Techinc Set 8421 - Tenth Anniversary

[plethorabricks]

I purchased and built this set when it was first released. It was considered to be huge at that time, both in size and piece count. I recently brought this set out of carefully-protected storage and built the vehicle (and building the crane arm now), but here are my observations ten years on:

In hindsight:

- accomplishes quite a bit structurally without the benefit of newer frame, panel, and pin pieces, and is not over-built

- the wheel axles and steering have too much slack, the wheels may not be turned completely straight when looking at the model from the bottom

- the complexity of the crane cab gearbox has been eclipsed by several flagship and non-flagship sets since

- motor and battery box don't "flow" as well with today's studless builds

- the color mismatch of yellow pieces is prevalent here, whereas all the greys are uniform

- relatively few stickers compared to today's large sticker counts, without compromising the set's appearance

- straightforward instructions, but could have used a few more steps and model rotations to make some things clearer

- vehicle does not necessarily out-size other sets of its time (like 8435 Truck, which was a nice size when built)

- like 8435, is an interesting build with interesting features, but today looks more like a plaything than a realistic model

Stayed the same:

- the overall size is still impressive

- butter-smooth steering with a fun turn radius

- efficient outrigger operation (with a mechanism similar to 8297 Off-Roader's suspension height adjustment)

- outrigger control is centralized to one knob - foot extension is all geometry-based where the pivoting axle makes only 1/4 turn to full deployment

- a relatively quick build given the number of pieces, due to the modularity and a few small areas of multiplicity

- modular build - three of the axles are the same build, as are both outriggers - they simply "slide" onto the main assembly and are then pinned down

- the stickers (never applied) are still in perfect condition on the sheet

- the tires, strings, metal hook, and self-cut pneumatic tubes have all preserved well

It is amazing to see where Technic has gone in the past ten years when looking at this set. When considering whether Technic has become more realistic, more complex, or more playable - I think all three factors have increased dramatically overall. Sets with comparable Technic features and functions to 8421 (42008 and 42009 in particular) are more realistic and complex - but yet I read on the forums here that the overall enthusiasm for the realism and playability of these sets is not at the same level that it seems to be for 8421.

Is it enough for sets to make progress in realism and complexity over time, or must there be something more? Must a set be completely realistic, or have each function powered, or have each function practical (a crane that actually lifts substantial weights)? 8421 on its own will never completely satisfy these, but yet it is very satisfying all the same - even after ten years.

Edited September 28, 2015 by plethorabricks

[Erik Leppen]

Good post, about an interesting topic. Looking back at previous flagships and trying to compare them tocurrent ones as objectively as one can, is a nice thought experiment.

I remember that when I bought that set, I was delighed. I haven't been so happy with a Lego set ever since, I believe. This had several reasons.

- It was probably the first flagship set that I bought myself, rather than got from my parents.

- Probably because it was the first real (and realistic) mobile crane after 8460, which is a long-time favorite set of mine.

- The studless system was relatively new, and this set meant a tremendous increase of useful parts

But looking back just at the instructions, there are a few things that spring to mind when comparing to current sets.

- Studded pieces! I really think 8421 has a much more "impressive", "strong" and "agressive" look than for example 42009, because it uses the square studded pieces in the crane and the wheel arches. Also, the very "square" side-view also increases that look. 42009 looks more "gentle" in a way.

- Compared with current sets, I can't help but think the chassis was quite messy. Lots and lots of beams and connectors everywhere that look like a random mess from a distance. The chassis doesn't seem to have a design behind it - they just did what worked. Maybe if the 5x7 and 5x11 baems had existed then it would have been better.

- I do think the outriggers are kind of lame. They just don't look realistic. I always found the system of 8460 look much better. It might be because 8421's outriggers are so flat and close to the ground when folded out, while 8460's are higher off the ground, more similar to those of real cranes. Of course, 42009's outriggers look even better, but they went all-out with that one.

It was a great set, and it still is. But, indeed, it has been surpassed. Shows what leaps LEGO Technic has made, with sets like 8043 and 42042.

[TheItalianBrick]

It's always nice to read such posts!

I have to say I don't own this set, mainly because I don't really like the look of the crane! For me there is something wrong with it!

Also I did get a copy of 8460 when it came out and for me it did the job better than this one! I do like the 42009 but today i would still buy 8460 over all of them! It is an old school set, simple, few pieces but placed in the right place and in the right way!

About the stud less design, well as we know it has changed the system quite a lot and definitely a new era for LEGO, way more impressing is the fact that we can combine them.

you guys don't tell me off but I do think 8421 has always been over evaluated!

[RohanBeckett]

You can extend the boom, and the winch adjusts automatically... to stay level

every other crane that Lego has done... extend the boom.. and the hook goes up!

[bonox]

it's quite clever in that regard and I've not even seen a MOC that does the same, however from watching the real cranes outside my window most days, it's not really reflective of how many mobile crane styles work. That behaviour was why level luffing designs were invented, but they tend not to be mobile.(edit: by which I mean the operator has to feed out line as the boom extends or they have computer control to do the same. There aren't many direct mechanical or hydraulic links between the hoist drum and the boom extension gear on the stuff around me.) For a toy though it improves playability tremendously.

Nice reflection Plethora and a great incentive to go and rebuild some older models now and again.

Edited September 29, 2015 by bonox

[plethorabricks]

The "height" of the 8421 chassis is an atypical 8 studs (the lower deck of beams is stud height "1" and the upper deck of beams is stud height "8"), and the two decks are connected with a combination of straight and angled beams. Crossbeams are used at height "9" for strength, and the rows of yellow studded beams are connected at height "9" to connectors coming off of these crossbeams. (The axles are at stud height "3")

It is cleaner assembled than it seems while building, that is for sure.

And yes, 8460/8438/8431 (I have one of these) is all that - actual outrigger and crane lifting power, with mechanisms built inside a compact frame. The metal hook works best with this crane model, IMO.

[gmshades]

This is the greatest crane Lego came out with. The use of the motor is great. Much better than 42009. By the time I'm done helping the outriggers lower on 42009, 8421 is fully setup and ready to go to work.

[plethorabricks]

I completed the crane portion - I had forgotten just how heavy it is in total. The battery box "counterweight" looks solid but the rest of the crane cab is a wireframe, unlike more recent Technic models. The string/hook is always on when power is applied, and isn't 100% in sync with the arm extension/retraction - but it is close, and a small level of operator focus is required. The pneumatic lowering of the crane can be finessed a bit but ultimately gravity quickly takes over.

8421 balances a sizable presence, ease of use, and response time in a package that may not be real-world, but is a complete construct on its own. More realistic models and more mechanical marvels have been released since, but I see now it's that "balance" that is 8421's marvel.