Cumulonimbus

While watching the for the new Digital Building Instructions, I noticed an unfamiliar motorbike in the background. (I've added some images as attachment, does that work?).It looks like a café racer based on the 8051 set, but as far as I can work out, it has some additional parts. The top half of the motor for example appears to be brick-build with parts not included in the set, so it's not a true C-model. I would love to build it but can't figure out the frame and the mounting of the handle bars. Any ideas?

I completely agree, I prefer sets without PF too. In my opinion they are mechanically more interesting, more compact and don't require a stash of batteries. Additionally, I like the feedback a model gives through the manual controls. Especially with MOC's this feedback can indicate a poorly constructed mechanism. I even converted some of my sets which originally had PF or RC and converted them to manual operation. To increase the playability, I always change the standard turning knob for a crank similar to the 8288. Don't get me wrong: I admire the 8043 like anybody else, but somehow I don't get it of the shelf as often as my non-PF sets.

Although I’m happy with the line-up of technic models over the recent years, I find this discussion very interesting. I got the feeling that it could lead to even better sets, even for the kids for whom they are designed. I was wondering if the arguments, desires and suggestions discussed here are actually getting to Lego. Are the ambassadors who are active on this and other fora conveying this message or should we be more proactive and present a list of wishes and ideas (maybe prioritized via a vote?) to Lego or is naive to think that it could contribute? Anyway, some of my wishes are: Sets More 8258 scale European style trucks with a trailer, tipping bed or other interesting cargo Modern version of the version of the 858 motor set Crawler crane on 42006 scale Return of universal sets, preferably with non-vehicle themes (windmills, domestic appliances, …) Parts Tires and rims with more realistic proportions and thread (not a fan of balloon tires) Studless version of the helicopter swash-plate Cylinder-head unit to fit on the current cylinder block unit to show the valve action of an engine General trends More realistic representation of mechanisms such as ackerman steering with existing A bit more variation in choosing (existing) colours for new sets (not all construction equipment is yellow)

As I said before: what are you waiting for? Design and build it yourself, put it on Cuusoo and convince AFOLs and Lego that it is so great that it must be an official set. For an AFOL even new parts shouldn't be a problem in the age of rapid prototyping technologies.

I have always read this forum with a lot of interest, but recently I feel increasingly unhappy with the attitude in the average post here. As is the case with so many AFOL’s, the studless design brought me back from my dark ages (with the 8288 crawler crane, which I absolutely adore). I admire the possibilities for compact building, increased complexity and realistic aesthetics the studless design allows It’s no coincidence that the most complex, biggest (and I thick best-selling) Technic sets are launched in let’s say the last 3 years. As I see it, anything is possible in Lego Technic, illustrated by some incredible MOC’s found on the world wide interweb . My personal credo is: If you don’t like the looks or some functions of a set: MOD it! If Lego doesn’t make the model you want as a set: MOC it! I have a substantial collection and almost every set I own is a MOD or a MOC. For example, I don’t really care for RC or PF. I like figuring out the mechanics to imitate the real machine and learn from the feedback a model gives through manual controls. My 8070 convertible, wheeled 42006’s, 42999 muscle car and 42009 are all converted to manual control. Sure, there is some repetition in the Lego portfolio, But the playability must be central (after all it is a toy). This means that it quickly comes down to race, move bricks or vehicles or lift stuff. A technic cement pump truck or fire truck? Sorry, I don’t see the appeal of that. Of course I would like to see some new machines build in Technic, but why wait until Lego does it for you? My Technic to-do list is long enough to keep me busy for a while and it becomes bigger with each new Technics set released. In my eyes, this repetition has advantages too: I you missed a certain model you can be sure a new version will come along at some point (a new Technic motorbike in 2015 anyone?). I love seeing the evolution in the models as well, each time more realistic, more aesthetically pleasing, more complex, etc. I look forward to every new Technic set Lego makes in the hope it will inspire me. So far was never disappointed and I have never bought more Lego than last year. A big, realistic, yellow Volvo front loader? Yes, please.

While examining the latest high-resolution images, I focussed on the mirroring underneath the model hoping I could identify the construction. It struck me that the mirrored image of the wheel with the photoshopped connection looks odd. I realised it's a copy-paste of the mirrored image of the other wheel on the same axle. I can't crop and past an image now, so I hope my explanation is clear. Guess TLC really wants the new reduction-thinghy to be secret as long as possible (which makes me even more curious)