LEGO 8485 Control Center II

While not technically labeled as a universal set, the 1995 LEGO® Technic 8485 set easily holds the title of the best (with the possible exception of 8479, which is also not technically a universal set). It is based on a programmable electronic battery box in the Control Center that is almost identical to the box first found in 8094, with one very notable exception. Although it is commonly referred to as "Control Center II" by fans due to its clear sequence of 8094, it is not actually labeled as such. Like its predecessor, this is one of my favorites of all the Technic sets, and should be near the top of any collector's list, but be prepared to pay a lot for it.

This enormous set is annoyingly difficult to obtain in the United States. It's a huge set with over 1,000 parts and was one of the very largest Technic sets ever until the new millennium broke that mark repeatedly. The kit also includes 3 of the fast 9V motors, a stack of nice long (and rare) flex system parts, 6 electrical cables, an AC/DC transformer (for power from household electricity), 14 silicone straps and 18 bars of 16L length! This set marks the first time that a significant number of parts have been used for the "stand" to support and control a model, rather than simply making the model itself.

Each model is a work of art, with the first two in particular breaking new ground that has hardly, if ever, been equaled. The helicopter serves as a flight simulator with elevation, pitch, roll and rotating rotors all under the pilot's control. The dinosaur has incredibly lifelike (I don't think I can really prove this) movement, including arms, tail, neck, jaw and legs that move. The final model and airboat, while not as large or impressive as the others, is an excellent model in its own right. It drives, controls and rotates the fan.

After I first purchased this set, I debated for years about which model to display, the dinosaur or the helicopter. After reaching a state of acceptance that a choice would never be made, I resolved the problem by getting a second copy and displaying both models.