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  • Set Year: 1999
  • Set Number: 8501
  • Set Parts: 34
  • Building Instruction: No
  • Currency: na

In 1999 and 2000 the Technic line included a totally new theme called Throwbots in North America and Slizer elsewhere.  These were not made from traditional Technic parts, did not have traditional Technic functions, and were not vehicular scale models.  Rather, these were anthropomorphic robotic dolls.  The common function was a printed disc projectile.  Each model featured a hand or claw made of a flexible material which could grip a disc and then, after being bent back, throw the disc.  The system didn't work very well at all which may explain why this theme didn't last very long, but the basic idea of such models was continued with Roboriders and eventually Bionicle.

Each model was a different color and the color matched a themed name and personality.  Many models also had a unique printed robotic "face".  Articulation of the limbs was accomplished with large ball joints held in position with friction.  The single mechanical function in each set tended to be a geared articulation point in the middle of the body.

This marked the first foray in collectible models.  Not only were buyers encouraged to "collect them all" in the catalogs, but some parts were random.  Each set came with two of the printed throwable discs, but many more variations existed.  Discs could be purchased separately as a Supplemental Set, but there was no way to know what was inside.  To get them all, you were ensured many duplicates as well.  The theme was intended to have a story of sorts, and that story is partly told by looking at the pictures on the discs in a certain order.

In general, the models only had 30-45 parts, but there were also two larger models: 8520 and 8523.  Each model came with a color coded plastic case instead of a generic cardboard box.  Each case included slots for 6 additional discs, had a flip open lid, and featured a belt loop on the back for easy carrying.  These sets are a source of Technic gears in odd colors which were not available anywhere else.  The parts palette in general is highly specialized and does not use traditional Technic parts.

Feature Comparison

Set Parts Year Colors Details Special Gears Discs Container
8500
33 1999 Red
Black
Flame hand Rust 8 tooth
Red 40 tooth
Rust worm
Red
White
Red cover
Black back
8501
34 1999 White
Blue
Ski pole Blue 8 tooth
White 40 tooth
Blue worm
White
Yellow
White cover
Blue back
8502
45 1999 Turquoise
Black
Wheels Yellow 8 tooth
Yellow 24 tooth
Yellow worm
Turquoise
Red
Turquoise cover
Black back
8503
39 1999 Blue
Light blue
Spear gun and scuba hose Blue 8 tooth
Blue 24 tooth
Yellow worm
Turquoise
Yellow
Light blue cover
Blue back
8504
44 1999 Yellow
Black
Propellers Black 8 tooth Black
Tan
Yellow cover
Black back
8505
36 1999 Green
Turquoise
Sword Turquoise 16 tooth
Green 40 tooth
Green
Purple
Green cover
Turquoise back
8506
34 1999 Tan
Dark gray
Pickaxes Tan 8 tooth Green
Tan
Tan cover
Dark gray back
8507
37 1999 Purple
Black
Wings Purple 8 tooth Black
Purple
Purple cover
Black back
8520
135 1999 Dark Gray
Red
Motorcycle Dark gray 24 tooth Black
Gold
None
8521
44 2000 Orange
Black
Panel wings Black 24 tooth
Yellow worm
Glow in the dark Orange cover
Black back
8522
35 2000 Purple
Black
Panel hand Black 24 tooth
Yellow worm
Glow in the dark Purple cover
Black back
8523
88 2000 Yellow
Black
Double bladed sword Black 40 tooth Black
Yellow
None

 

By Technicopedia