Review: 42233 Technic Mighty Machines Dump Truck

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 $0.10 Price per Piece.

QR Code.

Instructions & Game Piece.

Parts.  Thin Liftarms w/Frame, Shovel Panels,

Perpendicular Split Axle/Pin Connectors, Bent Liftarm,

Perpendicular Axle/Pin Connectors, Tires, Rims,

Pins, Notched Axles, Axles, 3/4 Pins, and Axle/Pins.

Build.  Frame (2B {pivoting shield} 1Gd8 {no ranged weapons} 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?  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).  Four Perpendicular Split Axle/Pin Connectors is nice but onesies of some other parts is less nice.

Overall thoughts: There are some fun and useful pieces in these sets.  I can't wait to see the Thin Liftarms w/Frame and Shovel Panels in other colors.  The price point could have been a skosh better -- $4 would have been killer.  The blind box thing is just annoying though, especially with none of the QR codes being in any of the free online readers.

Review: 42233 Technic Mighty Machines Excavator

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.  Liftarms, Link w/o Stoppers, Thin Liftarms

w/Frame, Shovel Panels, Axle Connector, Thin

Liftarms, Axle/Pin Connector, Perpendicular

Axle/Pin Connector, Half Bushings, Pin w/Pin

Connector, Axle w/Pin Connector, Bushings,

Friction Axle/Pins, Axles, Friction Pins, Ball Joint

Pins, Axle/Pin, Axles w/Stop, and Angled Liftarm.

Build (1st Attempt).  Frame (2W).

Build (2nd Attempt).  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'm much happier with this set after my second crack at a build.  The odd number of certain pieces is still annoying but just buy two.

Review: 42233 Technic Mighty Machines Bulldozer

 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 $0.10 Price per Piece.

QR Code.

Instructions & Game Piece.

Parts.  Thin Liftarms, Axle/Pin Connectors,

Perpendicular Axle/Pin Connectors, Axle w/

Stop, Axles, 1L Liftarms, Worm Gear, Gear,

Bushings, Liftarms w/Frame, and 3/4 Pins.

 

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?  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 feel like this needed one more 3/4 Pin, or a Friction Pin, or something to make it a bit more viable as a set -- despite the score.

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.