Arfman

Just got off the phone with Lego, and I'm not sure what to think. I called them for some replacement parts for my 8053. When that was arranged, I asked about the replacement LA's for the 8043 in The Netherlands. The representative said LEGO is in the process of sending them to people who enlisted earlier, if I didn't get my parts by the end of the next week, I should call them again. So that's good news for all us Dutchies waiting for the parts. Now the part I am not so sure about I cheekily made some hints about the 2011 models, particularly the Supercar 8070. He didn't know the model at first (he told me he just started working at LEGO) and then he tried to look it up in the system. He was very surprised I even knew about the model, it showed as "top secret" in his system and he said it would be relased in 2012 "2012?!", I said, "how can that be". Then he said: "Oh no, I was wrong, this one comes out in March 2011 and it is red". Now, this leads me to two explanations: 1) he misread the year and everything is fine, or 2) there is another (real?) supercar coming out in 2012! Unfortunately, the conversation was being taped and he politely refused to go into detail, but what do you guys think? Is this possible or am I just seeing things I want to see?

I'm 99% sure it is the original version, the updated versions of the boxes haven't shipped yet IIRC.

Don't know if it's good, seems the issue is bigger than they first thought. Christmas sales start in the beginning of December, IIRC.

Sounds like a broken cable to me. Call Lego support, they will send you new parts. Also, make sure you mention you want to be on the new part list, so you get the new LA when it is produced.

Wow, awesome. Imagine Crowkillers and Nathanael working on a Technic Exclusive supercar with Power Functions, with an estimated budget of about 200-250 Euros. Let's keep hoping/dreaming ...

Cool! In what city/area was this? (I'm from The Netherlands too!) :)

I own the pneumatic crane and the 80's Supercar (the model before the 8880). Teared them apart when I was something like 13 and packed away. 2 years ago, a friend of mine started collecting LEGO after his dark ages (starting with the 8421), he let me play with them and I helped to build some models. Fast forward 2 years, I now have 12+ Technic models from 2005 and upwards (also starting with the 8421) and they take up so much space I have to settle to just buy the absolute topmodel from each year, any more and our house will be too small. Gotta love Lego.

I agree. Although my "solution" would definitely improve LA alignment, wouldn't a differential and/or gearing also help with lifting the heavy boom?

Just got a reply from LEGO, which essentially states that they are sorry for the problems, are aware of them and they are designing and producing a new part which will be sent my way when it is finished. Could it be a new custom part to link to two LA's together at the base, with a built-in differential?

Those would be awesome improvements, I agree. Also, when are they going to add the 2H2010 sets like the 8043/8053 to their database?

I also bought the set the day it came out (August 2nd) and am experiencing issues with lowering the main boom. I just sent Lego an email (and registered here to tell you ;)) explaining the problems, stating that I do not want a refund but politely asked they keep me updated whenever a fix or workaround is available. I suggest everyone with 8043 issues does the same, so Lego knows when/where the problems are.