Benly

It must have been to due to all our complains at damaged/crumpled/torn/peeled sticker sheets. Glad to see they took the initiative to avoid future problems! Good on TLG! edit: It would be ironic if *only* the instructions were placed inside that bag and the stickers still loose...

Likewise. It's the last large Technic kit that I want to get my hands on. But as you said, it's sooo expensive! It would be great to sit the 8460, 8053 and 8421 next to one another. Stupid dark ages...

I imagine these flagship models need a little more publicity when compared to Star Wars or City kits or even the smaller Technic sets. The reason I think this is because the flagships don't appear in every department store/toy shop. Customers may need to go out of their way to search for one (certainly is the case in Australia as I'm sure you know ) Of course, that thought could be entirely false and it could just done to demonstrate what TLG can do if they flex their muscles. Either way it's impressive!

Wow, studs! =P If in terms of pneumatics, I think the 8455 Backhoe would give it a good run for it's money even if it lacks the motor and compressor. Then again, I could be biased as I don't have the 8868. For me, a good Technic set is the level of complexity that it has or if it's something that is quintessentially unique. The 8480 Shuttle ticks both those for me =)

Having just come out of the 'Dark Ages' last year, I too would like to see some of these large flagship kits again. I would love to get my hands on a new 8421 Crane, but prices on eBay/Bricklink are deadly!

You could try some Toys R Us stores. They had a good delivery of S1 minifigs a few weeks back and you *may* find some lingering around. I wouldn't know which ones would still have them though. =\ Otherwise, you're probably stuck with bricklink/ebay/e-tailer.

I think the Actuators in the Backhoe could actually be working and not just dummies. http://technicbricks.blogspot.com/2010/09/1h2011-technic-sets-first-images.html (it says from EuroBricks, so I'm assuming it's that flickr image from before, but I can't seem to view it) If you blow up that image, there is a 20(?) tooth bevel gear attached to where the main arm actuator is. I think it would sit nicely next to the pneumatic backhoe we had a few years back. =D edit: actually, on seconds thoughts, the 'actuator' could be hard fixed to the bevel gear where the bevel gear is the centre of rotation... The Helicopter looks pretty interesting too.

I haven't seen those in Sydney retail stores either.

Did you happen to see any of the new Technic kits whilst at DJ's and if they're on sale or not? (or Myer for that matter?) Mainly the Motorbike (8051), Container Truck (8052) and Crane (8053)