PlaneCrazy

Since there has been a fair bit of discussion about the string used by Technic sets, I have posted an image of what I ended up using for the winch lines. The bead thread is very strong and does not seem to fray. In Australia it is available in Spotlight stores (fabric/sewing shop/arts crafts). Regarding the finish of the model, I was very lucky, I managed to source the White lift arms from here in OZ and they were new. Paid a bit more for them but considering the boom is such a prominent part of the model it was worth it. Jamie

Well all parts arrived and as promised a coulpe of pics. I used 8109 Flatbed truck and 856 Bulldozer as a size comparison. Sorry about the not so good pics. I have to admitt, it is not as big as I originally thought. The use of the thick bead thread worked really well and I am happy with it. Up shot, I now have 25 odd meters of it Was it worth ordering the parts to build the set? Yes and no. I probably got it togeather for $120 AUD. I could have got it cheaper, however that would not include postage to OZ. I also did not get original instructions. Recommend this one as it is something different. Jamie

Fantastic Job Are we ever likly to see a Book of Sheepo's techniques so as those of us who just look in amazment can learn? Again Brilliant, nice to see something I am more used to seeing in the flesh (grew up on a farm). Jamie

You are right about the price, thankfully I'm not looking for New In Box. Secondhand from Bricklink without box is generally going around the same price as the logging truck here in OZ. I am more interested in the design than collector quality. I work within engineering, so I really appreciate the design behind them rather than the asthetics. I have the Technic Space Shuttle, very discoloured, but is still one of my favorites. Jamie

Its approaching that time of year and the loverly wife has asked "is there something you would like for your B'day"? Of course the answer is simple, but the choice is difficult. I am undecided between 8868 Air Tech Claw Rig (year: 1992) and 9397 Logging Truck (This year). I am leaning towards 8868 as my collection is a little lacking around the 1990's. I am more of a collector rather than MOC builder (would like to give it a go some time though). To me the Air Tech is the genesis of a large number of Technic designs, hence the attraction. Just interested in the thoughts of others. Jamie

I have most of the studded BLUE sets shown and one thing you notice is the blue has a tendency to discolour. Maybe due to this Lego avoids colours with known problems. Quality issues may not be a problem now days with the studless components. I do like the Dragster in my collection, the white and blue togeather really stands out as different. You have my vote for more Green, Blue and White sets. Jamie

Congrates to all the entries. Great job. 13. Water Strider Splat 2 points 14. Piper Super Cub Float Plane dhc6twinotter 2 points 8. Steampunk shark submersible legobodgers 1 point 4. Semi-submersible Zaiocrit 1 point 6. Motor Boat & water skiing Tomik 1 point

Went to Spotlight (Fabric store chain in OZ) and found what is called Bead Thread (comes in 3 thicknesses). The thick one is not as thick as the x77 string but seems a lot stronger. Will give this a go and failing that will end up using the 200cm lengths of x77 since they are still available at a semi reasonable price. Hope it won't be long and all bits will be here. Problems being in OZ and a Technic fanatic; sometimes I have to go digging hard for parts and there is always the associated postage. Will post a pic or 2 once all done. Jamie

Almost have all the bits for the crane. Just cannot bring myself to pay approx $9.00 each on brick link for qty two 5m lengths of string (x77). Anyone know of an alternative source? Jamie

I'm from Adelaide. Jamie

I come from a land downunder - Australia Have the same issue as the members in New Zealand; expensive Technic prices and low availabilty. Not to mention sets are not released until around 8-9 months after Europe. Make most big purchaces from BL. Jamie

Pretty much decided that I am just going to put set togeather. Have probably 1/2 already. Surprising how expensive some of the parts are. Did consider buying two mini bulldozer sets just for the links as it was cheaper than buying 90 links on their own. Have links on order now from a source in OZ (close to home, postage from europe is not good). Also surprised there is only one source on bricklink for the 5m length of string (2 required). The attraction for this set is it is just different, so looking forward to getting the whole set togeather. Jamie

Been looking around at various sets that I'm interested in and started looking at 8288 Crawler Crane. I cannot get over how expensive it is considering there are no Linear actuators, Motors, Pneumatics or any other type of major assembly in it. I mean I paid less for a complete 8480 - Space Shuttle. I understand that there are a lot of chain links (86 of the little buggers) and lots of string; but gee the cheapest I found on bricklink is around the 150 Euro mark. Bit hard to swallow when the majority of the components are highly generic. Is there any reason for the price being asked for these sets? Jamie

As far as I know here in OZ, the 1H Technic sets are not even out yet. Now I'm getting impatient

Tim, You will be very lucky to get a 'cheap' one of these. I was able to get mine at a reasonable price but that was because most of the white bricks were going yellow. For me I was more interested in the functions rather than the looks. You could get lucky, best of luck. You will not be disapointed if you get one. Jamie

I just finished this set last night. It was one of those iconic sets that I have been after for a very long time. What I really like about this one is you are generally building something mechanical though out the entire build. I get frustrated with building asthetic parts as I enjoy the "Technical" aspects. I think this set would have to be one of my favorites. Thanks for the photo review of your build. What can I say this should be on everyones wish list and I believe now that the shuttle has been retired these sets will become harder to get. Jamie P.S I had to add two Classic white space men in the flight station of mine, could not help myself.

The images shown are the ones in question. I am sort of surpised that they have not become available. I work in the engineering world and enjoy these sorts of drawings. I also thought that it would be nice to use as my computer wallpaper or even display the same models with the blue print behind and setup the same sort of image as on the lego box. Oh well. Thanks for the replies. Does not hurt to ask. Jamie

Just wondering if the blue print drawings as used on the instructions and boxes for such sets as 8880, 8865 and 8855 are available for download. Same picture as used as the back drop to this forum (set 8865). Thanks Jamie

Fitzi, Green with envy, some of those sets you have packed away are very high on my wish list. Your idea of only putting a couple os sets on display is a very good one. I guess like a shop front window you can change the overall display to suit what you want at the time. I put togeather a coulpe of sets and bought a few, now I have deffinatly run out of room. Below is what is missing from the photo of my collection: 8109- Flatbed truck 8069 - Backhoe 8265 - Front Loader 850 - Forklift 851 - Tractor 852 - Helicopter 1924 - Motorcycle Look forward to the "Summer" display Jamie

I had the same issue, I use IKEA stuff as well, but I use the IVAR shelving system. You can add extra panels and shelves as the collection grows. Dimensions: 226cm High, 172cm wide and 50cm deep. The bigger sets need to be angled a little, but I also find having no sides on the unit means you can display the sets a bit better. I need an other bay now as the photo of my collection is a little out of date. Probably another 6-7 sets not in this photo. I do like your display though, great job. Jamie

Congrates to both of you. I have to admitt Blackbird's web site is primarily rsponsible for myself getting back into Technic Lego. Jamie

Just something to keep in mind is that the base of the mini actuators has the same size (close to it anyway) as the full size actuator, even uses the same gears as the full size linear actuators. I am glad my review has inspired others to look into this model as I definatly enjoyed building this one and is one of the more interesting in it's size and price range. Jamie

Thought I would post some pics and my thoughts on set 8069 Backhoe Loader. Finally got around to putting togeather my 8069 Backhoe set that I got for Chrissy. I was very surprised how much this set has going on inside it given the size of the model: Usual steering operated from the top of the cabin (HOG style) Front Bucket lift being carried out through the use on the mini linear actuators on the side of the vehicle controlled by the gear located up and rear of the front wheels. Scoop dump is operated by rotating the exhaust pipe. Rear bucket lift and dump operated by mini linear actuators, controlled like the HOG steering at the top of the cabin. Bit closer look at the rear mini actuators. Slewing of the rear bucket is controlled via a worm gear. The outriggers are a simple over centre locking mechanisim. Looking underneath (sorry about image quality). Wrap up: What can I say, I would highly recommend this set to anyone as I feel for the price range that set 8069 falls into, you get exactly what I feel Technic is all about; a set that is very mechanical as well as has the ability to provide hours of playability for the younger builders of Technic. (My 4 year old decided the Backhoe was Scoop from Bob the Builder). The set is reasonably robust, as can be attested by my quality control inspector (again my 4 year old daughter). The only area I feel has an issue is the slewing of the rear bucket via the worm gear. No major problems just an area to be careful with as it binds every now and again. This would be a fantastic acquisition for any Technic fan and for such a small set to have 4 mini linear actuators in it. I am sure this would be a great source of components for MOC builders at a very reasonable price. Jamie

This stoy sounds so familiar My story was much the same and have now returned to Lego. Same deal with the studless construction, all new to me to. Welcome back Jamie

Well 2011 saw my return to Technic Lego with avengance. I got all my childhood Technic sets back togeather and added a large number of sets from various years of which included the following from 2011: 8070 Super car, 8110 Uni Mog, 8069 Backhoe and 8109 Flatbed truck. The Flatbed and backhoe have not been finished yet. I have been vey impressed with the sets this year considering my long absence. I was very surprised with 8070 as I originally never intended to get it as not overly interested in that sort of styling; however was thrilled once built as I found the mechanics fantstic. The Uni mog was a bit of a mixed bag. I really enjoyed the build, but found it to be just a upgraded version of the Air Tech Claw rig; which I got the opertunity to build when a friend of mine asked if I could get a couple of his sets back togeather for him. I have since obtained most of the parts for the B-Model and intend to display with the plow and crane fitted. All in all I liked what was on offer for 2011. Thoughts for 2012, bit disapointed really as it looks a lot like re-vamps of what has come before. Nothing really jumps out and says buy me. What were they thinking with the aeroplane. Sorry I work in the Aviation industry and some of the MOCs displayed by members of this forum appear to be of a lot higher quality. It has been a long time coming and the plane they came up with is all they could do with the talent on hand. Interested to see the chopper in the second half of the year though. I do not as yet build MOCs as I enjoy having my sets on display. I am blown away by the creativity of some of the people who post their creations (love the Mini Copper). Anyway these are just my thoughts and I in no way wish to disagree with the expressions of others as I think this forum is a great place to foster creativity and to be able to provide and recieve constructive critisism. What can I say, I have enjoyed my return to Lego. Finally to the moderators of the forum, keep up the great work. Jamie P.S had to come back and edit as she who must be obeyed indicated the BBQ was not going to cook its self (Summer afternoon BBQ's 34 degrees Celcius forcasting 41 degrees celcius tommorow).