dhc6twinotter

I've cut back in my Technic purchases the last few years. I think I purchased one set in 2024 and one in 2023. Nothing last year. Nothing really interests me anymore. I don't have much interest in the cars unless a set has a bunch of panels in a color I want. I'd pay out the nose for a proper flagship backhoe or tow truck though. Maybe a proper fire truck.

I wonder if there is a theme that could maybe bridge the gap between all the cars and construction equipment? Maybe tow trucks and fire trucks? Seems to me a proper fire truck would be a nice model that those of us who like construction equipment could also appreciate. I think it would also appeal to much of the demographic that tends to gravitate towards cars as well. A ladder truck with stabilizers would be a nice set, even better if it were a tiller truck with steering trailer axle. Tow trucks would also appeal to a lot of people, and even a new car transporter would be nice. The last few construction flagships have been totally botched by TLG, generally by being excessively large to the point of not operating well and/or being far too overpriced. Then the poor reviews come in and TLG interprets that as people not liking construction equipment, so they revert to cars even more. The Arocs was, imo, the last great flagship with the 42128 Heavy Duty Tow Truck and 42145 Helicopter being the next best non-flagship sets.

You can use an old style differential instead of driving rings. You won't get the backlash. Run an axle straight through the differential instead of using the bevel gears. That's how I've done it in the past.

This is looking good! With the motors in the base and gearbox in the superstructure, how does the gearbox compensate for the rotation of the superstructure? Seems to me the gearbox will be changing position whenever the superstructure is rotated. Maybe I’m overthinking this. 😂

Price seems quite high given the piece count. I was thinking about purchasing it, but given the price, I think I’ll pass.

A few thoughts: -From a parts perspective, I really like the LBG sets being released. LBG panels have been pretty scarce compared to other colors. -The Valkyrie is beautiful. I love the simplistic design of the exterior, and the dark turquoise color is fantastic. I have not purchased any of the flagship car models, but if TLG releases a flagship Valkyrie in Turquoise or dark green, I’d be very tempted to buy one. -The Bronco is quite nice. I think I would’ve preferred a different color, like medium blue, but I like the set. New tires and fender trim are nice. -Front Loader is great. I love the compact size and gearing crammed in the space. I wish it had different wheels though. Bronco wheels would look better. -I’m on the fence when it comes to the excavator. It’s unnecessarily large and expensive, especially given it’s not RC. The gearbox design is disappointing too, especially given only one function can be operated at a time. I’m not even sure it’s bi-directional? I do like the multiple attachments and the auxiliary drive for the attachment, but that aside, past excavators have been done better and cheaper. I’m happy TLG provided a construction set rather than another vehicle, but I wish it were a bit more appealing. I think the Valkyrie and Front Loader will be Technic purchases this year. The City construction lineup is looking pretty appealing to me otherwise.

The City constructions sets over the last couple years has been really impressive. I’ve had more interest in those than I have most Technic sets lately.

The excavator sounds promising. $400 seems a bit steep though, especially considering 8043 was $200. Hopefully we get more than six functions and not a large model for the sake of being large (like 42100).

I like that idea. Mindstorms, before the EV3, also had separate rotation sensors.

8043 was an amazing set. A successor to that would be very welcome. I’d love to see it.

I hope this isn’t the replacement for PU. This is even worse. Let’s go back to PF with Bluetooth receivers.

The next cheap car could be the Mustang Dark Horse. The blue color on the submarine would work well in this. For 1:10 cars, I’d love to see an Aston Martin Valkyrie in Dark Green Metallic or Dark Turquoise Metallic. As far as the flagship goes, they could offer a RC tellehandler. Four motors and a single hub would be enough for basic functions, especially if run through a gearbox. Boom extend, boom lift, fork tilt, drive, steer, and stabilizers could all be done with four motors. A tellehandler wouldn’t have that much bodywork, so I think this could be done with 2300 pieces. I think a backhoe could be done for 2300 pieces as well. 8455 only had 704 pieces.

I’d pay out the nose for a proper RC backhoe. It doesn’t even have to be pneumatic. That, or a function loaded tow truck, are about the only technic models I’d be willing to pay more than $250-$300 USD for. I don’t care about the cars and motorcycles, except they do have some nice assortment of panels. From a technical perspective though, I find construction equipment more interesting.

Looks like new panels under the seat and under the fuel tank.

This is really excellent! I love how you’ve packed so many functions in a small space.