A major new construction innovation was introduced in 1991. This was the Flex Cable System. It consisted of flexible plastic cables that gave added versatility to model control systems. The new system was used for the rotor tilt control on the major new model of the year, the Thunder Rescue (USA) or Whirlwind Rescue (UK) Helicopter. The flex cable system was also the theme of a new Universal Set, the 8074, a medium size set in yellow.
Another major addition to the 1991 line was the 8838 Moto Cross Bike (UK) or Shock Cycle (USA). This was a large bike with a new set of large wheels designed especially for the set. There was a full set of shock absorbers and a two piston engine. Three small low cost models were also introduced in 1991. The 8810 Alpha Racer (UK) or Dirt Bike (USA) was a very nicely done motorcycle in white. The 8815 Dakar Sport (UK) or Speedway Bandit (USA) was a small red car with a one cylinder engine. The 8820 Beach Patrol (UK) or Mountain Rambler (USA) was a red off road vehicle with a spring suspension.
8074 Universal Set
8810 Dirt Bike - Alpha Racer
8815 Dakar Sport - Speedway Bandit
8820 Beach Patrol - Mountain Rambler
8838 Moto Cross Bike - Shock Cycle
8856 Whirlwind Rescue Helicopter - Thunder Rescue
Pneumatics were once again big news in 1992. The 8868 Air Tech Claw Rig (USA), simply the Truck in the UK, was introduced. This massive model used the 9 volt motor system to run an air compressor for pneumatic control of the crane arm. The truck had a V-6 engine and was comparable to the various auto chassis models. A second new pneumatic model, the 8837 Pneumatic Excavator, was introduced. The added feature to the pneumatic equipment was a new minicylinder.
The 8839 Supply Ship was an unusual model, the first Technic set to feature any sort of boat or ship. A medium size airplane, the 8836 Sky Ranger (USA) or simply the Propeller Plane (UK), had a twin cylinder boxer engine. The 8828 Mechanical Digger (UK) or Power Loader (USA) had a new scoop of molded black plastic. Finally a small model the 8826, ATX Sport Cycle (USA) or Quad A.T.V. (UK) was introduced.
8826 ATX Sport Cycle - Quad ATV
8828 Mechanical Digger - Power Loader
8836 Sky Ranger - Propeller Plane
8837 Pneumatic Excavator
8839 Supply Ship
8868 Air Tech Claw Rig
The year 1993 was most notable for introduction of the fourth line of Universal Sets. The smallest in white for the first time, was the 8022. A pneumatic set in blue, 8042, included the new minicylinder. But the major addition was the 8082 Universal Set. This set in black, also a first, featured one regular size 9 volt motor plus a second minimotor. Several interesting models could be built with this set including a remote controlled (steering and speed) car.
8022 Universal Set
8042 Universal Set
8082 Universal Set
The most interesting regular model of 1993 was the 8857 Street Chopper. The tricycle type bike featured a new set of large wheels and tires that gave a new sense of realism to the model. The number 8857 was the first number in the 8800 series to be repeated. In the USA the original 8857 was the Motorcycle set introduced in 1980.
A new 1993 forklift, the 8872, came with a transport truck. The yellow forklift had a geared chain control for the lift mechanism and was quite nice. The transport truck was not so realistic. Continuing the nautical theme begun in 1992, a Hovercraft, the Everglades Explorer (UK) was introduced. This model featured a new "soft block" that served as a bumper around the edge of the hovercraft. Finally the 8818 Beach Buggy (UK) or Desert Racer (USA) was a new small car.
8818 Baja Blaster - Desert Racer
8824 Everglades Explorer - Hovercraft
8857b Street Chopper
8872 Forklift Transport
There is no question about the highlight of 1994, the 8880 Super Car or officially the Daytona VX4 Super Car in the UK. The was the fourth version of a large auto chassis. Models 956, 8860, 8865 were the earlier members of the unofficial auto chassis series. The 8880 was certainly worthy of the name Super Car. It featured a V-8 engine with a four speed transmission and full independent suspension with four wheel drive and steering. Like the real auto makers in Detroit, the LEGO company celebrated their new car by making a promo. Unlike the Detroit guys, LEGO prototype was the model, the promo was full size and touring the auto show circuit!
Other new sets for 1994 included the Dakota Wrecker, 8858, an all terrain tow truck vehicle featuring a new set of large balloon tires. The 8829 Sand Stormer was a medium size race car and provided something for the 8858 to tow. A second off road vehicle, the 8816 Arizona ATV was a smaller model, as was the new 8812 Eagle Patrol Helicopter.
8812 Eagle Patrol
8816 Arizona ATV
8829 Sand Stormer
8858b Dakota Wrecker
8880 Daytona VX4 Super Car
The 1994 line included a new medium sized Universal Set, 8032, in red. A larger new Universal Set, the 8062 in yellow, featured a storage case. Interestingly the five models of the fourth series of Universal Sets, the 80X2 sets, were each of a different color, 8022 in white, 8032 in red, 8042 in blue, 8062 in yellow, and 8082 in black. Two sets from the previous series, the red 8064 motorized set and the 8094 computer control center were still offered.
8032 Universal Set
8062 Universal Set
Joe Lauher - SUNY Stony Brook
