Hi there, as you see i just lately discover you and find this site so so interesting.

As title I wanted to ask YOU what you consider MUST HAVE sets for a technic fan, refering to their functions or realism or complexity or for their importance for you(childhood 1st set or most played one..) or special parts in it contained or a particular system used to make a certain thing work in it..or other.

As far as I'm concerned, I would say 8868,8043,8455,8288,8110,8258 and 8856.

Ciao

Hi there, as you see i just lately discover you and find this site so so interesting.

As title I wanted to ask YOU what you consider MUST HAVE sets for a technic fan, refering to their functions or realism or complexity or for their importance for you(childhood 1st set or most played one..) or special parts in it contained or a particular system used to make a certain thing work in it..or other.

As far as I'm concerned, I would say 8868,8043,8455,8288,8110,8258 and 8856.

Ciao

Taking some of the not so new sets, I'd say 8455 and 8479.

After building both, you'll find why.

For me, my current top ten (in numerical order) is:

8094 (not as many motors as 8485 but lots more gears and more interesting mechanics, tho 8485 has flex system, hmmmm)

8110 (contender for best ever technic set, the biggest and most realistic/authentic technic set ever, has everything)

8421 (Big and impressive with buggy motor and authentic telescopic boom)

8455 (Most realistic and complex back-hoe to date with room to spare for a fake engine in a medium sized 704 part model)

8459 (great medium sized set with huge functionality packed into tiny spaces, way better and more realistic than the larger 8265)

8480 (A milestone in complexity, first set to use driving rings to allow one motor to power many complex functions, and it's white!)

8856 (Hard to choose between this and 9396. Nither of them are realistic but 8856 is probably a tiny bit closer to real life)

8865 (Another milestone, first set to have steered and suspended front wheels, steering geometry better than todays sets)

8868 (Another milestone, first to have motor compressor, functions and even sounds authentic, big wow factor to non AFOLs)

8880 (Yet another milestone, first to have 4 wheel drive/steering/suspention and still the best gearchange, looks gorgeous!)

I forgot the 8421

I love all those yellow machines. The only one I could not have my hand on yet is that 8455. Whatever you do, buy this small 5761 wheel loader to enjoy how cool it is in real life and what you can do with only 50 pieces, and it will make your technic collection look tall.

Some nice sets named in this thread. :wub: Nice to see the love for 8856 - although I never really liked the unrealistic rotor, I like the use of flex system.

The new set 9396 finally does the rotor properly.

A few really nice sets not named so far:

8855 - After 24 years, still the best Lego technic plane.

8862 - the original Backhoe Loader from 1989, with an excellent Combine Harvester alternate model. One of only 2 ways to get the large excavator scoop. (Lego, don't you think it's time to produce a new one?)

8460 - Mobile crane from 1995 (re-released twice!). It has one thing the 8421 doesn't: a crank to rotate the crane.

8485 - Read below to see why I think it's superior to 8094

8462 - Tow Truck: It's blue, it has two airtanks, and the lifting mechanism is actually better than 8285's. What's not to love? Only thing missing is the fake engine.

8466 - Off Roader: the last "Super Car" with a working gearbox. One of only 2 ways to get the valuable Power Puller wheels. More mechanics than the 8448!

8285 - Not a "must have", but still a huge, beautiful set with lots of features. Love the chrome parts. One of the rare set with an EXCELLENT B model that is as good as the main one.

A few months ago I finally managed to use the near empty space in the middle to integrate the 8287 motor box set to motorize the main gear train- it only took me a few additional beams, axles and gears.

I disagree about a few of the listed sets as "must have", though:

8288 Crawler Crane:

Why? That set doesn't have any unique, rare or interesting part; no gear mechanisms AT ALL, no motors, no pneumatics; the only intricacy it offers is hard core string-on-pulley action.

I'm seriously considering selling mine considering the outrageous price it commands on Bricklink.

8094 Control Center 1:

This set doesn't offer much that 8485 doesn't. The models are heavily let down by using only 2 motors when the control center can accomodate 3, and the 8094's CC doesn't have a power jack. I actually made a list and bought all the parts needed to build all the models with my one 8485 set - it comes to exactly 100, the rarest being the small baseplate and threaded axle + nut. So I built all 8094 models, the mobile crane being by far the best out of the box because of the clever switching mechanism (again, to make up the flaw of only having 2 motors...)

The 8485's two main models on the other hand, are supremely designed. The T-Rex is the most awe-inspiring application of the flex system yet and the helicopter is perfect.

The pen plotter SUCKS out of the box since you need to manually lift/lower the pen mechanism. I modded the 8485's 3rd motor into it, allowing the CC to memorize sequences, and suddenly the plotter becomes much more interesting. Allow me to demonstrate.

http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=267350

The 8094 models actually look pretty spiffy in 8485 colors.

Mobile crane

http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=98193

Robotic Arm

http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=301207

8258

What's so special about this set in parts or mechanisms, besides being big?

I can easily build this guy using only a few of the recent larger recent sets I own, and the only parts I needed to get on bricklink were a few more long gear racks.

I'd like it much more if the crane mechanisms were ALL centered in the truck. It looks very stupid (IMHO) to have the winch and crane extender on the crane itself! Not to mention the outriggers not being fully motorized (the cranks to lower the small legs are on the outriggers themselves - BOO! ). And the entire rear of the truck has nothing on it.

Quiet simple really and don't mind midget sets the flagships are what u want.

8880

8868

8258

8110

8421

8455

8466

8043

My favorite is probably 8455 backhoe for its complex pneumatics.

Edited July 22, 201212 yr by davidmull

Lots more really nice sets you mentioned there. I can never decide between CC1 and CC2. CC1 lacked a motor but made up for it with having many more gears. However the t-rex is awesome and the powerjack is a huge plus. I'm always changing my mind with these two.

Lots more really nice sets you mentioned there. I can never decide between CC1 and CC2. CC1 lacked a motor but made up for it with having many more gears. However the t-rex is awesome and the powerjack is a huge plus. I'm always changing my mind with these two.

Despite the similarities, they are totally different sets in terms of which types of models can be built with the instructions. The only viable solution is to get both of them. Personally, I like 8094 better because I think there is more ingenuity and uniqueness involved in the models. The 8485 models are much bigger more physically impressive, but the 8094 models are just so much fun. I think the lack of a third motor is a benefit is some ways because it forced the designers to be more creative in obtaining multiple motorize functions.

The external power jack is a huge plus on the second one though. Nothing prevents you from using the newer controller with 8094.

Yup, that's why I have both

Personally, I like 8094 better because I think there is more ingenuity and uniqueness involved in the models.

The 8094 pen plotter and robotic arm are unique, no doubt. But so is the 8485 T-Rex. I'm surprised with your opinion now, since I'm quoting you on technicopedia here...

This dinosaur (presumably a Tyranosaur) is one of my favorite models ever. Firstly, it is a Technic model which is not a piece of machinery which makes it a rare breed indeed. It is the only biologic form ever produced in Technic, and the motion produced by the three motors is nothing short of magnificent. Each control in and of itself is lovely to watch, but the beauty of the Control Center is that all three can be operated concurrently.

I couldn't possibly say it better.

Nothing prevents you from using the newer controller with 8094.

And all the same, nothing prevents you from acquiring the few cheap parts (mostly gears, tiles and basic stuff, plus the baseplate, metal lever and threaded axles) required for your 8485 to build every model from 8094

Attempting the same with 8094 to build the 8485 would be a LOT harder. You'd need to order a mountain of technic bricks, flex cables, hinges, large plates, additional motor, etc

8421 Mobile Crane and the new 9398 4 x 4 Crawler...Just because it is bad @$$.

unless you're a serious collector, you shouldn't waste your money on trying to acquire discontinued sets. they fetch a hefty sum. start your collection with the current sets at reasonable prices. if you want to build the older sets, you can always purchase the instructions, then build from your personal inventory. any elemnets not in your inventory can be purchased individually from bricklink sellers.

KEvron

Must have for my... a lot of pieces, I can build the set I want or the thing I wish. I am not a collector of course but I think 8043 has everything to be a must have, four motors, complexity, very playable and on top it has chains, perfect for me.

Must have for my... a lot of pieces, I can build the set I want or the thing I wish. I am not a collector of course but I think 8043 has everything to be a must have, four motors, complexity, very playable and on top it has chains, perfect for me.

Yup, 8043 is a terrific set. The alternate model really impressed me, too. Don't pay MSRP for it - on Bricklink many Europeans are selling it MISB from $130 to $145!

Edited July 24, 201212 yr by SheepEater

Despite the similarities, they are totally different sets in terms of which types of models can be built with the instructions. The only viable solution is to get both of them. Personally, I like 8094 better because I think there is more ingenuity and uniqueness involved in the models. The 8485 models are much bigger more physically impressive, but the 8094 models are just so much fun. I think the lack of a third motor is a benefit is some ways because it forced the designers to be more creative in obtaining multiple motorize functions.

The external power jack is a huge plus on the second one though. Nothing prevents you from using the newer controller with 8094.

I agree. The dinosaur in 8485 is fantastic, but the other models are not quite as impressive mechanically. In contrast, 3 of the 4 models in 8094 have some totally unique mechanism or concept. 8094's piece count is surprisingly low for its size, but I think it actually had more "useful" pieces, especially for its time.

You can jury-rig a transformer to the battery contacts on the old control center. That makes it more convenient to use. It does have very strict current limits though and is useless for running the XL or 9V RC motors, while the new control center handles them fine.

I think you all might have forgotten one - the 8448 Supercar, that has been my absolute favorite, however I had my time with it and now its in the hands of camaro365 for him to enjoy.

Other sets notable for me:

8455 Backhoe Loader (pneumatics galore and like many have said it is ultra realistic)

8043 Excavator (now that I can get it to run, beware, lube your turntable(by separating it in the middle) first if it doesn't spin freely...)) - b model tracked loader is impressive as well

8053 b model Harbor Crane - something really impressive about that model

8275 Bulldozer (RC heaven)

9397 Logging Truck (even the b model is great with mod to enclose the bed and cab)

8110 Unimog (it is about as much fun putting together as it is playing with it, too bad it isn't RC)

9395 Tow Truck (if you are from the US and Canada it is about as realistic as the real thing)

8294 Excavator (just because it changed the construction pace from just yellow and black)

8421 Mobile Crane (big set, lots of goodies)

8285 Tow Truck (another American/Canadian icon with the snout nose for some heavy duty lifting

8436 Truck (don't know why, but this one is just cool)

8070 Supercar (not good as the 8880, never owned one, price is too high now, or the 8448, but it is a great build and fun to play with)

And last but not least, the 8466 4x4", all the great features of the 8448, just a bit smaller

I just ordered the 9396 Helicopter, looks real good, the 9398 Crawler is just too expensive and I already have the 8297 and 8466 Off-Roaders, so figured I might try to get into non-land based Technic for a bit...

S

8855 - After 24 years, still the best Lego technic plane.

My 1st set, love it!!

I disagree about a few of the listed sets as "must have", though:

8288 Crawler Crane:

Why? That set doesn't have any unique, rare or interesting part; no gear mechanisms AT ALL, no motors, no pneumatics; the only intricacy it offers is hard core string-on-pulley action.

I'm seriously considering selling mine considering the outrageous price it commands on Bricklink.

I like the crane in itself, i don't mind about no motors,PF or pneumatics, I think is a really nice replica and even big, found one very cheap in Germany

8258

What's so special about this set in parts or mechanisms, besides being big?

I can easily build this guy using only a few of the recent larger recent sets I own, and the only parts I needed to get on bricklink were a few more long gear racks.

I'd like it much more if the crane mechanisms were ALL centered in the truck. It looks very stupid (IMHO) to have the winch and crane extender on the crane itself! Not to mention the outriggers not being fully motorized (the cranks to lower the small legs are on the outriggers themselves - BOO! ). And the entire rear of the truck has nothing on it.

I like that looks like a real truck, in reality most of these truck have the crane just behind cabin and then have a flat bed or a folding bed that in the case of 8258 should be both done. I MUST agree with you as fas as the outriggers concerns..

unless you're a serious collector, you shouldn't waste your money on trying to acquire discontinued sets. they fetch a hefty sum. start your collection with the current sets at reasonable prices. if you want to build the older sets, you can always purchase the instructions, then build from your personal inventory. any elemnets not in your inventory can be purchased individually from bricklink sellers.

KEvron

I think to consider myself a little collector, I'm a little,little moc builder and I prefere the old style sets 80's and 90's above all. Think one day gonna post a pic of my little collection(about 25 sets from early 80's to nowadays) when I'll have enough space to keep all them build and I usually buy sets I like and sets that I consider milestones or very real replicas of the real world.

But this topic was in general, just to know what other technic guys, even more expert than me, consider a must have for a beginner or for an expert as well.

Ciao

I think you all might have forgotten one - the 8448 Supercar, that has been my absolute favorite, however I had my time with it and now its in the hands of camaro365 for him to enjoy.

Other sets notable for me:

8455 Backhoe Loader (pneumatics galore and like many have said it is ultra realistic)

8043 Excavator (now that I can get it to run, beware, lube your turntable(by separating it in the middle) first if it doesn't spin freely...)) - b model tracked loader is impressive as well

8053 b model Harbor Crane - something really impressive about that model

8275 Bulldozer (RC heaven)

9397 Logging Truck (even the b model is great with mod to enclose the bed and cab)

8110 Unimog (it is about as much fun putting together as it is playing with it, too bad it isn't RC)

9395 Tow Truck (if you are from the US and Canada it is about as realistic as the real thing)

8294 Excavator (just because it changed the construction pace from just yellow and black)

8421 Mobile Crane (big set, lots of goodies)

8285 Tow Truck (another American/Canadian icon with the snout nose for some heavy duty lifting

8436 Truck (don't know why, but this one is just cool)

8070 Supercar (not good as the 8880, never owned one, price is too high now, or the 8448, but it is a great build and fun to play with)

And last but not least, the 8466 4x4", all the great features of the 8448, just a bit smaller

I just ordered the 9396 Helicopter, looks real good, the 9398 Crawler is just too expensive and I already have the 8297 and 8466 Off-Roaders, so figured I might try to get into non-land based Technic for a bit...

9397 looks good but was perfect if it had double wheels on rear axels (and here comes dan's modifications) and the non manual fork :( I think that the 8868 is still the best.

Trucks are good and very well built but don't particulary like tow ones even if i like the US world of cars,truks,planes...

Edited July 24, 201212 yr by Foggy