Throwback to '78!
Build the Classic Mobile Crane

Relive the early days of LEGO Technic with this vintage 511-piece set. A rewarding build for collectors and fans of classic construction toys.

🏛 Expert Builder
Set #855

Mobile Crane

The Mobile Crane 855-1 is a classic Technic set showcasing early LEGO engineering.

🏆 Best For: Ideal for LEGO fans interested in classic Technic models and early LEGO engineering. ⏱ 4.5 hr build 🧩 511 pcs
★★★☆☆ 3.8

A nostalgic set loved for its functional design and historical significance, but some find the building techniques basic compared to modern Technic sets. Collectors appreciate its vintage appeal, but newer builders may find it less engaging.

📝 Our Take

The Mobile Crane 855-1 is a classic Technic set showcasing early LEGO engineering. Released in 1978, it demonstrates impressive functionality for its time, featuring a working crane with a rotating boom and adjustable height using basic Technic elements.

This set is perfect for vintage LEGO enthusiasts and those interested in the history of Technic building. The build offers a glimpse into the past, with simple yet effective mechanical functions that are engaging to assemble and demonstrate.

Skip this if you prefer modern, highly detailed models. The Mobile Crane is a more basic set, consider modern Technic sets with more complex functions and higher piece counts for a more challenging build experience.

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How does this set compare to modern Technic crane models? What are the key mechanical functions of the Mobile Crane and how do they work? What is the best way to display and maintain a vintage LEGO set like this? What is the value of a complete, original condition Mobile Crane 855-1?

🧱 Building Experience

🧩
511
Pieces
4.5h
Build Time
📊
Intermediate
Difficulty
Build Highlights:
  • Functional crane with rotating boom and adjustable height
  • Use of early Technic elements to create mechanical functions
  • Sturdy construction allowing for play and display
  • Introduction to basic gear mechanisms and linkages

📈 Investment Analysis

→ Price stable
B
Investment Grade
⏳ Active
The Mobile Crane 855-1 holds moderate investment potential due to its age and status as a vintage Technic set. Complete sets in good condition with the original box and instructions can command a premium. Theme popularity is moderate; early Technic sets appeal to a niche market of collectors interested in the history of LEGO engineering. Piece count is decent for its time, and the set's unique appeal lies in its functional design. Retirement risk is non-existent as the set is already retired, and its value is tied to its rarity and condition. Demand may increase as more collectors seek out vintage Technic models.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

Compare Similar Sets

The Mobile Crane 855-1 is a classic example of early Technic sets. Compared to modern Technic cranes, it lacks the complexity and detail of newer models. However, its vintage appeal and functional design make it a unique collectible. Collectors interested in the history of LEGO engineering may prefer this set over more modern Technic offerings. Consider modern sets for more complex building experiences.

📦 Full Parts Inventory - 61 unique parts • 477 total pieces

Brick 2 x 4 without Cross Supports Brick 2 x 4 witho...
Part #: 3001a Black
Brick 2 x 3 without Cross Supports Brick 2 x 3 witho...
Part #: 3002a Black
Brick 2 x 2 without Inside Ridges Brick 2 x 2 witho...
Part #: 3003a Black
Brick 1 x 2 Brick 1 x 2
Part #: 3004 14× Yellow
Brick 1 x 1 Brick 1 x 1
Part #: 3005 Yellow
Brick 1 x 1 Brick 1 x 1
Part #: 3005 Red
Brick 2 x 8 Brick 2 x 8
Part #: 3007 Black
Brick 1 x 8 Brick 1 x 8
Part #: 3008 Yellow
Brick 1 x 8 Brick 1 x 8
Part #: 3008 Black
Brick 1 x 8 Brick 1 x 8
Part #: 3008 Red
Brick 1 x 6 Brick 1 x 6
Part #: 3009 Red
Brick 1 x 6 Brick 1 x 6
Part #: 3009 Yellow
Brick 1 x 4 Brick 1 x 4
Part #: 3010 Red
Brick 1 x 4 Brick 1 x 4
Part #: 3010 Trans-Clear
Plate 2 x 4 Plate 2 x 4
Part #: 3020 Red
Plate 2 x 4 Plate 2 x 4
Part #: 3020 Yellow
Plate 2 x 3 Plate 2 x 3
Part #: 3021 Black
Plate 2 x 3 Plate 2 x 3
Part #: 3021 Yellow
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 Yellow
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 Red
Plate 2 x 2 Plate 2 x 2
Part #: 3022 Blue
Plate 1 x 2 Plate 1 x 2
Part #: 3023 18× Yellow
Plate 1 x 2 Plate 1 x 2
Part #: 3023 Red
Plate 1 x 1 Plate 1 x 1
Part #: 3024 Black
Plate 6 x 12 Plate 6 x 12
Part #: 3028 Red
Plate 4 x 12 Plate 4 x 12
Part #: 3029 Yellow
Plate 4 x 12 Plate 4 x 12
Part #: 3029 Red
Plate 4 x 10 Plate 4 x 10
Part #: 3030 Yellow
Plate 4 x 4 Plate 4 x 4
Part #: 3031 Red
Plate 4 x 6 Plate 4 x 6
Part #: 3032 Yellow
Plate 6 x 10 Plate 6 x 10
Part #: 3033 Yellow
Plate 2 x 8 Plate 2 x 8
Part #: 3034 Red
Plate 4 x 8 Plate 4 x 8
Part #: 3035 Yellow
Plate 4 x 8 Plate 4 x 8
Part #: 3035 Red
Brick Round 1 x 1 Open Stud Brick Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 3062b White
Brick Round 1 x 1 Open Stud Brick Round 1 x 1...
Part #: 3062b Red
Tile 2 x 2 with Groove Tile 2 x 2 with G...
Part #: 3068b Yellow
Tile 1 x 2 with Groove Tile 1 x 2 with G...
Part #: 3069b 16× Black
Tile 1 x 2 with Groove Tile 1 x 2 with G...
Part #: 3069b 16× Red
Tile 1 x 2 with Groove Tile 1 x 2 with G...
Part #: 3069b Yellow
Tile 1 x 1 with Groove Tile 1 x 1 with G...
Part #: 3070b Black
Turntable 4 x 4 Square Base with Top, Complete Assembly Turntable 4 x 4 S...
Part #: 3403c01 Black
Plate 1 x 8 Plate 1 x 8
Part #: 3460 Red
Plate 1 x 8 Plate 1 x 8
Part #: 3460 Yellow
Wheel with Split Axle hole Wheel with Split ...
Part #: 3482 Light Gray
Brick Special 1 x 1 x 2 with Shutter Holder Brick Special 1 x...
Part #: 3581 Yellow
Window 1 x 2 x 2 Shutter Window 1 x 2 x 2 ...
Part #: 3582 Black
Brick 1 x 3 Brick 1 x 3
Part #: 3622 Yellow
Plate 1 x 3 Plate 1 x 3
Part #: 3623 Yellow
Plate 1 x 3 Plate 1 x 3
Part #: 3623 Light Gray
Tyre 43 x 17 Tyre 43 x 17
Part #: 3634 Black
Technic Gear 8 Tooth Technic Gear 8 Tooth
Part #: 3647 Light Gray
Technic Gear 24 Tooth [Old Style - Three axle holes] Technic Gear 24 T...
Part #: 3648a Light Gray
Technic Gear 24 Tooth Crown with Flat Teeth Technic Gear 24 T...
Part #: 3650a Light Gray
Technic Axle and Pin Connector Technic Axle and ...
Part #: 3651 13× Light Gray
Slope Inverted 45° 2 x 2 [Ovoid Bottom Pin, Bar-sized Stud Holes] Slope Inverted 45...
Part #: 3660 Red
Slope Inverted 45° 2 x 1 Slope Inverted 45...
Part #: 3665 Yellow
Plate 1 x 6 Plate 1 x 6
Part #: 3666 22× Yellow
Plate 1 x 6 Plate 1 x 6
Part #: 3666 Red
Plate 1 x 6 Plate 1 x 6
Part #: 3666 Black
Technic Pin without Friction Ridges Lengthwise Technic Pin witho...
Part #: 3673 28× Light Gray
Technic Brick 1 x 2 [1 Pin Hole] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3700 Black
Technic Brick 1 x 2 [1 Pin Hole] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3700 Red
Technic Brick 1 x 2 [1 Pin Hole] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3700 12× Yellow
Technic Brick 1 x 4 [3 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3701 Red
Technic Brick 1 x 4 [3 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3701 Blue
Technic Brick 1 x 4 [3 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3701 Yellow
Technic Brick 1 x 8 [7 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3702 10× Red
Technic Brick 1 x 8 [7 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3702 Yellow
Technic Brick 1 x 16 [15 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3703 Yellow
Technic Brick 1 x 16 [15 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3703 Blue
Technic Brick 1 x 16 [15 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3703 Red
Technic Brick 1 x 16 [15 Pin Holes] Technic Brick 1 x...
Part #: 3703 Black
Technic Axle 2 Technic Axle 2
Part #: 3704 Black
Technic Axle 4 Technic Axle 4
Part #: 3705 Black
Technic Axle 6 Technic Axle 6
Part #: 3706 Black
Technic Axle 8 Technic Axle 8
Part #: 3707 10× Black
Technic Axle 12 Technic Axle 12
Part #: 3708 Black
Plate 1 x 4 Plate 1 x 4
Part #: 3710 12× Yellow
Plate 1 x 4 Plate 1 x 4
Part #: 3710 Red
Technic Bush Technic Bush
Part #: 3713 17× Light Gray
Technic Steering Pulley Large Technic Steering ...
Part #: 3736 Light Gray
Technic Plate 2 x 8 [7 Holes] Technic Plate 2 x...
Part #: 3738 Red
Technic Plate 2 x 8 [7 Holes] Technic Plate 2 x...
Part #: 3738 Yellow
Technic Gear Rack 1 x 4 Technic Gear Rack...
Part #: 3743 12× Light Gray
Technic Axle Pin without Friction Ridges Lengthwise Technic Axle Pin ...
Part #: 3749 Light Gray
Plate 2 x 6 Plate 2 x 6
Part #: 3795 Red
String Cord Thin (0.5mm) [Undetermined Length] String Cord Thin ...
Part #: 56823 Black
Rubber Band Small 13mm (Square Cross Section) Rubber Band Small...
Part #: 71509 Black
Technic Universal Joint 4L [Complete Assembly] Technic Universal...
Part #: 9244 Light Gray
This set contains a good selection of classic Technic parts in yellow, light gray, red and black, useful for building mechanical functions and structures. Quantities of Technic pins, gears, and axles are useful for MOC builders.

💎 Notable Parts

Light Gray Technic Gear Rack 1 x 4 (12x) $3.00
Red Technic Brick 1 x 8 [7 Pin Holes] (10x) $2.50
Black Technic Axle 8 (10x) $1.50
Light Gray Technic Gear 8 Tooth (9x) $2.25
Light Gray Technic Pin without Friction Ridges Lengthwise (28x) $5.60
Est. BrickLink Part Value
$14.85

💡 MOC Potential

🚗 Transform into a different type of construction vehicle.
🤖 Create a basic industrial robot arm.
🚗 Build a simple tow truck with a functional winch.

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Charts Inventory Statistics

61
Unique Parts
480
Total Pieces
0
Minifigures
Inventory Version: 2