8043 B-model: opinions?

[jantjeuh]

I assume most 8043 owners have also built the B-model.. but I haven't seen any reviews of it yet (at least, in this forum). What is it like? Does it function properly with the old actuators or does it also need the improved ones to lift anything at all? Also, what parts are left over after building it?

The reason I'm asking is that I'm considering buying two highly discounted 8043 sets.. one for the A-model and one for the B-model :)

[JunkstyleGio]

The b-model is much more playable than the a-model!

It uses only about half of the parts and the build isn't as challenging as the a-model.

It works like a charm. (Even with the old LA's)

[Plastic Nurak]

The reason I'm asking is that I'm considering buying two highly discounted 8043 sets.. one for the A-model and one for the B-model :)

Where? Available on Bricklink?

*/hating himself because asking something stupid*/

Edited October 21, 2010 by Plastic Nurak

[legolijntje]

Where? Available on Bricklink?

*/hating himself because asking something stupid*/

I think he means in a shop in the Netherlands. I think V&D or something.

[jantjeuh]

-advertising :P-

Edited October 27, 2010 by jantjeuh

[DarkShadow73]

I agree, don't need the new LA's for the 'b' model and it is a first to have a tracked loader. For $199 USD it is nice to have both the main and the alternate models look and function well, except for the problem with the boom raising LA's in the excavator, but luckily Lego solved that one quickly.

The b-model is much more playable than the a-model!

It uses only about half of the parts and the build isn't as challenging as the a-model.

It works like a charm. (Even with the old LA's)

[DLuders]

Here's a

that "pliikli" just posted for the 8043 B-Model:

[jantjeuh]

Interesting, in that video the B-model looks a lot more elongated than in the two accompanying pictures. I actually prefer the look of the pictures.. oh well, I can always try to improve it myself :)

[Tobbe Arnesson]

Think the bucket down and it goes forward quite a bit, matching the video. I agree it's to far forward.

[jantjeuh]

-nevermind, see below-

Edited October 27, 2010 by jantjeuh

[efferman]

it looks like a real one

in fact, this is a B-model that is a instruction in paper worth. and as a A model i had bought it

[MrDummy]

Funny fact, it runs on M motors, not XL motors.

Another similar motorized but bigger and expensive model has 2x XL motors.

This is smaller version.

[jantjeuh]

Funny fact, it runs on M motors, not XL motors.

Another similar motorized but bigger and expensive model has 2x XL motors.

This is smaller version.

Yep, you're referring to the venerable 8275 :) Love the looks of that one.. gonna try and build it using the parts I own. Buying a new one is much too expensive unfortunately..

it looks like a real one

I disagree, I think the bucket arms are too long :) The overhanging backend looks OK when compared to the real thing, I retract my earlier statement about that. It just looked odd to me without the ripper I guess.

edit: here is another nice tracked dozer, built by Sariel.

Edited October 27, 2010 by jantjeuh

[dolittle]

After building 8043 A model and B model, I have to say:

1) A model's bucket arm is too long and heavy, making it visibly slow when it raises and sluggish when you put any weight there - yes I am talking post-service pack

2) B model's bucket arms are too straight to be usable, I believe real diggers have a curve? to make it a bit more usable in close proximity to the object you are trying to dig

Overall I think the B-model is a better one, though A is a much more eye pleasing and awe generating model :)

Thanks,

Noam