8479 vs 42128 and 8094 vs 42182

[recovering_from_dark_ages]

Imagine that you already own sets 42043, 42009, 8082, 8480, and 8485, along with a bunch of other Technic sets. Your only remaining shelf space can fit:

• 8479 or 42128 on one shelf
• 8094 or 42182 on another shelf

If the cost isn't a consideration, which of each of these pairs of sets would you prefer to have and build, and why? Getting more shelf space isn't an option.

[allanp]

Well, they're all not bad, I think I'd eliminate the lunar rover first from the list as it doesn't have as much interesting stuff in it as the other 3, as much as I do like the gold wheel arches and the new 90 degree tie rod piece, they can't compare to the control center, the pneumatics of 42128 or the code pilot. So for shelf 2 I'd go with 8094.

Now, a tricky one. 8479 would fit in nicer with your other studded classics. The code pilot is also (I think) the last of the programmable bricks that didn't require any third party computer/phone/tablet to program or play with, and 8479 is the only set to come with one. The way they integrated the touch sensors to activate the next part of the program is also quite ingenious and fun to build and watch it work. Plus it's a universal set, so if you do get board of the A model you can build and display few other models from the set. 8479 also has a much much nicer box compared to modern day cereal boxes.

42128 is also a fantastic build. Of course it has pneumatics which is awesome, but it also has a good deal of geared mechanisms. This really isn't an easy choice tbh, but on balance and due to it's uniqueness and how well it would fit with your other studded sets I'd probably go with 8479. But still get 42128 as well anyway! You don't need to display every set you own.  

Edited August 6, 2025 by allanp

[recovering_from_dark_ages]

23 hours ago, allanp said:

Well, they're all not bad, I think I'd eliminate the lunar rover first from the list as it doesn't have as much interesting stuff in it as the other 3, as much as I do like the gold wheel arches and the new 90 degree tie rod piece, they can't compare to the control center, the pneumatics of 42128 or the code pilot. So for shelf 2 I'd go with 8094.

Now, a tricky one. 8479 would fit in nicer with your other studded classics. The code pilot is also (I think) the last of the programmable bricks that didn't require any third party computer/phone/tablet to program or play with, and 8479 is the only set to come with one. The way they integrated the touch sensors to activate the next part of the program is also quite ingenious and fun to build and watch it work. Plus it's a universal set, so if you do get board of the A model you can build and display few other models from the set. 8479 also has a much much nicer box compared to modern day cereal boxes.

42128 is also a fantastic build. Of course it has pneumatics which is awesome, but it also has a good deal of geared mechanisms. This really isn't an easy choice tbh, but on balance and due to it's uniqueness and how well it would fit with your other studded sets I'd probably go with 8479. But still get 42128 as well anyway! You don't need to display every set you own.  

Thanks for the reply! That makes sense. Have you seen all of the functions that 42182 has in Sariel's video? I originally thought it doesn't do much based on the descriptions that I've read of it elsewhere, but it's packed with 16ish functions (albeit all manually operated, like the non-pneumatic functions on 42128).

I think I may just need to cave and get another shelf. Then I'll be able to fit every Technic set that I'd ever want, except 8275 (although I'd be able to fit 8043 and 42030, which I also don't currently own).

[SNIPE]

42128 is a fabulous set.

[allanp]

I have 42128. I didn't really play that much with the other manual functions but it's good build. It's one of the few non licenced original proper Technic sets of recent years. Not quiiiiite flagship worthy, but still better than many recent "flagships". Just get it and worry about shelf space later!