Jockos

I... I don't know what's the plan with this. As @allanp mentioned too, I think something is happening behind the curtains... but not in a good way. Seeing the Liebherr crane, this excavator, their functionalities, and then their prices. Do they really want to justify releasing more cars in various scales by blaming bad sales of afore mentioned construction machines? Or am I seeing things?

My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined. Not that I expected anything else, but seeing this... honestly I have serious doubts about the 50th anniversary.

The more car/bike models they release, the better for me. They know how to make some people save money. I'm curious about them, but not interested. The only set that I might buy from this wave is the NASA rocket if it's made properly. Also, do we know if these sets are for January, or January+March? Because I have a feeling it's just for the first month...

Did they just... make the 1:16 cars more expensive?!?! Again..?!

It's funny they recolor such pieces in small sets, where presumably it doesn't even noticable.. :D But I hope it's the beginning of the frequent use of recolorured Technic pins in Technic sets

I have a different approach regarding new parts. As new parts go (except some one-offs, like buckets, 1:8 car hubs) they might not have the best introduction in first sets, but as I've experienced they are used in future sets where the available parts are insufficient because of rigidity, weight, angle, etc. Also, as TLG designers think ahead 1-2 years they must know (most of the time) what other usage will that new part have. I'm not speaking about recolours as they are just 'cosmetic' stuff. Actually, designers make their works easier by introducing these parts. It's a side effect that we can also use them in future projects like them.

I really hope we get some big (not necessarily flagship, but John Deere skidder size) heavy duty sets, as cars are dominating the theme. As I'm writing this, two options might be for such rarity in recent years in heavy duty flagships/big sets: 1. Cars are simpler, more popular and nearly unlimited in amount. If we think about it, the same cannot be said for construction/forest/heavy duty vehicles, because after a while the same basic kinds (combine harvesters, bucket wheel excavators, excavators, front loaders, etc) will be repeated. Cars are much easier to sell even though most of them have similar appearances. They have quite a few brands, models and colours to choose from. 2. If TLG releases non-car flagship in the same year as a 1:8 supercar it will affect one another's sales, novelty and such. This way they can make the interests and options last longer. Just my 2 cents.

So, apparently the 42219 and 42220 sets will be Grave Digger Fire and Ice and Sparkle Smash, respectively. I've taken a look at them, and it seems they might have coloured tires. The prices are insane. It might be the time to create a 2026 discussion topic. Source: lego_minecraft_goat Speaking of prices. I have a very bad feeling about next year's supercar being 500 €.

Yes, fortunately! You just have to pull them apart similarly as (or a little harder than) a Bionicle ball-socket joint (if you encountered one). So they aren't as hard and risky to take apart as a wheel hub.

I was wondering if 42215's shovel is a one-time use, or perhaps a future set (let's say a backhoe loader) will contain it, too .

I guess from 'official reviewers' (who must keep embargo dates) about 1 week/10 days before release, from 'non-official reviewers' next weekend/by 15th July.

By abandoning B models it is natural. There isn't enough capacity (and maybe interest for most people, which was discussed in another topic) to have B models designed.

I agree, but that seems to be the new trend for Technic. Also, as I got fed up with almost all 'normal' car sets (except NASA and 1:8s), I managed to cut down my buying. Basically, my only interest(s) this year might be the Volvo(s).

Well... yeah. We don't need neutral coloured 3L pin/axle with pin, but orange-white hub parts. :D Just a "What If...?" moment. What if they made the pins for the same colour as the outside of the model? So a yellow here, a green there, etc.

AFAIK Markus Kossmann

I can fully agree. One of the problems with electronics is that they charge such a price for them as if they were some kind of ultra-high-end stuff yet they aren't really. The 'play it safe' mentality can be found in the size and complexity of sets, too. It seems as if they can't get over 4000 pcs. And, the other way, I just can't imagine they can't squeeze in a small gear mechanism for a 1:8 convertible car. I'm not against the designers as they are trying hard to make the set as good as possible. It's the management that makes these (presumably awesome) models slightly mediocre by limiting them too much.

I think a grader is long overdue (basically it's been made two times as small B models IIRC) be it motorized or not. But aside from a proper backhoe, I'm waiting for a set where the CAT's tracks and/or Liebherr crane's parts are used.

Yes, later it's been addressed by him (in the Hungarian version). Also, I find it interesting it doesn't have differential.

I can agree with your favourites. 4 of the first 5 sets you mentioned was designed by Markus who is unarguably one of the most talented Technic designers in my opinion. My favourite Technic sets in no particular order are: 42043 42056 42100 8258 42009 (Yes, I like Uwe's models, too :) )

Well, partly because they are different patterns, partly because this is just a "simple" surface and it's not an expensive set :(

With some black parts below the cabin, the proportions virtually would have been better. But neither can I explain the yellow front mudguard... Also, it seems Volvo machines' cabins are a bit hard to replicate (here too short, at 42114 too stretched)

I wouldn't mind having wireless motors and similar things as long as: - they're easily accessible to charge (and maybe have a removable battery in case of damage on the long run) - relatively cheap -used extensively in sets (especially Technic) Because what we see with recent portfolio of RC/motorised sets is just painful.

707

I bet it will have a proper V12, because what we see beam with pistons is just 7M long, and the other end must be secured somehow.

I suppose only the English description is good because the box mentions "no batteries included". If there was any kind of rechargable battery this wouldn't have been written on the box itself.