Review: 8299 Search Sub
Posted by Huw,
I am continuing to dismantle my old Technic sets to make room for new ones, and while doing so, picking one or two of the more interesting models to photograph and briefly review.
8299 Search Sub from 1997 was a groundbreaking Technic set: it was the first to come with a CD-ROM featuring step-by-step instructions and video animations of the set in action. At least, that's what I think it contained: I dug out my copy this morning but unfortunately, but perhaps not surprisingly, it won't install on Windows 7. I have however extracted one of the videos which you can see below.
The model itself is interesting in it own right. It was the first to use the pneumatic air tank which revolutionised pneumatic Technic models. This made it possible to store air pressure and operate the model without needing to constantly pump air into the system. The pump, you'll notice, has been cleverly disguised as the periscope in this model.
However, it was perhaps a bit of an overkill in this set, given that there was only one pneumatically controlled function: the jaws at the front which close and raise.
Technic models released in the years 1996-1998 were in an early transitional period between studded and studless construction. The first studless beam, 'Technic angular beam 4x6' was introduced in 1996 and is used here in several places where a straight studded beam would be unsuitable.
It would not be until 1999 that straight studless beams were introduced which marked the beginning of the end of studded beam Technic models.
The stickers are in pristine condition. The manufacture of stickers changed shortly afterwards which resulted in the peeling and flaking problem that we are now seeing with those printed on white.
The wheel on the top of the sub raises the canopy allowing the diver and his small submersible to be removed. The drill, or whatever it is, that is stowed at the back of the submarine, can be attached to the front.
The jaws at the front use a clever mechanism that raises them when they closed, then drops them when they are opened again.
1997 was the last year that the old-style half-bush with 'castellations', seen at the bottom here, was used.
The Technic figure was unique to this set and came with unique diving accessories.
Here then, is the introduction animation from the CD-ROM. Don't laugh -- it was state-of-the-art at the time! I'm not sure if there's supposed to be sound, as I said I can't get the actual program on the disc to play.
The CD-ROM, I've just noticed, has the set number 8760.
It's an interesting and unusual model which marked the beginning of LEGO's exploration into combining digital media and physical bricks, something that continues to this day.
The set was also released without the CD-ROM as 8250, presumably at a cheaper price.
4 likes
15 comments on this article
Very very interesting!! Thanks for sharing
I clearly remember that the video had sound. And I remember as well that in the CD there was a short story of the LEGO Group and also you can find several models to replicate with the pieces of the main model. I had a lot of fun with this model when I was a child
Time to fire up a VM to get that CD to work ;-)
The year after they did a similar thing with 8428 / 8432 ; with/without a CD-ROM with some instructions and a game. I must have that CD somewhere...
I had the big yellow robot from similar time. Replaced its head with this set. My fave Technic around this time was the big black car.
I saw this set, boxed, for sale in a Chichester (West Sussex, UK) charity shop for £130. Assumed it was complete etc. Sounded a lot to me or have I missed out ??
Very, very cool. I wondered which type of studless beam came first. That is a groundbreaking set-- a submarine with pneumatic pumps and a CD!
My guess is that CD is designed to run on Windows 95 if the set was released in 1996. When my dad upgraded from 95 to XP, most of the stuff did carry over, so this would probably work on an XP computer. Unfortunately, one of my XP computers is dead and the other has somehow lost mouse control, so it wouldn't be very helpful to send it to me. Sorry!
When's the last time a CD was included with a LEGO set? The last I can remember is 2008's Custom Car Garage, which included a copy of LDD 2.
^^ £130 for a used example, from a charity shop! That sounds a bit much to me. £30 might be a fair price.
Huw, you should be able to get the CD-ROM to work by activating the classic environment. If you have a shortcut on your desktop, then right-click the icon and choose Properties. Somewhere in there you will find the option. Good luck!
I owned this product myself and can also confirm that it had sound - the complete video is available on YouTube.
Oh the nostalgia! Awesome review, Huw!
My siblings and I had this set, but I don't remember any CD. We didn't have many Technic sets, so this was the only Technic figure we ever had (we named him Joel). Eventually the pieces got mixed up with 8277 (one of the few other Technic sets we had) and now the pieces of both sets reside together in one box at my brother's house.
£130? Makes my £20 from eBay a few months ago for a complete version with instructions and CD Rom a right bargain then! Even up against my other 'yellow' models this still looks really impressive...
I recently rebuilt my copy of this set for the first time in a while. Still just as much fun to play with. I used to pit this sub against Scuba the Throwbot all the time.
I picked this set up at a local car boot sale for £3, i am not e Lego Technics fan so sold it on , but was a very nice set to build
This was one of my 8 year old son's favorite sets in 1996. It is an amazing build and still impressive 18 years later. Thanks for the wonderful review!
Heh I'm looking at mine on my shelf right now! :)