a few questions

[RXBandit]

hey guys, i'm new here and i have a couple questions for anyone with any insight. just refer to whichever you're answering by number:

#1. what's the best current "large" set to pick up? i'd classify large as anything over 500 pieces, bacially something that i can kill a night or two workin on. which leads me into...

#2. i've only recently gotten back into all of this, but i feel like i've missed out on so much. i'm looking through BrickLink for older Technics, but i have no diea where to begin. i loved Technics when i was 14 or so, but i've gotten nothing since. so basically, same question as above, except what do you guys say are some of the best larger sets from 1995-2007 or so? preferably something that doesn't cost a huge premium on sites like BrickLink, unless it's very worthwhile.

#3. i've bought a few smaller sets and yesterday i got the Green Grocer. i'm puttin it all together on my bed and the small table i usually have my laptop on... and it's drivin me crazy. i can imagine it'll be even worse if i try this with a Technic set. i live in a small apartment and i don't have much room for a real workspace (i'll have even left when my girlfriend moves in around late February), what can you guys recommend as a good work area? even if it's not a permanent table or corner. in fact, even better if it's not haha.

#4. maybe this is all in my head, but it seems to me that Technic stuff isn't as "respected" as all the other Lego lines are. i don't understand why. i mean, Technics are my favorite, no question, but i also love Town stuff, especially City. i also like some of the Star Wars sets (though i've never seen the movies). i even like the Agents 2.0 stuff, wish they still made it. what's the problem with liking both? but yea, i guess my question is basically this; is this just my perception, or do other people see it too? and if you guys agree, what do you think leads to the dislike for Technic?

ok, that's everything. i had a fifth question, but forgot and i babbled too much as is hahaha. any help is appreciated. i love this site so far, everyone seems awesome. i'm a mod for a punk forum and i hate to say it, but i think i'm gonna have a lot more fun here.

[tomacwhite]

Hi!

A great set from 2009 is the Wheel Loader (or Front Loader depending what country you live in), there is a great review of it here: http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=31846 I bought this recently and it really is a lovely model, with lots and lots of gears creating a very complex model. It has over 1,000 elements too so its a fairly chunky model.

Obviously there is the Crane Truck from 2009 too (8258) which also has lots of complex gear systems in it. It's very expensive though (in the UK and Europe at least)

I normally build my models on dinner table which has a decent sized working area. As a child I'd build on the floor though, but I am too old for that now! I helped my nephew build some Indiana Jones Lego at Xmas on the carpet/rug, it was hurt by back lots!!

[RXBandit]

thanks a bunch. i'm gonna go today probably, i'll let you know what i get, i like those a lot, hopefully i'll have a moment of inspiration.

[Burf2000]

Hello there

I have a space issue to, I find that if you carefully take the top of the box off, you can use that as the tray to build out of. Else get one of them fold away tables.

Technic is used by loads and loads, even people who build city or space or whatever use technic in there models at some point. I will amit there seems to be a lot more castle, space, city, train builders but after talking to a few I think its down to are you artist or a engineer at heart. Also some people struggle with technic.

I am a big fan of the older technic (studded) however the new technic motors, pf, nxt is brilliant! I dont think technic sets are as reuseable as they used to be as they seem to have more parts that are for 1 set only.

If I can help in any other way let me know. The Technic Bulldozer is a great set to get if you can find it

[DLuders]

Blakbird's Technicopedia ( http://www.ericalbrecht.com/technic/ ) is a great reference to compare the various Technic sets over the years. It has lots of pictures and review of the older (studded) sets.

As far as what is the "best" Technic set, check out the poll results on TechnicBricks Blogspot http://technicbricks.blogspot.com/2010/01/...t-and-most.html .

eBay is a good source for getting the older sets. Be sure to search using various, different terms (like "Lego Off Roader" and "Lego 8297") to find all possibilities. Sometimes an item is not described well by non-Lego fans, and one can get a good bargain not noticed by others.

You can build on the floor using a big sheet or tablecloth to gather up all the pieces after each build session. You can also get a plastic bin or tray to build in your car during a lunch break!

I don't think Technic is "disliked" per se; the "coolest" sets may be too expensive for some to stock on store shelves or to buy. Also, the raw, functional-looking appearance of some models doesn't appeal to folks who prefer a more refined, finished look (like Lego Racers and Model Team).

If you live in the US, you can check current availability of the 2009 and 2010 Technic sets on LegoShopAtHome.com . Some sets are sold out.

[Enilder]

front loader is backordered so i can't comment on that. (i've ordered but it will be here next month)

crane truck is 4/5 in my book. not as rigid as i expected but good amount of functions to toy around with. if you can find one, pick it up!

i've also ordered lamborghini but i can't really comment on that since it's backordered as well.

my race truck (8041) arrived yesterday and i finished it. it looks good and all but definitely not worth the price if functionality is your primary target. i bought this because it looks cool. 4/5 because of lack of functionality.

my first technic in 2009 is tractor, which i bought it at the same time with 8258 (crane truck). it was on sale for ~75dollars, which i thought it was pretty good. there was a review about it and was not recommended mainly due to price and functionality. people who have owned tractor model before thought it was a garbage but i never had one so it was worth every penny (even considering parts/$).

if you have couple hundred dollars to spend, as previously mentioned, crane truck and front loader get my vote.

my local lego store had about 10 boxes of crane truck about 2 weeks ago but a week later, they were sold out. (crane truck was marked "sold out" long before i went to buy one in person at the store)

anyways good luck!

[Blakbird]

There was a similar thread last year. You might want to start with that.

[Erik Leppen]

A few Technic sets I think are very good, but you eventually have to decide for yourself which model you like best. Also you could check www.peeron.com for the inventories of parts.

Newer Technic sets I think are very good:

8265 (Wheel Loader, 2009) is full of functions and looks very, very good for a Technic set in my opinion. I think it is one of the best. Contains no motors, but would greatly \

benefit from power functions for playability. For construction and a static model it can go without though. At about 80-90 Euros (Netherlands) it's not ridiculously expensive, for about 1000 parts.

8258 (Crane Truck, 2009) is also filled with functions, four of them controlled by an electromotor (Power Functions XL motor) through a gearbox which is a joy to build. Also a very good parts pack with many gears and many beams in four different colors. Also good looks. Contains some little flaws though, and it's quite expensive at about 130-160 Euros fora bout 1800 parts. But as said, it comes with a simple Power Functions set (batterybox, switch, motor).

8294 (Excavator, 2008) is a great mid-sized set. It's a bit smaller than the above to but still very good I think. About 50 Euros for about 700 parts.

I don't really agree with the 8275 Bulldozer (2007). If you like electronic systems, it's really cool, but if you're more into gear systems and mechanics, I think it's a little bit simple. This model is really meant to show off the potential of the Power Functions system and as a play model. Includes remote control. About 150 Euros for 1300 parts, but if you would buy the electronics as separate parts youre already at 1/3 of that (at least), so if you want the electronic components, picking up an 8275 is a wise move (if you can find one!).

Older Technic sets I like a lot:

8460 (mobile crane, ~1995). Not a huge set (800 parts), but quite a lot of functions and very sturdy. Also re-released some years later as 8438 and 8431. Make sure the pneumatics still work though.

8856 (helicopter). Nice deviation from other models and pretty large. Also some nice functions, the coolest being the "joystick" in the cabin that steers the main rotor. Contains the Flex system. Also good alternative model.

The true classics of Technic are 8868 (Air Tech Claw Rig), 8880 (Supercar), 8480 (Space Shuttle) and 8479 (Scanner Truck) and 8448 (Supercar II). Of those, I personally think 8880 is the best (but all are very close).

A good set I never owned, but built once using instructions from a family member, is 8865 (Test Car).

---

About work space - it depends on whether you plan to build sets, or build your own creations (MOCs) - for the first the space you need is directly proportional to the size of the set - and as you got the green grocer you can estimate the space needed. If you wnt to build your own models you need more room because you don't know beforehand whch parts you will need and therefore need to have quick access to more parts at once. But I would suggest a desk or any other solid surface above a bed because I think you lose parts easier on a soft surface and everything wobbles :P

If you're sitting there often (or planning to) it might be worthwhile to invest a little in a good working space.

[RXBandit]

thanks for all the info, everyone. i just got back from the Lego Store. they had the Telescopic Handler on sale for $63... for 1100+ parts, i figured how could i go wrong. they had the Snow Groomer too, which i had never seen in person before. i shoulda gotten both, but i need to save money for my trip to Canada next week.

i'm not sure what you guys are talking about with "studless building", i assume you mean there's no studs on the beams and other parts, but if i remember correctly, they were never that integral in the older models. i could definitely be wrong as i haven't built a Technic set for damn near 15 years, i'm actually really excited to get this started.

btw, Blakbird, i love your Technicopedia site, i found it a few weeks ago before i found my way here. lookin at all the sets from the early 90s gives me an insane amount of nostalgia... thanks for all the hard work you put in there.

Edit: good lord there's a lotta bags in this box!

Edited January 15, 2010 by RXBandit

[DLuders]

i'm not sure what you guys are talking about with "studless building", i assume you mean there's no studs on the beams and other parts, but if i remember correctly, they were never that integral in the older models.

The older Technic sets use "Technic Bricks" (rectangular pieces with holes on the sides and studs on the top). The newer Technic sets use "Technic Liftarms" (pieces with smooth, rounded ends and having holes along one side and NO RAISED STUDS). "Studless" building uses Technic Liftarms and connectors to build in 3 dimensions. Although you sometimes see Technic Bricks in modern sets sold by The Lego Group, they're now the exception rather than the rule.

[grepin]

Maybe I'm a bit late, but allow me to add another vote for the 8265 Front Loader. It may take you a while to get hold of it, but from what's been said around here and elsewhere, it's a great set and not that expensive - I can't speak for myself because mine is still MISB (paid EUR 61 for it)

In any case, it seems you got a nice set with the Handler, and the Snow Groomer would be a nice acquisition as well.

As for older large sets, you can't go wrong with any of the aforementioned, but also consider the 8485, 8459/8464/8439, 8462, 8466, 8455 and 8421, to name just a few. Beware, though, that some of them carry considerable premiums these days.

Enjoy the end of your dark ages

Edited January 15, 2010 by grepin

[paul_delahaye]

#3. i've bought a few smaller sets and yesterday i got the Green Grocer. i'm puttin it all together on my bed and the small table i usually have my laptop on... and it's drivin me crazy. i can imagine it'll be even worse if i try this with a Technic set. i live in a small apartment and i don't have much room for a real workspace (i'll have even left when my girlfriend moves in around late February), what can you guys recommend as a good work area? even if it's not a permanent table or corner. in fact, even better if it's not haha.

Simple, Don't let her move in! More space for bricks, she can always visit! lol

[RXBandit]

grepin, i'm gonna order the Front Loader sometime this weekend. i'm through the first book of the Handler and my fingers hurt like hell, only thing worse is my back. maybe i'm just remembering wrong again, but these seem much more complex than even the big sets i remember in my early teens.

oh, and 8462 is amazing. that, a enormous bulldozer and a crotch-rocket that i've seen (don't know the numbers on the latter two) are also worth ordering to me. thanks for the help.

paul_delahaye: i thought i had down all the reasons to not let her, but we have another hahaha! actually i'm really lookin forward to it, which is surprising for me.

Edit: i just finished building it. yes, i stayed up all night doing it on and off haha.

Edited January 15, 2010 by RXBandit