jantjeuh

So, propose that idea to the designers ;-)

I know, but I really really want those power puller tires :D Wish TLG would include them (or lighter versions of them) in a new set, they're damn expensive on Bricklink. Anyway, I like this set but the Enforcer was better looking imho. I hope TLG will improve the looks.

I hope they release the extreme version, I really want those power puller tires

Nice review Sariel, I agree 100% with your remarks.

Medium difficulty I'd say. Enjoyable, but some steps could've used more clarification (for instance, construction of the dipper).

Yep, you need the original books for some steps.

Bricklink is your friend: http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItemIn.asp?P=92693c01&in=S

Using Pick-A-Brick?

Okay, here are some pics I took earlier: Side view, notice that I've added some additional panels on the back and top. I have added three motors (1 L and 2 M), so there are now 4 in total, requiring two receivers and two controllers. Front view with PF lights (6 in total) on. Rear gearbox, with 2 M motors for operating the landing gear and the loading bay door. In the front, 1 L motor (the right one) to drive the main rotor (and tail rotor) with some additional upgearing to make the rotors spin faster. To the left an M motor to drive the winch. You can also see the PF switch used to control the PF lights (one pair shown in the bottom), it is placed on top of one of the two IR receivers. Pretty crowded in here, had to fit in lots of cabling and two PF extension wires. By the way, I also thought about installing the servo motor from 9398 to operate the cyclic controls, but I couldn't manage to fit it in along with the required additional receiver and gearing. A job for someone else ;-) Oh, and if anyone is on the fence for this set: go buy it! You won't regret it, had a lot of fun building and extending it.

Made all functions motorised & remote controlled, and added PF lights and some panels to improve the looks. Really enjoying this model!

That makes sense, I had forgotten about the ratchet :) Cheers!

Good, I thought I had missed something ;-) By the way: this set is a masterpiece! Another great effort by Markus Kossman. The building experience is very enjoyable, and the end result is great. Best Technic set of 2012 imo! Now to motorise everything.. :-) I'm planning on adding RC with 3 additional motors: 1 L and 2 M's.

Regarding studless vs. studfull: this may indeed be a factor. I remember that I used to think sets like 8868 looked beautiful, and I absolutely hated studless sets when they were first introduced, but now it's the other way around: I think 8868 now looks very dated and primitive due to all the studs everywhere, and much prefer the studless looks of, say, 8258 and 8285. The pneumatics of 8868 still kick a$$, however.

Does anyone know what the function is of the 'Light Bluish Gray Technic, Liftarm 1 x 4 Thin with Stud Connector' that is added in step 3 of page 57 of instruction booklet 1? A 'Blue Technic, Axle Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise' is inserted into its open end in the next step, but this pin will not be connected to anything else further on.

The number of pieces is only shown on the American version IIRC. I guess those Yanks love big numbers ;-)

Building my copy now :-)

All I'm saying is that it's not 'pure' Lego :) To each their own.

Because they have reduced the height of the screw thread on the piston to reduce friction, which makes it appear to be 'looser'.

Yeah, but the LPEPower guys modify their cylinders and use external compressors.. so they cheat ;-)

I hope so, I need about 20 :D

Yep, I also discovered this. It's better to go for a light blue grey truck, since those panels are cheapest. Wow, that is one gorgeous truck. Love the chromed details. You must be rich ;-)

Yeah, I'm also very surprised that neither the quad nor the Dunechaser made it to the shortlist. They were easily two of the best designs (imo), and also got a lot of votes.

I'm afraid the 42000 won't be on sale in the Netherlands for a while yet, so I hope these new hub parts pop up on Bricklink soon!

Thanks Paul!

8110, it goes for 130 euro around here.. not bad for 2000+ pieces including 4 big new tires, 2 large pneumatic cylinders, 1 M motor, and a lot of panels and orange pieces.