The History of Lego Technic 1988-1997 Part 2

Fig 2.

Fig 1.

Continued from the last post, in 1988 the technic saw the addition of five sets, including a new auto chassis, which is shown in Fig 1. Technic sets were reboxed in a dark blue box and contained a CAD drawing of the set, the dark blue technic box would hold strong for ten years. 1988 also saw the beginning of specialized parts, Fig 2. Shows the US patent for a specialized steering rack assembly, which made car steering systems more compact then they could be built before. The five sets that were released in 1988 were 8712, 8832, 8853, 8855, and 8865. The 8855 prop plane was technics first plane to be released, 1989 showcased the release of second-generation pneumatics (Fig 3.), the new pneumatics featured double acting cylinders. A spring loaded pump was used to compress air which was then directed to a control valve, when one of the two outputs on the valve was choose air would be forced into the corresponding chamber on the cylinder, either retracting or extending the rod.

Fig 3.

The 8862 backhoe was released in 1989 as well as 2 other sets, and four supplementary sets, all can be found here. From here forward instead of linking individual sets I will link the whole year of Technic, as it will be easier for you the reader to view all sets for that year, all sets will be linked to the first indication of year. in 1990 Lego released a new 9v electric system that did away with the 12v train system, the 9v system was exclusive to technic for a short period but Lego soon changed that and used the 9v system in all products line. The engine cylinder, crankshaft, piston, connecting rod, and crankshaft center was also released in 1990 adding to the growing list of specialized parts. Lego started putting their new friction connector into use in 1990 to allow easier removal from parts, even though Lego patented the redesigned the friction connector in 1982. Now to what some would call the best part of 1990, the 8094 Control center (Fig 4.). 

Fig 4.

Dacta, the educational division of Technic had marketed several computer controlled devices in the mid-1980s, the control center would be the first computerized that Lego retailed. The control center features three 9v outputs for to control three motors. 1991 featured the release of the Lego flex system (also known as a Bowden cable), acting just like a Bowden cable allowed for simple steering designs, better functioning grabbers, and just about any other design that requires a transfer of linear torque, Brickset only marks 6 set as making significant use of the flex system. Some would go as far to say the flex system is the most unused asset in the Lego technic line. The Universal joint was also introduced in 1991 adding to the growing list of specialized parts in the technic family. The Universal joint allowed for an easy solution to many builders trying to transfer power from one point to another point on a different plane without using any gearing. 1992 showcased the release of six sets, two of which were pneumatic. The set ranged from a 95 ATV to the 954 piece 8868 Air Tech Claw Rig. These range of sizes started a trend that Lego has followed to the present day models. The 8868 model featured an I6, a turntable for the crane, and an onboard electric compressor. Lego also released its first boat in this year. 1993 saw the introduction of a variety of new parts such as, the Micromotor, Polarity switch, and the Perpendicular connector. the micromotor proved useful to power small details such as fans or decorative items, as the micromotor only turned at roughly 14 RPM's, and had a small 1.25 N*cm of torque. (Thanks to Sariel's gear calculator). The polarity switch does exactly what you think it does, it changes the polarity of the motor to determine its rotation. 1994 saw the introduction of the Clutch gear, Changeover catch, Driving ring, and the Driving ring connector. The 8880 super car was also released and was a marvel for Lego at the time, taking full advantage of all the specialized parts that had been developed up till now. The 8880 super car featured a V8 engine, a 4 speed transmission utilizing all the new transmission parts for 1994, 3 differentials, 8 big shock absorbers, and pop up head lights. The Technic line saw the introduction of the 8460 in 1995 the first crane to feature a pneumatically Raised boom. 1995 also introduced two gearbox casings, one for bevel gears, and a casing for worm gears. The second control center was released in 1995, the set contained instructions to build three different models, on top of the computer control base. The sets of 1995 range in part count from 86 pieces, to 1079 pieces. 1996 introduced the 8480 (Fig 5.)

Fig 5.

 and fiber optics. Also, check out Blakbirds Technicopedia entry about 8480, as it provides valuable information as to the workings of the spaceship. 1996 also sees the infamous Technic Beam (Fig 6.)

Fig 6.

 appear, now the technic beam was not studded, it had rounded ends and could only be attached to another beam by use of a connecter pin or axle. A technic beam also has a aspect ratio of 1:1, where as a technic brick's aspect ratio was 6:5. Technic beams were used in combination with bricks for a few ye.    ars after their development, designers eventually started using beams more the bricks. As beams provided more versatility. Fiber Optics were also introduced in 1996 to simulate the flow of energy, such as spark plugs to a motor, or turn signals. According to Bricklink fiber optics were only used in 2 sets in 1996, and never appeared in Another technic set. 1997 saw the introduction of a barcode reader, also known as code pilot (Fig 7.), 

Fig 7.

this barcode reader only appeared in set 8479, Lost_In_Noise made a wonderful review of set 8479, including some insightful details into the operation of the code pilot. Angle connectors (Fig 8.) 

Fig 8.

were also introduced in 1997, each angle connector is offset from the next by 22.5 Degrees, These connectors are 1-6 from left to right. Until next time, remember if you can dream it, you can build it. I hope to have the next 10 years of history posted within 2 weeks time. There’s so much information to find, and put together. I’d like to thank Bricklink, Brickset, Eurobricks, Brickfactory, for information, pictures, catalog images, and pictorial reviews