What was the worst B-model?

[JJ2]

8880 was the last great B model - model - they should bring it back in studless for an anniversary or something

YES I agree! with tires that pivot in the center of the wheel

Edited August 21, 2015 by JJ2

[D3K]

YES I agree! with new perfect geometry tires.

What the hell is perfect geometry tires?

[JJ2]

What the hell is perfect geometry tires?

oops I meant to say "with tires that pivot in the center of the wheel"

[D3K]

oops I meant to say "with tires that pivot in the center of the wheel"

Ah, copy that! Yes, that is definitely something that is over due!

[N-4K0]

Indeed, the 8110 is one of the sets that IMO suffers from that. The pivot point is a few studs behind the wheel anyway with the rims TLG makes, but adding the portal axles messes it up even more.

Due to the portal axles, the wheels even changed direction because the pivot point was so far behind the wheels.

[JJ2]

I think we are drifting off topic I found another really bad B-model

[N-4K0]

I wouldn't say it's bad, from the looks of it, but the color scheme clashes a bit. It would've been better if it was the B-model of a set that was in black/yellow, like Volvo's graders.

It would have looked more realistic too if the middle section between cab and front wheels were more narrow, resembling real graders better.

Either way, despite the color clash I'd say it's an alright B-model, but that's me.

[Rijkvv]

8880 was the last great B model - model - they should bring it back in studless for an anniversary or something

Please no. The studs are part of the beauty of this set.

And I disagree with it being the last great B model. The submarine of 8480 is a great example.

[Phantom59]

8053 would have to be in the running for one of the top 5 places or may be one of the top 2

Edited August 22, 2015 by Phantom59

[paul_delahaye]

I have to disagree, that grader actually looks like a good use of the parts that were available, the issue is the colour of the parts. But Technic fans are always complaining about yellow contstruction equipment……So that overcame that issue.

[Ngoc Nguyen]

You can't have worst B models if you don't produce B models anymore!

[Maaboo the Witch]

Now that this thread has been necroed, I'd like to throw in my choice:

Bloody awful. Just trying to lift the platform spins it around, and the knob wheels squeak like enraged mice due to the surfeit of friction in the gear train. It's blister-inducing and highly unpleasant to use, and some videos on YT even show the builder using a bigger gear on the input crank because it takes so much effort to spin.

Plus there's a dashboard on the back of the cab. Sickening.

[msk6003]

I don't know why no one mentioned 8275's B model. Idea is great but to small and low detailed than A model.

[Ngoc Nguyen]

If anything this thread shows even more convincingly why B model shouldnt be provided sometimes. While I do feel disappointed about the reduction, I also feel that the parts of a model should be best used for the sole purpose of constructing that one type of model. In the cases listed in this thread no B model is actually better than a dismal one. 

It's like being in a romantic relationship. Being in a good relationship is arguably being single, but being single is certainly better being in a bad relationship. 

Edited November 12, 2020 by Ngoc Nguyen

[howitzer]

42082 had pretty bad B-model. Exact same chassis (which included major part of the interesting construction aspects) combined with really lackluster superstructure. The idea of a pile driver is somewhat original, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. With the parts palette of this huge set something much better (telehandler, anyone?) could've been done, as the multitude of unofficial C-models show.

[astyanax]

The world has changed since set 8880. We now have an active network of people sharing B-models online (e.g. Rebrickable), including many excellent designs with excellent instructions. Perhaps TLG are fine with "crowd-sourcing" the B-models this way, saving on their own development cost.

[Zerobricks]

I think 42070's model was the worst B model that I know of. No suspension and rear wheel steering?

[Jurss]

A model was not better. Still haven't built it, even I have all needed parts in collection. I just bought some parts for 42009 to build it, including 6 wheel sets, which costs pretty much. That 42070 will be one of last I build :)

[JintaiZ]

Maybe 42097? the B-model isn't really bad but just way too similar to the A-model

Edited November 12, 2020 by JintaiZ

[Maaboo the Witch]

38 minutes ago, JintaiZ said:

Maybe 42097? the B-model isn't really bad but just way too similar to the A-model

It's a crane that doesn't turn despite a wealth of turntables being present. I did see an episode of Taskmaster recently that featured a similar device, but I doubt any of those have tracks, so the model is also unrealistic. It's a plumb bob with ideas above its station.

[Magical Duck]

I would put 42054 down for changing nothing except that crane attachment, but it's such a good tractor...

[Maaboo the Witch]

3 minutes ago, Magical Duck said:

I would put 42054 down for changing nothing except that crane attachment, but it's such a good tractor...

The silage plough is a better attachment. The Saddle Trac would've been a good B, though.

Gotta chuck this in as well:

Just... urgh. I think the image says it all.

[Kostq]

It steers badly, but was creative enough. I liked it actually. The initial parts are wack anyway...

[chlego]

On 8/16/2015 at 6:50 AM, SamS said:

Also, though I don't own the 42030 Volvo, its dumper B-model looks rather weak. Something about front loader alternates seems to be the issue.

I have the 42030, and I have never built the B-Model. While the A-Model has loads and loads of playability, the B-Model has no purpose. But it is still better than making no B-Model...

[EDL Bricks]

I’m going to throw my two cents worth in, the mini Claas Xerion’s b model is pretty bad. All you need to do is look at some of the alternates on Rebrickable to see how much better those parts can be used.