Timestamps for your convenience: Intro: 0:00 The Beginning Era: 1:15 The 9v Era: 3:41 The Power Functions Era: 7:50 The Powered Up Era: 17:28 The Golden Age Conclusion: 19:32
I would definitely say that we have passed the Golden Age of Lego Technic. Technic was always about "Form Follows Function". Look, for example, at the 8880 Super Car set. So much Functionality in that package - 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel Ackerman steering, independent suspension on all wheels and a 4-speed Transmission. Revolutionary. If we compare it to the current supercars, for example, the 42115 Lamborghini Sián FKP 37, sure, the Lamborghini looks much better, and it has some cool functionality, but it just doesn't compare to the 8880. It just doesn't feel as revolutionary. So I say that the 9V era (and possibly the PF era as well) was the true Golden Age of Lego Technic. This is probably the longest comment I've ever written lol
Definitely but seeing that LEGO have no interest giving the fans what they want since the sets still sale whether they do it or not it's very unlikely I mean "Only The Best is Good Enough" amirite?!
@@k-874 the thing is... when thr only target new people who never used it they will lose the fanboys some time and since a lot are super fanboys... it will be a hard fall to recover
100% . My first technic kit was the yellow 6 wheel dump truck. It had a 4 digit code and was in the transition period between the new and old panel parts
The PF era was my favorite: embodied in my all-time favorite set 8043. Huge amount of PF elements, but more importantly, also a huge amount of mechanical complexity without being crazy expensive. If I remember correctly, I bought them back in the day for less than €150. I would also add the development of 3rd party RC controllers (like Sbrick and Buwizz) in the equation because they really completed the PF system for me and made it the perfect ecosystem for MOCing.
The 8043 motorized excavator is a set I would consider to be THE NUMBER ONE from lego technic, due to it being packed with mechanisms, a full RC gearbox, and it was pretty compact
Powered UP is too expensive. $40 for a motor and $90 for a hub is way too much. I can't believe they're planning to retire Power Functions with no good replacement.
Same here I was really disappointed when I found out such a great system was going to be discontinued. So as much a I dislike it I'm going to turn to off brand Power Functions and hope its good quality.
@@Unbrickme That was the first set to introduce the drive ring based function switching gearbox. Sure, that's been done way too many times since then, but it was very cool back in 1996 and brought a new level of complexity.
I'm gonna have to say the 9V era from 1990 to 2006. What they were capable of doing and building with those motors and limited pieces at that time is astounding.
Don't know about the golden era, the classic era was the 80s and 90s, as other viewers have pointed out, Lego technics were always about form following function. It was not about having a gazillion pieces, but building robust, sturdy, functional models within the constraints of the pieces available. The "Universal sets" were really the pinnacle of this concept.
The PF era was by far the best era. Also which of these Technic sets is the best option? Ducati panigale, Catamaran, or Concrete mixer? The Volvo hauler is too expensive.
Yep, as others are saying, I would recommend the Ducati Panigale, it has a great price per piece and the functions are quite nice. Plus, it's licensed. :)
The "pre-studless" era did bring forth some amazing sets. Sure, externally, maybe, they weren't the handsome but, for me, Lego technic was never really about looks but about the actual technical features. However, I cursed sometimes at the space you needed to facilitate if you wanted to rotate the "squared" beams, for instance. When I switched to studless it took some getting used to but it works really fine. Although : The 8880 is a set I would like to build at some point. It's a milestone since it featured the driving-rings for the first time.
They LOOK better, but they have no functions anymore. And that‘s exactly what made Lego Technic interesting: Mechanics! How does stuff work? Now it‘s nothing more than display sets, and other manufacturers have become much better at serving the technical aspect than Lego.
I ma be alone with this view, but i think the golden era was around 1992 - 2000. Building technic on a rigid studded base and adding see through body frames and clever angles but not in wobbly way. Thats technic for me at least.
I agree with you, though I think that the whole question comes with an age-dependency. Younger "engineers" definitely benefit of the earlier and simpler sets, as the technical functions were not hidden beneath any panels. The "gear boxes" of the car chassis were self-explaining and visible. Older "engineers" would appreciate remote control functionality, which came decades later.
call me biased but mid 90's to mid 00's. After that, I feel as though the shape of new pieces led to more specific element designs that detracted from the universal nature of of the building system.
I was a boss with the old studded technic stuff, my building abilities are significantly hindered with newer parts, mostly because they have such limited function compared to an X-long studded beam with some plates holding it together.
The Mobile Crane and the Motorized Bulldozer are both absolute peak TECHNIC sets. Gotta love how they're among the only studless/studded hybrid sets that Lego was still making.
In my eyes it were the 90s. The 8868 truck was the first and only set with a compressor in nearly 20 years (and I found it easier to operate than 8110, with the pneumatic slewing as well), and has arguably the most extensive pneumatics, with the possible exception of 8455. 8880 was brilliant with its gearbox which worked very well, much better than later models. 8480 was unique and well-executed, a contender to the title best Technic set of all time. 8479 was the perfect forerunner to Mindstorms. Nowadays on one side they release poorly-executioned things like that mobile crane (where the 8460 was much better equipped, and that 25 years ago), on the other side expensive sets that are full remote controlled. I used to own 8275, and while RC is fun to play with, it adds nothing in terms of technic engineering, only motors and thus a higher price tag. That bulldozer is less of a feat in engineering than the top sets of the 90s. And features are only nice when they're executed right. The Volvo loader was a poor execution, with a servo motor for articulated steering? Poor choice. In 1997 there was something like 8459, a front loader with the right dimensions, pneumatics to simulate hydraulics, and in my eyes the best loader released so far. The Mack Anthem has a flimsy trailer, where the bending causes the rear axle to lift up. And this model just asks for a motor, but it isn't included, not even prepared to use the motor set like some other sets are. The Powered Up app seems nice, but what happens if (when) TLG decides not to support the software anymore? Besides, that Volvo dumper has poor dimensions, and going by the reviews and pictures no suspension and very flimsy attachment of the tractor-"trailer", in only one direction as opposed to real haulers (Designer Han did a much better job at that 9 years ago).
My fave of the 9v era was the powered claw rig/truck. Powered phumatics, with four circuits! It was the most challenging to build with all the pnumatic pipework! Was my fave as a kid!
@@Unbrickme Yeh, I love it. It’s all in bits in its original box currently and I’m itching to get it built again! It had been in my parents attic for years and I wet a fetched it a few months back, along with all my other old Lego kits (including the car chassis and the pneumatic digger in your vid, plus the 4x4x4 Supercar)
I remember having the technic " go=cart", and the technic " jeep" way back in the 80s. I recently started playing with Lego again, and I am having a great time! We don't get the great sets that you can find in larger cities, also I can't afford them either, but I'm not going to let that keep me from fun. I am a very talented artist, and I plan to build the " Corvette" from the movie " Corvette Summer". My plan is to heat, and shape grey base plates into the shapes that I want. I took " plastics" for three years, and was definitely at the top of the class. When things go my way, I'm also going to build the black " Firebird" from that same movie, and also the " Van". I look forward to many more insights into Lego from your channel, thank you for all your efforts. With respect, Wes Sept
To me, in the future, the Bucket Wheel will become one of the biggest legends of the theme. Litteraly it is a MONSTER, but it was also so different from anything they did before, (and after.) I can't believe it's four years old already
I recently got the Unimog because that is my favorite vehicle ever and I am sad it is not sold in the US market. It was an amazing build and the functionality is surprisingly true to a Unimog. I wish the frame was modeled more off the Unimog frame and flexed a lot more, but the suspension flexes A LOT and they had to put a gearbox in the frame, so it makes sense. And through technic they had the protected drive train Unimogs have, the portal axles, the coil-over suspension, the three differentials (would be nice if at least the center one could be locked, I bet there's a mod somewhere out there to do that so if I decide to make it remote control it'll function off road a lot better). The power take-offs are awesome, since the Unimog is a tractor. Given the features they tried to include in the Unimog, I am impressed with how they pulled it off. And it looks WAY more like a Unimog in person, pictures and videos never do the set any justice, it looks AMAZING in person.
It depends on how you look at it. If you just look at the available sets, then PF era seems to be the best one. But if you look at what you can build with Technics on your own, then now it's the golden era. You can have all of the pieces and gears, but you also can write your own programs which is a game changer to me. It's like comparing calculator to computer.
yes! But 8043 is much better! 4 motors controlling 6 different functions! everything is also powered by mechanisms and gearboxes! that set is true technic, as well as the 42114 6x6 volvo articulated hauler
The 9v era instroduced a whole lot of things however none of the things went widespread aside from the PF era where a lot of lego sets went more motorized or have a gearbox for that sole purpose. A thing to note is the 9v era had also those universal building sets where you could have a whole 6 - 9 model sets and some of them were huge too. Most 9v era sets were about put a motor in a car and then you could remotely with a wire control that car. Or you had the programmable stuff which very few sets were about. One thing that was cool though was the programmable truck which despite havong only one motor, had gearboxes and a touch sensor. It was revolutionary but was way too unique as well, just like many 9V sets. And my main complaint about the 9v era was this: too many sets were too unique. Very few had integrated motors, programmable stuff were only for very expensive sets, and there are things that have completly disappeared from lego too. No more flex system, programmable hubs, fiber optics, airtanks and sensors who were introduced there. Also the 9v era had the introduction of lego sets with softwares. Softwares had games and building instructions however it's quite a challenge to make that run on modern hardware. However I think the PF era could have been expanded a lot more like bringing back some of the older features from the 9v era while expanding further. For example having LEDs who works only in a way or an other. I would have loved the following. A set of lets where you can choose if they have a left or right control with a switch or the main box and with two sorts of blinks also leds with different configurations Small and tiny motors tiny hub mortors and battery boxes. A solenoid with the possibility to make it go back into a wanted rest position Planetary and cicloid gears. A remake of the flex system with also a rotating cable Soft springs A remake of the bar code programmable system with the combination of the control pannel system The return of the air tanks Gears that can slide on technic bars, just like the current worm gear so it opens certain possibilities here. Ratcheting freewheels Wheel and track hubs with internal gears and removable hubs Multi stage and two sided pneumatic and linear actuators Toothed belts to use with gears which can double as tracks. Etc....
Great video! I would add one more significant set to the 9V era. The Space Shuttle 8480. It was a milestone - first set ever to use an electric motor with a gearbox to motorize 4 different functions: opening cargo doors, raising and rotating the canad arm and power the fiberoptics. It also had the 9V micromotor (powering the satelite), which was very rare. It also had other features, like moving landing gear and operatable flaps. All this 1386 pieces. I got my hands on this set after 23 years to build it for the first time this year. What they achieved with the pieces available in 1996 is mindblowing. This is a true gem, and for me - a definitive set that summarizes that era.
I personally think that C+ system was just released and it just didn’t opened its potential which is more than PF’s potential. Because C+ has a smart box that can actually be programmed with infinity of different functions. Especially if LEGO will make for this system more than just motors(for example lights, audio system etc.). Basically it’s like mindstorms but you can’t program it with your own. But now as i know people making an apps for customizing C+ system so it will show itself like in next 3-5 years i suppose. And 42114 is already had a good performance only after a year of releasing a C+. I think LEGO have a ton of cool concepts for C+ sets and we just need to wait
Yeah but the thing is C+ is not mindstorms. It’s merely a Bluetooth controller. You can do a program on your phone and it will constantly just send signals back and forth to your C+ Hub, since the C+ hub doesn’t have any internal memory. I do completely agree that the real possibilities of the C+ system are still yet to come
I’m gonna say the power functions era, just because my first technic set was the original red crane truck, and I continued to buy them until around the 40th anniversary sets. I do still buy the large cars. Some of my favorites are the Bughatti Chiron, bucket wheel excavator, Volvo loader, and the cargo plane.
Late to the party, 10 months on... but (showing my age), the 9v era wins for me. The Control Center was awesome and still, to this day, works with my kids now using it in their own creations. They get on with it better than any of the "modern" controllers because it was just big and simple... but you could program it and everything you needed came in the box. To get similar now you need a phone/tablet and all the tactile feedback of being able to play with buttons is gone. Oh.. and the pen that came with the control center? Was from the era that had closed, air-tight lids (so considered a choking hazard these days...). That's a change for the better given small children like to put random stuff into their mouth but my 30+ year old Technic pen STILL works to this day (to my amazement I might add) because I only ever used it when I built it into a model and the lid prevents it from drying out :D 8868 was a work of art. Yes, linear actuators allow for finer control but Pneumatics taught the kids about the power of air and compression. Similar for flex cables. They were all different systems that taught different mechanical principles. The lack of any B models more recently and the dumb-ing down of the instructions just makes each set... well.. boring. I got myself the Liebherr Excavator last year. Lots of tech... but... meh. 1000 steps of instructions that would have been compressed into 600 or so from the 9v era. Just compare the instructions from the 90s (lots of parts listed and a diagram to show where they all went) vs now (take one part, place it here, take another, place it there...). It's gone from discovery and figuring it out for yourself to just placing bits one by one. For me, that isn't Technic.
im building the 8285 tow truck technic set i got from my dad 10 years ago, i found it collecting dust in my moms attic. i feel like a little kid again its great to finally put it together!.
Hmm, for me the golden age was when the truck crane (8868) was new and the barcode truck as well as the space shuttle. Those were highlights, I still have those. There was nothing smooth, nothing hidden, each thing was visible and if something went wrong, oh boy there goes your afternoon disassembling whole sections of the model.
I feel like a LEGO Ideas Set Designer should design a LEGO Technic set that utilizes LEGO System pieces because it would feel nostalgic to kids and adults who grew up building with LEGO Technic sets that utilized System pieces, or make kids and adults who didn't grow up building LEGO Technic sets that utilized System pieces (Like me) to feel like they are living in the Beginning Era of LEGO Technic and that it's 1977 when LEGO Technic was introduced
The period from late the 80s to early 2000s was like Renaissance for Technic, many of the common elements used today are from that era, and some of the sets back then were truly unique, featuring one-of-a-kind mechanics never to be seen again. Some of the iconic sets of the era(and there are many more out there): 8855 Prop Plane - 1988 (first technic plane with tons of features) 8862 Backhoe Grader - 1989 8856 Whirlwind Rescue - 1991 8868 Air Tech Claw Rig - 1992 (a marvel of its time, the only set that uses motorized compressor) 8880 Super Car - 1994 (very first Super Car that comes with synchronized transmission and 4 wheel steering/drive) 8485 Control Center II - 1995 8480 Space Shuttle - 1996 (very complex and very detailed, is one of the only 2 set that uses fiber optic lighting element, and the only technic space shuttle) 8479 Barcode Multi-Set - 1997 (has the only control unit that can be programmed with just barcode, not to mention it also plays sound) 8448 Super Street Sensation - 1999 8458 Silver Champion - 2000 8466 4x4 Off-Roader - 2001 8460/8431/8438 Pneumatic Crane Truck - 1995/2002/2003 8459/8439/8464 Pneumatic Front End Loader - 1997/2001/2004 (this and 8460 were re-released 3 times, a rare honor that very few sets were able to receive) Today's technic sets can be even more complex than before, but good sets seems to be far and between, not to mention their high price tag. The app control feature can lead to some very interesting implementations in the future, perhaps another golden age is in the making.
I think, for me, the Powered Up era was the best because the 42114 was the second Technic set I got but really the first of when I was really in to Technic. It game me a good first impression of the new system.
@@Unbrickme Yeah! It was my first technic set and we spent the day working on it. I remember it was the first set I had with more than 1 instruction book, and they were so many pages! Thanks for the reply
For me it is definitely the 9v era because of: the two superb programmable control center sets (8094 and 8485), the air tech claw rig (8868) with it's compressor & pneumatic system for the first time (best Technic set IMO), the unbelievable and revolutionary space shuttle (8480) with 5 motorized functions and fiber optic system, the unique barecode truck (8479) with stunning functions including barcode reader, touch sensors and flex system, the super playable pneumatic front loader (8459), the pneumatic paradise backhoe (8455), the fantastic mobile crane (8421) with it's synchronized boom-winch mechanism, and two marvelous supercars (8880 and 8448) which function-wise are on the same level as the UCS supercars of nowdays. I had and built all the Technic flagship sets from 1977 to 2020.
for me the golden age was the throughout 80s when 8859 blue tractor (1981), 8849, yellow tractor (1986) and 8865, red test car (1988) came out. But I was in my teens - a prime Lego Technic age for a boy. - a few years ago my next Lego period started - I really like it, but it cannot beat the 80s - at least for me. What I miss a bit is that pure Technic doesn't mix with normal Lego (City) as well as it used to do.
No set has surpassed the Airtech Claw Rig 8868 for maximum functions with least pieces. And I love pneumatics. To me that is the best Technic set ever.
I've been recommended a bunch of pneumatic technic videos from around 2015 recently, and have been surprised at the ingenuity of people with very simple part functions such as the block engines and pneumatic pistons, but I do agree with your assessment on PF, the best
4:19 OMG that is like the first model i built(with my dad) i think i was maybe 4. i was born 1996 meaning the model must have been 6 years old at that time. but then again in legoland denmark they had a 1:1 model of this on display for many years after as well so it must have been pretty groundbreaking when it came out. it had 4 way steering, 4 wheel drive, independant suspension on all 4 wheels, model V8, 4 speed gearbox, openable trunk and flip headlights. it was really cool.
experiences, and little rant post, sorry :D I got the 8043 for christmas 2010, it was probably the most influential technic set i have ever gotten the amount of PF motors this set had was simply amazing, i was really into building power function enabled cars, so i created many iterations of MOC's from 8043, two years later motorized the 9395 with the pieces, with those two sets combined i was able to build some really nice and fast cars, that even looked good, this was the main thing i was building back then, and each iteration of them was better then the one before, this was way before i was able to buy stuff myself from the internet, so for me these two sets hold a special place in my heart. for the stuff that i did with them, there better options now, if i ever get back into the hobby of building things, its probably not going to be LEGO, but competitors, as they seem to do a better job. the Technic sets, nowadays try to be too much not toy like, for example both of the sets mentioned, for me were toys, nothing i would put in a glass box, but something to play with. the sets they produce now, atleast the big boxes, just dont have the same, wow factor anymore. they are either, the new system that just doesnt work for the stuff that i want to built with it. or glorified cars, that are just way overpriced. i dont really hate, the powered up system, its clearly an uprgrade from Powerfunctions, i just dont like the whole user experience. in my opinion the "golden era of lego technic is the Powerfunctions Era, just because, back then, LEGO was actually trying" LEGO, can do a comeback with Technic sets, at any point but, last i looked, at some nice sport car, LEGO 42125 Ferrari GTE, and guess what, its completely unusable, it doesnt even look good in a glass box, its made of holes, and flexes when you look at it. i always keep an eye out for new stuff from Technic, because i really enjoyed building with it. but right now, i dont see the point. good video!
thank you for the awesome comment! yes I do think that the golden age is the power functions era! i really enjoyed the $30 accessory box for motorization of lego technic sets
Older sets were less money because they had 1/2 or 1/3 the piece count. Per piece, the price has gone down. The 8880 super car only had like 1343, while the Porsche 911 GTR has 2x that at ~2700, and the Lambo has almost 3x the amount at ~3700.
8043, 42009, 42030. The golden sets of the golden era. Honorable mentions go to the Claas Xerion as the best mid-sized set, and the Arocs as the most pneumatic set aside from the insane 8455 Pneumatic Backhoe Loader.
Perhaps I am biased becuase of my age (middle 40s now) but in my opinion the golden age of LEGO Technic is from middle 80s to 90s. The creations right then were outstanding. Yes, a bit crude, but I always looked in awe at the 8865 car model. Of course I was 14 years old back then, so nostalgia may be driving my opinion as well...
Watching this video I now remember my dad handed down to me one of the car chassis boxes and a box of Lego. I have to see if he still has it and hopefully an instruction book
I think every period had its own peaks and perks. Sure thing I was dismayed with the new electric system at first. While PF is stackable and versatile especially when boosted with SBrick or BWizz, PU electrics seemed clumsy and limited (set aside more expensive). But Powered Up application opens the whole new dimension of using PU hubs, motors and sensors by means of rather intricate programming! I've put quite an effort to dig deep into it followed by 11 tutorial videos by now and I can tell that it's really more than meets an eye. There is a number of awesome features: thousands of variables and arrays of them at your disposal, IR command of PF electrics, indirect addressing of anything in conjunction with flexible programming. It just takes some time to learn it. Well, yes, it lacks Scratch or Python but Boost-style horizontal block language has its charm. Developers add new cool stuff with every update and support of latest electrics. PU hubs ("Boost", 2port "PU", 4port "C+") now work fine with Spike angular motors. I can't wait for them to recognize new Spike sensors (distance, color and pressure). PS. Prompt tech guys have already announced PU-PF adapters. Old and new will be able to work together.
The new system does have lots of cool possibilities. But it's certainly not mindstorms. The thing is, during the power functions era, we always had access to much more advanced and sophisticated programming systems, like the mindstorms NXT. I just wish that you could at least store programs on the powered up hubs. They're more like bluetooth controllers, and your mobile device does all the processing. This causes latency issues and complex code like PID controllers simply doesn't work because the mobile device ends up overheating due to constantly sensing back and forth bluetooth data between mobile device and hub. I guess the new system is not mindstorms, and its merely power functions with bluetooth and rotation sensor feedback
@@Unbrickme Sure thing! Lego found a cheap way to make a bunch of "smart" devices by merely connecting them to a phone or a pad. Then after a long while Lego introduced Spike hub as Mindstorms 2013 replacement. A weaker, younger kids oriented replacement. But it has a strong potential: the whole PU system is almost all-around compatible. It develops with time, which Mindstorms 2013 lacked the most. Beside releasing new motors and sensors Lego should keep firmware and software up-to-date to fill gaps between old and new components. And I really hope that Lego bears an ultimate plan to make Spike the center of the whole system. An independent unit commanding a bunch of PU hubs instead of a pad is nothing less of terrific! :)
I grew up playing with the 9v sets as a kid (though rarely using the motors because those things ate batteries). To me 1996 was where it peaked having a ton of my favourite sets in it. I don't dislike the more modern sets but they do feel more bland. I preferred the minimalistic skeleton style over the panels, and feel like the sets had more variety rather than every other kit being a licenced sports car. I do absolutely prefer the more modern (mostly third party) motorization though. Being able to charge up the hub with a usb is a godsend.
The powered up system looks promising but i hope that they polish, add new and some better motors (like extremely strong ones) AND that they keep up dating the app.
from 1990 - 2018 in my feel since i have one of the best technik sets i ever owned is from the 9 volt era. 8862 and i chosen to build the Combine Tractor. ant it is avesome. now i just need to figure out fow to make a compressor.
My favourites are the Volvo arocz and the Volvo wheel loader. The age of Power Functions was the best in my opinion as it kept the way of controlling your build more simple. You didn’t need to have a good smartphone, an app, and good connection. Yeah, the PF had short range, but that could be solved by buying a Sbrick if needed. With the PF you just flicked the switch on the battery pack, grabbed your controller, and of you went with no wasted time fiddling with your phone and app. It just feels more natural controlling your Lego models with a controller instead of your phone/tablet.
i think back in the power functions era everything was more clear. Want simple plug and play? use power functions! want more sophisticated programmable stuff? use lego mindstorms NXT! Powered up is an attempt to combine the two but sadly that just means that the new system is downgraded mindstorms essentially. Although it does mean that the hubs are much cheaper for powered up than lego mindstorms
I’ll go on the record as saying those original super cars did look good at the time. The black rear engine boxer with Ackerman steering was awesome. Spark plug wiring details and cooling fins.
I personally wish that they would expand technic more beyond realistic vehicles, I like the competition/cyberslam sets, the early constraction lines (slizer/throwbots and roboriders), and the old technic built racers sets. I wish there was more stuff like that these days.
I preferred when it was mostly studded construction (1977-1980). On my MOCs today I still only use studless pieces if it's absolutely necessary. That said, without the transition to studless, I probably wouldn't be able to build the models I do today.
2019, the R9800 Liebherr 42100. I bought it yesterday after a long wintersleep since 1998. My last set back then was the Space Shuttle. Have the 8880 Supercar too. For me, the move to studless marks a revolution. Linear actuators do the rest. I have the first pneumatic sets too plus a compressor. But linear actuators make life much easier. Now that I have the R9800 (bought it ready build) and started playing around a bit I feel this is the real revolution for Technic. Soon I will rebuild it once my storing system is there. I am totally thrilled at age 59. So to sum it up: the golden age of Technic has just begon!
Wow thank you for sharing your experience! I’m glad you enjoyed the 42100 excavator and I’m glad that you believe that the golden age is just right ahead!
9v era... I love the look and functionality of the sets, and the price. All the sets have something to offer. Now, only the big ones have some kind of function... The small sets have almost nothing of technic (like a direction system with gears). Although we sets like the bugati or the Porsche, or laborguini, we also have sets like the 911 that have few (repetitive) functions. And the most important loss is 2 in 1 😔 We lack of inspiration in small sets... I know... We have the lambo but, in my opinion, is not enough...
still love 8232, so much fun to build AND play with, over and over, very few lego sets have kept my attention for more than a few minutes after they're built, but that helicopter is on another level, maybe its just that its such a satisfying gimmick (press a button and the rotors spin) maybe its the novelty of enjoying a toy that came long before my time, maybe it carried with it some second hand nostalgia, i have no idea but i absolutely love it, i lost track of mine a few years ago but intend to find another,
I think we're in the golden era cause of internet and youtube videos. You can still use the PF if you want, but overall I think there are more ideas and knowledge circulating. I actually started playing LEGO about a year ago because I watched some really nice technic videos. I think I did not play with my LEGO for 20 years and then this year I went crazy and spent lots of money on new technic sets and pieces.
I sold all of my Lego in 2017 and have been trying to build up my collection again, and it seems a lot harder now to find sets with gearboxes, and just generally useful pieces that I had before. Also rip B models :(
They all have their ups and down, the 9V is awesome because you still had studs on the parts and you could make some REALLY sturdy constuctions, as well having Technic elements in regular Lego construction. The Powered Up era stopped having studs, but got FAR more compact and complex mechanisms. IMHO: I prefer the 9V era, because of the look, as well as Pneumatics, the Flex Cables and the 9V system itself. I never liked the connectors they used on the newer kits.
@@Unbrickme Tough question, there are so many great 9V sets out there. But I think the Mindstorms RIS 2.0 is high up in the list, aswell as the 8480 space shuttle for all its functions.
I like the idea of power functions. But I was raised with the 9V system, and I really miss the 9V train rails with the metal strips on them. Batteries sucked in the 90s and they still kinda do.
The golden age for lego technic is 1990's all the technic set there was so good. And speciel all the model whit 9v motor. I love the 70'-80's set too. I have alot of them. Really cool Looking. Compared to todays set.
I have the 2 yellow large mobile cranes, those are awesome. I regret not buying the yellow escavator that was fully remote controlled. I don't like the current era very much because the power up functions depend on an app on your mobile phone, and it will work only as long Lego keeps supporting the app.
Timestamps for your convenience:
Intro: 0:00
The Beginning Era: 1:15
The 9v Era: 3:41
The Power Functions Era: 7:50
The Powered Up Era: 17:28
The Golden Age Conclusion: 19:32
I want the buggy motor and the power function and the tecnic figures back
And also watch powered up suffer
Why didn't you talk about the 40 year blue Lego set?
''The Morrrrized Bulldozer Set''
:)
I was the 1000th like
For me personally, it was 2015 - 2016. The Crawler Crane, Arocs, Le Mans, Xerion, Volvo, and BWE were all some of the best that Technic has to offer.
The air race jet was epic too from 2017
I agree I’ve been messing with the crane crawler since I got it. And I still use it!
Agreed, that era was solid, when they got rid of pneumatics it went a bit downhill for me.
Trust me, there will be a pneumatics set summer 2021
@@Mike-mf3ed me too
I would definitely say that we have passed the Golden Age of Lego Technic. Technic was always about "Form Follows Function". Look, for example, at the 8880 Super Car set. So much Functionality in that package - 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel Ackerman steering, independent suspension on all wheels and a 4-speed Transmission. Revolutionary. If we compare it to the current supercars, for example, the 42115 Lamborghini Sián FKP 37, sure, the Lamborghini looks much better, and it has some cool functionality, but it just doesn't compare to the 8880. It just doesn't feel as revolutionary. So I say that the 9V era (and possibly the PF era as well) was the true Golden Age of Lego Technic.
This is probably the longest comment I've ever written lol
Couldn't agree more, function should always come first, sadly after the near-collapse in 2004 Lego was slowly moving away from that philosophy.
The golden age of technic could still be to come
You’re right, I’m excited for the future!
@@Unbrickme well. it could be... if lego would only make better decisions nowadays....
It could but I would not say it will happen since Lego seems like they do not wanna change anything ...
Definitely but seeing that LEGO have no interest giving the fans what they want since the sets still sale whether they do it or not it's very unlikely I mean "Only The Best is Good Enough" amirite?!
@@k-874 the thing is... when thr only target new people who never used it they will lose the fanboys some time and since a lot are super fanboys... it will be a hard fall to recover
I grew up with the pf era so I'm a bit biased
But I think we can agree it is best
I grew up with late 9v and the entirety of PF era so i also have tons of nostalgia for power functions
100% .
My first technic kit was the yellow 6 wheel dump truck. It had a 4 digit code and was in the transition period between the new and old panel parts
Same here bro, didn't get the Unimog U-400, but managed to get my hands on the 8043, still a beast! :D
The PF era was my favorite: embodied in my all-time favorite set 8043. Huge amount of PF elements, but more importantly, also a huge amount of mechanical complexity without being crazy expensive. If I remember correctly, I bought them back in the day for less than €150. I would also add the development of 3rd party RC controllers (like Sbrick and Buwizz) in the equation because they really completed the PF system for me and made it the perfect ecosystem for MOCing.
Power Functions were just the best thing ever. Affordable and easy to use not like the new digital crap
That was my favourite set too.... I was sick in hospital at the time and bought that one when I came out of there. Was a very fun build.
What was the 8043 named? I couldn’t remember
The 8043 motorized excavator is a set I would consider to be THE NUMBER ONE from lego technic, due to it being packed with mechanisms, a full RC gearbox, and it was pretty compact
Powered UP is too expensive. $40 for a motor and $90 for a hub is way too much. I can't believe they're planning to retire Power Functions with no good replacement.
Why I'm stocking up on pf motors
Powered up is too expensive I agree! Even the most basic powered up medium motor costs $12.99 but the power functions variant cost 7 or 8 dollars
Same here I was really disappointed when I found out such a great system was going to be discontinued. So as much a I dislike it I'm going to turn to off brand Power Functions and hope its good quality.
@@jacobrosser2310 I've had no issues with some of the stuff I've used
@@dshiznit12a Same i got some servos that work perfectly
Dude how can you talk about great 90's sets without mentioning the absolute beast 8480, Space Shuttle
Forgot to mention that one
@@Unbrickme That was the first set to introduce the drive ring based function switching gearbox. Sure, that's been done way too many times since then, but it was very cool back in 1996 and brought a new level of complexity.
I read this comment before watching the vid and my heart broke. 8480 is my favorite set!
I'm gonna have to say the 9V era from 1990 to 2006. What they were capable of doing and building with those motors and limited pieces at that time is astounding.
yeah the 9v era was epic
Don't know about the golden era, the classic era was the 80s and 90s, as other viewers have pointed out, Lego technics were always about form following function. It was not about having a gazillion pieces, but building robust, sturdy, functional models within the constraints of the pieces available. The "Universal sets" were really the pinnacle of this concept.
Same with me, the educational 1980's universal sets where, IMO, the best things Lego ever made.
100% agreed, it was amazing
The PF era was by far the best era. Also which of these Technic sets is the best option? Ducati panigale, Catamaran, or Concrete mixer? The Volvo hauler is too expensive.
I would say the Ducati panigale is the best option because it provides the biggest bang for your buck!
What about the crane and that racing plane
Panigale
Ducati... it looks the best, is a very good size for what you pay for, and it is the cheapest set around that has a modern speed shift mechanism.
Yep, as others are saying, I would recommend the Ducati Panigale, it has a great price per piece and the functions are quite nice. Plus, it's licensed. :)
8110 unimog is one of the greatest lego technic sets in my opinion. Unfortunately I don't own that set but it is stil an amazing one.
unimog is awesome! I highly recommend getting it on bricklink
The "pre-studless" era did bring forth some amazing sets. Sure, externally, maybe, they weren't the handsome but, for me, Lego technic was never really about looks but about the actual technical features.
However, I cursed sometimes at the space you needed to facilitate if you wanted to rotate the "squared" beams, for instance. When I switched to studless it took some getting used to but it works really fine. Although : The 8880 is a set I would like to build at some point. It's a milestone since it featured the driving-rings for the first time.
Studs rule! Check for a celebration of the stud era on my channel.
For me it is now. The mechanisms are absolutely awesome and the sets look incredible.
In my opinion mechanisms used to be better
@@Unbrickme just my opinion
Fully agree with you!
They LOOK better, but they have no functions anymore. And that‘s exactly what made Lego Technic interesting: Mechanics! How does stuff work? Now it‘s nothing more than display sets, and other manufacturers have become much better at serving the technical aspect than Lego.
I can just 42125... Just air with some technic parts around it and that for 180 €... Lego should be ashamed
I ma be alone with this view, but i think the golden era was around 1992 - 2000. Building technic on a rigid studded base and adding see through body frames and clever angles but not in wobbly way. Thats technic for me at least.
That era is awesome!
Studs rule! Check for a celebration of the stud era on my channel.
I agree with you, though I think that the whole question comes with an age-dependency.
Younger "engineers" definitely benefit of the earlier and simpler sets, as the technical functions were not hidden beneath any panels. The "gear boxes" of the car chassis were self-explaining and visible.
Older "engineers" would appreciate remote control functionality, which came decades later.
I think 1990s-2000s. Early 2000s. I wish they brought back the stud system in technic. Technic figures are the best!
Studs rule! Check for a celebration of the stud era on my channel.
@@KeesLego Ok
call me biased but mid 90's to mid 00's. After that, I feel as though the shape of new pieces led to more specific element designs that detracted from the universal nature of of the building system.
That age of lego technic was definitely epic!!!
Your are right. It's not Lego Technic anymore, only Technic.
@@sfurta I like it for that though. I think that technic is stronger and more... highbrow is guess? They feel more refined
I think that old Lego technic was just Lego with technic bits inside it
I was a boss with the old studded technic stuff, my building abilities are significantly hindered with newer parts, mostly because they have such limited function compared to an X-long studded beam with some plates holding it together.
The Mobile Crane and the Motorized Bulldozer are both absolute peak TECHNIC sets. Gotta love how they're among the only studless/studded hybrid sets that Lego was still making.
God, nostalgia overload... I got the bulldozer on Xmas when I was in primary school... It was ORGASMIC
That’s awesome! I have tons of nostalgia for the bulldozer too!
In my eyes it were the 90s. The 8868 truck was the first and only set with a compressor in nearly 20 years (and I found it easier to operate than 8110, with the pneumatic slewing as well), and has arguably the most extensive pneumatics, with the possible exception of 8455. 8880 was brilliant with its gearbox which worked very well, much better than later models. 8480 was unique and well-executed, a contender to the title best Technic set of all time. 8479 was the perfect forerunner to Mindstorms.
Nowadays on one side they release poorly-executioned things like that mobile crane (where the 8460 was much better equipped, and that 25 years ago), on the other side expensive sets that are full remote controlled. I used to own 8275, and while RC is fun to play with, it adds nothing in terms of technic engineering, only motors and thus a higher price tag. That bulldozer is less of a feat in engineering than the top sets of the 90s. And features are only nice when they're executed right. The Volvo loader was a poor execution, with a servo motor for articulated steering? Poor choice. In 1997 there was something like 8459, a front loader with the right dimensions, pneumatics to simulate hydraulics, and in my eyes the best loader released so far. The Mack Anthem has a flimsy trailer, where the bending causes the rear axle to lift up. And this model just asks for a motor, but it isn't included, not even prepared to use the motor set like some other sets are. The Powered Up app seems nice, but what happens if (when) TLG decides not to support the software anymore? Besides, that Volvo dumper has poor dimensions, and going by the reviews and pictures no suspension and very flimsy attachment of the tractor-"trailer", in only one direction as opposed to real haulers (Designer Han did a much better job at that 9 years ago).
90s technic sets were so epic
My favorite is the 4x4 crawler, and it was my first big Lego set. I was 9 when I built it so I am still really proud of it
which one?
@@Unbrickme I guess the 9398 set
My fave of the 9v era was the powered claw rig/truck. Powered phumatics, with four circuits! It was the most challenging to build with all the pnumatic pipework! Was my fave as a kid!
Very cool! I really want to eventually get my hands on the air tech claw rig
@@Unbrickme Yeh, I love it. It’s all in bits in its original box currently and I’m itching to get it built again!
It had been in my parents attic for years and I wet a fetched it a few months back, along with all my other old Lego kits (including the car chassis and the pneumatic digger in your vid, plus the 4x4x4 Supercar)
I like how passionate you are when it comes to LEGO. It is indeed an important part of our childhood, and its nice when others validate our passion.
Thank you! Yes I have tons of memories with lego from my childhood
Missing the Space Shuttle 8480 and the Air Claw 8868, both realy special sets in that time !
I definitely forgot to put those sets!
I remember having the technic " go=cart", and the technic " jeep" way back in the 80s. I recently started playing with Lego again, and I am having a great time! We don't get the great sets that you can find in larger cities, also I can't afford them either, but I'm not going to let that keep me from fun. I am a very talented artist, and I plan to build the " Corvette" from the movie " Corvette Summer". My plan is to heat, and shape grey base plates into the shapes that I want. I took " plastics" for three years, and was definitely at the top of the class. When things go my way, I'm also going to build the black " Firebird" from that same movie, and also the " Van". I look forward to many more insights into Lego from your channel, thank you for all your efforts. With respect, Wes Sept
To me, in the future, the Bucket Wheel will become one of the biggest legends of the theme.
Litteraly it is a MONSTER, but it was also so different from anything they did before, (and after.)
I can't believe it's four years old already
definitely! I actually remember going to the lego store and buying the bucketwheel excavator like it was yesterday
I recently got the Unimog because that is my favorite vehicle ever and I am sad it is not sold in the US market. It was an amazing build and the functionality is surprisingly true to a Unimog. I wish the frame was modeled more off the Unimog frame and flexed a lot more, but the suspension flexes A LOT and they had to put a gearbox in the frame, so it makes sense. And through technic they had the protected drive train Unimogs have, the portal axles, the coil-over suspension, the three differentials (would be nice if at least the center one could be locked, I bet there's a mod somewhere out there to do that so if I decide to make it remote control it'll function off road a lot better). The power take-offs are awesome, since the Unimog is a tractor. Given the features they tried to include in the Unimog, I am impressed with how they pulled it off. And it looks WAY more like a Unimog in person, pictures and videos never do the set any justice, it looks AMAZING in person.
It depends on how you look at it. If you just look at the available sets, then PF era seems to be the best one. But if you look at what you can build with Technics on your own, then now it's the golden era. You can have all of the pieces and gears, but you also can write your own programs which is a game changer to me. It's like comparing calculator to computer.
For me, it was 2012-2019. There were my favorite sets, but I never got all of them. I still want them.
11:05 This was my first Lego Technic set bought by myself, I love it
82042! One Motor, in one direction for all the functions. everything is powered by Transmissions, gearboxes etc. This is technic
Absolut true. Every dumbass can power every motion with a single motor. But use a gearbox with one motor for all functions is true technic.
yes! But 8043 is much better! 4 motors controlling 6 different functions! everything is also powered by mechanisms and gearboxes! that set is true technic, as well as the 42114 6x6 volvo articulated hauler
@@Unbrickme thank you for the reminder🙈 now i try to rebrick the 8043 today. But yes indeed this is a glorious set.
The 9v era instroduced a whole lot of things however none of the things went widespread aside from the PF era where a lot of lego sets went more motorized or have a gearbox for that sole purpose.
A thing to note is the 9v era had also those universal building sets where you could have a whole 6 - 9 model sets and some of them were huge too.
Most 9v era sets were about put a motor in a car and then you could remotely with a wire control that car. Or you had the programmable stuff which very few sets were about.
One thing that was cool though was the programmable truck which despite havong only one motor, had gearboxes and a touch sensor.
It was revolutionary but was way too unique as well, just like many 9V sets. And my main complaint about the 9v era was this: too many sets were too unique.
Very few had integrated motors, programmable stuff were only for very expensive sets, and there are things that have completly disappeared from lego too.
No more flex system, programmable hubs, fiber optics, airtanks and sensors who were introduced there. Also the 9v era had the introduction of lego sets with softwares.
Softwares had games and building instructions however it's quite a challenge to make that run on modern hardware.
However I think the PF era could have been expanded a lot more like bringing back some of the older features from the 9v era while expanding further.
For example having LEDs who works only in a way or an other.
I would have loved the following.
A set of lets where you can choose if they have a left or right control with a switch or the main box and with two sorts of blinks also leds with different configurations
Small and tiny motors
tiny hub mortors and battery boxes.
A solenoid with the possibility to make it go back into a wanted rest position
Planetary and cicloid gears.
A remake of the flex system with also a rotating cable
Soft springs
A remake of the bar code programmable system with the combination of the control pannel system
The return of the air tanks
Gears that can slide on technic bars, just like the current worm gear so it opens certain possibilities here.
Ratcheting freewheels
Wheel and track hubs with internal gears and removable hubs
Multi stage and two sided pneumatic and linear actuators
Toothed belts to use with gears which can double as tracks.
Etc....
Great video!
I would add one more significant set to the 9V era.
The Space Shuttle 8480. It was a milestone - first set ever to use an electric motor with a gearbox to motorize 4 different functions: opening cargo doors, raising and rotating the canad arm and power the fiberoptics. It also had the 9V micromotor (powering the satelite), which was very rare. It also had other features, like moving landing gear and operatable flaps. All this 1386 pieces.
I got my hands on this set after 23 years to build it for the first time this year. What they achieved with the pieces available in 1996 is mindblowing. This is a true gem, and for me - a definitive set that summarizes that era.
I definitely forgot to add the gem set!
I personally think that C+ system was just released and it just didn’t opened its potential which is more than PF’s potential. Because C+ has a smart box that can actually be programmed with infinity of different functions. Especially if LEGO will make for this system more than just motors(for example lights, audio system etc.). Basically it’s like mindstorms but you can’t program it with your own. But now as i know people making an apps for customizing C+ system so it will show itself like in next 3-5 years i suppose. And 42114 is already had a good performance only after a year of releasing a C+. I think LEGO have a ton of cool concepts for C+ sets and we just need to wait
Yeah but the thing is C+ is not mindstorms. It’s merely a Bluetooth controller. You can do a program on your phone and it will constantly just send signals back and forth to your C+ Hub, since the C+ hub doesn’t have any internal memory. I do completely agree that the real possibilities of the C+ system are still yet to come
I’m gonna say the power functions era, just because my first technic set was the original red crane truck, and I continued to buy them until around the 40th anniversary sets. I do still buy the large cars. Some of my favorites are the Bughatti Chiron, bucket wheel excavator, Volvo loader, and the cargo plane.
Late to the party, 10 months on... but (showing my age), the 9v era wins for me. The Control Center was awesome and still, to this day, works with my kids now using it in their own creations. They get on with it better than any of the "modern" controllers because it was just big and simple... but you could program it and everything you needed came in the box. To get similar now you need a phone/tablet and all the tactile feedback of being able to play with buttons is gone.
Oh.. and the pen that came with the control center? Was from the era that had closed, air-tight lids (so considered a choking hazard these days...). That's a change for the better given small children like to put random stuff into their mouth but my 30+ year old Technic pen STILL works to this day (to my amazement I might add) because I only ever used it when I built it into a model and the lid prevents it from drying out :D
8868 was a work of art. Yes, linear actuators allow for finer control but Pneumatics taught the kids about the power of air and compression. Similar for flex cables. They were all different systems that taught different mechanical principles.
The lack of any B models more recently and the dumb-ing down of the instructions just makes each set... well.. boring. I got myself the Liebherr Excavator last year. Lots of tech... but... meh. 1000 steps of instructions that would have been compressed into 600 or so from the 9v era. Just compare the instructions from the 90s (lots of parts listed and a diagram to show where they all went) vs now (take one part, place it here, take another, place it there...). It's gone from discovery and figuring it out for yourself to just placing bits one by one. For me, that isn't Technic.
im building the 8285 tow truck technic set i got from my dad 10 years ago, i found it collecting dust in my moms attic. i feel like a little kid again its great to finally put it together!.
thats so awesome!
15:36 that special edition is based on the old ford bronco, with a little bit of trophy truck in the back. I wanted it so bad.
Hmm, for me the golden age was when the truck crane (8868) was new and the barcode truck as well as the space shuttle. Those were highlights, I still have those. There was nothing smooth, nothing hidden, each thing was visible and if something went wrong, oh boy there goes your afternoon disassembling whole sections of the model.
I feel like a LEGO Ideas Set Designer should design a LEGO Technic set that utilizes LEGO System pieces because it would feel nostalgic to kids and adults who grew up building with LEGO Technic sets that utilized System pieces, or make kids and adults who didn't grow up building LEGO Technic sets that utilized System pieces (Like me) to feel like they are living in the Beginning Era of LEGO Technic and that it's 1977 when LEGO Technic was introduced
i remember getting Lego Technic 8862 Backhoe as a 11 year old kid i was blown away with it best xmas ever
Oh wow! That's a pretty old set!
The period from late the 80s to early 2000s was like Renaissance for Technic, many of the common elements used today are from that era, and some of the sets back then were truly unique, featuring one-of-a-kind mechanics never to be seen again.
Some of the iconic sets of the era(and there are many more out there):
8855 Prop Plane - 1988 (first technic plane with tons of features)
8862 Backhoe Grader - 1989
8856 Whirlwind Rescue - 1991
8868 Air Tech Claw Rig - 1992 (a marvel of its time, the only set that uses motorized compressor)
8880 Super Car - 1994 (very first Super Car that comes with synchronized transmission and 4 wheel steering/drive)
8485 Control Center II - 1995
8480 Space Shuttle - 1996 (very complex and very detailed, is one of the only 2 set that uses fiber optic lighting element, and the only technic space shuttle)
8479 Barcode Multi-Set - 1997 (has the only control unit that can be programmed with just barcode, not to mention it also plays sound)
8448 Super Street Sensation - 1999
8458 Silver Champion - 2000
8466 4x4 Off-Roader - 2001
8460/8431/8438 Pneumatic Crane Truck - 1995/2002/2003
8459/8439/8464 Pneumatic Front End Loader - 1997/2001/2004 (this and 8460 were re-released 3 times, a rare honor that very few sets were able to receive)
Today's technic sets can be even more complex than before, but good sets seems to be far and between, not to mention their high price tag. The app control feature can lead to some very interesting implementations in the future, perhaps another golden age is in the making.
I think, for me, the Powered Up era was the best because the 42114 was the second Technic set I got but really the first of when I was really in to Technic. It game me a good first impression of the new system.
I built the 9v mobile crane with my dad way back in the day. That was such a fun project
that sounds so awesome!
@@Unbrickme Yeah! It was my first technic set and we spent the day working on it. I remember it was the first set I had with more than 1 instruction book, and they were so many pages! Thanks for the reply
4:46 the 3 at the top left of the instructions is crazy
For me it is definitely the 9v era because of: the two superb programmable control center sets (8094 and 8485), the air tech claw rig (8868) with it's compressor & pneumatic system for the first time (best Technic set IMO), the unbelievable and revolutionary space shuttle (8480) with 5 motorized functions and fiber optic system, the unique barecode truck (8479) with stunning functions including barcode reader, touch sensors and flex system, the super playable pneumatic front loader (8459), the pneumatic paradise backhoe (8455), the fantastic mobile crane (8421) with it's synchronized boom-winch mechanism, and two marvelous supercars (8880 and 8448) which function-wise are on the same level as the UCS supercars of nowdays. I had and built all the Technic flagship sets from 1977 to 2020.
as much as i live the 9v era, getting rid of the heavy parts with nobs really extended the possibilites
For me the all-time winner will always be 8480 Space Shuttle from 1996. Gearshift, motors, fiber optic, tons of functions and an awesome design.
I have a review of that set
loved my 8043 and my alltime favourite the Unimog
i like the power functions era. nostalgia, mostly, but those are still cool sets
nostalgia, and theyre awesome!
My favorite technic set I own, which I consider one of the best ever also is Mercedes Benz Arocs. Thanks for the video!
Good choice! thats an epic technic set
I think the golden age of lego technic 2007-2017. This video is quite nice!
for me the golden age was the throughout 80s when 8859 blue tractor (1981), 8849, yellow tractor (1986) and 8865, red test car (1988) came out. But I was in my teens - a prime Lego Technic age for a boy.
- a few years ago my next Lego period started - I really like it, but it cannot beat the 80s - at least for me. What I miss a bit is that pure Technic doesn't mix with normal Lego (City) as well as it used to do.
Cool video but missing 8868, my personal greatest set of the 90s
i shouldve included the air tech claw rig
My first technic were from the PF era, and my first motorized was a unimog!
8043 Excavator all day. Was my first really big technic set and its the greatest set to ever exist by a long shot!
No set has surpassed the Airtech Claw Rig 8868 for maximum functions with least pieces. And I love pneumatics. To me that is the best Technic set ever.
I've been recommended a bunch of pneumatic technic videos from around 2015 recently, and have been surprised at the ingenuity of people with very simple part functions such as the block engines and pneumatic pistons, but I do agree with your assessment on PF, the best
thanks! I'm glad you like pneumatics
4:19 OMG that is like the first model i built(with my dad) i think i was maybe 4. i was born 1996 meaning the model must have been 6 years old at that time. but then again in legoland denmark they had a 1:1 model of this on display for many years after as well so it must have been pretty groundbreaking when it came out. it had 4 way steering, 4 wheel drive, independant suspension on all 4 wheels, model V8, 4 speed gearbox, openable trunk and flip headlights. it was really cool.
experiences, and little rant post, sorry :D
I got the 8043 for christmas 2010, it was probably the most influential technic set i have ever gotten
the amount of PF motors this set had was simply amazing, i was really into building power function enabled cars, so i created many iterations
of MOC's from 8043, two years later motorized the 9395 with the pieces, with those two sets combined i was able to build some really nice and fast cars, that even looked good, this was the main thing i was building back then, and each iteration of them was better then the one before, this was way before i was able to buy stuff myself from the internet, so for me these two sets hold a special place in my heart.
for the stuff that i did with them, there better options now, if i ever get back into the hobby of building things, its probably not going to be LEGO, but competitors, as they seem to do a better job.
the Technic sets, nowadays try to be too much not toy like, for example both of the sets mentioned, for me were toys, nothing i would put in a glass box, but something to play with.
the sets they produce now, atleast the big boxes, just dont have the same, wow factor anymore. they are either, the new system that just doesnt work for the stuff that i want to built with it.
or glorified cars, that are just way overpriced.
i dont really hate, the powered up system, its clearly an uprgrade from Powerfunctions, i just dont like the whole user experience.
in my opinion the "golden era of lego technic is the Powerfunctions Era, just because, back then, LEGO was actually trying"
LEGO, can do a comeback with Technic sets, at any point but, last i looked, at some nice sport car, LEGO 42125 Ferrari GTE, and guess what, its completely unusable,
it doesnt even look good in a glass box, its made of holes, and flexes when you look at it.
i always keep an eye out for new stuff from Technic, because i really enjoyed building with it. but right now, i dont see the point.
good video!
thank you for the awesome comment! yes I do think that the golden age is the power functions era! i really enjoyed the $30 accessory box for motorization of lego technic sets
Well put together "History Recap" video. I can tell you put a ton of effort into this. Props to you. 👍
Thank you very much
No mention of going from studful beams to studless beams, which is a major change !
Older sets were less money because they had 1/2 or 1/3 the piece count. Per piece, the price has gone down. The 8880 super car only had like 1343, while the Porsche 911 GTR has 2x that at ~2700, and the Lambo has almost 3x the amount at ~3700.
I think you miss the 8868 set, which I believe is one of the best sets and makes the 9V era my personal preference!
definitely! the air tech claw rig is legendary and I shouldve included it here
8043, 42009, 42030. The golden sets of the golden era. Honorable mentions go to the Claas Xerion as the best mid-sized set, and the Arocs as the most pneumatic set aside from the insane 8455 Pneumatic Backhoe Loader.
I love that the supercar has pop-up headlights xD
I really wish they made PF to PU adapters.
They should continue to make and sell PF based set. They are more simple solution to RC vehicles.
Perhaps I am biased becuase of my age (middle 40s now) but in my opinion the golden age of LEGO Technic is from middle 80s to 90s. The creations right then were outstanding. Yes, a bit crude, but I always looked in awe at the 8865 car model. Of course I was 14 years old back then, so nostalgia may be driving my opinion as well...
Watching this video I now remember my dad handed down to me one of the car chassis boxes and a box of Lego. I have to see if he still has it and hopefully an instruction book
100% agree with your opinion on the golden age, great video!
Glad you enjoyed!
I think every period had its own peaks and perks. Sure thing I was dismayed with the new electric system at first. While PF is stackable and versatile especially when boosted with SBrick or BWizz, PU electrics seemed clumsy and limited (set aside more expensive). But Powered Up application opens the whole new dimension of using PU hubs, motors and sensors by means of rather intricate programming! I've put quite an effort to dig deep into it followed by 11 tutorial videos by now and I can tell that it's really more than meets an eye. There is a number of awesome features: thousands of variables and arrays of them at your disposal, IR command of PF electrics, indirect addressing of anything in conjunction with flexible programming. It just takes some time to learn it. Well, yes, it lacks Scratch or Python but Boost-style horizontal block language has its charm. Developers add new cool stuff with every update and support of latest electrics. PU hubs ("Boost", 2port "PU", 4port "C+") now work fine with Spike angular motors. I can't wait for them to recognize new Spike sensors (distance, color and pressure).
PS. Prompt tech guys have already announced PU-PF adapters. Old and new will be able to work together.
The new system does have lots of cool possibilities. But it's certainly not mindstorms. The thing is, during the power functions era, we always had access to much more advanced and sophisticated programming systems, like the mindstorms NXT. I just wish that you could at least store programs on the powered up hubs. They're more like bluetooth controllers, and your mobile device does all the processing. This causes latency issues and complex code like PID controllers simply doesn't work because the mobile device ends up overheating due to constantly sensing back and forth bluetooth data between mobile device and hub. I guess the new system is not mindstorms, and its merely power functions with bluetooth and rotation sensor feedback
@@Unbrickme Sure thing! Lego found a cheap way to make a bunch of "smart" devices by merely connecting them to a phone or a pad. Then after a long while Lego introduced Spike hub as Mindstorms 2013 replacement. A weaker, younger kids oriented replacement. But it has a strong potential: the whole PU system is almost all-around compatible. It develops with time, which Mindstorms 2013 lacked the most. Beside releasing new motors and sensors Lego should keep firmware and software up-to-date to fill gaps between old and new components. And I really hope that Lego bears an ultimate plan to make Spike the center of the whole system. An independent unit commanding a bunch of PU hubs instead of a pad is nothing less of terrific! :)
I grew up playing with the 9v sets as a kid (though rarely using the motors because those things ate batteries). To me 1996 was where it peaked having a ton of my favourite sets in it. I don't dislike the more modern sets but they do feel more bland. I preferred the minimalistic skeleton style over the panels, and feel like the sets had more variety rather than every other kit being a licenced sports car. I do absolutely prefer the more modern (mostly third party) motorization though. Being able to charge up the hub with a usb is a godsend.
For me playmobil figures fit perfectly in a lot of the smaller scale technic sets.
Perhaps I should buy some of those figures! Thanks for the advice
The powered up system looks promising but i hope that they polish, add new and some better motors (like extremely strong ones) AND that they keep up dating the app.
from 1990 - 2018 in my feel since i have one of the best technik sets i ever owned is from the 9 volt era. 8862 and i chosen to build the Combine Tractor. ant it is avesome. now i just need to figure out fow to make a compressor.
Also 8862 is the last set to incorporate the classic lego technic wheels. End of an era !
Golden Age of Tecnics is still to come because the most amazing machines are yet to be invented.
The 8258 also uses the same mechanism to transfer two functions through a turntable like the 8043.
nice!
My favourites are the Volvo arocz and the Volvo wheel loader. The age of Power Functions was the best in my opinion as it kept the way of controlling your build more simple. You didn’t need to have a good smartphone, an app, and good connection. Yeah, the PF had short range, but that could be solved by buying a Sbrick if needed. With the PF you just flicked the switch on the battery pack, grabbed your controller, and of you went with no wasted time fiddling with your phone and app. It just feels more natural controlling your Lego models with a controller instead of your phone/tablet.
i think back in the power functions era everything was more clear. Want simple plug and play? use power functions! want more sophisticated programmable stuff? use lego mindstorms NXT! Powered up is an attempt to combine the two but sadly that just means that the new system is downgraded mindstorms essentially. Although it does mean that the hubs are much cheaper for powered up than lego mindstorms
I’ll go on the record as saying those original super cars did look good at the time. The black rear engine boxer with Ackerman steering was awesome. Spark plug wiring details and cooling fins.
I personally wish that they would expand technic more beyond realistic vehicles, I like the competition/cyberslam sets, the early constraction lines (slizer/throwbots and roboriders), and the old technic built racers sets. I wish there was more stuff like that these days.
yeah definitely! Great idea!
bruh liturally born 2007 in the "golden era" of technic lego and i still to this day love technic lego.
nice!
I have most of the sets from the PF Era. I had an amazing time with those in my childhood! Also from 2007-2017 for me :)
I preferred when it was mostly studded construction (1977-1980). On my MOCs today I still only use studless pieces if it's absolutely necessary. That said, without the transition to studless, I probably wouldn't be able to build the models I do today.
Studs rule! Check for a celebration of the stud era on my channel.
2019, the R9800 Liebherr 42100. I bought it yesterday after a long wintersleep since 1998. My last set back then was the Space Shuttle. Have the 8880 Supercar too. For me, the move to studless marks a revolution. Linear actuators do the rest. I have the first pneumatic sets too plus a compressor. But linear actuators make life much easier.
Now that I have the R9800 (bought it ready build) and started playing around a bit I feel this is the real revolution for Technic. Soon I will rebuild it once my storing system is there. I am totally thrilled at age 59. So to sum it up: the golden age of Technic has just begon!
Wow thank you for sharing your experience! I’m glad you enjoyed the 42100 excavator and I’m glad that you believe that the golden age is just right ahead!
9v era... I love the look and functionality of the sets, and the price. All the sets have something to offer. Now, only the big ones have some kind of function... The small sets have almost nothing of technic (like a direction system with gears). Although we sets like the bugati or the Porsche, or laborguini, we also have sets like the 911 that have few (repetitive) functions. And the most important loss is 2 in 1 😔 We lack of inspiration in small sets... I know... We have the lambo but, in my opinion, is not enough...
The 9v era is definitely something special! I do wish that we still had 2 in 1
still love 8232, so much fun to build AND play with, over and over, very few lego sets have kept my attention for more than a few minutes after they're built, but that helicopter is on another level, maybe its just that its such a satisfying gimmick (press a button and the rotors spin) maybe its the novelty of enjoying a toy that came long before my time, maybe it carried with it some second hand nostalgia, i have no idea but i absolutely love it, i lost track of mine a few years ago but intend to find another,
the 8294 excavator was my first power functions set. but th first lego technic i had was the 8653 ferarri enzo
I think we're in the golden era cause of internet and youtube videos. You can still use the PF if you want, but overall I think there are more ideas and knowledge circulating. I actually started playing LEGO about a year ago because I watched some really nice technic videos. I think I did not play with my LEGO for 20 years and then this year I went crazy and spent lots of money on new technic sets and pieces.
You also should have mentioned 42056, as it was the first ever 1:8 exclusive supercar.
I sold all of my Lego in 2017 and have been trying to build up my collection again, and it seems a lot harder now to find sets with gearboxes, and just generally useful pieces that I had before. Also rip B models :(
I have only one lego technic set that is one of the old ones and has power funtions, and I consider that set the best I have
They all have their ups and down, the 9V is awesome because you still had studs on the parts and you could make some REALLY sturdy constuctions, as well having Technic elements in regular Lego construction. The Powered Up era stopped having studs, but got FAR more compact and complex mechanisms.
IMHO: I prefer the 9V era, because of the look, as well as Pneumatics, the Flex Cables and the 9V system itself. I never liked the connectors they used on the newer kits.
Yeah the 9v system was epic! What's your favorite set from the 9v era?
@@Unbrickme Tough question, there are so many great 9V sets out there. But I think the Mindstorms RIS 2.0 is high up in the list, aswell as the 8480 space shuttle for all its functions.
I like the idea of power functions. But I was raised with the 9V system, and I really miss the 9V train rails with the metal strips on them. Batteries sucked in the 90s and they still kinda do.
I never knew the history of lego technic, this is a very very informative video for beginning technic fans.
thank you very much!!!
I had so much fun during the PF era
The introduction of liftarms is also pretty significant. When did they appear?
I'm just coming round to technic and I have missed some really good sets I like just trying different things with all the pieces
The golden age for lego technic is 1990's all the technic set there was so good. And speciel all the model whit 9v motor.
I love the 70'-80's set too. I have alot of them. Really cool Looking. Compared to todays set.
I have the 2 yellow large mobile cranes, those are awesome. I regret not buying the yellow escavator that was fully remote controlled. I don't like the current era very much because the power up functions depend on an app on your mobile phone, and it will work only as long Lego keeps supporting the app.
Totally agree! For example none of the modern computers work with the lego RCX system anymore. The same fate could happen to powered up
The 9v era :) I want the dino and the heli simulator