Technic 1996 - Modular Construction and Fiber Optics

The new numbering scheme introduced last year continues. The 8200 series includes simpler Starter Sets, the 8400 series includes larger Advanced Sets.

The first of the new starter sets is a new small race car, the 8207 Dune Duster, in black with yellow trim. A small water craft, the 8223 Hydrofoil 7, is black with red trim and features a Technic mini-figure. The first LEGO police car, the 8230 Police Buggy, is white and has a Technic mini-figure policeman. However the most unusual sets feature modular construction. The the 8244 Convert-ables set consists of about ten different modular units, each built from standard Technic parts. These various modular units can be put together to give a wide range of exotic vehicles and crafts. The largest Starter Set is the the 8286 3 in 1 Car. This set also features a modular concept. There are three main parts, a car, a trailer and a small helicopter, but there are a number of accessory modules that can be attached to the main models in a variety of ways.

8207 Dune Duster or Hawaiian Beach Patrol (UK)
8223 Hydrofoil 7 or Powerboat Columbia (UK)
8230 Police Buggy or Miami Police Patrol (UK)
8244 Convert-ables or Transformer Set (UK)
8286 3 in 1 Car or Amphipower (UK)

The new advanced sets include several that look really great. Unfortunately the first four will not be available in North America this year. The smallest, the 8408 V2 Sports Car, is nothing special, just another small race car in yellow. However a new airplane,the 8425 Sky stormer, looks cool in black with yellow trim. A new pneumatic set, the 8443 Pneumatic Logger, is a red articulated crane that would seem to have a very nice pneumatic action.

The main new feature for 1996 is fiber optics! Featured first in the 8456 Multi Racer set, which is large set in black with green trim, another first. The set features a multitude of models including a helicopter, a dragster, and a swamp boat. The fiber optics is used to simulate the engine firing. Alternate models are said to include a Giant Misquito and a robot. This sounds like a great set.

In August the biggest Technic set of all time will be released, the 8480 Space Shuttle. This set is a white and black replica of the American space shuttle. In addition to the fiber optics system the set will have two motors. The alternate model will be a submarine. Wow!

8408 V2 Sports Car (UK)
8425 Sky stormer (UK)
8443 Pneumatic Logger (UK)
8456 Multi Racer (UK)
8480 Space Shuttle or Space Shuttle Colorado (UK)

Joe Lauher lauher@sbchem.sunysb.edu