There are two new LEGO Technic sets scheduled for release on October 1st; the #42110 LEGO Technic Land Rover Defender, and the #42100 LEGO Technic Liebherr R 9800 Excavator. If you have been thinking about buying either of these sets, the great news is that both of them are now available for pre-order. This means that you can purchase the set now, and have it delivered at the beginning of October, rather than waiting until the beginning of October and risk dealing with stock shortages.
We talked about the Land Rover previously (see: LEGO Technic Land Rover Press-Release), but here I will repeat the official description with all the relevant information: Experience world-leading vehicle design firsthand with this highly authentic and displayable #42110 LEGO Technic Land Rover Defender model. Developed in partnership with Land Rover, this impressive LEGO replica captures the vehicle’s outstanding level of refinement with its clean, modern lines and sculpted surfaces, and comes with original-design rims with ground-gripping tires, plus a host of realistic features and functions. Opening doors allow access to an elaborate cabin with a working steering wheel, detailed dashboard and a new-for-October-2019 transmission system with 2 levers for engaging high or low gear ratios and a selector for changing gear – the most sophisticated LEGO Technic gearbox to date! The interior also features forward-folding rear seats that give visual access to the 4-speed sequential gearbox. And, the attention to detail doesn’t end there. This awesome replica model also has an in-line 6-cylinder engine with moving pistons beneath the hood, working all-wheel-drive with 3 differentials, independent suspension on both axles, and a working winch! You can even open the tail door with a turn of the rear-mounted spare wheel. Finished with a removable roof rack with storage box, pannier, ladder, and traction mats, this impressive interpretation of the quintessential all-terrain vehicle has been designed to provide a truly immersive and rewarding building experience. The perfect gift for Land Rover enthusiasts and fans of classic collectible model cars. Land Rover Defender measures over 8” (22cm) high, 16” (42cm) long and 7” (20cm) wide. 2,573 pieces. Price: $199.99 – BUY HERE
The second large… no, massive… LEGO Technic model that is now available for pre-order is the #42100 LEGO Technic Liebherr R 9800 Excavator. In terms of size, it’s just about the same as the #42055 LEGO Technic Bucket Wheel Excavator released back in 2016, but it comes with 179 more pieces. It is also one of the first LEGO Technic set that uses the new LEGO Technic Control+ app that you can download free from your favorite app store.
Here is the official description of this behemoth: Get ready for a colossal LEGO build and play experience with the 4,108-piece LEGO Technic Liebherr R 9800 Excavator. Developed in partnership with Liebherr, this replica model is operated via the intuitive Lego Technic Control+ app and powered by 2 advanced Smart Hubs with 7 motors. The sophisticated app technology enables super-precise movement and amazing functionality, while delivering endless authentic digital play combinations via 4 different control screens with cool graphics. The multi-function control screen enables users to drive the machine in all directions, rotate the superstructure, extend and raise the boom, open and tilt the bucket, play realistic sound effects and get real-time feedback, such as boom position, power usage, and drive distance. With the one-touch screen, users can use drag patterns to control the boom, arm and bucket, while the custom-built movements screen enables them to choose pre-set commands or record the model’s actions to create complex sequences of movements. And, with the challenges & achievements screen, users can complete challenges to unlock reward badges. Liebherr R 9800 Excavator measures over 15” (39cm) high, 25” (65cm) long and 10” (27cm) wide. 4,108 pieces. Price: $449.99 – BUY HERE
I’m hoping that both sets will be on display at official LEGO stores, so LEGO Technic fans will have a chance to check them out in person. Other than that, the best next option is to watch video-reviews on YouTube. But, with such large sets, it’s hard to imagine the size even after seeing numerous pictures and watching videos. Seeing them in person is always a thrill! And, of course, building them is even better! For more details, visit the LEGO Technic section of the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? How do you like these two new LEGO Technic sets? Are you planning to get either of them? Feel free to share your thoughts and discuss in the comment section below!
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My god, that excavator is huge! I would like to play with a set like that one day. I’m concerned though that it can only be controlled by the app. How long are these apps are going to be supported? What happens when they are no longer supported? Can we use the remote?
This is a concern for me as well. Did lego ever address this? I’m staying away from the app control only sets because I don’t know how long they will be supported. There should always be a standard remote option.
This is a concern for a lot of people. The remote can control basic functions like moving forward and back and increasing/decreasing speed. Anything more than that has to be either app-controlled or some kind of robotics (like Mindstorms). I do suggest trying out at least one app-based set, as they are fun to play with. Perhaps one of the cheaper ones. But make sure you check if your device is compatible. Trains can be controlled by either the app or a traditional remote. That’s another option.
In my experience, the remote can be used to some extent with the app-based sets, although I haven’t tried it on a Technic set yet. However, the functionality is very limited; basically going forward and backward at varying speeds. That’s really all a traditional remote can do. The apps can control a lot more, but longevity is definitely a concern. Especially for expensive sets like these. I’m not sure what would be the answer except for LEGO to come out and guarantee that the apps are going to be supported for basically forever.
I’m tempted by the Defender. I don’t care for the real car but the technic set looks good as a generic off-roader. I assume it would be fairly easy to motorize? Also, is there a B-model for it? I didn’t see that mentioned.
I’m going to wait for reviews on the Excavator before making a decision. It doesn’t look as interesting as the Bucket Wheel Excavator, but that may be because of the muted colors.
I do recommend waiting for reviews. These are big and expensive sets, and the app is a new experience. The colors do make the excavator less cheerful and more menacing. That may or may not be a good thing. 😀