I like medium sized sets, where developer managed to pack lots of smart solutions using limited number of parts and restricted space. Construction machinery is also my favourite Technic subtheme. Sum these up, put in some specialized parts as a bonus and take my money. That's the way 8069 is - great, classic Technic set.

Pros

• 4 mini LAs
• wheels
• big and small bucket
• lots of functions
• price
• building process interesting but somehow relaxing
• playability (for kids)

Cons

• can't see any

Packaging

I bought a Lego after a long time. In fact, this is my first studless set. I was quite excited to start building as soon as I opened the box. However, I was disappointed on the packing. In old days, Lego used to insert a tray with pockets to hold parts in plastic containers. Now there is no such plastic tray inside! Just the sealed plastic bags with parts inside. The wheels and front bucket were just bundled as loose parts. Also, Lego now only includes instruction for main model. The B model instructions must be downloaded. What the heck? Cost cutting at its extreme?

Building it was time consuming consider the model does not have too many parts (609 to be precise). This is due to the fact that parts were not well sorted in bags. It took me 3.5 hours to construct the model. Initial steps were longer as I had to delve thru all parts. It became much quicker from part 2 of instruction booklet.

The model

The finished model was quite big. It spanned the length of a typical computer monitor (17-19 inch). The functions are:

• Hand of God steering (the steering in cab is dummy) operating front wheels although turning radius is quite large.
• The two black cogs on either side of the model raise/lower the front bucket. The vertical rod tilts the bucket.
• There are two out triggers at the rear, which you can raise/lower using handles.
• The backhoe assembly in rear can be rotated as a whole using worm gears (its bit loose and has considerable free movement as well).
• There are two knobs (cogs) at the top of cab, one raises/lowers the backhoe arm and one extends it in/outward to operate the backhoe.
• The bonnet of engine bay can be opened (but there is no engine inside by the way).

To make it short: this is a brilliant set.

Pros

• steerable front wheels
• front bucket lifting
• front bucket tilting
• rear bucket swivelling
• rear bucket lifting
• rear bucket tilting
• retractable outriggers on the rear
• great, sturdy looks
• nice parts and construction
• great playability
• great value for money
• it's yellow/black! ;)

Cons

• rear bucket swivel mechanism feels loose (due to worm gear)
• turn radius quite large (can be improved, see below)

I got this set new for about 31Euros (40USD). The build was ok, it's not overly complex, but you can see the functions/components fall nicely into place. Some solutions are rather simple, but always effective (and that's what counts IMHO). All functions work really well, the model looks great and plays fantastically. As one reviewer already noted, I also like the all-mechanical approach of this set (no PowerFunctions/pneumatics). In summary, I don't know any other Technic set which offers so many (proper) functions and such high playability at that price. I highly recommend this set.

As to the large turn radius:
In step 8.3, exchange the dark grey parts that limit the steering angle (4211050) against smaller light grey parts (4211483). I wonder why Lego didn't do this in the first place since the front wheels still run freely without any swish.

Fun build. Took me most of a day.

Rebuild has been fun too - figuring out how to extricate some of the really cool rare parts and keep the backhoe intact.

Here are some of the parts that are in this kit which you might not have seen before:

q. 2 87083 - Technic Axle 4 with Stop - first time I've seen these

q.1 6536 - Technic Axle Joiner Perpendicular ...but BLUE. there are also 12 yellow ones.

q.1 63869 Technic Axle Joiner Perpendicular Triple (very rare)

q. 3 60484 Technic Beam 3 x 3 T-Shaped (somewhat rare)

q. 1 64179 Technic Beam 5 x 7 with Open Center 3 x 5

q. 4 92907 Technic Connector Block Axle and Pin, Perpendicular Split (very cool part!)

q. 6 87082 Technic Pin Long with Friction and Center Pin Hole (very cool part!)

of course, the 2 large tires, 2 huge tires, and huge 18x10 excavator bucket

Here's the full inventory: http://peeron.com/inv/sets/8069-1

I managed to extricate the nicely colored 6536 joiners, the 2 87083 axles w/ stops, 4 of the 6 87082 pins, 2 of the 3 60484 T-beams, 2 of the 4 92907 parts, and the 64179 rectangular block/beam - all without affecting the function or playability of the set. Your mileage may vary :-)

I'm sure the kit will eventually be busted out for robot parts, but it's a fun toy so I'll try to keep it intact for a while.