Vintage set of the week: Advanced Basic Set, 6+
Posted by Huwbot,
This week's vintage set is 910 Advanced Basic Set, 6+, released during 1976. It's one of 15 Basic sets produced that year. It contains 283 pieces.
It's owned by 270 Brickset members. If you want to add it to your collection you might find it for sale at BrickLink or eBay.
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28 comments on this article
This isn't your average everyday Basic...
This is... Advanced Basic.
@MCLegoboy said:
"This isn't your average everyday Basic...
This is... Advanced Basic."
One of the major parts of the Advanced Basic Training was a gruesome bracket competition of ordering pumpkin spice lattes out of season, while, and this is important, *actually getting them*.
I got the U.S. version of this set, 400, for Christmas 1977.
The Fire Truck im the lower left photo uses two minifig heads on the top of the truck, and two on the figures... but the set only includes three.
This was probably my twelfth set.
So much to like about this set from the new proto figs of the time to the tiny windows, spoked wheels, train rails, ladder, winch and hook, embossed vehicle grilles and forklift. I think I have some contemporary versions of this, but maybe not this one itself. This is pure LEGO to me.
@560heliport said:
"I got the U.S. version of this set, 400, for Christmas 1977.
The Fire Truck im the lower left photo uses two minifig heads on the top of the truck, and two on the figures... but the set only includes three.
This was probably my twelfth set."
That is why it was called advanced? Transubstantiation of a cylinder perhaps?
Once you mastered the advanced basic set you could move on to the basic advanced set.
Just think, at "6+", this set is technically 50% more advanced than Jack Stone.
@560heliport:
So what you're saying is that this is the first LEGO set that actively encouraged the customer to steal?
WhooHoo!!!:D...had this one, aaaand it was fuuuun:). Still remember: looking at that plane, that plant, and so on; and still like-the-heck outta' those rails. Wish TLG would make an adapter to connect the old rail with the new/current ones...
Ironically, the cop’s bike uses an illegal technique (wedging a plate between studs).
Also, in calling this set the Advanced Basic Set or ABS, could this be the only set that has what LEGO is made of coded into its name as ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene as well?
@Zander it wasn't illegal then. Ah, the carefree days of my youth!
Advanced Basic Set with Complicated Simple Builds and Detailed Succinct Instructions.
You too can build your own oxymorons!
Back in the day these (910, 911 and 912) really were wonderful sets. I had 911 and my elder brother had 912, the main factory builds with functions on the front of each were a visual and playable joy.
@560heliport said:
"I got the U.S. version of this set, 400, for Christmas 1977.
The Fire Truck im the lower left photo uses two minifig heads on the top of the truck, and two on the figures... but the set only includes three.
This was probably my twelfth set."
Interesting that Rebrickable’s inventory includes a fourth yellow head piece in addition to the three mini figs, but bricklink’s inventory doesn’t.
Such great sets! Just look at the variety of builds here, and this is just the front of the box, so many more on the back and on the instructions. And keep in mind this "Advanced set" is just a 6+ set. Looking at it as a toy, this trounces everything Lego is doing nowadays. A bunch of useful pieces and a lot of inspiration, what more does a kid need?
Well, maybe figures that don't have to be brutally mutilated just to have them sit on a bike....
I'm too young to have had these sets, but I love the look of the models, and the diversity of them. Same goes for the later sets like 722.
@Zander:
40320?
I believe this was my first set and I still have many of the parts. The forklift mechanism and the ladder are a little worse for wear but still in the collection, along with the mysterious peg-people.
And here it is, my very first Lego set. I remember I had to raise the gantry crane building to allow my 4.5V freight train to pass underneath. Good memories.
@PurpleDave said:
"Just think, at "6+", this set is technically 50% more advanced than Jack Stone.
@560heliport:
So what you're saying is that this is the first LEGO set that actively encouraged the customer to steal?"
Or to buy more sets. After all, Lego doesn't make any profit if you steal!
I always preferred the Intermediate Intermediate Set.
This is a fantastic insult. "You're not just basic, you're ADVANCED basic."
@MCLegoboy said:
"This isn't your average everyday Basic...
This is... Advanced Basic."
I hear Spongebob's voice when I read that. My mind must be hitting Rock Bottom. ;-)
@TheOtherMike:
No, because then you're short _two_ minifig heads. It's like trying to sell Pizza Pizza to the Boy Scouts.
This is one fabulous set.
I wish I had it as a kid.
I got some smaller sets in the late 70s early 80s but this would've been such an awesome Xmas gift.
Love it! Look at all the awesome stuff you can build and play with.
Hmmmm, I'm gonna' track this down now :)
Looking further into some pics of the other builds, there's a lovely viking ship design you can build.
Great stuff.
LEGO "infinite in 1"
And while 3-in-1 obviously still exist, if you look at sites like Rebrickable, some models have like 20+ alternate builds over there :)
Looking at instructions, I like the fact the ship build has little wheels hidden under it.
For an "Advanced" set the models look kind of basic to me.
Oh wait,
D'uh