[HELP] Technic Models with Gearbox

[peujohn]

Hi guys,

My first post on this great forum. I'm 36 and have been away from Lego for 18 years or so but very keen to dip my toe back in the water!

I'd like to buy a set which has (a) a gearbox, and (b) is made from studless construction. I never had any very big sets before but would really like to see how a gearbox is put together, and I'd also like to try the studless construction. I have no experience with it at all but would like to give it a try!

So, any recommendations? I really like the look of 8070 but unfortunately, no gearbox!

Thanks in advance,

John

[DrJB]

By gearbox you mean something to actually change the speed of an output shaft, relative to an input shaft, as in a car?

If so, only 3 cars (8880, 8448, 8466) have been released with such functionality. In the 8070 the gearbox is used to select/functions (doors, hood, trunk opening) from a main motor.

Now, that said, nothing prevents you from getting a set (with enough gears) and build only the gearbox from 8448/8466. All you need are the parts as the manuals are available on-line on many site (including Lego). The gearbox of 8880 is not easy to replicate as it requires 2 parts that are specific to that vehilce only (they were not released in any other set)

[peujohn]

That's correct, yes.

I didn't realize there were so few, but shouldn't you include 8865 and 8860?

Maybe I should look out for 8880 and get something else to see how studless works...

[DrJB]

... but shouldn't you include 8865 and 8860? ...

You could of course. The only/main difference is that in such 'older' Technic, gear shifting was done by moving a group of gears (3) together to mesh with different gear. Such setup was used in the past as well in machine tools. However, modern cars typically do not move the gears. They move a coupling ring (synchro) instead.

Also, the old-style transmissions tended to be rather 'long' whereas the newere ones are fairly more compact, though the kinematics are a bit more complex (and non-natural).

[750ACE]

Buy a 9396 while they are cheap on ebay. I understand you are looking at other options but the 9396 set is fun to build, great functions, great display piece and inexpensive.

[m0dulo]

Buy a 9396 while they are cheap on ebay. I understand you are looking at other options but the 9396 set is fun to build, great functions, great display piece and inexpensive.

I love the 9396 but the transmission doesn't alter speed, only function. Plus, the four functions are selected by two independent shifters. In other words, you have to select between one of two functions while the other selector (of two other functions) is in neutral. Quite strange, unless you like the idea of being in two places at once and the sound of gears grinding. ;)

Edited December 26, 2014 by m0dulo

[1974]

That's correct, yes.

I didn't realize there were so few, but shouldn't you include 8865 and 8860?

Maybe I should look out for 8880 and get something else to see how studless works...

No luv for 853?

Edited December 26, 2014 by 1974

[DrJB]

No luv for 853?

I know that set has a historical place and it was the first set I really wanted to have. Too bad, it was not available in country I was in back then, so I ended up getting the red tractor and yellow forklift instead. Nonetheless, I feel the functions/playability/realism of 853 were very 'pirmitive' and honestly, once you try the possibilities afforded b the new studless parts ... not sure 853 stands a chance. Of course, that is rather personal and no offense meant to any 853 lover out there.