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No worries, I just used the j-word" there, in quotes too for that matter. I was referring to specialized parts that can be easily built using smaller ones, such as https://rebrickable.com/parts/30200/cockpit-6-x-6-x-3-13-octagonal-canopy-base/ I personally don't take issue with parts like these. They can be tricky to build around, especially if one is after modern aesthetic standards, but it can be done.

Ok, that Doosan is pretty amazing. Light on technic bricks, but makes fantastic use of System for the bodywork. I agree it's hard to combine the two systems, but for example that humvee made by a competing company with a name starting with "c" contained a huge number of technic bricks, in addition to combining liftarms with System for the bodywork. Pretty sure the model could be built with all Lego pieces without too much trouble.

While it is definitely possible to emulate old, specialized moulds with modern bricks with no significant visual deviations, as proven by the 40370 Steam Engine, some of the parts no longer in production would be pretty hard to replace. Many "<insert that tiresome argument>" parts of the late 90s can be built without too much trouble with a combination of smaller pieces, but there are some that there's still just no replacement for. Talking for example about the Aquazone octagonal pontoon-like pieces. Those had a ton of character to be sure! They may have not been used in the best of ways in the sets of the time, ironically enough, but they could definitely be put to better use combined with today's new parts and techniques. Same goes for propeller casings, those may no longer play into modern LEGO's rounded look, but they were a great part that always felt satisfying to use. The moulds for these are definitely long gone, but if TLG ever wanted to do a tribute to Aquazone, today's technology would allow them to easily recreate the moulds for these pieces. Even 3d scanning would probably not be necessary, since those pieces and even older ones are still in LDD for example.

As an enthusiast of Lego Technic, I definitely appreciate all the benefits that have come with the studless system, but we can't pretend like studded models can't be intricate either, which is well known from some legendary big sets from the studded era. Still, what really gets me going are sets which are hybrids of studded and studless. While I appreciate some benefits of the studded system, such as strength, robustness, rigidity and triviality of combining them with System pieces, what I really like about studded first and foremost are the aesthetics. My favorite example of that is the primarily studless set 8275 Motorized Bulldozer - where the designers used studded bricks pretty much arbitrarily and primarily for decorative purposes, and in most if not cases they would have been entirely interchangeable with studless beams. And yet, studded pieces make for a not inconsiderable part of the aesthetics of this model's exterior, which is a net positive IMO. If that set was designed today, I'm pretty sure it would have no studded pieces in it whatsoever, or in negligible numbers. While Lego have been pretty crazy with using studded Technic for play features of primarily System sets, ones marketed as Technic have pretty much made it a point to not use studded at all. And I think it's regrettable - as apparent from my sentiments about set 8275, I really think that set kind of embodies the healthiest approach to set aesthetics: use studless where needed, use studded where you can get away with it. Real shame Lego have moved away from this, even though when that set was designed back in 2007, a fully studless building system was already well in place, so it wouldn't have cost them anything to stay the course. So my request to you guys would be to rec me some sets, probably MOCs that successfully combine studless and studded building schools. Not necessarily in the same proportions as 8275 and not necessarily in the late 90s style (pre-beam but heavy on liftarms). I'll take anything where I can admire some nice studded/studless hybridization :D

How to get authorized to start new topics in the buy/sell/finds section of the forum and the Bazaar? I'd really like to start a topic there, as I'm really interesting in purchasing a model.

As for 8844, I've got quite a lot to say actually! This set is so archaic that it predates such Technic mainstays as friction pins and dented 2L axles. It also uses the nowadays outdated 3651 connector extensively, something the earliest Technic sets were well known for. This set however steals the show with two things: its ubiquitous and varied use of older parts with teeth as well as nice examples of joining Technic elements with "Technic-ized" System bricks (or at least System bricks with Technic functionality not usually brought to the forefront). The rear propeller for example is entirely System, and it's mounted on an axle via two 4032s - it's a simple and frankly unthinkable solution for today's standards, but it's also so.. obvious! It makes you go "well duh, of course you can do that!". The most amazing thing in this set though has got to be the elaborate cockpit built from a series of 4273s, locked together at differing angles. It took quite a lot of time to assemble this and frankly it was quite difficult, as it required more precision than later years' Technic sets (of this size at least) usually did. This set also creates a setup where the toothed half bushes lock with ends of 4262s for extra sturdiness and stability. In terms of these, tooth connections probably couldn't be beat, though I imagine they could break quite easily under heavy torque - the system has also been largely superseded by elastic parts etc. The chain for working the landing gear mechanism is a nice touch, as are the multiple instances of using Technic parts in their System-friendly roles, such as the three bushes embedded in the 2x4 plate with holes in the rotor mechanism. Later helicopter sets didn't have rotors this elaborate if memory serves. This beautiful set also necessarily has its disadvantages though - first and foremost it feels quite flimsy, mostly due to its reliance on non-friction pins for holding it together. The rear wheel also has to bear the brunt of the model's weight, but it's supported only by a mere 6L axle, putting it under considerable strain. Not to mention issues with proper gear contact, axles with uncapped, protruding ends (unelegant), and parts that should stay more or less in one place flying around due to no friction on the pins they're on, like what's supposed to be the steering handles of the copter. All of these issues can be easily remedied by non-purists equipped with newer and more functional pins and connectors. 3L friction pins here and there would also be quite a boon for this set, improving rigidity considerably, while the rear wheel leg would be much sturdier if made with several 2L axles joined with two-way connectors. Too bad the seller included the newer hinges rather than the old ones without mentioning it. I'm really anal about this sort of stuff and I'll probably try to replace these hinges with proper ones, which are bound to be wildly overpriced I'm sure. Still, I'm really happy with this set, it looks great on a shelf and contains a wealth of generally useful parts for other purposes. Overall what I'd recommend this set for is intricate use of the toothed connectors and bushes, fully realizing the potential of these pieces, as well as designs merging modified System plates with bushes and other Technic pieces. Once again, I'm really hoping to get a 954 to compare the two and see the progress made between the designs in just 2 short years. EDIT: Oops! I only just realized that the 1979 Sky Copter is just a re-release of a 1978 set. I wonder whether to buy it anyway simply because I like it... I don't think the other 1978 sets offer any palpable improvement over the1977 ones, and the similarities between them make me think they probably all come from a single designing session anyway.

My 8844 1981 helicopter just arrived, beautifully packaged in its original box and all - I'm starting to assemble it as I write this post. Wish I had the 954 Sky Copter from two years earlier to compare it to. There is one dude on Bricklink selling it for a mere 50 dollars, but he says he doesn't ship to the EU. I wonder if I can convince him to do that :P

8414. The sets I already own are crossed out on the list, so I can keep track. I got that set because it looked pretty damn spiffy at first glance, and it wasn't extremely large to the point of being inflated in price. 8437 is probably a much more interesting set, but it was a little big for this purpose. I might get it someday anyway, but not necessarily for this project here.

I might do a writeup and analyze every set in-depth, but I'll leave it for after I've got all of them :P Noted. And I actually agree, this set you're recommending does look much better than the one I chose. I like yellow too, it's very pleasing to the eyes. I'll even update my list right away :D

Back at it after a long break! Making money again, so I can afford some extravagance, namely buying one set every month. I've been unable to find a 954 Sky Copter in Europe, and one seller in America is unwilling to ship (I'll try to convince him otherwise next month), so the first new old Technic set that arrived in this new wave was the 8044 Universal Pneumatic Set. I'm really liking the functionality and considerably well-developed fully studded technique compared to the earliest sets. The 1979 and 1980 sets rely to an extreme degree on regular bricks without even stud holes, here the balance has shifted significantly in favor of bricks with holes. The nicely integrated pneumatic functionality is also nice to have. The next set I've already bought and am waiting for the arrival of is 1981's 8844 Helicopter. That oughta be fun :D

Ok, thanks a lot, guys! I've already notified the guys at Rebrickable, the set should be added pretty soon.

Would be nice if it were designated in any way :P

I received this thingy as a friendly gift when I was in England earlier this year. It's very, very small and has no minifig, it doesn't have a number designation either. Of course I tried looking for this set online, trying to identify it visually, but neither Rebrickable, nor even Brickipedia has it, not even among their listed polybag sets. It looks like a promotional thing like those you'd find attached to McDonalds Happy Meals or something. The bricks are legit LEGO bricks though and the theme agrees, so I don't think this is counterfeit. Has anyone seen this set previously? I'm asking because I'd like to add it to my Rebrickable profile, and I'm not sure what to even search for.

I just bought it as part of my "one Technic set per year" exploration series - this was the first 2000 set bigger than 200 parts or so, which is my minimum piece value required, so I needed to get it. I don't think if that was such a great idea after all. The build was quite fun, but I agree that the functionality is weird for a Technic set. To top things off, the person selling the set to me forgot one part (luckily unimportant, the round pin connector used only in the alternative Dragster build). That said, the set contains a truckload of all essential Technic parts of all kinds and therefore gives you considerable MOCing abilities, the motor part be damned. I would have to say that 2000 was overall quite a weird year when it comes to Lego Technic - only the Super Street Sensation was a noteworthy model. Other than that they did the Robo Riders line and some small sets, the number was off the charts. I liked the experimentation with the liftarms etc, but other than that this year was yeah, rather weird. I got this set thinking it looked good, and it does. The suspension is also an interesting thing for someone unfamiliar with those. But the lack of steering and the wheels being hooked into the engine diminish the fun value of this set considerably. Also, the engine ejection functionality struck me as pointless and stupid, lol So like I said, at least it gives you plenty of parts to rebuild with, some with nice, rare colors too. And that's the biggest redeeming quality of this set.

I checked out the model you were referring to on Rebrickable. You mean Part 18651? It supposedly has traditional, full friction ridges. Also, it's a semi-rare part, but I wouldn't call it rare. Rebrickable says it's found in 13 sets already, and it's only been introduced this year. MOCers seem to have liked it a lot. http://rebrickable.com/parts/18651