a great choice and will teach you a lot about building studless, about gearing, and about the PF system. The bulldozer is fantastic if you can afford it. Or just stop by my house and I will show you all of them!

[The Bricksmith]

Another good set to get both Technic and PF components is 4958 the monster Dino. I have seen this set on clearance many places for only 60-70 dollars in comparison to its new prices of 100. You get tons of pieces and both the M and XL motor, a IR receiver, battery box and remote. If you can find one on sale or clearance I would recommend picking it up.

[Front]

Another good set to get both Technic and PF components is 4958 the monster Dino. I have seen this set on clearance many places for only 60-70 dollars in comparison to its new prices of 100. You get tons of pieces and both the M and XL motor, a IR receiver, battery box and remote. If you can find one on sale or clearance I would recommend picking it up.

I thought about mentioning this too. I got the set, but haven't opened the box yet. It is maybe only half Technic, other half System elements, but the PF features in it, added a smaller Technic set on sale, would be a cool oppertunity too.

[puddleglum]

Thanks for the input everyone!

Blakbird - If I'm every in the Pacific Northwest I'll be sure to hit you up for a tour.

[puddleglum]

Another good set to get both Technic and PF components is 4958 the monster Dino. I have seen this set on clearance many places for only 60-70 dollars in comparison to its new prices of 100. You get tons of pieces and both the M and XL motor, a IR receiver, battery box and remote. If you can find one on sale or clearance I would recommend picking it up.

A little update - I decided that getting into PF wasn't urgent for me, and that I could just wait for an opportunity to get a Technic PF set on sale. I figured that would probably mean waiting until the next after-Christmas sale, but I was okay with that. Then I was in my local TRU the other day, and they had Monster Dino on sale for $70! I remembered you recommending it and decided to go for it, espeically since it has every PF part but the lights and pole reverser. The PF parts alone would be $50 to buy separately, so I'm pretty happy about this. That's getting the nearly 800 other parts, including Technic stuff I don't have much of like gears, cams, and lift arms, for $20! Not to mention the instructions for three different models should help me get on my way towards learning how to us PF. So yay! The only thing is I promised my wife I would finish my current sorting/storage project before cracking this thing open.