8288 Crawler Crane

[DarkShadow73]

Hi - I am wondering why the 8288 Crawler Crane has substantially increased in value both on Amazon and BL in the past year or so. What is so special about this particular crane, its really nothing special IMO, its all manually operated with the handles and retailed at $50 MSRP in 2006. Glad I bought 2 of them, 1 is still MISB. Most models like the 8285, 8421, 8275, etc have have had huge increases as well but they are all large models, high piece count, and are all really eclectic models. But, a lot of mid-size models like the 8288, have just had modest increases, but this one exploded in price.

But I guess I'm more than interested in why this particular model has risen so much in the past or so.

Just my thoughts and questions.

Edited May 5, 2013 by TechnicFreak

[DLuders]

I don't know -- maybe Technic fans just liked the size of the 8288 Crawler Crane's boom:

[DarkShadow73]

I don't know -- maybe Technic fans just liked the size of the 8288 Crawler Crane's boom:

Hi DLuders - maybe so since Technic hasn't really produced a mid-sized crawler crane. First thing I did with mine (after the release of the larger crawler tracks a couple yrs ago) was remove the way undersized tracks and put on larger 16-tooth gears and some pulleys and the larger dk grey tracks from a parted out 8294 set on the superstructure to make it more stable, it looks a lot better and has no issues of it tipping sideways, only issue is the tracks partially touch the bottom of the 'box' that contains all the string pulleys and such. I personally like the tower crane the best. But, man the upcharge is unbelievable. I thought at buying another, but when I saw the prices, that was that, no way.

I don't know -- maybe Technic fans just liked the size of the 8288 Crawler Crane's boom:

Hey, btw, do you happen to have a pic of the crane coming out this summer? I hate to go through the many pages of the threads on this to see it. I don't know if TLG has officially released a pic, but thought I'd ask, thanks in advance if you have it, since you are like the God of this forum, you seem to have all the answers and are in touch with Lego a lot about issues with things. You definitely have my respect, and always have.

Edited May 5, 2013 by TechnicFreak

[Someonenamedjon]

I think it is because there is currently only two crawler crane sets ever released, this one and the lego city one.

[DarkShadow73]

I think it is because there is currently only two crawler crane sets ever released, this one and the lego city one.

Funny you posted this crane, even though its in the City theme, I have 2 of them and they use a lot of Technic parts. It looks like Technic and adds another crawler crane to my worksite. I did a bit of modification behind the cab and took off the jib (why do so many cranes have jibs instead of hooks nowadays?) and put on a black metal hook instead. Both mods didn't detract from the crane's look at all, and much cheaper than the 8288, though this one's retired too and rising in value as well.

Edited May 5, 2013 by TechnicFreak

[Someonenamedjon]

This one also has the large technic tracks!

[CisFran]

I watched the bidding of this set just today and it went to around $200, used, with box and instructions..

Though I bought mine, mint, with instructions (no box), for only $65

Standing here beside 5571

[D3K]

It is a pretty unique and good looking model, very much resembling the real thing, with all the wires (or in this case string) and stuff..

That might have something to do with it being popular amongst collectors and thus demanding a high price?

[Someonenamedjon]

Wow! The crawler crane isn't actually that big!

[Lost_In_Noise]

You could always part it out, as none of the parts are very special/unique. I bought a copy which had some missing pieces for 120$. It's pretty big, heightwise about the same as 8053's alternate harbour crane.

[Rijkvv]

Here is another topic about the 8288.