About LEGO Universal Building Set Gears
The LEGO Universal Building Set Gears theme, active from 1970 to 1974, introduced mechanical components to enhance the building experience. Key sets include 800 Gears, Motor and Bricks, which combined gears and a motor with standard bricks, allowing for the creation of moving models. The 801 Gear Set provided a variety of gears for constructing mechanical assemblies, and the 811-2 Gear Set offered additional gear elements for more complex designs.
1972 LEGO Sets
1972 was a pivotal year in LEGO’s U.S. expansion. Following the end of its Samsonite license, LEGO founded LEGO USA in Brookfield, Connecticut, while Samsonite continued production in Canada. The year also brought key new parts—including the first boat hulls, wings, propellers, and helicopter rotors—broadening creative possibilities. Trains remained a major focus with sets such as 181 Train Set with Motor, 180 4.5V Train with 5 Wagons, and 724 12V Diesel Locomotive, continuing to enhance LEGO’s realism and play depth.