January 20, 201312 yr I already asked, but nobody really responded... how well do things like motors, pneumatic cylinders, fibre optic lights and other "working parts" hold up after 20 years? The only 'classic Technic' sets I have include only plastic parts. As with other kinds of LEGO, the technic parts made of ABS hold up pretty well to the ravages of time. A quick wash and it is mostly as good as new. The working parts include rubber, plastic and metal. If I were to splash out for an 8868 or 8840, would it work? Would it keep working for long? Edited January 20, 201312 yr by Soluzar
January 20, 201312 yr I already asked, but nobody really responded... how well do things like motors, pneumatic cylinders, fibre optic lights and other "working parts" hold up after 20 years? The only 'classic Technic' sets I have include only plastic parts. As with other kinds of LEGO, the technic parts made of ABS hold up pretty well to the ravages of time. A quick wash and it is mostly as good as new. The working parts include rubber, plastic and metal. If I were to splash out for an 8868 or 8840, would it work? Would it keep working for long? During the last months, I bought lots of MISB sets from the 80ies and 90ies, and built them. (originally, I started buying used sets, but nearly everytime, parts were missing/broken/incorrect, so I decided to buy unopenend ones). Pneumatic cylinders are running somewhat rough sometimes, but all in all everything works fine. My greatest problem are tires from sets produced between ~1995 and ~2005. They all feel slippery, it seems as if they loose softener chemicals, although they were sealed during the last 20 years. Ununsed tires from sets older than 1994 don't show this problem, I guess Lego changed the chemical compound of the tires around 1995.
January 20, 201312 yr I have a massive 80s and 90s lego technic collection (mostly bought in 2002-2003), and so far every single electronic/pneumatic element still works fine. Tested them recently. *knocks on wood*
January 21, 201312 yr The biggest problems are the battery boxes. The worst that can happen is corrosion from leaking batteries. Apart from that, the contacts inside the battery boxes get oxidized over time which reduces the voltage until they don't work at all. This can be corrected by cleaning the contacts with a wire brush. The same can happen to the old 9V wires, and the contacts are very hard to clean because they are inside the studs. I use steel wool. All of my old motors, switches and pneumatics work great though.
January 21, 201312 yr During the last months, I bought lots of MISB sets from the 80ies and 90ies, and built them. (originally, I started buying used sets, but nearly everytime, parts were missing/broken/incorrect, so I decided to buy unopenend ones). Pneumatic cylinders are running somewhat rough sometimes, but all in all everything works fine. My greatest problem are tires from sets produced between ~1995 and ~2005. They all feel slippery, it seems as if they loose softener chemicals, although they were sealed during the last 20 years. Ununsed tires from sets older than 1994 don't show this problem, I guess Lego changed the chemical compound of the tires around 1995. I've noticed the tire issue as well, a lot of them looked faded too, but since 2006 with buying the 8285 Tow Truck, I noticed they seemed 'blacker' and less slippery as well. Interesting you brought up that subject. The biggest problems are the battery boxes. The worst that can happen is corrosion from leaking batteries. Apart from that, the contacts inside the battery boxes get oxidized over time which reduces the voltage until they don't work at all. This can be corrected by cleaning the contacts with a wire brush. The same can happen to the old 9V wires, and the contacts are very hard to clean because they are inside the studs. I use steel wool. All of my old motors, switches and pneumatics work great though. I always remove my batteries from models I don't plan to use, reduces that corrosion. I still have a 8720 set and the battery box's contacts are still in excellent shape. Worst thing that can happen is if you buy a used, open battery box or motor, you take a heck of a chance. I have a massive 80s and 90s lego technic collection (mostly bought in 2002-2003), and so far every single electronic/pneumatic element still works fine. Tested them recently. *knocks on wood* The only thing I have noticed, and it is my fault, is leaving a pneumatic ram exposed on a model for a long time. They tend to corrode if left fully extended for a long period of time. Suppose that would happen to LA rams as well if left extended to the elements such as sun, which was the case with one of my 8464's. I managed to clean up the rams on it to an extent, but didn't want shavings from steel wool to enter the cylinder itself. Edited January 21, 201312 yr by TechnicFreak
January 21, 201312 yr Author My 8479 sensors don't work anymore. Although the motor and bar code scanner works fine.
January 21, 201312 yr LEGO electric parts are very durable ('cept those micro motors) which is a testament to TLGs high quality manufacturing. I've bought loads of old electrical parts (jus about every kind, including those old 3xDD train wagons), never had a dud ('cept two out of fifty micro motors). I got no experience with old pneumatics, but I would not be totally shocked if the hoses don't hold up too well. It's (synthetic?) rubber after all. Just bought a load of fiberoptics, all works as if new I'd be more concerned about parts that see a lot of stress, like all parts used in suspensions (<-- but again, I've not seen anything in the stuff I've bought) The only LEGO parts that I do have seen wear in is old castle minifigs from the '84-'86 era. While they look like new, arms and hips are way too loose Corrosion on LAs are interesting .. I do wonder what that metalrod is made of?
January 21, 201312 yr All of my old motors, switches and pneumatics work great though. Most of my old pneumatic cylinders are leaking. The extending stroke works fine, but the retracting stroke (i.e. when pressure raises from the upper nozzle) leaks. This means they're only usable in the extending stroke, and changing the switch means all air from an eventual air tank is released. The pumps, switches and tubes still work fine, it's just the cylinders. Not sure about the small cylinder though. Most of those pneumatics are from 8868 and similar-era Technic sets. No extreme things have been done with them and have never been oiled or whatever.
January 21, 201312 yr Since you mentioned suspension, the springs on the 8466 sag really badly after many years. Havn't had a dead PF or buggy motor yet.
May 4, 201311 yr Since you mentioned suspension, the springs on the 8466 sag really badly after many years. Havn't had a dead PF or buggy motor yet. Buy some replacements from an 8110. They have the same size, and works flawlessly. I think the original springs were underdimensioned.
May 4, 201311 yr I once got the 8235 Front End Loader for Christmas, probably the same year or year after it was released, which I believe was 1998? It doesn't exist anymore, for obvious reasons. I do consider rebuilding it with the modern studless beams, anyone knows where I can find a copy of the manual? If it exists.
May 5, 201311 yr I once got the 8235 Front End Loader for Christmas, probably the same year or year after it was released, which I believe was 1998? It doesn't exist anymore, for obvious reasons. I do consider rebuilding it with the modern studless beams, anyone knows where I can find a copy of the manual? If it exists. Bricklink is your friend. On average, about 0.50 Euros a copy.
May 5, 201311 yr I was thinking more about instructions online, not buying in physical form, but thanks anyway
May 5, 201311 yr I once got the 8235 Front End Loader for Christmas, probably the same year or year after it was released, which I believe was 1998? It doesn't exist anymore, for obvious reasons. I do consider rebuilding it with the modern studless beams, anyone knows where I can find a copy of the manual? If it exists. Instructions are available on Peeron: http://www.peeron.com/cgi-bin/invcgis/scans/8235-1/?ct=1.
May 5, 201311 yr Thanks for the links, but I found an easier way by simply searching Google for instructions, and found a site where the booklet is displayed in pics. I dunno if I'll try to build it with "modern" pieces, or just drop it.
May 5, 201311 yr Rarely now do I buy sets from eBay as I find the prices ridiculously high most of the time. I buy the occasional part/s but that's about it. I now use classified ads in local papers, car boot sales etc., to buy my sets at much, much lower prices than eBay. In the last month or so I've bought: 8461 Williams F1 - boxed & complete - £38 8461 Williams F1 - boxed & complete - £25 8258 Crane Truck - boxed & complete - £55 8265 Front End Loader - boxed & complete - £30 8295 Tele-handler - boxed & complete - £25 5218 Pneumatic Pack, 8462 Pneumatic Tow Truck, 8244 Convertibles & 8456 Fibre Optic Multi Set - no boxes but all complete - £25 5218 Pneumatic Pack - boxed but incomplete - £3 8262 Quad Bike - boxed & complete - £5 8274 Combine Harvester & 8416 Forklift - both boxed & complete - £35 9396 Helicopter - boxed & complete - £34 8448 Super Street Sensation - no box but complete - £35 8109 Flatbed Truck boxed & complete - boxed & complete - £18 8053 Mobile Crane - boxed & complete - £26 8262 Cherry Picker - boxed & complete - £12 Everything that should work has been tested and is in perfect condition. Amazingly bearing in mind the age of some of these sets and the well documented problems associated with Legos' whites, in all the sets with whites, they're perfect, no discolouration. As you can see I've had some absolute bargains & they've not been hard to find. I guess I have more time than most but as you can see, other than building, I put that time to very good use. I just need to find an 8674 Ferrari but it's proving to be very, very elusive. A few of the sets are replacements for sets I sold (yes on eBay!) last year whilst having a clear out as we were running very short of storage space. Now we've had that sort out we have the room. It's very rapidly filling up again! The trouble I have now is building fast enough to get through my 'collection'. 49 & counting!!! Edited May 13, 201311 yr by grum64
May 6, 201311 yr Till a few years back, the legendary classics like 8880, 8448 etc. were selling at crazy prices in Ebay. But recently I have noticed that these sets (used but complete) are available at quite reasonable prices like £80-£150. ... I am not sure why that is but my guess Don't forget the financial strain a lot of people are under - that means there are more sets available, which drives prices down.
May 6, 201311 yr Rarely now do I buy sets from eBay as I find the prices ridiculously high most of the time. I buy the occasional part/s but that's about it. I now use classified ads in local papers, car boot sales etc., to buy my sets at much, much lower prices than eBay. In the last month or so I've bought: 8461 Williams F1 - boxed & complete - £38 8461 Williams F1 - boxed & complete - £25 8258 Crane Truck - boxed & complete - £55 8265 Front End Loader - boxed & complete - £30 8295 Tele-handler - boxed & complete - £25 5218 Pneumatic Pack, 8462 Pneumatic Tow Truck, 8244 Convertibles & 8456 Fibre Optic Multi Set - no boxes but all complete - £25 5218 Pneumatic Pack - boxed but incomplete - £3 8262 Quad Bike - boxed & complete - £5 8274 Combine Harvester & 8416 Forklift - both boxed & complete - £35 9396 Helicopter - boxed & complete - £34 8448 Super Street Sensation - no box but complete - £35 8109 Flatbed Truck boxed & complete - boxed & complete - £18 8053 Mobile Crane - boxed & complete - £26 8262 Cherry Picker - boxed & complete - £12 Everything that should work has been tested and is in perfect condition. Amazingly bearing in mind the age of some of these sets and the well documented problems associated with Legos' whites, in all the sets with whites, they're perfect, no discolouration. As you can see I've had some absolute bargains & they've not been hard to find. I guess I have more time than most but as you can see, other than building, I put that time to very good use. I just need to find an 8674 Ferrari but it's proving to be very, very elusive. A few of the sets are replacements for sets I sold (yes on eBay!) last year whilst having a clear out as we were running very short of storage space. Now we've had that sort out we have the room. It's very rapidly filling up again! The trouble I have now is building fast enough to get through my 'collection'. 49 & counting!!! You've got very good deals on there!
May 13, 201311 yr On the dutch site www.marktplaats.nl there are now some 8275's for € 120-160,- I've seen them sold new recently for € 375,- If you always wanted to buy it I think now is a great time for it, I'm thinking of getting one.
May 13, 201311 yr You've got very good deals on there! Rarely now do I buy sets from eBay as I find the prices ridiculously high most of the time. I buy the occasional part/s but that's about it. I now use classified ads in local papers, car boot sales etc., to buy my sets at much, much lower prices than eBay. In the last month or so I've bought: 8461 Williams F1 - boxed & complete - £38 8461 Williams F1 - boxed & complete - £25 8258 Crane Truck - boxed & complete - £55 8265 Front End Loader - boxed & complete - £30 8295 Tele-handler - boxed & complete - £25 5218 Pneumatic Pack, 8462 Pneumatic Tow Truck, 8244 Convertibles & 8456 Fibre Optic Multi Set - no boxes but all complete - £25 5218 Pneumatic Pack - boxed but incomplete - £3 8262 Quad Bike - boxed & complete - £5 8274 Combine Harvester & 8416 Forklift - both boxed & complete - £35 9396 Helicopter - boxed & complete - £34 8448 Super Street Sensation - no box but complete - £35 8109 Flatbed Truck boxed & complete - boxed & complete - £18 8053 Mobile Crane - boxed & complete - £26 8262 Cherry Picker - boxed & complete - £12 Everything that should work has been tested and is in perfect condition. Amazingly bearing in mind the age of some of these sets and the well documented problems associated with Legos' whites, in all the sets with whites, they're perfect, no discolouration. As you can see I've had some absolute bargains & they've not been hard to find. I guess I have more time than most but as you can see, other than building, I put that time to very good use. I just need to find an 8674 Ferrari but it's proving to be very, very elusive. A few of the sets are replacements for sets I sold (yes on eBay!) last year whilst having a clear out as we were running very short of storage space. Now we've had that sort out we have the room. It's very rapidly filling up again! The trouble I have now is building fast enough to get through my 'collection'. 49 & counting!!! UPDATE Just bought an 8674 Ferrari F1 no box but with as new instructions and in an envelope inside, an original unused sheet of stickers for £35. My F1 trio is now complete. Also got an 8068 Rescue Helicopter (for Jake) for £8. Both advertised in local shop windows. 51 & counting! Edited May 13, 201311 yr by grum64
May 13, 201311 yr In yet trying to locate a reasonable quality but basic set like 8042 for less that £50 - £70 is almost impossible. Probably twice what it cost when new?
May 13, 201311 yr UPDATE Just bought an 8674 Ferrari F1 no box but with as new instructions and in an envelope inside, an original unused sheet of stickers for £35. My F1 trio is now complete. Also got an 8068 Rescue Helicopter (for Jake) for £8. Both advertised in local shop windows. 51 & counting! Wow, I'm jealous. I wish I lived in a similar Legoland.
May 19, 201311 yr slightly off topic, but I recently (finally) picked up a space shuttle. Although the motors still work, almost all of the bushings are cracked (Which I believe is normal for those parts). Do you guys just buy tons of replacement parts from bricklink or what do you do? Also, the 2x6 plates don't seem to cluth very well.
May 19, 201311 yr For older sets, I tend to try and acquire two so there will be enough good (original bits) to make one decent one. Possibly not the cheapest way of doing it but it tends to work. And you can sell the bits from the left over bits on eBay if you want. I put together my shuttle (and a few other sets) this way and whilst I can't be bothered to sell the bits that are left over I'm very happy with the one (maybe 9 out of 10) that I'll keep in my collection. Maybe spent about 250 pounds getting the two. Bricklink is also a useful way of replacing parts although you can't be certain that they are of the right era.
May 19, 201311 yr I'll be honest, I don't care about the replacement parts being the same age. Got really lucky with the shuttle, BIN for 30 euros, and even the micromotor still works, just a90% of the bushings are cracked. As for buying two sets, I usually do that as well, if the first set proves to have too many missing/damaged pieces, and then I dump everything left over into my parts box.
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