8229 - Tread Trekker

Rating:
Pros: Treads are very cool. Getting these alone in a tread-and-sprocket set would be a great seller!
Cons: Flying/glider craft of the principal model is kind of lame unless it is a simple ejecting pod.
Contents: 186 pieces including 1 Technic figure
Price: $19.99 - Discontinued
Reviewed: 13-Jun-1997
Reviewed by: Joseph Gonzalez

I'm not a regular Technic buyer but the treads on this model were too tempting to pass up for possible use in other space or exploration vehicles and although the price of $20.00 initially seemed kind of high to me, there are quite a few useful parts here that make the set worth picking up even for folks that don't usually buy Technic.
A really nice aspect of Technic models is that they often (I don't know if always) come with instructions for two different models. This particular set's instructions came as two different manuals (previous sets I've seen have both models' instructions in one book). Two different instructions for one set is a great idea that should appear more often in other themes. (I seem to remember that the 6040 Blacksmith Shop came with instructions for an alternate castle tower...those were the days!)
The principal model is a ground vehicle that has a breakaway wedge-shaped aircraft. Treads on the base are snug but not so tight that they bind or too loose to come off (treads will not come off at all without pulling either sprocket off first). The wingless glider locks in but easily detaches from the treaded base for escape or scouting I suppose. It almost looks more like it should be a rocket since there are no wings. The protective cage in the glider raises and lowers to allow the driver entrance.
Alternate instructions build a kind of forklift/tractor. The included gear mechanism helps to raise and lower the forks on this vehicle.
If you are not a regular Technic buyer, you are going to find more than a few unique pieces with this set. The treads were the big attraction to me along with the sprockets that the treads roll on. There is also a gear box mechanism, J-beams in red and black (these look like a 1x12 beam that has been bent in two places, no studs, no tubes, only Technic holes), a grey knob, and a palm tree segment in black. Only the figure is preprinted, stickers are provided for decorated bricks (stripes and controls).
If you want a more realistic model, grab a model team set. Technic models strong point is their use of gears, rods and levers in setting up simple functioning machinery. The same applications used in these models can also transfer over to building in town and space themes. If you don't want to spend $20.00 to try Technic (although this is a great model to start with), try one of the smaller sets.
This model (utilizing the Technic figure) is a great size for three and four inch action figures if you collect those (right now the Thing and Spiderman have pummeled the Technic figure and are making off with the vehicle), so there's another interesting aspect that might also snag someone that doesn't usually buy Technic.