Review: 42233 Technic Mighty Machines Mobile Crane

 This is a new for 2026 Technic series.  The builds being packaged in a blind box format like the Collectable Minifig Series is an interesting gambit.  Just as a "heads up" the numbers next to the QR code do not match up to the contents of the box.  I've already bought one duplicate so far.

Box.  MSRP is $4.99, for a $0.08 Price per Piece.

QR Code.

Instructions & Game Piece.

Parts.  Liftarms, Thin Liftarms, Perpendicular Axle/Pin

Connectors, Thin Liftarm w/Frame, Axle Connector, 3L

Pin, 3L Axle/Pin, Axle w/Stud, Round Plate w/Down Arm,

Axle Connectors w/Pin, Friction Pins, Axle/Pins, Friction

Axle/Pins, Axles, 3/4 Pins, 1/2 Pins, Rims, and Tires.

 

Build.  Frame (2Ra [large cannon] 2W).

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Below.  (+5)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +20 (A+).  The first Mighty Machine set with a max score.

Review: 42233 Technic Mighty Machines Cement Mixer

This is a new for 2026 Technic series.  The builds being packaged in a blind box format like the Collectable Minifig Series is an interesting gambit.  Just as a "heads up" the numbers next to the QR code do not match up to the contents of the box.  I've already bought one duplicate so far.

Box.  MSRP is $4.99, for a $0.12 Price per Piece.

QR Code.

Instructions & Game Piece.

Parts.  Cone, Bent Liftarms w/Perpendicular

Holes, Gear, Thin Liftarms, Perpendicular Pin/

Axle Connector, 3L Friction Axle/Pin, 3L Axle/

Pins, Pin/Axle Connectors, 3L Friction Pin, 3L

Pin, Axle/Pins, Liftarm w/Frame, Round Plate,

Round Tiles w/Pinhole, Short Wormgear,

Half Pins, Pins, 1L Liftarms, Tires, and Rims.

Build.  Frame (2W).

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Above.  (-10)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +5 (B+).  I made a little homunculus of a Frame but I feel like this set needs one more variant of Perpendicular Pin/Axle Connector or Thin Liftarm to be really good.

Review: 42233 Technic Mighty Machines Wrecking Ball Crane

This is a new for 2026 Technic series.  The builds being packaged in a blind box format like the Collectable Minifig Series is an interesting gambit.  Just as a "heads up" the numbers next to the QR code do not match up to the contents of the box.  I've already bought one duplicate so far.

Box.  MSRP is $4.99, for a $0.11 Price per Piece.

QR Code.

Instructions & Game Piece.

  

Parts.  Angled Liftarm, Liftarms w/Frame, Thin Liftarms,

Large Flat Gear, Perpendicular Pin/Axle Connectors,

Chain, Half Bushings, Round Tiles, Axles, Axle w/Stop,

Axle w/Stud, Friction Pin/Axles, Bushings, Technic Ball,

Axle w/Pin Connector, Small Flat Gear, and Bars w/Stop.

Build.  Frame (2Rh+d8 {wrecking ball & piston} 1Gd8/2W).

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Above.  (-10)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +5 (B+).  It has some useful pieces, the 2L Bar w/Stop is always good to have, but I just feel it needs "more".  Again, the Blind Box thing doesn't help.  

Review: 42233 Technic Mighty Machines Road Roller

This is a new for 2026 Technic series.  The builds being packaged in a blind box format like the Collectable Minifig Series is an interesting gambit.  Just as a "heads up" the numbers next to the QR code do not match up to the contents of the box.  I've already bought one duplicate so far.

Box.  MSRP is $4.99, for a $0.12 Price per Piece.

QR Code.

Instructions & Game Piece.

Parts.  Thin Liftarms w/Frame, Driving Ring

Extensions, Perpendicular Double Pin/Axle

Connector, Axles, Pin/Axles, Axle w/Stop, 3L

Axle/Pin, Friction Pins, Liftarm, Thin Liftarms,

Perpendicular Axle/Pin Connector, Axle w/Pin

Connector, Gears, Bushings, Curved Panel

("Comma"), Half Bushings, Tires, Rims, and

Perpendicular Split Axle/Pin Connector.

Build.  Frame (2Rh/2W).  [System is Light Bley.]

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Above.  (-10)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +5 (B+).  I like the Thin Liftarms w/Frame, Driving Ring Extensions, and Perpendicular Split Axle/Pin Connector.  But beyond that there's not much to recommend here.

Review: 42233 Technic Mighty Machines Wheel Loader

This is a new for 2026 Technic series.  The builds being packaged in a blind box format like the Collectable Minifig Series is an interesting gambit.  Just as a "heads up" the numbers next to the QR code do not match up to the contents of the box.  I've already bought one duplicate so far.

Box.  MSRP is $4.99, for a $0.11 Price per Piece.

QR Code.

Instructions & Game Piece.

Parts.  Shovel Panels, Thin Liftarms w/Frame, Thin

Liftarms, Perpendicular Pin/Axle Connectors, Axle/

Pin Connector w/Smooth Toggle Joint, Gear, Axle

w/Stop, Axles, 3L Axle/Pin, Pins, Axle/Pins,

Axle Connector, Worm Gear, Rims, and Tires.

Build.  Frame (2Rd/2B/2W).

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Above.  (-10)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +5 (B+).  I like it, I just feel like it needs "more".  And the Blind Box thing doesn't help either.

Review: 30736 Technic White Seaplane Polybag

I found this set last week at one of my local Targets.  Once again, I was really surprised because they had it on Clearance and this is the first time I've seen this set.  I'm always interested in Technic polybags, so let's give it a look.

Bag.  MSRP is $4.99 for a $0.06 Price per Piece.

I paid $3.49 for a $0.04 Price per Piece.

Instructions.

Parts.  Angled Liftarms, Propellers, Axles, Friction Pins, Quarter

Ellipse Liftarms, Gears, Liftarms, Axle/Pins, Liftarms w/Axle Holes,

3L Axle/Pins, Axle Connectors, Axle Connectors w/Pinhole, Bushings,

Corner Axles w/Pinhole, Panel Fairings, and 3L Friction Pins.

Build.  IO Cruiser and RA Tank.
   

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Below.  (+5)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have

  parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)

Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +20 (A+).  I feel like I should have been able to get more from this set.  Still, plenty of useful parts.

Review: 30735 Technic Hot Rod Car Polybag

The new for 2026 polybags are starting to arrive.  It looks like paper packaging has finally made its way to the United States.  I found this one at Barnes & Noble.

Bag.  MSRP is $4.99 for a $0.06 Price per Piece.  

Instructions.

Parts.  Liftarms, Tires, Axle/Pins,  Thin Quarter Ellipse Liftarms, Rims, Thin

L Liftarms, Axles, Perpendicular Split Axle/Pin Connectors, Crank Discs, Perpendicular Axle/Pin 3L Connectors, Perpendicular Axle/Pin Connectors, Thin Liftarms, Small Pistons, 3L Axle/Pins, 3/4 Pins, Friction Pins, 1/2 Pins, Bushings, Half Bushings, Transparent Round Plates, Grille Tiles, Plate, 12 Tooth Gears, Axle/Pin Connectors, Curved Panels, and Quadruple Axle/Pin Connector. 

Build.  IO Frigate (2Ras+d8) {Systems are Light Bley}.
 

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Below.  (+5)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +20 (A+).  As much as I like Technic pieces this is more of a parts pack then a starter kit.

Review: 30710 Technic Skid-Steer Loader Polybag

Once again we have an easily available Technic polybag.  Excellent.

Bag.  MSRP is $4.97 at Walmart for a $0.10 Price per Piece.  

Instructions.

Parts.  Scoop w/Hinge, Tires, "L" Liftarms, Liftarms, Corner Liftarm w/Alternating Pinholes, Thin Liftarms, Bent Liftarm, Rims, Dual Axle Connector w/Pinhole, 3L Pins, Axles w/Stop, 3L Friction Pins, 3L Axle/Pin, Axles, Friction Pins, Barrel Hinge, #6 Axle/Pin Connector, Gears, Worm Gear, Axles w/Pinhole, and #1 Axle/Pin Connector.

Build.  Battlecart (2Rd [System is Dark Bley.]).

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  At.  (0)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +15 (A).  I like it but, then again, I think I like Technic stuff more than the general community.  I think it's a good start but you're going to need something else for Systems, Stations, and SSRs.

Review: 30682 Technic NASA Mars Rover Perseverance Polybag

I know we're barely into 2024 but I was somewhat surprised to find two new poybags at Barnes & Noble.

Bag.  MSRP is $4.99, for a $0.06 Price per Piece.

Instructions.

Parts.  Wheels, Round Bricks, "L" Liftarms, Split Axle/Pin Connectors, Offset Axle

Pin Connectors, Bricks w/Axle hole, Axle Connectors, Bars, Thin Liftarms, Axle/Pin

Connectors, Axles, Gear, Link, Axle Connectors, Pins, Axle/Pins, Long Axle/Pins,

Axle w/Stop, Friction Pins, Bar Clips, Small Thin Liftarms, Rounded Plate, Axle/Ball

Joint, Bars w/Stop, Axle/Pin Connectors, Triple Axle/Pin Connectors, Corner Axle/

Pin Connectors, Pin Connector w/Bar, Worm Gear, and Axle/Pin Connector.

Build.  Two Frames.

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Below.  (+5)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +20 (A+).  Plenty of useful parts at an excellent Price point.  Unless you're used to building with Technic this set may be a bit difficult for people to handle though.

Review: 30433 Volvo Wheel Loader Polybag

I found this in Target in the Seasonal section along with three other polybag sets that I have already reviewed, one recently, so you're getting this review now.

Bag.  I paid $4.99 at Target, for a $0.07 Price per Piece. 

Instructions & Stickers

Parts.  Hinge Plow, Technic Panel, Tires, Thin Liftarms, Bent Liftarms,

Angled Liftarms, Axles, Axle w/Stop, Technic Connector w/Axles, 3L

Friction Pins, 3L Pins, 3/4 Pins, 1/2 Pins, Half Bushings, Cheese Graters,

Pin Connector, Barrel Hinge w/Axle Hole, Worm Screw, Gears, and Rims.

Build.  Ramcart! (2Rh/1Gd8/2W)

The Questions:

Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Below.  (+5)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)

Score: +20 (A+).  Plenty of Technic parts, feels like it needs something more though.

Review: 42088 Technic Cherry Picker

This is the current version of the small Technic Cherry Picker set. It was on sale and I like Orange pieces so I decided to purchase and review it. This also looks to be the first Technic set I've actually reviewed.

Box.  MSRP is $9.99 for this which gives us a $0.08 Price per Piece.

Instructions. 

Parts 1.  These were loose in the box.

Parts 2. Tires, Thin Lift Arms, Lift Arms, Rims, Gear, Elbow Lift Arm, Axle

w/Stop, Small Quarter Ellipse Lift Arm, and Large Quarter Ellipse Lift Arm

Parts 3.  Perpendicular Axle Connectors, Elbow Lift Arms, Double Pins, Pins w/Stop Bush, Perpendicular Double Connectors, Lift Arms, Perpendicular Connectors w/Double Pin Holes, Axles, Pin w/Center Pin Hole, # 1 Pin Connectors, Plate, Gear, Perpendicular Pin Connectors w/Center Hole, #5 Pin Connectors, Perpendicular Pin Connectors, Pin Connector, Worm Screw, Mod. Plates w/Bottom Pin Hole, and # 2 Pin Connector.

Parts 4.  3L Friction Pins, 3L Pins, Axle Connector, 3L Axle Pins, Friction Pins, Axles, Axle Pins, Half Pins, Studless Slopes, Connectors, Cheese Slopes, Round Plates, Large Cheese Slopes, Barraki Eyes, and Technic Bushings.

Build.  Frame and two 1 Hit pieces of Cover.

The Questions:
Can you build something -- a frame, station, or starship -- right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Is it below, at, or above the golden ratio?  Below.  (+5)  (The Golden Ratio is $0.10 per part.)
If you can't build a frame right away, or choose not to, does it have parts you should be able to put into use right away?  Yes.  (+5)
Does it have more than a handful of immediately useful parts?  Yes.  (+5)
Score: +20 (A+).  Technic sets are really the Undiscovered Country when it comes to MFZ.