Now that The Lego Group is preparing a "Service Pack" for the Lego Technic Set 8043 (Motorized Excavator), what do you intend to do with your existing 8043 that you bought? Please select one of the poll answers. This is NOT a "public poll", so your answers will remain private and anonymous.

Tough choice there as I have done and intend to do several of the things you list.

One thing is clear: I'm keeping the set and will apply for the service pack.

I think this is the best technic set LEGO have ever made, possibly even the best set ever. It was very ambitious and it's not too surprising that it had some problems. I don't own the set as yet (S@H price isn't too good for Australians) but I intend to buy it. I hope this trouble doesn't result in TLG making more "Hauler" style sets to avoid the issue...

If I had this model, I'd wait Service Pack.

Tricky to answer. I've built the A model and have requested the service pack. I might try out the B-model in the mean time, not just because the A model is problematic but rather because I usually like to build all the 'official' models with a set before separating it into my parts bins. If I do, I'll probably rebuild the A model again once the service pack arrives.

Now that The Lego Group is preparing a "Service Pack" for the Lego Technic Set 8043 (Motorized Excavator), what do you intend to do with your existing 8043 that you bought? Please select one of the poll answers. This is NOT a "public poll", so your answers will remain private and anonymous.

This poll would have been better for me if allowed to select more than one answer. I intend to...

I am waiting for TLG to issue the 8043 "Service Pack" in October 2010, to replace the faulty parts.

- and -

I have built Jurgen Krooshoop's "Ultimate 8043 Motorized Excavator" instead (or intend to do so). [intend to build it as well.]

Andy D

Edited September 1, 201014 yr by Andy D

I built the B model. The B model has the best playability of any technic model ever sold by lego. I don't know any other technic set that is so much fun to play with (yes, I do have a 8868, and, I agree that the B model is not a winner when it comes to looks or interesting technics).

Still, the main model is of course much more spectacular, both in looks and in interesting technics. But, I'm going to wait with building the main model until I receive the updated linear actuators from Lego.

In the build I'll include improvements learned from other threads on Eurobricks.

I also needed more than one answer, including one that isn't on the list.

• I have not had much problem with my 8043, but I ordered the service pack anyway to see what's in it. The 8043 is sitting on my shelf but will be upgraded when the new parts arrive.
• My second 8043 is built into the B model which is also sitting on my shelf. It works great.

I also needed another answer.

"I intend on skipping this set completely, even after all the problems have been sorted"

But then I guess that doesn't really answer the question asked!

So most people have multiple answers, and so do I. Of course i've built the "Ultimate 8043 Motirized excavator" (duh, these are my mods ...). I'm waiting for the "service pack", hoping it will function even better.

In the meantime, my (Ultimate) 8043 has already been disassembled and several parts are being used in my new MOC's. I'm a builder, not a collector.

In my mail to TLG I even suggested a very simple & effective mod for improving the right track, and I'm curious if it'll be included in the service pack. The TLG-lady said to me "This could be useful for other custumors as well".

I'll probably get the set after they release the updated version. I'm interested in the main model here, as the set isn't worth it just for parts at the US prices.

Mine is sitting on my shelf awaiting the replacement parts.

I'm another with multiple answers.

I built the Excavator and was unhappy with some of the issues. Then built the delightful B-model (I'd recommend it to anyone waiting on the Service Pack). Then rebuilt the Excavator with a more than usually obsessive attention to detail in the gearbox, checking each axle spun as freely as possible at each step... and it still has problems but for different functions suggesting at least one sub-par motor.

I have bought (ouch ££s!) the extra components required to build Jurgen's 'Ultimate' and that rebuild is the next plan. Though part of the set's beauty is its complex gearbox so fear this may be a temporary experiment while I wait for the Service Pack (my name is on the list) and another rebuild.

I enjoy building more than displaying

I miss this 1:

I am keeping my 8043 set unopened, and will keep it that way untill I receive the replacement parts.

OK, so I built my own Red Excavator previous to TLG's release of the 8043 - works perfectly and much better IMO,

Also I bought 2 sets:

Built one of them - seemingly no issues

The Other set is sealed

I have applied for any supplementary packs that TLG issues.

I am thinking very seriously at disassembling my red excavator while photographing every step, to publish step by steps.

Still - The 8043 is among one of the best sets yet IMO. Now for another 6 months worth of anticipation for the next round. I bought the 8053 - got to say I am a little disappointed at size and the value. This set should have been 8421 material - but then again maybe it is a predecessor like the 8294 was to the 8043.

I bought the 8053 - got to say I am a little disappointed at size and the value. This set should have been 8421 material - but then again maybe it is a predecessor like the 8294 was to the 8043.

I haven't bought the 8053 but built it from spare pieces, both A and B model (the B model is nice) and I agree that maybe, MAYBE, the 8053 is a predecessor for a larger scale 4x4 fully RC all-terrain crane (picker) which is one of my wish-list sets that TLG will produce. I've built a picker as my first MOC one over a year ago and been hoping for one since then!

http://mocpages.com/moc.php/155161

And one of the best I saw, Cheng Fei's:

http://bricksmal.com/moc/cheng-fei%27s-rough-terrain-crane/msg2616/?topicseen#new