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I've already started using them in place of the old gears. The beauty of it is, you can buy them from Lego right now, at a reasonable price (I paid 11p each). At least I was able to get them here in the UK.

The complexity of this model has to be seen (built) to be believed. I haven’t got all the parts yet, but couldn’t wait for the last couple of orders so made a start on building. The chassis was straight forward enough, and I'm now about half way through the superstructure. It's definitely keeping the brain ticking over, and I've already had two good long building sessions on this one. There's hardly one standard connection in the superstructure mechanism, and it's amazing how much Lego is packed into such a small space. It's a very challenging build, and a welcome step-up from standard Lego instructions. The number of pneumatic connections has already given me sore fingers, however I found a great tool for cutting small diameter tube (it works on the 7mm ribbed hose, 3mm rigid hose and 4mm pneumatic hose). It's definitely made building this much easier already so I’d recommend getting one. It gives a really nice clean square cut which is difficult to achieve with a knife or scissors. http://uk.rs-online....=PSF_428494|alt Instructions so far are great. There are a few steps where it's not 100% clear where parts are meant to go, but I actually like having to have to think about what I'm doing from time to time! I'll hopefully make a bit more progress this week, and try and post some pictures of progress.

Great review, and I'm impressed you managed to find the time to build it and take the pictures whilst you were over here! I think colour vomit is a pretty good description. Sometimes I think it works by adding additional contrast here or there, other times it looks a mess. As others have noted, I can only assume it's to make it easier to build. I still love the simplicity of the early Technic models though - axles black, beams yellow, gears grey - worked for me! It does feel like the instructions are getting more and more basic. There is almost no challenge to building these sets now, and I do get frustrated with the simplicity sometimes. However, if Lego can sell more sets by making them appeal to a wider age range, then I suppose that has to be a good thing in the long run.

As in the old-style of 8 tooth gear (perhaps 'original' would have been a better word), that can slide into the counterbores in the beams and hence come out of alignment with the mating gear and get chewed up. The one we've had to live with for years and has desperately needed updating! I wasn't sure if Lego would differentiate between the original and the new part, therefore I wasn't sure what I would get.

I bought mine direct from Lego for 11p each just before Christmas. The inventory showed the new style but I was concerned they might just ship the old style, but nope, definitely the new ones!

I had the same issue - I couldn't pay for the reservation at the automatic machine, so I took it to the till and that came up with a message about not being available for sale. I was ready to fight my corner, but I didn't have to do or say anything. The assistant just changed a few things on the system, and after a couple of attempts the big red messages went away. I asked what the problem was and she just said it had been entered on the system incorrectly. So I don’t know if they’re meant to be selling them yet or not.

As noted by Eric and Chase, I did indeed have a go at this particular crane. I started with the MLCAD files posted by Jennifer on her website, and filled in the missing bits from there. I got as far as I could with the CAD model (which Eric added the flexible parts to, and did produce a render of: http://www.brickshel...y.cgi?i=5374051), and then made a start on building it for real. Some adjustments were necessary, and I updated the CAD to an extent as I went along. I stuck with the old style 9V motors, and incorporated Power Functions IR control rather than the RC of the original. This required a bit of rebuilding, but I like to think I kept the model recognisable as the original. I had a mate machine the actuator (which I have only recently painted - I really must get it finished and assembled!) and made the lead-screw for the boom extension from threaded rod. I was considering getting a small batch of actuators and lead-screws machined up, but haven't had a chance to progress this recently. If there was enough interest, I could give it a go. In terms of modifying the chassis to studless and using the PF motors - well, it's certainly not impossible, but you would be starting from scratch effectively. No doubt you could keep the look of the original, and re-work the mechanics. The studded construction is very densely build; there's no spare room and everything only just fits. If you moved one thing, it would have knock-on consequences for other things. I'd love to see a modern version build with instructions, but the chassis / carrier is one big, dense lump. Making instructions for it as it stands would be a huge challenge! If you have any specific questions, just let me know. I'll have to see about sorting out the additional pictures I promised last year some time... Richard.

The differentials in the axles need to have the larger diameter portion on the same side, as per the picture above. It sounds like your son has fitted one of them in the opposite orientation. One of the axles will need to be dismantled, the differential removed and refitted the correct way around. The differential is this part: http://www.bricklink...tem.asp?P=62821 If both differentials are the same way around currently, then something else must be assembled incorrectly. Hope that helps, Richard.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Firstly, to put things into perspective, I think my frustration mainly stems from the fact that Eurobricks is a great forum – certainly the best out there. Lugnet died a death a few years back, and it took me a little while to find this one. I’m a Technic builder, so that’s the forum my observations / comments relate to. I think I also understand Andy's frustration, but I can't speak for him. The fact that Eurobricks is so good, is the problem. In my opinion, it could be pretty close to prefect with very little change. Other forums are far worse, therefore they don't generate the same degree of passion, and ‘fixing’ (to my ‘ideals’) would not be possible. It's a double-edged sword. People only get worked up about things they care about. In terms of what I want from my ‘ideal’ forum, I like to see what people have made, I like to see how things work. I like to see their work appreciated. I like to see positive, constructive, professional posts. I feel bad when people just post to say they dislike something (but I don't post for fear of starting an argument). I like to see the previews of new products. I don’t like to read how people have been let down by Lego yet again. Of course this is only my opinion – I like things neat and orderly. I don’t like having to scan through waffle to find the useful / important stuff. And of course what I think useful and important, others won’t give a second glance. As the forum gets busier and more popular, so the number of posts I consider inappropriate rise. I understand this is both inevitable and subjective. Moderation is always difficult, and I don't think it appropriate for me to give examples publicly. I appreciate not everyone will agree with me, as I don't always agree with others. I tend not to post much, as often all that needs to be said, has been said. But I read almost everyday. And more frequently, posts seem to be heading off at tangents, or with pointless discussion that just regurgitates old points time and again. This is what I find frustrating. I don't like reading posts where the only point of the post is to state a dislike for something. I would never view a MOC and just post to say I don’t like it. Constructive criticism, yes, that has a purpose. But the publication of one's personal preference seems redundant (I appreciate the irony of this post also!). Of course I may be in the minority, but how many people read, and digest, for every person that does post? I hadn't really considered the 'Report' button. I'll consider using it where appropriate in future. Richard.

I remember the brick sorting bird this chap made a while back - this is also excellent! Clever, well designed and looks good - just a shame there aren't a few more pictures to enable it to be recreated! Richard.

I couldn't agree more! After reading some of the latest nonsense last night, I actually thought to myself, I wonder if there's another Technic forum out there. Whilst this forum has some fantastic threads, there are too many, especially at this time of year, that degenerate into 'Lego didn't make a new model to my exact specification so I'm going to sulk and complain about it year after year'. I just cannot understand this type of response. I've always been taught, that if you haven't got anything good to say, don't say anything at all! These type of responses actually put me off participating more actively in this forum. Personally, I feel this forum could benefit from more moderation. I wish people would think twice before posting: ask yourself the question – do I really have anything constructive to add to this discussion? I was also wondering whether having some sub-forums might be useful, splitting off MOCS from new set discussions, so the yearly whining can be ignored. I love seeing the new set pictures, but can’t bear the inevitable drivel that follows. The fact that Lego produce models that appeal to me as an adult, year after year, still astounds me. And yes, I am well aware that this is a post complaining about people complaining! Richard.

Here's a picture of both new hub parts - I forgot the non-steering one was new as well! Both accept the dark bluish grey hub part that also fits the portal axle part. Richard.

Just managed to pick up a copy of this set - here's the new parts: 5L half beams will be really useful. But why-oh-why did they go and change the colour of the crankshaft pieces to tan? I'm still struggling with blue 3L pins and dark tan 3L axles with stud. Tan just doesn't seem like a proper Technic colour to me! Richard.

I bought myself 9396 (Helicopter), 9397 (Logging Truck) and 9398 (Crawler) a while back but didn't get time to build them - so I'm considering them Christmas presents to myself and have built 9397 so far at a gentle pace over the last couple of days whilst everyone else gets bored! Already modified it to have twin rear wheels and it looks much better. I'll probably have a go at the crawler tomorrow.

I know what I'll be doing tomorrow now! I'm more a fan of construction machinery, but can't resist something a bit different from time to time when it comes to Technic. Thanks for the heads up - I was checking the site but it only shows up if you search 'All Lego', rather than just looking for Technic. Richard.

If you follow the link to Crowkillers' website on the first post and go the 'buy instructions' tab, there's a Brickstore file available free of charge. Richard.

Well, as the proud owner of copy number one, I guess I should give some feedback! I'm awaiting a couple of BrickLink orders before I can start building, but at first glance the instructions look excellent. One thing that made Jennifer's models stand out for me when they were first published, was the detailed write-up that accompanied them. This to me is the basis of what Technic is about. I like to understand why people choose the solutions they do, and how they solve particular challenges, rather than just look at pictures or videos. Therefore it's a great idea to include the introductory material first. The quality and clarity of the steps is excellent, although for viewing on screen, a lower resolution file would actually be fine. I imagine these would look great when printed due to the high resolution. I’ve only really had a brief flick through and there are a few things I don’t quite understand yet as far as the model goes, but I’m sure it’ll all become clear whilst building. One thing that is apparent, is that it would be very difficult to reproduce this model from the pictures alone due to the density of the build, especially around the turntable. Considering the amount of work that has gone into this, I think they’re a bargain. I hope you do well with them, as I would love to see some of the other models published. The only thing that I imagine might be an issue is the availability of some of the parts, which are only going to get harder to find as time goes on. However, it still adds another level to a slice of history that got me back into Technic some 10 years ago. I'll let you know how I find the actual build once all my parts turn up. That just leaves the mini excavator to complete the collection now!

Nope, you'd have thought Lego could have found a use for one somewhere! However, I think the blue makes a nice contrast so I went with that. Richard.

Fantastic news! I can now fill in the gap (cue dodgy picture...), and put the pieces I've had sitting around for 10 years to use! Just in time for Christmas as well! Many thanks Jennifer and Eric.

Superb model, and a great combination of two of my hobbies! Supporter number 1800 (or thereabouts)! I think this one could go all the way...

It's a good day for Amazon deliveries then; I've just received 2 big boxes full of Technic sets to part-out for my BrickLink store. Well, that's if there's anything left by the time I’ve taken out any 'useful' parts for my own collection!

I had to sign up to support this - nice to see some high quality Technic creations appearing on Cuusoo finally! Richard.

This one really caught my eye as well; it looks superb, but I would love to see what's under the bricks - I've always struggled with decent working suspension for trucks of this scale, and this looks like it works really well. Richard.

Hi, There are many great UK sellers about. In particular I thought I would mention two that I’ve had excellent service from – not just once, but with every order I have placed. That’s very important to me, as I’ve had some bad experiences as well. In fact the first one was the store I placed my very first order with, several years ago! http://www.bricklink.com/store.asp?p=brickcounter http://www.bricklink.com/store.asp?p=Rob_and_Shelagh I tend to try and buy from UK sellers where possible (that’s not to say that there aren’t great sellers all over the world), but it can often be better to pay a few more pence per part for reliable service, cheap shipping, no customs charges and quick delivery times. Don’t forget that with the large letter rate available in the UK, 100g can be sent for 75p, which is pretty reasonable. Shameless plug: I also have a BrickLink store (same username as here on Eurobricks) and try to stock a fair amount of Technic. I still always feel a bit sad when someone buys Technic from me though, but I tell myself the funds from selling some parts can help me buy more in the long run, plus I’m sure it is always going to a good home! Richard.

Is that a new part I see? I've not seen it mentioned anywhere else yet. Looks like a 32557 - Technic, Pin Connector Perpendicular Long, but with an additional axle hole on top of the other two holes. Or are my eyes playing tricks on me?