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8466 4x4 Off Roader re-creation

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It's been a dream of mine to own a LEGO Technic Supercar... and it's still a dream! (I'm not a big fan of spending large amounts of money on used LEGO.) But I have now achieved the next best thing; a recreation of 8466 using the parts I have. To make this several sets had to die; 8106 Aero Booster, 8292 Cherry Picker, 8838 Shock Cycle, 8145 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, 8297 Off-Roader and 8386 Ferrari F1 Racer are the most notable ones.

 
Mechanically it's 90% the same, structurally it's about 60% and externally it's... well it's close, but since I didn't have many of the original fairings that had more holes in them I had to make bigger changes there!

 

In a lame effort to make it look accurate I used some of the clear engine blocks.

 
The gear box was my main goal. I've been studying the pictures and instructions of the supercars for a while, but I still was unclear what was actually going on. Making one and being able to observe one first hand has enabled me to finally understand what is actually going on. This one in particular is cool as it has 5 speed and reverse. Supercar owners will notice that I don't have the correct gearbox top piece.

 

It's a big beasty of a model. To me the biggest failing is the smaller wheels; I might bite the bullet there and buy the real ones!

 
The doors to this are very cool. They can be controlled individually and you simply press the axel on the top...

 

...and the top lifts at the same time as the bottom lowering. Flashy, but not unbelievable.

 
For added proof how big this is; 'Daddy! Can I drive? Pleeeease?' Unlike the current Technic line, the steering wheel is not just decoration. The interior is the original design but I went for the leather option.

 

I used up most of the Ferrari 599 fairing and flexible axel parts on this!

 
The center diff; one of the rare true LEGO 4x4s. It was one of the main reason why I made this and not the Super Street Sensation. (I'd rather have made 8880 but it is older and I am missing too many parts still.)

 

Rear view. You can see in the foreground the mechanics for the doors and in the background the rear of the gearbox.

 
Front diff. The model uses an interesting (and rather wasteful) technique of having a gear as a spacer.

 

One of my big disappointments with the current 8297 Off-Roader is the suspension is way too stiff. Arguably this is correct, but it makes a poor technical demonstration. This model however has a much better suspension with better travel... however (at least with mine) the front seems slightly too soft. I'll probably try to tweak it by adding a second shock later.

 
Here's one reason why this model is far superior to most modern Technic sets; it has a four studded beams running for most of the length of the chassis. These beams are then cross reinforced. Thus no flexing. Note the lime parts in the steering; building this was a strain on my parts.

 

So does this mean I no longer want a real supercar set, new or old? Not really; in fact it makes me want one more! The amount of parts needed was stunning, but it does highlight that the parts are in circulation if TLG chose to make one. I suspect that they will in time. The new line of fairings should let them make a car that not only has great function but great looks as well!

 
I really love the way LEGO do suspension. Building this has been an interesting experience. I don't own any of the older large sets and it seems to me that the instructions and the build itself have been simplified. Many of the steps needed more careful alignment than what is expected of today. I was dismayed how fast my collection of gears were whittled down, forcing me to pick more parts of other models and MOCs!


So what's my rating? Well it seems rather silly to rate this set seeing I haven't actually got it... but I'll do it anyway!

Functions:

Shocks: Two front, two rear.
Drivetrain: 8 piston engine linked to the both wheels via 5 speed gearbox (with reverse), center differential, front and back differentials, plus universal and constant-velocity joints.
Steering: Rack and pinion via cab mounted steering wheel and hand of god on roof.
Doors: Damped gull wing doors with linked step.

This is the best drivetrain of any supercar. 10/10

Parts: Going by the original, this is a stunning kit. 10/10

Price: Looking at the sets I had to buy to be able to re-create this, I do wonder if I should have just bought one! I do have a lot of spare parts now though! However since I didn't buy this as a set the rating makes no sense. [b]N/A[/b]

Looks: Looking at the set photos, this set always seemed un-impressive to me. It wasn't until I looked though the instructions when I realises how good this set was. Personally I think ignoring the smaller wheels, my version looks better... but it could just be that TLG took horrid photos. Eitherway, the original loses points here. 5/10

Fudge: It's a supercar. 10/10

Overall: Recommended. 10/10

 



 


 



 


 



 





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Last updated 29 Jun 09

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