Cumulonimbus

I received my 42093 set in the mail today and having built it, I must say I really like it. It is a fun build which leads to an interesting and compact model. Granted, the similarities with it real brother are a little thin, but nonetheless it looks like a cool sports car. I have mentioned it before but I really can see it becoming the first model in a popular new "genre" because of the following reasons: It's similar in size as die-cast models, meaning it is small enough to be affordable, but big enough to incorporate some nice details. Being a licensed model, it will appeal to the very large market of car enthusiasts, as well as to newcomers to the Technic community who might want something more challenging than the Speed Champion models. It has some interesting building techniques in the engine, rear half of the body and the front axle. Moreover, the relative small size forces the Lego designers to be more creative in parts use and building techniques. This will benefit all Technic models. I would almost go as far as stating that this model might be as important as the 8258 once was: In my view, the 8258 showed what was possible in a large scale Technic truck and has sparked a whole range of similar scaled trucks, both official sets and MOCs. I believe the Acros would never had happened without the 8258. I think this little model could do something similar: be the start of a range of medium scale licensed (car)models and inspire the MOC and MOD community to create their own models once crucial parts such as the small mudguard become available in multiple colors. I for one was already inspired to make a quick mock-up of a medium size reincarnation of the 42056 :

Sorry for the off-topic, but I'm curious how this works. Are there any consequences if you don't write a review for each set you receive? Do you have to agree to terms and conditions in a contract or is it more a gentleman's agreement based on trust?

I guess this confirms that the new white wheel arches are printed ... too bad.

Very impressive model, the proportions, details and functionality are of your usual high level. I wish TLG would make a flagship backhoe again. I have fond memories of the 8862 backhoe from 1989, which was my first complex Technic model and my introduction into the world of pneumatics. But to be honest, I'm on the fence about models with a remote control which requires an umbilical cord to be be permanently connected to the model. To me, the challenge of a Technic model is to fit all the chosen functionality inside the model, including the required motors, pumps and batteries, etc. As a rule of thumb, copying more functionality from the real machine into the model leads to a bigger scale model. I understand that in a model of this complexity, even the huge interior space of this scale might not be enough to it all in. But it feels unwieldy to have the remote connected and I think that it reduces the subjective feeling of realism since the real machine is a standalone vehicle. But never mind my dribble, keep working your Lego magic.

If anybody needs proof that this type of set appeals to the car-minded community, the Drivetribe website (the home of the pertrolhead) has posted a big article on the 42096 set.

If it's any help to you, I volunteer to help you building and/or assist during the photoshoots. You can PM me if needed.

Good point, I didn't realise this was the case. It seems logical that more complex sets take longer to develop and the roadmap for each year is set at the beginning of the year. So I assume that development of most sets of any year start more or less start simultaneously. The complex 2H sets would take up at least half (maybe more?) the Technic developing team for the whole year. 1H sets not only have a tighter deadline, have less developing power behind them as well? It would explain why some 1H sets look a bit rushed once and a while, not to mention the quick-fixes like the 42088 cherry picker.

I was speculating about a potential upcoming tracked vehicle as well, but I can't figure it out yet. Sprockets in tracked vehicles are relatively small compared to the rest of the vehicle, so I struggle to come up with a machine which would require such a big sprocket in a Technic model. Simply increasing the scale does not seem to be the answer, because the track width is limited by the current chain links. Increasing the diameter of the sprocket on a larger scale vehicle without increasing the track width might end up looking a bit flimsy. Doubling the tracks could be a solution, as seen in many MOC excavators with the old black chain links, but I doubt TLG will choose such a solution because it will skyrocket the part count.

The Corvette is beginning to win me over. The fact that it is a relative compact car (and thus more affordable) with as many features (if it has suspension) as the big Porsche is pretty impressive. The looks of this set take some getting used to and I agree that this car might not be the most recognizable car. But considering that Technic parts have their limitations in recreating realistic curves, this model is not bad. Bear in mind that many of the Speed Champion sets are not that realistic in their proportions as well due to brick limitations, and can look odd especially without stickers. And yet, these appear to sell well. I think this set may spark a new range of medium scaled (super)cars, both as official sets and as MOCs. Curious about the steering though, I think these smaller cars should be very playable since they are more realistic purchase for actual kids. A HOG might ruin the looks, but I was thinking that a different steering type might be cool: I remember a die-cast toy car which steered when the body was tilted. This made it very swoosable, but I’m not sure how easy this would be to implement this in Technic parts. As mentioned by me in the 2019 topic, I think that TLG is working on a “Technic Speed Champion” series, because it has seen that there is money to be made with sets which appeal to Lego fans and car-minded people. I only hope that the wishes of the Technics fans are not forgotten.

As expected, the Porsche is not for me: Race cars don't really speak to me and this set hasn't enough redeeming features such as cool functions, new parts or creative solutions to tempt me to splash out on the money. It is a pity that the white fender piece appears to be printed, which leads for 4 versions (front and rear, left and right) of the same part and making them much less convenient for MOCs. I only hope that there might be a future set in which that same fender is used, but as an unprinted part. I tend to agree with @Erik Leppen, there are too few Technic sets in this wave which are function driven in their design. I feel that in the last years the commercial aspects are winning over the ethos of the Technic theme. Off course TLG is a commercial company which should make a healthy profit, but at some point the commercial side can lead to detachment of the essence of a (sub)brand. TLG has seen that licensed car models sell well in the Speed Champion series and the UCS Technic cars, I assume because they appeal to Lego fans as well as to car-minded people, which make for a huge potential market. But I see it as a thread that the wishes of these car-minded people (preference for looks and cool models) might overshadow the Lego minded customer wishes (functions, “MOC-ability”, B-models, etc). To conclude: if licensed sets are the way to go for Technic, personally I would like to see more Claas, Arocs and Volvo like sets instead of car brands, because they provide a good balance between realism and functions.

Thank you for the new pictures, are these taken in Canada as well? The pull-back racers are not for me, they are beginning to look similar as previous versions or not very attractive in general. At the same time, I think these sets are very tricky to design while taking the small size, big pull-back unit and limited parts into account. I wonder what the outcome of an EB pull-back competition with the same restrictions would be.

The Corvette is an interesting set, not so much because of the model and colour choices but for the fact that these new fender pieces will open new possibilities for medium scale cars. Especially when they will become available in other colors. I still dream of an Arocs scale car transporter with correctly scaled Technic cars and I think this piece will help to achieve this. I'm also convinced that the big sprocket on the stunt racer is an omen for a large tracked vehicle in the near future. Developing this new piece for this relatively basic set does not make sense, so it must be essential in a set which is currently being developed. I wish It would be black instead of yellow, but this choice might has it reasons. Edit: forgot to mention that the 42088 is just a desperate attempt at filling the gap of an entry level Technic set in this wave. To me there is no excuse for this rehash of a mediocre set. They must have been busy working on something else.

I disagree. I really am excited by the 42092 helicopter. It looks realistic despite its relative small scale. It is a very good demonstration on how to recreate a shape from a real machine by cleverly using as little parts as possible. I'm convinced that many boys and girls in the target audience will find this a cool set with much play value. I see this as the gateway set for bigger and more complex sets. image removed

Thank you for the images. This model is a nice surprise: handsome and good size model with some good and playable functions. Looks like an evolved and more mature version of the 8046 from 2010.

+1. @efferman I really like your attention for realistic proportions and ideas for new mechanisms and ways to actuate your functions. Your MODs and MOCs have been inspiration for me on a number of occasions. Keep up the good work.

I like this vehicle, reminds me a bit of this Thunderbirds recovery vehicle: I might build a spin-off of your creation with some functions added.

Sigh, these topics feel like Groundhog day...

I see you used your custom LA to lift the boom, how well does it perform in this truck? I was experimenting with your LA design in my 42082 MOD, but I had a couple of issues:The elasticity of the string results in a sagging boom while lifting. Also, the lack of a winch endstop can cause the winch to unwind completely and change the direction of lifting when the boom is down. Any tips?

I must admit that at this point I'm a bit disappointed that TLG went for another large scale 911-shaped car with a big spoiler on the back. It is just too similar to the 42056 in my book. Even within the Porsche range, there are cars which are mechanically more interesting like a convertible Boxster or more visually striking like the 918 Spyder. We'll see if this set will bring any new parts, existing parts in new colours (black and/or white wheel archers perhaps?) or other innovations which will still make this model worth the €180,- price tag.

Not sure if this is the correct place for this news, but it is made from Technic parts and it will be shipped in 2019, so here it is: the 81000 Koi Model set: It is part of a new scheme called LEGO Forma, as they describe it: " LEGO FORMA is a premium LEGO experience designed for adults looking for a fun, engaging way to reconnect with their creative side. LEGO FORMA mechanical models are cleverly designed but simple to assemble. Sturdy rods and parts combine with customizable skins to create a joyful creative challenge. Taking design cues from nature, LEGO FORMA incorporates life-like movement, colors, and patterns. The result is an elegant conversation piece that's a tasteful addition to any room. For more information visit: https://lego.build/FORMA " Lego Forma on Youtube I really like this, but unfortunately it will only be available for UK and US customers for some incomprehensible reason. You can just see this set emerge on the second hand market for ridiculous prices (end of rant). Since it is explicitly aimed at AFOLs, I sure hope this AFOL will get the chance to buy this wonderful set.

During a visit to a museum here in the Netherlands, I was introduced to Philifrom toys: Apparently, it was a spin-off of the Dutch Philips company between 1969 and 1972. The similarities with Lego Technic, and studless bricks especially are striking, while Philiform predates both. Could this have been the inspiration for TLG? EDIT: Nevermind, I have just found this EB topic from 2011:

It must be a very weird feeling to sit inside a Technic model and actually drive it:

My version works like the original 42042: PF powered but manually operated by two-way switches. My crane is a similar scale as the 42042 set, so it is smaller than yours. The image below shows my cranes drivetrain, colored according to the functions. Not sure if it is clear enough, but the orange components are part of the free-fall mechanism. Pushing the lever sticking up between the switches (not shown here), releases the two clutches in the drivetrains of the blue and green winch. The spring buried in the middle re-engages the clutches when the lever is released. The yellow winch which controls the boom angle can never be decoupled for obvious reasons. I only have one issue with this crane and that is the gear ratios. The total gear reduction caused by the worm gears, diameter of the winch axles and the power transmission from the PF motor to the gearbox is too large, so the lifting speed is glacial. I'm still working on that.

For me personally, what I would like to read when someone comments on my creations are: - What do you like: Let's be honest: off course I like to receive some confirmation that I have had a good idea or have come up to with a novel solution. Aren't we all in search for a little recognition of members of this club? So, yes a little praise is welcome. - Where is room for improvement: no MOC or set will never be perfect for many reasons. But I like to learn and grow as a builder, so suggestions for improvements are welcome as well. - At least as important as the second point is this: How can I realise those improvements: what tools can I use, which MOCs or sets might have solutions which can be useful for a certain problem, what tips or tricks have I missed, which part might hold do a certain trick, etc. Simply spouting negative comments is too easy, everybody can burn anything down to the ground, suggesting solutions is much more difficult, but so much more constructive and helpful. And exactly this is the biggest value of this international forum with builders of all experience levels.

That is a really good looking crane @Ivan_M. It reminds me of my 42042 redesign and I like that we had similar ideas I: the use of the BWE stickers for the counterweight, the adjustable track width, the modularity of the boom, etc. I would have like to see that changing the track width did not require a partial rebuild but is realized by a linear movement, but I understand that this might compromise the rigidity of the carrier too much at this scale. You mention the lack of a free-fall function and I wonder why you eliminated this feature? In my model I have built in linked clutches on two of the three winches, specifically for a dragline configuration. These clutches are spring loaded, so normally they are engaged and transfer power from the gearbox to the winch. When a lever is pushed, the clutches disengage and the two drums can rotate freely under their load and the bucket can drop.