At the beginning of August a number of very interesting LEGO Technic sets have been released. I don’t talk about LEGO Technic very often as I don’t have extensive experience with the theme and feel unqualified. However there are three LEGO Technic sets that caught my attention this time that I wanted to know more about: the #42022 LEGO Technic Hot Rod because of the sweet color scheme and functioning engine, the #42023 LEGO Technic Construction Crew because it seems like a really good value for the money with lots of play-functions, and the #42025 LEGO Technic Cargo Plane because it is absolutely huge and motorized! 🙂
To learn more about the sets I did a bit of research and after watching several reviews on YouTube, I stumbled upon the following video (see below) by Jeppe Juul Jensen, the Design Manager for LEGO Technic. I thought to share this one with you as hearing directly from the designer is always very interesting. Jeppe discusses several of the 2014 LEGO Technic sets, including the #42020 LEGO Technic Twin-rotor Helicopter, the #42021 LEGO Technic Snowmobile, the #42027 LEGO Technic Desert Racer, the #42026 LEGO Technic Black Champion Racer, the #42023 LEGO Technic Construction Crew, the #42022 LEGO Technic Hot Rod, the #42024 LEGO Technic Container Truck, and the #42025 LEGO Cargo Plane.
Interesting, isn’t it? LEGO Technic sets are not known for their beauty but more for their realistic functionality (although I do have to say that the #42022 LEGO Technic Hot Rod is in fact beautiful). LEGO Technic is a great way of introducing children to engendering and just how big machines work. I found it particularly nice how many times Jeppe mentioned testing out these sets with children and paying attention to their feedback. A hallmark of LEGO is to work closely with their target-audience and take very seriously what they have to say.
After watching the video with the designer (along with some other reviews) I still really like the #42022 LEGO Technic Hot Rod, and put it on my shopping list. It is just such a sweet set. Even though I’m not so much into engendering, I really like the color-scheme and the V6 engine with moving pistons and all. And that folding roof is a nice addition. The Hot Rod can be converted into a Rally Racer, so it is a 2-in-1 set. Also, this is one of the first sets that comes with digital building instructions that you can download for your Apple or Android device.
I believe that the #42023 LEGO Technic Construction Crew is one of the best value for the money amongst all LEGO sets. Three functioning construction vehicles in one? The Wheel Loader features articulated steering as well as a lifting and tipping bucket, the Dump Truck features steering and a tipping dump box, and the Excavator features a turning superstructure, a highly flexible crane-arm that can be used for a range of functions and twin tracks. Who can refuse so much fun? The official description also suggest that there will be alternate models available at the LEGO Technic website. I’m pretty sure this will be on a lot of kids’ (and adults’) wish-list this Christmas.
The #42025 LEGO Technic Cargo Plane is an absolute beast. In fact I read that it is the largest LEGO Technic plane ever made. It is not a cheap set by any means, but it is motorized with so many realistic details. This set is for older kids and adults who would really appreciate the complexity and mechanism. I have said earlier that LEGO Technic sets are not the most beautiful, but this Cargo Plane is in fact a sophisticated beauty that could be proudly displayed in any living-room or office. Also, Jeppe doesn’t show it in the video, but this is in fact a 2-in-1 set and you can rebuilt the Cargo Plane into a Hovercraft, which is also fantastic! The Cargo Plane measures over 8” (22cm) high, 25” (64cm) long and 24” (61cm) wide, and the Transport Hovercraft measures over 4” (12cm) high, 18” (47cm) long and 7” (20cm) wide. As I said; it is huge! 🙄
I believe LEGO Technic fans have a lot to be happy about this year with such a great variety of interesting models. And if you never dabbled into LEGO Technic before, you may consider checking them out just to get a different experience of what you can build with LEGO. I think you will be pleased. If you would like to check out the current selection (there are a lot of other new sets I haven’t mentioned), Toys’R’Us stores usually carry a good variety of LEGO Technic sets, and of course you can also find them at official LEGO stores and at the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? Are you into LEGO Technic? How do you like the most recently released LEGO Technic sets? Do you have a favorite? Did you build any of them yet? Feel free to share and discuss in the comment section below! Would love to hear the opinion of some LEGO Technic experts! 😉
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