There was a time (very early on) where all you could buy was a 'basic' set consisting of a collection of parts ... and that came with a set of instructions to build few contraptions. Then (about 40 years ago?) Lego started making 'sets' destined to be used for a single specifc model (there was also B/C suggestions). Such 'basic' sets are still available today for the younger generation .... but how about a 'Base Technic' set ... that should include HTF parts. That may be a good CUUSOO proposal .... anyone willing to put a list together for a desired parts list ?

EDIT: One can always get the MindStorms add-ons (e.g Resource Sets) from Lego EDU but there, the parts assortment is not always 'balanced'.

Edited October 30, 201311 yr by DrJB

I think Lego is too fearful of having to rely on their customer's own imagination to go this road.

For me personally it would be a blessing. But for Lego's current designer team and their marketing department it would be a nightmare.

I agree with schermvlieger.

The TECHNIC sets from recent years seem to rely on the "cool" look of the models, and not on what you can build with the parts in the set on your own.

That is understandable since most of today's kids probably have less patience and are in general more distracted by video games than we were.

Maybe the only TECHNIC sets that still provoke you to build your own machines are from the LEGO Education range.

Edited October 30, 201311 yr by le60head

The Lego company is only interested in turnover and sales.

So they create technic sets for the age of 10 - 16 years (it is attested this group of kids have the most pocket money).

But maybe i think in the future it is possible to change if more AFOLs build.

Offer and inquiry.

The full current technic catalog in the Pick a brick store would be way more interesting IMHO.

with 19L black flex axles :o

Good luck with that.

with 19L black flex axles :o

That should be a fairly easy part to 'reproduce' ... i.e., reverse engineer and mass produce in a certain country in Asia ...

The full current technic catalog in the Pick a brick store would be way more interesting IMHO.

I second that!