How many pieces are in the Thunder Driller?

Thunder Driller contains 235 pieces.

What age is the Thunder Driller recommended for?

This set is recommended for ages 7-14.

When was the Thunder Driller released?

Thunder Driller was released in 2009.

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🏛 Power Miners

Set #8960

Thunder Driller

The Thunder Driller is a standout vehicle from the Power Miners theme.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Ages 7+ · Beginner build Ideal for children and LEGO enthusiasts who enjoy building vehicles with play features.
Build: 235 pieces · about 2 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price: $29.99 list price · 12.8¢ per piece
Availability: Retired at LEGO

★★★★☆ 4.6 community rating

Fans appreciate the Thunder Driller for its unique design, playability, and striking color scheme. Some find the build simple, but overall, it's considered a fun and worthwhile addition to the Power Miners collection.

$29.99

Best Price

$26.99

You Save

10% OFF

📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

The Thunder Driller is a standout vehicle from the Power Miners theme. Its unique drilling mechanism and vibrant lime green color scheme make it instantly recognizable and fun to play with.

This set is perfect for kids and LEGO fans who enjoy construction vehicles and imaginative play. The build is straightforward, making it accessible for younger builders, while the play features provide hours of entertainment.

Skip this if you're looking for a complex build or a set with high display value. Consider larger Power Miners sets like the Crystal King or the Claw Digger for more challenging builds and impressive models.

✨ New

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Hi! I'm BlockTalk, your LEGO expert. Ask me anything about the Thunder Driller - building tips, investment potential, comparisons, or anything else!

Try asking:

How does the Thunder Driller compare to other vehicles in the Power Miners theme? What are some ways to expand the play possibilities of this set? How does the value of this set compare to other sets from 2009? What's the best way to display the Thunder Driller with other Power Miners sets?

🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

🧩

235

Pieces

⏱

2.0h

Estimated Build Time

📊

Beginner

Difficulty

👤

7-14

Ages

Build Highlights:

The drilling mechanism is a fun and interactive feature.
The use of lime green and dark bluish gray creates a striking color contrast.
The set includes three minifigures, adding to the play possibilities.
The model is sturdy and well-designed for play.

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

Not enough price history for a trend

B-

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

The Thunder Driller, being a retired set from the popular Power Miners theme, has moderate investment potential. Its relatively low piece count and original MSRP might limit significant appreciation, but the theme's nostalgic appeal and the set's unique design could attract collectors. The inclusion of three minifigures, including a trans-orange monster, adds to its collectibility. However, its widespread availability during its retail period may temper future price increases. Keeping the set sealed and in excellent condition is crucial for maximizing its investment potential.

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

📖 About This Set

The rugged Thunder Driller is the most important vehicle on the Power Miners team. With its massive double-geared, auto-rotating planetary drill, it tunnels through solid stone to reach deep underground caverns and hidden rock monster hives. As long as its magma-core engine is fueled up and its huge spiked wheels keep turning, the Thunder Driller's powerful dual-direction drill never stops spinning! Motor shield opens to display gearing system and stored crystals! Includes 2 miners, rock monster and more! Combine with #8958 Granite Grinder to create the massive Aero Shredder! Vehicle measures 8" (20cm) long and has giant spiky wheels!

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Granite Grinder

Power Miners • 186 pcs

$20.00

Crystal King

Power Miners • 493 pcs

$50.00

Magma Mech

Power Miners • 279 pcs

$30.00

The Thunder Driller is a good entry-level set in the Power Miners theme. Compared to larger sets like the Crystal King, it offers a simpler build and lower price point, making it more accessible for younger builders. However, more serious collectors might prefer the larger sets for their complexity and display value. Consider the Claw Digger for a similar play experience with a different vehicle design.

3 Minifigures Included

Duke, Blue with Yellow Arms, Goggles

The set includes three minifigures: Duke, Doc, and the trans-orange Firox rock monster. The Firox figure is unique and adds to the set's collectibility.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count: 235
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 85 unique parts, 225 pieces
Minifigures: 3

LEGO counts 235 pieces. This inventory comes from a separate parts catalog and lists 236, including the 11 parts inside the minifigures; the two do not always count the same elements, so their totals differ. Spare parts are counted in neither figure.

Missing a piece? Check this set piece by piece, with look-alike colors flagged and element IDs for replacements.

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2412b 4× Light Bluish Gray

Tile 1 x 4 with G...

Part #: 2431 3× Lime

Brick 2 x 6

Part #: 2456 1× White

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 2540 1× Orange

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 2654 2× Trans-Clear

Technic Pin with ...

Part #: 2780 2× Black

Lever Small Base ...

Part #: 298c02 2× White

Part #: 3020 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 8× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 4× Lime

Plate 2 x 8

Part #: 3034 4× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 30367b 2× Black

Rock 1 x 1 Crysta...

Part #: 30385 2× Trans-Orange

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3040b 4× Lime

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 30414 1× Light Bluish Gray

Brick Special 1 x...

Part #: 30526 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062b 7× Dark Bluish Gray

Tile 2 x 2 with G...

Part #: 3068b 1× Black

Technic Pin 3/4

Part #: 32002 8× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Pin Long ...

Part #: 32054 4× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 32064a 2× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Axle 5

Part #: 32073 1× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Bush 1/2 ...

Part #: 32123b 4× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Bush 1/2 ...

Part #: 32123b 3× Yellow

Technic Gear 20 T...

Part #: 32269 1× Black

Technic Gear 12 T...

Part #: 32270 1× Black

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 32316 2× Light Bluish Gray

Part #: 3650c 1× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3700 7× Black

Technic Axle 12

Part #: 3708 1× Black

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3709 3× White

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 1× Light Bluish Gray

Plate 1 x 4

Part #: 3710 1× Lime

Technic Bush

Part #: 3713 2× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Plate 2 x...

Part #: 3738 1× Black

Technic Axle Pin ...

Part #: 3749 4× Tan

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 1× Black

Tool Pickaxe

Part #: 3841 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3895 2× Black

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 3941 2× Lime

Brick Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 3941 2× Black

Equipment Radio [...

Part #: 3962b 1× Black

Technic Gear 16 T...

Part #: 4019 3× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Round 2 x 2...

Part #: 4032a 2× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4081b 2× Black

Technic Wedge Bel...

Part #: 4185 2× Light Bluish Gray

Part #: 43093 4× Blue

Brick Wedged, Cur...

Part #: 43712 2× Lime

Bracket 1 x 2 - 2...

Part #: 44728 1× Black

Plate 1 x 10

Part #: 4477 2× Black

Tap 1 x 1 without...

Part #: 4599b 2× Light Bluish Gray

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 4623 2× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 48336 2× Light Bluish Gray

Bar 1L with Clip ...

Part #: 48729b 4× Dark Bluish Gray

Wheel Arch, Mudgu...

Part #: 50745 2× Orange

Brick Curved Inve...

Part #: 54091 2× Lime

Brick Curved 8 x ...

Part #: 54095 1× Lime

Brick Sloped 30° ...

Part #: 54200 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Axle 8 wi...

Part #: 55013 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 57585 2× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Axle Conn...

Part #: 59443 1× Yellow

Cone 1 x 1 [Top G...

Part #: 59900 4× Light Bluish Gray

Chain 16L [21 Links]

Part #: 60169 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Bar 7 x 3 with Do...

Part #: 6020 1× Black

Plate Special 1 x...

Part #: 60470b 1× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Axle 9

Part #: 60485 1× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Panel Car...

Part #: 61070 1× Lime

Technic Panel Car...

Part #: 61071 1× Lime

Wave / Flame Roun...

Part #: 6126a 1× Trans-Orange

Brick Sloped 18° ...

Part #: 61409 2× Lime

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 11× Black

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 7× Lime

Container Box 2 x...

Part #: 61780 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Bar 1 x 4 x 3 [En...

Part #: 62113 1× Black

Wheel Hard Plasti...

Part #: 64711 4× Black

Wheel Hard Plasti...

Part #: 64711 1× Orange

Wheel Hard Plasti...

Part #: 64712 4× Black

Wheel Hard Plasti...

Part #: 64712 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Cone Jagged, Dril...

Part #: 64713 1× Light Bluish Gray

Equipment Dynamit...

Part #: 64728 1× Red

Technic Axle 1.5 ...

Part #: 6553 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Gearbox 4 x 4 x 1...

Part #: 6585 1× Black

Technic Axle 3 wi...

Part #: 6587 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Gear 12 T...

Part #: 6589 2× Tan

Tile 1 x 6 with G...

Part #: 6636 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Sticker Sheet for...

Part #: 84682 1× [No Color/Any Color]

The set features a generous amount of lime green elements, which are desirable for MOC builders looking to add a vibrant color to their creations. The Technic elements are also useful for creating functional mechanisms.