Interceptor

Hope you are right and I can buy another MISB one at reasonable price

Well, I probably missed something. Is 42009 crane truck able to move the hook and the boom simultaneously??? This function would allow not to get out of cable when you extend the boom. If not, this is a big let down for me compared to 8421. The other is the lack of pneumatics (I don't want to create a new quarrel here). As I (and others) said before, this would have been a great (the best?) occasion to introduce new bigger and stronger pneumatic cylinders. Imagine 2 or 4 big cylinders raising and lowering the boom using compressor and pneumatic system and also a bigger turntable! That would have been a wonderful set and probably my new favourite. Regarding the aesthetics, I think 8421 is still the winner for me. 42009 is much bigger and so what? I also understand the opinion of enthusiasts and people who missed 8421 (which set commands unreasonable price on the market now) and eager to buy this new one. 42009 has great functions like the 5 motorized functions, 4 axle steering, etc. I still think it is a nice set and of course I will buy it. And probably it is the best crane set if you consider that you are allowed to use only LAs and have no money to develop new expensive parts. I just try to stay on earth. @Kumbbl very well spoken

All time best Technic set is the 8868 Air Tech Claw Rig for me, released in 1992. From aesthetic point of view, it has a clear and beautiful design. Looks like the real thing, even sounds like the real thing. Compressor and pneumatic for the first time. Authenticity, because the pneumatic design comes closest to real one's hydraulic system. Challenging building and outstanding playability. I have (or had) ALL the Technic flagships since 1977, but 8868 is the crown jewel of my entire LEGO collection. This set still hasn't been surpassed. My favourites per decades: From the 70s 853 Car Chassis: started it all, the first supercar with working Inline 4 cylinder fake engine, 2-speed unsynchronized transmission, adjustable seats and rack and pinion steering, missing working suspensions though. 852 Helicopter: the first helicopter is amazing for it's age, features collective pitch control and flybars with paddles. 857 Motorbike with Sidecar: one of the coolest Technic motorcycles, good functions, design comes close to Model Team standard, although no working suspension unfortunately. From the 80s 8860 Auto Chassis: revolutionary compared to the first supercar, flat V4 cylinder fake engine, Ackermann steering, 2-speed unsynchronized gearbox, Tatra-style suspension on rear wheels and superb seat mechanism are worth mentioning. 8859 Tractor: impressive, has all the proper tractor functions and various attachments can be added. 8855 Prop Plane: amazing flight controls, very realistic operation, missing the rudder though. 8865 Test Car: 3-speed unsynchronized transmission, foldable headlights, Ackermann steering with a very good geometry, V4 fake engine and finally independent double. whisbone suspension on all wheels for the first time. 8862 JCB Excavator: super pneumatic and gear driven functions, impressive set even nowdays. 8854 Power Crane: first pneumatic crane truck with marvellous functions, although none of them was motorized, super playable. From the 90s 8094 Control Center: this new kind of universal set is programmable and capable of powering the 2 motors that came with the set, the pen plotter and the robotic arm are also remarkable. 8868 Air Tech Claw Rig: revolutionary compressor and pneumatic system for the first time, big ovation to Jan Hatting, Hans Madsen and Olav Krøigaard, the designers of this set, it looks like the real thing, works like the real thing, sounds like the real thing, rack and pinion steering, V6 fake engine with cooling fan driven by two (!) differentials, sturdy, brutal, stunning, playable, unbeatable, LEGO Technic at it's best, it has never been equalled for the number of different functions relative to the number of pieces, wow effect. 8880 Supercar: the alpha and omega for supercars, 4 wheel drive, 4 wheel steering, 4 wheel independent (double whisbone) suspension on all wheels, 4-speed synchronized gearbox, Ackermann steering, foldable headlights, V8 fake engine, function-wise it is better than the UCS supercars of nowdays, wow effect. 8485 Control Centre II: programmable moving mechanism of the T-REX and the helicopter are simply genious, I really miss the universal sets like this, wow effect. 8480 Space Shuttle: 5 motorized functions carried out by only 2 motors, fiber optic system, cool manual features, design awesomness, miraculous, some consider this set the best of all - with a reason, wow effect. 8459 Pneumatic Front-end Loader: best front loader so far, with pneumatic pistons and airtank, super playable. 8479 Barcode Multi-Set: barcode!, touch sensors, flex system, unique and awesome, my copy still works fine and a joy to play with, even my girlfriend likes the american style garbage truck the best , wow effect. 8462 Tow Truck: best tow truck so far in this scale, complex pneumatic system with two (!) air tanks for towing, slightly futuristic but nice look, you can tow the heavy 8868 rig with it. 8448 Super Street Sensation: 5-speed synchronized gearbox + reverse, V8 fake engine, modular design, gull wing doors or convertible top with dumping system, independent suspension on all wheels with a very good geometry, the last classic supercar in the Technic line. From the 00s 8455 Backhoe: the king of the manual pneumatic sets with 10 (!) pneumatic cylinders, authenticity, super playable and looks like the real thing, it has even a fake engine, and also a unique steering mechanism, best backhoe so far, wow effect. 8421 Mobile Crane: outstanding design and mechanics, super steerable, it has an authentic motorized and synchronized boom - winch mechanism (which 42009 lacks unfortunately) and 3 stage telescopic boom for the first time, wow effect. 8275 Motorized Bulldozer: brought the super Power Functions with IR remote control system to Technic, simply brutal, Toy Innovation winner in 2007 - that means something, wow effect. 8258 Crane Truck: very complex and clever gear system driven knuckle-boom, rig looks like a real Volvo, if only it had double wheels at the rear. From the 10s 8043 Motorized Excavator: super playable, amazing aesthetics, compactness and complexity, IMO it will remain an icon among all Technic sets and will be one of the most sought-after in the forthcoming decades, the masterpiece of Anders Gaasedal Christensen, wow effect. 8110 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U400: set new standard for authenticity, advanced live axle suspension system with Panhard-rod and portal axles for the first time, compressor and pneumatic system, best MOC-able set, the steering is crap though. 42009 Mobile Crane MK II: complex and heavy mobile crane with 5 motorized functions (2 stage outriggers are simply awesome), turning of this behemoth works like a charm, could be easily used as an intercontinental ballistic rocket launcher after some modification . 41999 4X4 Crawler Exclusive Edition: design and functions are better than it's original, exclusive and fun to play with. 42030 Volvo L350F Wheel Loader: don't listen to the croakers, this set is magnific, super playable and goes well with other remote controlled Technic models, especially with 42114 dumper, Uwe Wabra at his best. 42043 Mercedes-Benz Arocs 3245: one of the most complex and beloved Technic sets to date with function paradise, upgraded pneumatic and compressor system, 4-wheel steering, working all-wheel suspension for a truck for the first time in this scale, super motorized and manual functions, probably Markus Kossmann's magnum opus, wow effect. 42054 CLAAS Xerion 5000 Trac VC: terrific tractor with superb rotating cab and with a unique 3 mode steering system. From the 20s 42114 6x6 Volvo Articulated Hauler: after building all LEGO Technic flagship sets from 1977 to 2020 recently, wow feeling comes rarely, but it happened when my copy of this set was first put into operation, this is a modern classic with it's automated gearbox (first in LEGO Technic history!) and first time I feel that implementing Control+ was worth the effort, wow effect. 42113 Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey: the Technic holy grail, the white whale, probably the most sought after and most expensive Technic set out there that every collector wants to own ... well, I can confirm that the set is brilliant and lived up to the expectations, fantastic and unique functions, complexity, challenging building, authenticity, what more you could want? Maybe 3 additional 8 tooth gear wheels in dark gray to fix it. . 42131 Cat D11 Bulldozer: this one is a beast with expanded and improved bulldozer functionality, only the fake actuators at the back are disappointing, but if you love yellow construction machines and ready to spend big money, this dozer won't disappoint you, a worthy successor to the legendary 8275. 42145 Airbus H175 Rescue Helicopter: simply the best helicopter so far, genious Markus Kossmann not only managed to incorporate collective pitch control for the main rotors (which was already implemented in the first Technic helicopter in 1977), but also implemented cyclic pitch control for the main rotors in a very narrow frame, which is the other substantial, but difficult mechanism of real helicopters. Not to mention the cool motorized functions. Technic helicopter cannot be better in this scale than this, congratulations to the designer! 42172 McLaren P1: finally a true supercar in the new millenium with spectacular butterfly door mechanism, the PDK gear shifting works flawlessly, nice engine compartment, proper independent suspension on all four wheels, and adjustable fancy rear wing. It would have been perfect with implemented Ackermann steering. ...

My current collection of Technic and Model Team: http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=429865

IMHO, the crane truck is good (I like 8421 still better for pneumatics and compact aesthetics, but of course this can be changed when 42009 will be in my hands). The service truck is great for using pneumatics (compressor) and LAs at the same time, it is one of the best part packs I've ever seen in a Technic model. And I believe the winner model ("The Boss") will be also great, as I heard they work hard on it. They will get my money.

Totally agree with this post. With all the above mentioned functions (LAs and pneumatic together in one set for proper functions) the service truck can be an icon among the mid sized Technic sets. It seems this year we have 3 flagships (with "The Boss"). What an epic year. Thank you LEGO. :thumbup:

8455: pneumatic paradise, authentic and complex. The best set without motor IMO. And 8880 comes close to it.

This can be true but a lot of people will be disappointed with this. Agree on that for 120 EUR it should have pneumatics. Good news regarding the crane truck at least. The stabilazing mechanism can be really interesting.

Congratulations! I prefer the extreme version in white colour with blue stripes.

Regarding heavy machinery I would like to see a grader (pneumatic, yellow), scraper, dump truck (RC, 12 wheeled), front loading trash truck (like one in previous post), back loading trash truck (european style, orange), container loader (white, pneumatic), asphalt machinery, flagship tow truck (copressor & pneumatic), forklift, lowboy trailer, road roller, concentrate mixer. Regarding other themes I would like to see a new space ship, huge tractor with variable attachments, robotic arm, 3-wheeled motorcycle, detailed autoengine, flagship supercar with proper functions and in rare colour. I'm sure most of these will come true when I make MOC...

I was thinking about the same too since it was released by TLG. Until today. I've just ordered it from a Hungarian toy shop because there was a discount on it. I know that it won't be as magnificent as 8868 Air Tech Claw Rig but I just could not resist. I like american style trucks and the functional part is not that bad...

I got this set in 1994 as a Christmas present from my parents, so it has a special meaning to me. IMO 8868 Air Tech Claw Rig is still the BEST Technic model ever released by TLG. I have (or had) all the Technic flagships from the beginning to this day so it is not pure nostalgia. I was so lucky back then (thanks to my father) that I could choose between 8868 and 8880, but my decision was univocal and I've never regret it. The building of this set took hours under the Christmas-tree and nearly midnight it was completed. Words can not describe the feeling when the truck's compressor and pneumatic system was first put into order. Personally I like it's robust and clear aesthetic very much (even if there is no steering wheel) but of course the function is the strongest part of the rig. The 9v engine driven compressor system produces air constantly and the only thing you have to do is controlling like in real life by the four valves settled on the sides. And the compressor sound is also like the real thing. I love the small details on it (two differential, rigid hoses). It is my only set which has never been disassembled and still works as if it were new. My original rubberbands also still hold up like D3K's. LEGO miracle and quality from 1992. Thank you for bringing back such great memories with this nice review. BTW, does anybody know that who was the original designer of this set? Maybe an interview somewhere?

Ondra is right, remember I was investigating that photo pixel by pixel if there was a hidden function of the 4x4 Crawler.

Well, I'm mostly pleased what I've seen from the 2h preliminary images so far (even if there is nothing really new). It is going to be a good year for us and a bad year for our wallets. I probably like the 42008 Service Truck the best from the list because of it's rare green colour and it not only contains an L motor but also pneumatic. I hope there are a few cylinders and even a compressor system in it so that would be a fascinating set. In my opinion strong usage of pneumatic would generate very high demand for this set among the medium sized Technic models. On the other hand it would make this beauty quite expensive... I defenitely like the flagship 42009 Crane Truck as well. It is so massive with 10 wheels and looks like the real thing. The "H" shaped gear box must be complex to carry out all the 4 motorized functions (hook, extend boom, raise boom, outriggers). I hope they managed to do better outriggers than were on 8258 and you don't have to fasten each of them by hand (unfortunately it is not very likely ). I also hope that there is at least a gear system to rotate the superstructure (rotating directly by hand was the only thing I didn't like on 8421). 4 axle steering is a must in this scale and fake engine is welcome. Markus Kossman is one of my all time favourite designers at LEGO and I'm sure he managed to put some interesting solutions into the mobile crane we can not see from a low resolution picture. I believe we will get better pictures in early February from Nuremberg toy fair as usual. The only preverse thing regarding 42009 is the usage of LAs instead of the more authentic pneumatic system. I agree with Davidmull that this would have been a great occasion to introduce bigger and stronger pneumatic cylinders (locking elements could have been added easily to keep the boom in high position)...maybe next time. I admit that LAs have some advantages but are not as cool as pneumatic cylinders. Finally congratulations to all the Technic Challange finalists! You made awesome models guys. There are some of my favourites on the final list as far as I know. This will probably be the third set I will buy from the 2013 Technic product range.

Ondra, thank you for the news. I am a bit disappointed with the list tho. Nothing exciting or new concept. Don't misunderstand me. I like the green colour and both tow truck and mobile crane can give us challenging (PF) solutions, so I eager to see the prelim pics. But there were plenty of these machinery in the past and e.g. the legendary 8421 can hardly ever be beaten using only one L motor and actuators. Hope I am wrong and TLC will enchant us again as they did several times. :)

Hello, my name is Kari, I am 30 years old and I am from Hungary. I've been a LEGO enthusiast since my childhood and always loved to create, build, and play with LEGO. Nowdays I mostly collect my favourite sets from the past but recently decided to start building LEGO MOCs again. My all-time favourite Christmas present was the 8868 Air Tech Claw Rig in 1994 and probably that is why I'm especially interested in Technic models. I've been reading this forum for a while and I found it very inspiring and friendly so I joined and this is my first post here. Kari