"Arctic Action" represents the first and only time that Technic
attempted to do a play theme across a whole range of models similar to
what was done with LEGO
® Space or Castle. All are
based around a theme of Arctic exploration and all include Technic
figures with skis and ski poles. Though there is no medical
equipment, I get the feeling that these guys are paramedics rescuing
stranded scientists or perhaps the occasional walrus. Features
are quite different but only the helicopter seems to represent
equipment that may really exist. The biggest set is particularly
peculiar and looks like just a hospital on skis.
The Arctic Action sets were the first to feature the new Technic
figures. Six figures are available in these sets, and all come
with skis and poles as accessories.
Although I'm sure this will generate plenty of angry emails, these are
among my least favorite of all Technic sets and were the last that I
purchased. It's not that they don't have any interesting
features, but they are obviously based around play value rather than
technical functionality, which is not the reason that I buy
Technic. If I was only going to get one, it would probably be the
8640 helicopter. The big set
8680 is, at the very least, a great gold mine of
white beams and one of only two sets to feature the long stroke
pneumatics.
