About LEGO Universal Building Set
LEGO's Universal Building Sets theme was released as early as 1966 but it was not until 1973 that the Basic LEGO sets became known as Universal Building Sets. These sets were produced in two set version numbers, the first was for sets that were sold in the UK, Europe, Canada and Australia. The other version numbers, but for the same exact set with the same box artwork was released in the United States. Most, but not all sets between 1973 and 1981 were sold in both regions.
1974 LEGO Sets
1974 saw the Universal Building Set broaden parts variety and color, while large ‘Family’ (maxi) figures and the Homemaker line brought interiors and furniture to the forefront. Early mechanical elements began laying groundwork for later Expert Builder/Technic. Trains continued to evolve on 12V in Europe, refining the system ahead of the 1980s expansion.