Rijkvv

I'll go for 8219.

I have to disagree with you about this. While TECHNIC sets became bigger and with more types of pieces, it's strange to me that the older sets often achieve more with less parts. Nice to see a mobile crane with a motor on it, but if it lacks something simple as a gear-driven slewing of the top part I prefer the old 8460, which is almost perfect in a functional point of view. The same for the supercars: nice to have a supercar where a gear shift switches to motorized functions but it's not what real cars do and makes the model unrealistic to me. Either the 8880 (my favourite) or the 8448 are better than their modern equivalent. The 8868 Air Tech Claw Rig has better controls compared to the Unimog and achieve it with less than half of the parts. I can only imagine what the designers back then would come up with if they were allowed to design 2000+ sets (to be fair probably less, sets back then used a much lower pin count). For me the mid 90s were the golden age. Complicated models, with motor usage that actually made sense, Functions like crane slewing were not skipped.

I'm very happy to hear Technicopedia is still alive. I think the renders give it a nice clean look, but I hope you keep the pictures of the individual models. That makes the site look more attractive to me.

A little suggestion of me: I would put the rear tyres the same way as the front tyres. While the way you used them might be more like the real one, I would go for the uniform look. Really nice so far!

Yes, but wouldn't be allowed since it uses custom-chromed parts. But still this is a great creation! Nice colour choice.

True. Four of my top 5 sets use electronics and all five are large. But I agree with you that a mid-range set can be great as well. I own the 8275 bulldozer but I think there are many mid-range sets that are way more interesting, especially if you don't care that much about PF. About longevity: well, the 8856 you mention has some stickers placed on a rough surface, resulting in the stickers come loose. Not a big deal like electronics getting broken, but it can be a factor for me not to buy a set. I don't own the 8462, but I've read many positive comments about it's functions. I don't like the looks though, it's too Sci-fi or whatever. If they only designed the cabin more realistic and maybe add the 8479 wheels I would've bought it already.

My personal top 5: 8480 8485 8880 8479 8868 All these models offer complicated builds - they actually are a challenge to build, something I expect from a TECHNIC set, especially with an age indication of 11+. Todays sets use many booklets to accomodate the many building steps. Maybe that's the reason why alternate models are skipped nowadays. All of the above sets have alternate models, most of them are great as well. The sets are not only complicated, but the functions are also well-executed. When playing with my cousin's Unimog, the controls of the crane bothered me. I think that has been done way better in 8868. The same for the supercars: the 8880, while lacking power functions, actually shows how a real gearbox works instead of unrealistic functions who aren't motorized in a real car anyway. I think most of my top 5 sets actually don't look outdated at all, it's just that modern TECHNIC sets don't use studs anymore. The king of the TECHNIC sets is the 8480 Space Shuttle. Not only an unique subject, but also well-executed and great looking. The alternate, a submarine, is good as well. I agree with Erik Leppen about the 8460. It can't equal the above examples IMHO but is still the best crane set. I want to add 8459 to that: a set not equal to the above but still the best loader. The Volvo doesn't look that great to me, the functions aren't well-executed and as a result it's just an overpriced parts-pack ment to build M-Longer's Liebherr loader. Just my 2 cents.

Very impressive! Great to see the engine as well. I would love to see it at Legoworld, unfortunately I can't go. Any locomotive in this scale looks massive, but of course you've chosen one of those big American ones. I was going to ask if you planned to build a truck with lowloader to transport it, but I guess 20 kg is a bit too much.

A part of some text from a Dutch 1986 LEGO catalog: "Especially on request of the many, somewhat older LEGO enthousiasts, some toy shops shall sell the three beautiful boxes displayed on the right, under the name <<Model Team>>. Realistic show models for top-builders from 9 till 90 years old."

Mat 64 barbaric? Sure, they're aged, but from an aesthetic point I think there's not much interesting left in the Netherlands. Sometimes I see in Rail Magazine what new equipment has been bought (in the Netherlands as well in other countries in Europe) and especially those lighttrains all look ugly, boring, without character to me. I would only prefer the coupling to be lower, like in the DE3. Besides, Mat 64 was the last equipment built in the Netherlands (well, the first sets of the series). But a Mat 54 would be awesome indeed. However I don't think it's of historical importance. But one can dream: I doubt a diesel freight engine like the BNSF or the Maersk is of historical importance, and we have seen those already.

A Deltic sounds really nice, but how about a NS 1200 then? American design, built in the Netherlands, entered service in the early 50s, and still there are a few operational owned by private companies. I once started to design a 1200 in 7W, but I still have to finish it. Maybe I will someday...

^This. Some reviews are very detailed, and I rarely bother to see all sides of the box it is packed in. Todays boxes are not interesting anyway* and I'm not interested in seeing which parts are in what bag. So I can skip and scroll to the parts of the review I care about. But I have to say, sometimes I doo look reviews. It depends on the quality of the review and the voice of the reviewer (some are very annoying ) *I might be spoiled. I grew up in the 90s and back then (and the 80s as well) the boxes were pieces of art. The image looked more, well, balanced, the alternate model on the backside (with TECHNIC and Model Team sets instructions were included), and the bigger sets had that awesome display under the front. Well, most of you guys will know what I'm speaking about.

I've never been jealous on Blakbird because of his TECHNIC collection.

For the most part I agree with you. The 1994 8880 Super Car is in my opinion a way better design than the 2011 8070 Super Car, while the latter is the one with a motor. I might be a little biased towards the 8880 because of its studded construction and looks, but at least a gear shift is used to shift gears and not to shift functions that are seldom motorized in a real car. In this case I think the 8070 would've been better if there was no PF at all, and it would've been cheaper too. Today many official models use them, and often not really well executed. In the 9 Volt era most sets didn't have motors, with the exception of supplemental packs, multi model sets and sometimes a flagship set. But often for one function only, like a compressor. As a result, middle-sized sets were relatively cheap compared to nowadays motorized middle-sized sets I think. But I think this is something that's what people want in general. Nowadays there are Playmobil and Meccano RC-controlled vehicles, they didn't have those in my days. I'm not that old, I'm from 1988 but I think it's something that's common. At schools, people use touchscreens and some children already have a smartphone at basic school. You can see it with LEGO as well: in 2007 PF, now we already have servo motors, three different sizes of regular motors, the ability to control 8 motors independently and it's still not enough. Mostly AFOLs want small motors, some want XXL motors and you already mentioned it: S-brick. That being said, I have to admit the ideas for TECHNIC creations I have in mind all rely on PF, with a few exceptions. It's the costs that kept me from beginning so far. Like you mentioned PF creations almost always have to be built large, to accomodate the battery box, motors, and eventually the receiver. So not only the equipment, but the vehicle itself becomes more expensive as well.

Here's one. As a LEGO Ideas set I think this could work, but I prefer more modern locomotives. It sure is iconic, but to me the 1900s engines look more beautiful and it's easier to combine them with other rolling stock, including diesel and electric. As for the Flying Scotsman, that's unlikely to happen since the Emerald Night design already was influenced on the Flying Scotsman design. It isn't the real deal, but it's like expecting a TGV set to be released when we already have the Horizon Express.

European steam passenger (EN) - American diesel freight (Maersk) - European electric passenger (HE) - so, yes, following the pattern I'd say it might be an American freight train pulled by a steam locomotive. Just speculating: after that: European diesel passenger (TEE) - American electric freight (GG1) - and then we're back at European steam passenger. But following this pattern an European freight train or American passenger train will never happen, so they might break with that.

Well, of course I would love to see a giant Big Boy as a set, but we'll have to deal with the fact it's unlikely to happen. And with the cut-off of the Horizon Express, I think we can only expect a locomotive and two cars (if it's not a large steam locomotive like Emerald Night), or a three-car DMU or EMU. -Austerity locomotive with some freight cars, no need to develop new wheels like some passenger steam trains need. Apply to multiple countries. -USATC S160 with some freight cars, same as above. -Small German steam train, maybe freight or passengers. A small tank engine wouldn't be unrealistic in front of a few two-axle passenger car I think. The German colour scheme is well-known. -DB E03 with two passenger cars in tan and dark red like the Trans Europ Express, like a modern version of 7740. @Interceptor: which version of the TEE did you have in mind?

Great idea to do the often overlooked Model Team theme the honour it deserves! I have an idea, but I have lots of those, in other themes as well. So for now I can't promise I'll join. Looking forward to the entries though! Then build a vehicle that doesn't need those. My Tyrrell lacked doors and windows, as well as the idea I have in mind. Some official Model Team sets lack them.

A contest like that sounds great! With different size/parts count categories (not everyone has the pieces to build a 10,000 bricks station) and can be even combined with a category for additional waggons. I know why LEGO discontinued them, but I still miss the seperate cars and freight stations. The cargo trains used to be the cheaper starter set, and since any car can be pulled by a cargo train they could be more easily expanded than a passenger train (the Metroliner had only one additional coach (Club Car) available). Nowadays you're forced to buy an expensive Cargo Train even if you want the train only and add more cars or a crane later on.

Brickshelf users StephenVW (link) and Mugen (Link) made some.

I must say I'm a little jealous. I would build it. It's meant to be built. After the Santa Fe train (which wasn't a single set), this is definitely the best train since, well, maybe ever. The 12 volt system has more features, but the trains look outdated, while I think the Metroliner is timeless. It had opening doors (the last regular available set to have those), working lights, a functional platform (nowadays the platform will only be long enough for one door) and a design that's not only timeless, but can fit in any modern layout. It looks like it's designed as an electrical multiple unit like you can see in Europe, including the traditional buffers (although not common on EMU's) while the colours have a striking resemblance to the Amtrak scheme. Be sure to check out the club car: 4547 or its later re-release 10002. It might be a little expensive, but since you already bought a new Metroliner...

I know, but what I meant is that the plate comes off at the bottom, or the plate above it comes off at the roof. Yes, people might become more picky, but I think especially the Parisian Restaurant was very well received compared with Palace Cinema for example. I was disappointed with the latter but for me that was an exception and I look forward to see the new modular. Display space might become a problem in the future but for me that's another reason to break down one of my current modulars and over time build it again to switch for another modular.

That's a very nice building! The Fire Brigade was connected with some studs, and the Grand Emporium came after that. However, when placed between other buildings the flimsyness of GE doesn 't bother me and the 1x4 plates with two studs make parts of the upper floor come loose or the 1x4 plate itself comes loose from the floor below. I really liked the approach on FB and GG to attach them with a few studs without using specialized parts and in my experience that old way worked better. @DaltonWilliams: from the still available modulars I would go for the Grand Emporium since it will be the first to be discontinued. The Town Hall is a bit more expensive but good as well. I don't own the Palace Cinema or the Parisian Restaurant but I don't really like the looks of the Cinema while I think the Restaurant might be one of the best.

Thanks for the nice review and welcome to Eurobricks! You need to sign up for the academy first: it can be done here.

I think there are not enough pure Model Team creations or other possible topics to justify its own forum. Most of the Model Team creations posted were full radio-controlled, sometimes with a lot of additional functions, and then it makes sense to keep a combined Technic-Model Team(-Mindstorms) forum. As for the difference between Model Team and Creator, I think - like others said - that Model Team is more 'serious' than Creator. Even the Mini looks cartoonish compared to Steven Marshall's one. But even without the chrome parts some mentioned there were some differences. If you compare the Creator 4955 Big Rig (2007) with the Model Team 5580 Highway Rig (1986), it seems the latter is more detailed. The 4955 doesn 't have an openable engine room as far as I know. The details available look less correct to the real deal. But I think it has to do with what the sets were supposed to be. Creator sets had to have three reasonable models, while Model Team clearly focused on one great model. Every set (with the exception of the 2556 Ferrari promotional) had an alternate model, but they usually were not that great. Maybe that explains why there are very few Creator sets with working steering. Model Team sets were the most realistic available in the day and made the full potential out of the bricks available back then. Creator not so much I think.