Technic set without functions?

[Richard Dower]

Would you buy a Technic set that did not feature any functions?....as in a set built with Technic parts that was more of an accurate replica of a truck or car etc.?

Or do you consider Technic by its very definition the use of functions?

[Freekysch]

Of course i would. Actually I never play with any of my sets, I buy them only to display them and only if they look good. But if the set I like has some cool functions that is a very big plus. I think the perfect example is 8285, the tow truck does not have a lot of functions but in my opinion looks great - and for that fact is one of my favorite technic trucks.

[DrJB]

A technic set that had no moving parts whatsoever? ... I might buy it if it had a nice collection of connectors, liftarms, and other rare parts.

This reminds me of an 'off' joke a professor of mine once told (to an audience of graduate students).

Mechanical Engineers worry about only one thing: That the dynamic mechanisms they've built keep on moving and working forever

Civil Engineers worry about only one thing: That the stationary structures they've erected remain static/still for many years

Chemical Engineers worry about only one thing: Make sure you wash your hands BEFORE you go the bathroom ...

Well, the reason I wrote this is: Are you thinking of an Architecture Set built only with technic pieces?

[Immo]

I really don't think I would. No functions means no gears, actuators, pistons & cylinders, just plain panels, axles and liftarms, really. The whole fun about Technic is that you can think of your creations that would include some functions, the neater the better. Besides, said 'accurate replica' would still need at least steering and opening doors to be 'accurate', right?

For me, indeed, the shortest definition of 'Lego Technic set' is a 'set that utilises some functions and is mostly bolted together by pins, not studs'. And the function may be something simple like rubber suspension or winch or something as sophisticated as 5-speed gearbox and remote controlled steering.

[dr_spock]

Do you mean like the Technic Star Wars sets released in thr early 2000? If the price is right for the "parts" set.

[Rikus]

Of course i would. Actually I never play with any of my sets, I buy them only to display them and only if they look good. But if the set I like has some cool functions that is a very big plus. I think the perfect example is 8285, the tow truck does not have a lot of functions but in my opinion looks great - and for that fact is one of my favorite technic trucks.

How can you say that..?! Maybe you were joking? ;-)

8285 is plenty of functions, maybe one of the models with the higher number, so far...

And most of all, functions are all manual and separately actuated, meaning enormous playability.

IMHO, The set is vastely underestimated by AFOL because it didn't integrate any complex gearbox... But gearboxes aren't good for playability (they allow the use of only one function at same time).

The sets showed:

Steering

Opening hood

Opening doors

Opening side panels (hiding all controls)

Fake engine with rear differential

Rise-Lower crane arm

Lenghten-Shorten crane arm

Rise-Lower hook

Rise-Lower Stabilizers

Pneumatic Rise-Lower tow lift

Pneumatic Rise-Lower tow arm

...it's a total of 11 functions!

I fully agree about set beauty, it shows a great overall shape and excellent metal details (handles, rims and many other parts) and is perfect as a shelf set.. But it's plenty of playability, too!

Wrong choice! Buzzzz! ;-)

Going back to thread, I think Technic = Functions (not necessary playability): there have been some sets made of technic parts, with really few functions, but they have always been released as part of other themes (Racers, StarWars, mainly).

Edited July 5, 2015 by Rikus

[Captainowie]

No functions means no gears, actuators, pistons & cylinders, just plain panels, axles and liftarms, really.

Some of the most impressive functions are built out of just axles and liftarms!

[allanp]

A Technic set with no functions to me is like a married bachelor, by definition it's something that cannot exist.

[LennyRhys]

I agree with the above - using Technic elements to build a model without functions would be silly. Even the Technic Star Wars sets had functionality, but nothing advanced or particularly interesting.

On the off chance that Lego would do something so ridiculous as to release a Technic set with no functionality, I wouldn't buy it.

[TheItalianBrick]

A Technic set with no functions to me is like a married bachelor, by definition it's something that cannot exist.

Or a Model Team...

[LennyRhys]

I think it's a bit of a stretch to say that Model team sets lacked functionality (and indeed to imply that they were "Technic" sets). I think Model Team sets were some of the best sets Lego produced because they came with the biggest variety of elements and the models also had good functionality borrowed from Technic sets, predominantly the steering. I got Model Team set 5510 for Christmas around 1990 and I absolutely loved it - the parts combinations were very clever and the model had great functionality, great playability, was fun to build and looked quite advanced for a Lego set.

I reckon that with careful planning and consideration, Lego could successfully re-lauch (or revamp) Model Team.

[Immo]

Some of the most impressive functions are built out of just axles and liftarms!

Yeah, I do realize that; the whole 'scissor' type lifts and their applications are subject for a book and steering like the one used in 9390 is pretty cool indeed, but I was thinking about typicaal official sets and their mechanisms using gears or actuators (aforementioned 9390 has also the geared hitch) ;)

[CP5670]

I wouldn't be interested in such sets. I like accurate replicas but would prefer them brick-built if they don't have any functions, like Model Team. Technic has always had a stylized appearance meant to show off the internal mechanisms, rather than purely going for realistic looks.

Even the Technic Star Wars sets had functionality, but nothing advanced or particularly interesting.

This was generally true but 8002 was an exception, with probably one of the most complex mechanisms ever seen in Technic (and done without any gears).

[Paul B Technic]

A Technic set with no functions to me is like a married bachelor, by definition it's something that cannot exist.

I agree, the whole point of Technic is to " do something"...

[Musikfreak]

No functions is something I don't consider appropriate for a model from the Technic line. However using only Technic pieces for a Model Team or Creator model - maybe. Something which works with the beam layout like a big working site crane (although functions would be better) or a tower like the eiffel tower.

I do have both Ferrari Technic Racers (the 8653 Enzo and the 8145 599) and I think they come close to this idea. Basically just steering, a fake engine and some openable doors. They are disappointing as a Technic model at their respective sizes and piece counts, but the styling is among the best official models with Technic pieces. However they could have easily fitted a lot more functionality inside (at a higher price point) and I personally would have preferred that.

I think the studded design is better for display models and the holes in the technic line are there to have a look at the mechanics inside - so there better should be something there to look at.

Edited July 6, 2015 by Musikfreak

[agrof]

Hi,

i wouldn't consider model team products as without function, you can roll, twist, open parts, etc on them.

I think, what could be called functionless technic: static sculptures made of technic parts. Here is an example for possible FLAGship model:

This was a bit mean, but depending on complexity, i think a good sculpture could be worthy... still mostly for part bins.

Here is another example for more complex one, ok a lot bionicle parts, but i used a lot (i guess at least 60%) technic parts.

https://www.flickr.c...in/photostream/

You can say, "it has ball joints, so moving the arms, legs, head are also function." Trust me... if you are not dare to touch, it tilts and fall immadiately.

Edited July 6, 2015 by agrof