If ever there was a set that belonged firmly in the category of "Lego Technic or Other", 8244 Convertables from 1996 would be it. Right from the start you'll note the spelling. If it said "convertibles" you might be tempted to think of some ragtop cars, but the set serves up something quite different, an apparent grand experiment by LEGO® to explore the limits of modular play. The fact that this had never been before makes it innovative. The fact that it has never been done again since speaks to its success or lack thereof. Which in turn is very strange because Lego is about building and Technic is about technology, components and assemblies and building new combinations.
The 9 independent modules within this set can be combined in countless ways, and the image below shows a wide selection of them. The ability to combine a variety of modules in abundant ways seems like a pretty good play feature, but there is a significant flaw in the execution. The problem is that, for the most part, none of the combinations make any sense. There is a rotor but no helicopter, some skis but no snowmobile, a single front wheel but no proper motorcycle, etc. So what you end up with is a bunch of modules that are not particularly interesting to combine. However, as a tool to demonstrate the creativity and imagination that are possible within the system, it succeeds admirably.
This entire set is based on the concept of modularity, and the key to that modularity is the attachment concept shown in the image. Many of the 9 modules in the set connect using a pair of pins and a central axle in a protruding 2x2 box. This system is strong and secure, but consumes a lot of space.
The first module is a two wheeled rear chassis with a seat. The red vertical arms are for attaching things that don't belong there.
The second module is a two wheeled front end with steering. It is the most traditional looking module.
The third module is..... well I don't know what it is. A tower can be rotated through a worm gearbox, and a pole reverser handle at the top can be used to attach various bits.
The fourth module is the front end of a motorcycle or Reliant Robin.
The fifth module is a bevel gearbox for making things rotate. It works well with the rotor.
The sixth module is a single cylinder engine with an 8 tooth gear that can be driven by an axle.
The seventh module is a two blade rotor.
The eighth module is a geared propeller.
The final module is a radar dish which can be mounted stationary or made to rotate.
With so many modules, you can imagine that they can be combined in a significant number of ways. The photos to the right show a number of ways that I came up with, but many more are possible. Try to pick a favorite. Given that none of them are very plausible, my favorite is the least plausible of all shown last.
In the photos you can see some additional decorate elements which compliment the modules. There are some wings, some flexible axles, and some skis.
But wait, that's not quite all. This set also comes with an eccentric Technic figure who apparently came up with all these things in his garage.
This figure style is the most common, appearing in 6 sets.
By Technicopedia