There are a couple of large LEGO Technic sets coming next month that are worth checking out. The two sets are the #42128 LEGO Technic Heavy-Duty Tow Truck, and the second set is the #42129 LEGO Technic 4c4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trial Truck. LEGO Technic sets of such enormous size take a long time to build, but often have incredible functionality and detail that makes them not just a joy to build, but also an interesting learning experience.
The #42128 LEGO Technic Heavy-Duty Tow Truck features an authentic grille, air filters, lights, tailpipe, and a fresh color-scheme with some really cool stickers. But its all the pneumatic and mechanical functions that make this model so realistic. You can open the hood to see the 6-cylinder inline engine with moving pistons. You can steer the vehicle by rotating the pin on the roof. You can also activate the crane, pump up the boom, pull out the winch, and extend the outriggers. And for the first time in LEGO Technic history, this vehicle has a lifting axle to pull down extra wheels and spread the weight of loads. Perhaps the only thing I wish is that the light-gray parts were made in chrome, or at least metallic silver. These trucks are very shiny in real life!
We haven’t gotten a LEGO Technic set with pneumatic pump functions for quite a while, so this set is particularly exciting. All that functionality without a fancy app or motors! And even though this tow truck measures over 8.5 in. (22 cm) high (with crane down), 23 in. (58 cm) long, (with boom down) and 5.5 in. (14 cm) wide (with outriggers up), and comes with 2,017 pieces, the price is only $149.99. I expect this set to be very popular. It will be available starting August 1st, but you can already view the details at the LEGO Technic section of the Online LEGO Shop.
Below, I have included a video-review of the set by Balazs from RacingBrick. He will show you all the features and functions of the set in detail.
The second set that is going to be available at the beginning of August is the #42129 LEGO Technic 4c4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trial Truck. This vehicle also offers realistic features, like the opening cab door and hood, the working suspension on all 4 wheels, and opening service hatch to allow inspecting the gearbox. The model also features a detailed engine with spinning radiator fan. In addition, in a first for LEGO Technic, this model has differential locking, which allows you to lock and unlock the differentials using the app to maneuver the truck over rough terrain.
And yes, this is an RC vehicle, using the LEGO Technic Control+ app and several LEGO Powered Up components (all included with the set); one Bluetooth-controlled smart hub, three large motors, and one medium motor. The LEGO Technic Control+ app offers different control screens to steer and operate the differential locking as well as challenges and achievements. A total of 6 AAA batteries are required to power the vehicle, which are not included with the set and you need to provide yourself.
The truck measures over 8 in. (21 cm) high, 19 in. (48 cm) long, and 7 in. (19 cm) wide, so this is another sizable vehicle. The set comes with 2,110 which is about the same as the other set, but because of all the Power Functions components it is a lot more expensive at $299.99. Although it won’t be sold until August 1st, you can already check it out at the LEGO Technic section of the Online LEGO Shop.
In the video-review below, you can see all the features and functions of the set in detail.
If you like mechanical builds, both sets are worth checking out. But if you can only pick one, I would recommend the #42128 LEGO Technic Heavy-Duty Tow Truck. It’s not just an awesome truck for play and display, but the pneumatic functions are truly fascinating and rarely used in LEGO sets. This set is also a lot cheaper because it doesn’t use any powered components. Of course, if you prefer the #42129 LEGO Technic 4c4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trial Truck, that’s a good option as well, especially if you like to experiement with the RC functions. Just make sure your smartphone or tablet is compatible with the LEGO Technic Control+ app.
What do you think? How do you like these two new LEGO Technic sets? Are you interested in either of them? How do you like the features and functions? Feel free to share your thought and discuss in the comment section below!
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The pictures with the kids really help. I saw these when they leaked, but had no idea they were this big. I like the truck a lot.
I thought I will never see those pneumatic parts again! Too bad the silver parts aren’t chrome, but other than that, I like the tow truck. I wonder what it would look like without the stickers applied.
I’m also a fan of the tow truck. The funny thing is, I watched Sariel’s review on it, and he hated the colors. But that’s exactly how these trucks look in real life.
Technic’s seen an over-utilization of black and yellow parts, traditionally. I’m for everything that broadens the color palette.
I’m also in favor of the tow truck. I never had a chance to play with pneumatics. I would love to try, and the price is not bad at all.
I better hide these trucks from my kids! Now that they are getting older, they are really getting into technic. I’m proud of them, but damn, technic is expensive!