Designing the Lego Technic Volvo L350F Wheel Loader

Volvo have released some behind the scenes information looking at how Lego and Volvo worked together to create the largest set in the 2014 Technic range, 42030 Remote-Controlled Volvo L350F Wheel Loader, and the alternate build, the A25F articulated hauler. The set apparently includes the largest Lego part ever created; the huge bespoke scoop of the loader, which is modelled exactly on the real vehicle, right down to the molded Volvo logos.

The video below explores how the Lego Technic team select their subjects, and then how Lego designers and Volvo engineers worked together to bring this set to life:



And here are both models from the set, and their real world counterparts:

Continue after the jump for a closer look at the final set:

2015 Lego set rumours

Page created 15th August 2014. Last updated 31st August 2014.

Rumours are starting to surface of sets to come in 2015 and late 2014. I shall be updating this article as more news comes.

First up, new themes! Neoape has reported lists for several completely new lines for 2015:

Jurassic World
Well this one was a surprise, and one I was pretty sceptical about when rumours first started to surface - You see just last year it was announced Hasbro had secured the Jurassic Park construction toy license, ready to produce sets for the then untitled fourth Jurassic Park film, which we now know will be Jurassic World. Hasbro's Lego knock-off, Kre-O, has yet to deliver any legacy Jurassic Park sets, and then we hear Lego has somehow secured the license - Very unusual! No set names have been released yet, but Neoape suggest there will be five different Jurassic World sets.


Elves
Another surprise is Elves, which going by the set names seem likely to be aimed at girls, and one might imagine will use the Friends-style minidolls. Neoape list six sets in this new theme:

• 41071 Aira’s Creative Workshop
• 41072 Naida’s Spa Secret
• 41073 Naida’s Adventure Ship
• 41074 Azari & The Magic Bakery
• 41075 Treetop Hideaway
• 41076 Farran & The Crystal Hollow 

Supercars
This new car-based theme might be new TV tie-in too, Brick Fantatics seem to think this could be a Top Gear theme. Seven sets are coming, whatever it's called:

• 75899 LaFerrari
• 75908 458 Italia GT2
• 75909 McLaren P1
• 75910 Porsche 918 Spyder
• 75911 McLaren Mercedes Pitstop
• 75912 Porsche 911 GT Finish
• 75913 F14 & Scuderia Ferrari 

Continue after the jump for news of other returning and regular themes:

New Mindstorms alternative builds

With EV3, the third generation of Lego's Mindstorms robotics system, due out next month, Lego have announced the new set will feature twelve additional builds, alongside the five models detailed in the box. Instructions for the twelve alternative designs, which have been created by members of the Mindstorms fan community, will be available to download once the EV3 is launched. Robot Squared posted images of each of the alternate designs, check them out (continues after the jump):

EL3CTRIC GUITAR, by Daniele Benedettelli - Play music (with the sensor slider I guess)

BOBB3E, by Kenneth Madsen - A forklift truck

EV3D4, by Vassilis Chryssanthakopoulos - A little Star Wars inspiration