The new LEGO Technic sets include an unexpected throwback

2023’s initial round of LEGO Technic sets offer a diverse range of models – including an oddity we’ve only seen once before in the theme.

The LEGO Technic theme allows the LEGO Group to release models with a more sophisticated level of mechanical detail, and has proven a persistent part of the LEGO lineup. That’s certainly the case for 2023, with half a dozen new sets recently unveiled online. Much of the subject matter is an obvious choice; we’ve got a trio of cars, a new miniature dump truck and a forklift – the latter being the LEGO Technic theme’s oldest subject matter.

However, we’ve also got a new snow groomer – imaginatively named 42148 Snow Groomer. That’s a particularly unusual choice of subject matter, as it’s appeared in the LEGO Technic theme on exactly one other occasion. That occasion was in 2009, with 8263 Snow Groomer appearing for LEGO fans to enjoy.

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Still, the relative rarity of the design is perhaps to be expected. A snow groomer is a highly specialised vehicle, employed to pack snow on skiing and snowboarding routes. As such, it doesn’t have quite the same appeal as your average sports car.

On the other hand, it appears this new snow groomer comes with all the relevant mechanical features – and given its similar colour scheme, may be an unofficial tribute to its big brother. Initial product descriptions confirm it can raise and lower its front blade and rear smoothing tool, just as 8263 Snow Groomer can. And with an RRP of £8.99 / $12.99 / €9.99, it may be a more tempting prospect than a full size model. 

In short – while it’ll inevitably cover familiar territory – the LEGO Technic theme can still surprise us, 45 years after its launch. Look out for 42148 Snow Groomer at LEGO.com from January 1, 2023.

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