Maaboo the Witch

See 8264. From what I've been able to observe of the Mine Loader, it was designed by Alfred Pedersen - who, by the way, also designed 8264.

Mine Loader sounds great - especially that "Mine Cutting Machine"!

Just noticed that the pics are down on Brickset.

Pics are all still up on Brickset, so check them out here.

I agree, that's one fast build! I actually can't see a mechanism on the actual prelim picture of the loader; there's a worm gear, so I suppose that closes the grab - but the arms look to be manually operated, which is odd...

Fair point. There could still be hope for those yellow hubs, then...

I like the Mine Loader! Hope it does have yellow wheel hubs in the final version - it looks a bit unusual with grey. Speaking of which, are these the final versions? Prelims don't usually feature stickers, and these are pretty high-quality images despite their size.

One thing is certain: we're having to wait longer this year.

Your model is quite something; I love how you've designed the bucket!

By that time the new wave will have been released. I guess by then we really will know what's what (semantically null expression, but hey).

The track parts used in the 8288 appeared this year, actually, in 42032 Tracked Loader. They've also appeared in several sets since 2010, including 9391 and 42023. There's a slight difference in the basic design - a moulding mark - but they're more or less the same part.

That's some fairly huge speculation. It could still turn out to be true, though...

You never know, it could be done like the 8043.

The recent Volvo is a licensed set and features no pneumatics. Licensed doesn't mean air power.

Given the set number, it looks like a big one. Don't be fooled, though - 2008's 8296 was the second highest number of the year (not counting bonus/promotional sets), and it was one of the smallest sets.

Sure thing. There's not that much to post about right now, that's all.

We're all patient here! I mean, I'm sure most of us are gnawing our own arms off to alleviate the tension, but patience will prevail, I'm sure.

Despite allanp's excellent Jedi mind tricks, the models I'm looking forward to the most are the Mine Loader, Bucket Wheel Excavator, Claas Xerion and Volvo EW160E. From the scanty info we've got, nothing else really appeals to me, really.

No idea. It may be that LEGO is keeping it under wraps. The truth on that matter means little to me, though; I'm not really a supercar fan.

Yeah, imagine a space station model with PF... or a redo of the Shuttle. That would be amazing. But I think the time for fantasizing is over. The official list is up on Brickset, and everything in it is destined for somewhere below the atmosphere. Ah well.

You've gotta laugh, haven't you?

Hey, no one said anything about croissants!

I hear that.

Same here in the UK.

I'm thinking that the "Mine Loader" is some sort of log loader, judging from what I can tell from descriptions. I like the sound of the yellow hubs from the 8264 making a return, though.