DarkShadow73

Hi all- I am having an issue with my 8043 Excavator fully switching from the boom functions to the driving/rotation functions. All of my IR's are working fine, I can see the green lights blinking when I use the remote, but for some reason I can't get the clutch fully engage when I press the function change lever on the remote. Do any of you have this problem on your 8043? This is a stock-built, non-modified version, and since this problem is not a motor/LA problem like what we experienced earlier in the fall I can't figure it out. Sometimes it takes 2 presses on the remote lever to get it to fully engage the clutches into the respective gears, most times it will go into the neutral position then I have to press the lever again to fully engage in either function position. I have tried new batteries in both the remote and PF battery box, no difference. When I built the model I went slow and careful, making sure none of the gearing was too tight ot too loose and I tested every gear as I went along, so I'm at a loss to figure out what the problem might be. Any ideas or similar experience?

Hi - I am having a real problem with my 8043 Excavator. On the remotes you have the ability to changeover with the red switch from the movement to the digging functions. When I go to changeover from one function to another I cannot get the gearbox to changeover, it catches in the middle(neutral position) or won't fully engage each set of functions. I believe it has something to do with the yellow gearknob wheels, they are really tight in turning even by hand pushing on them. I hate to take the whole thing apart, and I carefully assembled it. Anybody else have this problem? It got me so mad last night I always smashed it against the floor. I've changed to fresh batteries in both the battery box and remotes, but no change, its almost like the whole assembly attached to the gearbox is too tight or something. I tried loosening it up, but no difference. I can see the IR receivers are fully lit and blinking slightly as I try to engage one end or another and upon looking at the directions, I do have the channels aligned correctly. I never considered this a problem as the functions work fine on either side. I can get it from one function back to neutral position, but then it just like sticks and will engage partially, but not fully enough to do either function without forcing the gear knob wheels by hand, which is kind of ridiculous for a fully functional RC model. Any ideas or suggestions appreciated. I don't have this problem with the 'b' model track loader, its been built for a couple years, but I don't believe if I recall, don't have it next to me, the remotes don't have a changeover between tracking and the shovel functions. BTW, this is the original release, but the only issue with that was the LA's and I did replace the LA's with the new lubed ones, but that really doesn't apply to this problem anyway. Thanks, Eric

I am finally assembling the 9396 Rescue Heli and am quite confused with the string reel and hook, mainly how they are attached to the 13L black beam with a 3L friction pin w/ stopbush. This would be in Book 2, page 12, steps 3 to 5. Then again when the gearbox is mostly assembled on page 18, step 73. I always test all gearing to make sure nothing is too tight so gears turn freely on the axles, but I don't see how 16-tooth gear in step 73 can turn the 16-tooth dk grey clutch gear when the gear is engaged. I tried hand-turning the clutch gear and the grey gear and they are so tight because of that 3L pin w/ the stopbush. Am I doing something wrong here? I just don't see, even if I put PF into the heli that the string will go in and out of the pulley. Any input appreciated. Thanks.

I just today finished building the 42043 MB Arocs Truck. Yeah, 2 and a half yrs after release. Issue: I cannot get the turntable to turn freely. I realized before I built the model that this was a topic when released, but its really bugging me that I just can't get the turntable to turn without hitching or getting hopelessly stuck. The instructions we're really confusing and unclear, both with the routing thru the turntable opening, but also how to route the hoses to the valves also. I Googled topic, found a little about it. I did find a post someone put up somewhere, as Google did lead me to an Aug 2015 discussion on Eurobricks about removing all the hoses and routing them one at a time through the turntable. Makes sense, so I removed dump bed and the 3x5 H frame and took the turntable off the truck, but instead of dealing with the valve bodies and 3x3 liftarms where the 8 hoses route through under the turntable, I decided to pull the 6 upper hoses off the T-pieces (which btw should have those stepped inputs like the valves and cylinders) and also removed the 2 hoses that go direct up thru the table onto the lower cylinder on the crane that raises it up and down. This is so damn frustrating, I am just not sure what I am doing wrong. I put them one by one back up thru and reconnected to all attachment points, but no dice they are somehow still getting pinched (I definitely hear a rubber on rubber or rubber on plastic (turntable opening) noise). Really only difference it makes is now it is worse when the turntable goes to the right or left past dead center. Though it seems to be more of a problem going from 0 deg down towards the stop on the right side of the truck. I was really excited to finally get the truck completed and it is really a beauty, all other functions perform flawlessly (both pneumatic and regular PF), but that's just it, I love to build and display, but I also enjoy ALL of the functions working as they should. Geez, I have nearly every Technic set produced since 2003 (when I forayed into Technic from other themes) and quite a few from before that. I built the pneumatic heavy 8455 Backhoe and it operated without one issue. I am rather sure others may have experienced this beyond the little bit I was able to dig up from Aug 2015, so any help/advice is much appreciated.

It definitely is I did mean 42075, that was one of those 'I'm really tired right now' type mistakes...obviously knew the 42082 was huge. Yes the 42079 is impressive from a technical standpoint of having all the systems..the 8416 Forklift from 2005 was the best thus far, but I was surprised at the lack of an engine and diff for 720 pcs, still the granddaddy of forklifts tho, sits proudly in my collection as well.

Yeah, I forgot about that model having a diff. I was just going back to models of previous years and 42049 which is approximately on level with 42082 (piece count) did not have diff, just a gear setup to spin one rear wheel. Usually TRU would already have these sets out by now, at least in Michigan, USA. Just really too bad they are no longer. Have to go to the Lego store, unfortunately kind of a drive, but worth it. The whole lineup looks good this year, the Volvo is a strange beast. Stinks I only have the budget for 42079, but hopefully I get back to work soon so I can get the rest of the lineup. Most definitely better than last summer's sets.

The Forklift(42079) has a differential? I saw on Lego.com that it has a 2-cyl engine, but with such a low piece count, and the fact that most models in previous releases with 400-600 pieces only have just a gear and an opposing one turning 1 of the rear wheels surprises me. Is this really the case? Only one I can afford this summer, but would be great if it had a real diff.

MIchealF - yes, I am having the same issue, I have rerouted, but I just get the friction/binding of the hoses in other areas when operating the turntable. Anatem - thank you for the pics. I guess mine looks about like yours, unfortunately my camera is crap, need to get a new one, but yes Jurss and Anatem pics or video would help, but like I said it seems all the hoses just kind of go up thru the turntable in no particular order, except following the instructions for each pair of them. Leonardo da Bricki - I will try your method and see how it comes out, this thing kept me up way past my bedtime and it was a rough one working this morning. I left the hoses all disconnected again and even though I want a nap bad, it is bugging me too much to sleep, I'll give it another go. Guess i could try zipstrips to bunch all the hoses together, somehow I don't think that would work tho...

TRU stores in my area received the 42075, 42076 and 42077. No sign of the Mack Anthem yet. Being a bit short on cash I just picked up the 42075 First Responder kit. It is a really good model IMO, wish it had dual rear shocks instead of just the one, but for small-medium size kit, it was nice to see an actual differential. Also I think a good companion model to last summer's 42068 Rescue Truck. Around the large city I live, the airport uses lime green paint on the emergency equipment instead of red, as a lot do in the US that I have seen. That would have been quite cool for the 42068. Will have to wait until after the New Year to pick up the Rally Car and hopefully at that point the Mack will be in stock at local TRU as well, not interested in the Hovercraft myself. For a company that has declared bankruptcy, I'm quite surprised they are even stocking larger sets.

Sorry, felt I should leave the images in for comparison, but seeing them together, I would agree dark azure. Any idea when these last 4 sets get released. I know from past experience, you generally see smaller 1H sets just before Xmas, sometimes all, this was the case in 2015 and 2016 here in the US. We got jacked with the larger 1H sets last winter and had to wait until 2H releases. Just wondered if anybody had any info on it? Since coming out of dark ages in late 2004, I've never seen any 1H releases in November.

I don't know, it sort of looks like it could be medium azure.

That stinks...getting tired of the same old LBG engine blocks/cylinders. DBG and clear we're rather cool, I know my 8435 4WD has DBG and my 8428 has clear. I know I could probably get different colors from Bricklink...I actually have some blue pistons and also brick red pistons, also some clear cylinders. Just wish with the all the different newer parts in a myriad of colors they would produce some different mold cylinders and pistons out of the box. This car does look a lot like Racers cars from the mid-late 2000's...just with suspension, steering and an engine...definite plus, interesting color choices though...

Not exactly on topic, but I wonder why the 42061 Telehandler had such a short life span? Less than a year here in the US. I see it is Out of Stock and call to check availability on the US S@H website, even Amazon doesn't seem to carry it anymore either. That's odd. Another oddity is the lifetime of the 42042 Crawler Crane from summer 2015 being so short, yet Lego still sells the 42043 Arocs truck. Agreed there. New pieces are still a cool thing for me, a Lego nut in his mid-40's. So many have been released in the past few years, and some in different colors. Kind of agree with you on the 8297. New style diff, suspension I'd never seen before, a model almost totally in my fav color, DBG...

They have been in TRU's now since few days prior to Thanksgiving(week of Nov 20). Largest set so far is the Racing Yacht. Got the compactor/dozer. Nicely working set for such a decent price. Not really interested in WHACK! and BASH!, or whatever the pull-backs are called this year. Container Truck was a bit smaller than I had thought. I see there is a lot more new added since couple weeks ago, have some catching up to do. One Racers set I always liked that was almost purely Technic pieces was #8649 Nitro Menace from 2005. Could kick myself for not getting #8653 from that same year. $99 MSRP at TRU, I still recall seeing it. Now its selling for like 10-15x that or more. I was just getting back into Lego in early 2005, and $99 seemed like a lot to spend on a kit, little did I know how expensive they woudl get. I even haggled for months about getting the #8421 Mobile Crane at $149 that summer..didn't end up buying my 1st one until summer 2006, right before the 8285 Tow Truck was released. A 2-cyl engine on a medium size model?? Almost looks silly. Come on Lego, at least 4 cylinders would have been nice, if in a boxer style. It will go nice with 42068 from last summer tho.

Someone asked if some of the 1H2018 sets we're in TRU stores in the USA, and they are in some stores at least. My AFOL friend in Pennsylvania said the pull-backs we're there, the blue/grey/orange compactor type set and also the catarman we're on the shelves in the TRU nearest him, he even snapped a pic with his phone and sent it to me. I didn't find any in 1 of the 4 local TRU's around city I live in, but I've only checked 1 store. I am very surprised that they are available so early this year, in the past 13 yrs or so since i escaped my dark ages, I've never known January releases to be at TRU this early, they aren't posted on TRU's or Lego's websites yet.

That is a really sweet looking catamaran...is this at least in part of what the actual model looks like? Not too bad for 1H, but where's the largest one? Guessing its supposed to be the Mack truck? Generally, there is at least one medium-large set for 1H. It was the 42066 in 2017. That would rather suck if there wasn't a larger model. Kind of like that wheeled scraper set, lots of colors and interesting wheels, rather small but pretty cool. Wish they would make one on a large scale for a 2H model. Catamaran is must buy for sure, as well as the rally car. Looked quite extensively, even Google pics, but just can't find any...but now I see since that some have been posted.

Wish I had seen the prelim images before they we're taken down...ah well I'm sure they will be soon up since January is coming fast. And hopefully us Americans and Canadians don't have to wait until August for the larger 1H sets like this past January although most of the larger 1H sets we're pretty pathetic, only one I bought was the 42066 Air Race Jet besides the ones we did get (42057-42060) with the BMW and Telehandler coming couple months later. Crazy thing about the 42066 is there was an importer from the UK selling most of the other sets on Amazon and I picked up the 42066 for $135 and when it was officially released here in August its MSRP was $159.99, so made out $25 ahead on that one. We get so many European cab-overs that us Americans/Canadians do like to see some long-nose tractors in the mix, 8285 and 9397 we're very cool...not saying I'm against the cab-overs, not at all, the 8258 was an amazing build and truck as was the 42043, but our road and highway network can handle the space long-nose trucks need. I also realize TLG is based in Europe, so their designers would obviously be more familiar with cab-over trucks and enjoy designing them. Just saying, that's all...

Can't recall if I replied to this or not...I enjoy the B model much more than the A...the Private Jet model is much more interesting IMO. A note about the 42070. Despite the super high price and all the quirks about this model and coming from a standpoint regarding the lack of suspension, the designers could have used the 8435 4WD from 2004 type suspension that would have made it a bit more appealing, they could have used that model's independent front suspension w/ the shock absorbers and left the rear 2 axles with pendular type 'suspension'. Just saying...obviously the other gripes and the huge price tag probably would still outweigh if there was even front suspension.

You speak (or write) perfect English, was just wondering if you would be posting it here. No, I can't read Polish. German, yes, and some Czech (have a HS friend from ages ago that moved back from US to his native Poland) but no other languages. Jim did a great job of reviewing, just would be nice to have another reviewer's opinion as well. I'd do it, but my grammar is far from perfect. I'm assuming your review was in Polish since it is for your country's Lego group. I'll check it out anyway. EDIT: I did go to your review and it was an easy read, just had Google translate it for me. Great review btw. Well, in reality they don't scale well, but the Lego versions side by side are much more even in scale. I rather like to group my models that are close it scale together. I definitely don't want an 8453 Front-End Loader, small scale, sitting next to a 8265 Front Loader, large scale.

I was rather interested in the 42070 B model. Maybe because it's just different, one could say the same for the 42069 B model, very unusual. That being said, I plan on building both. I realize that 42070 B doesn't look to use anywhere near the same amount of parts, or gears for that matter, than the main model, but it just looks interesting. I know Sariel really bombed the 42070 in general in his review. I read it and do agree on many points, but curiosity got the better of me so I downloaded the B model instructions. Luckily I got a great deal on the 2nd 42070 I bought, so even if the B model 'sucks' once I build it, I can always build another tow truck... I do agree with you on the 42066B. It took a long time to get to the US, but upon looking at both models, I do think I like the Private Jet better. I'm not planning on using the stickers on the wings or other parts, so it will easily be built and look good. Nice comparison shot. Looks like both are the same scale. Will you be putting your review on EB?

Thanks Jim. I've never been this active in a set discussion before so just wondered.

@TechnicRCRacer - yeah, but try to get your hands on 1 of these nowadays, way out of reach as far as price by itself or in the motor kit pre-PF. I have 2 8421 Mobile Crane sets that use these motors and I bought an 8287 kit back in 2006 to motorize the 8285 Tow Truck's B model. I have since taken it apart, I have a shoebox with all special assemblies I've built for various models, I might just have that motor in there. I never toss a part unless its in bad shape. @Ngoc Nguyen - I agree with you. No wheel lift spells Recovery Truck only. I managed to pick up 42070 for $225 at TRU, so at least some price solace there.

@Qukie - thanks for the reply. I checked Amazon and a few other websites that sell the current sets, but nobody has it cheaper than RRP right now in the US. I do have plenty of PF parts, so that's not the issue, but I also understand that 42070 has a new version of the IR receiver, not sure if 42065 does as well, esp since it was released on your side of the pond in January. We didn't get these 1H sets until 1 August. I get what you are saying about it being fun for a while, I'm just a huge fan RC kits. Btw, what are buggy motors? Is it a Lego product or something else? I've heard of the S-brick, where do you go to buy such a part? I don't think Lego sells those. Thanks.

I am wondering about the 42065 RC Tracked Racer. It is $99 USD, but most all of you probably know that. Has anybody bought and built the 42065? I realize it isn't very 'Technicy' since it has no gears, only PF parts. Is it worth the buy? I have everything now for 2017 except the 42064 boat, just doesn't interest me that much. Any feedback appreciated. They only have 1 left at a TRU, so I sorta have decide quickly. Thanks in advance. can't understand why he keeps messing with the camera about 20-25 min into the video, it was perfect really, but the blurring then clearing then blurring again is rather distracting. As far as his reviews go, he is definitely one of the best.