Set 4201 Loader and Truck -Set Review

[Wrinkledog]

For my 2nd set review I figured I would continue with the Mining Theme.

For this review I chose set 4201 Loader and Dump Truck. I also chose not to apply the stickers at this time.

So let's start with the box.

Here is a picture of the front of the box:

For some reason my camera refused to take a good picture of the back of the box, so I gave up. There was nothing too exciting about the back of the box.

Opening the set we find a couple bags of parts, a sticker sheet and two Instruction Books:

For this review I broke it into two Parts, Instruction Book 1 and Instruction Book 2.

Let's start with the Instruction Book 1. This instruction book goes over the creation of the little Bobcat Loader. Here you can see all the parts neatly arranged:

The minifigure is alright. He looks like he really enjoys driving that little loader. Not sure where his scar came from, I assume some awesome back story is needed that involves squirrels.

The build for this set is pretty simple and goes very quickly.

Here is a random step in the build process:

Before too long we have a fun little front loader:

And the finished loader from the back:

The finished Loader with the small accessories including the clever explosives and timer:

Bag #1 comes with a nice collection of spare parts:

Now on to Bag #2 the Dump Truck.

Here are the parts for Bag 2:

The minifig is grumpy, but he has a really nice Torso:

(I can only assume he is grumpy because he does not ride around in the little loader)

As with book 1 the build for the truck goes pretty quick.

Here is a random step in the build:

This bag did have a couple "New To Me" parts. I am pretty sure the Yellow is a new color for this part:

The new hinge and how its put together:

Here is the finished Truck from the front:

Here is the finished truck from the back:

He just does not seem so sure of himself:

Bag 2 also comes with some extra parts:(yep this set comes with 2 spare 1x1 clear round tiles)

The completed set:

Overall thoughts:

Design 7/10

This set is not as cool as 4200 in my opinion. With that said, I love the little loader. The truck is nice, but it does not stand out to me.

Parts 7/10

Again, I feel yellow has been way over done. Some good parts in this set.

Minifig 8/10

The minifigs are mixed. The grumpy guy is cool, the happy guy is so/so.

Build 7/10

Nothing fancy. Pretty simple. Should be a pretty easy build for just about anyone.

Playability9/10

This set has a lot of playability. The epic battle of Mr. Grump, and Mr. Happy. Throw in some explosives and your just asking for fun.

Price 7/10

This set seems a bit high for what it is.

Overall: 75%

This set is mixed for me. It comes with a very cool little loader. But the truck is only so/so. If Lego had made the Loader its own little set that would have been better. I think this would have been a lot nicer had it been made in a color other than yellow. Overall it's a good addition to the mining theme.

Here is the link to my Flickr images in case you want to hop over there to see them too:

Flickr

[escortmad79]

The bobcat is nice but the truck just screams of the dark days of TownJr Lego

Edited June 6, 2012 by escortmad79

[lightningtiger]

Thanks 'Wrinkledog' for this review, I like the set only because of the cool bobcat design ! (I it, quite realistic, except the headlight shouldn't that be mounted high ? )

The truck on the other hand, hmmm....a fusion of now and oh, dear TownJr though at least the chassis you have to attach the wheel mounts yourself.

The cab shape/styling is odd as well, has anyone seen one like it ?

Really what would have been better might have seen the bobcat on a trailer with attachments and would be towed by the 4x4 pick up....but I'm sure I won't be the only one modifying one of these sets to suit our needs.

Yes, the tiger will be buying two....one to keep all as per the designers wishes and the other tiger-ised !

Keep the reviews coming 'Wrinkledog' and Review On Brick On !

[just2good]

Nice review, 'Wrinkledog'!

I think this is a pretty average set. The figures are lackluster, and the vehicles look average. The piece count is poor, though.

Edited June 6, 2012 by just2good

[Vindicare]

Thanks 'Wrinkledog' for this review, I like the set only because of the cool bobcat design ! (I it, quite realistic, except the headlight shouldn't that be mounted high ? )

The truck on the other hand, hmmm....a fusion of now and oh, dear TownJr though at least the chassis you have to attach the wheel mounts yourself.

The cab shape/styling is odd as well, has anyone seen one like it ?

Really what would have been better might have seen the bobcat on a trailer with attachments and would be towed by the 4x4 pick up....but I'm sure I won't be the only one modifying one of these sets to suit our needs.

Yes, the tiger will be buying two....one to keep all as per the designers wishes and the other tiger-ised !

Keep the reviews coming 'Wrinkledog' and Review On Brick On !

The cab of the dump truck looks like the container truck in 10219 Maersk Train.

I actually kind of like this set. Another overall clad fig isn't anything to write home about, but the other fig is pretty neat looking. Nice review, Wrinkledog. I don't get the need for two books though?... Does TLG have an over abundance of paper that they see the need to give every little build it's own booklet?

[payres]

Anyone else having trouble with the wheel mounts and tipper for the truck? They seem to be made of a more rubbery plkastic and keep falling off which is really annoying especially as my 6 year old loves this set

[JasperL]

Just got the smaller loader 30151, I think I should rebuild it as this Bobcat. It's so cool. Thanks for the review.

[meyerc13]

Anyone else having trouble with the wheel mounts and tipper for the truck? They seem to be made of a more rubbery plkastic and keep falling off which is really annoying especially as my 6 year old loves this set

Are you talking about this part?:

Yes, that piece keeps falling off. I thought it was just me so didn't bother contacting LEGO. I guess it's time to contact customer service on that one.

Edited December 6, 2012 by meyerc13

[SheepEater]

Meh.

No thanks. I'll stick with my 6581, thank you very much.

[The Player Nº1]

Thanks for the review.

Need to buy!!

[andythenorth]

Same issue with the wheel mounts - they fall off when my kids play with this truck.

[legoboy3998]

The minifigure is alright. He looks like he really enjoys driving that little loader. Not sure where his scar came from, I assume some awesome back story is needed that involves squirrels.

Yes, driving those skid steer loaders is a blast. Especially off road... He could have gotten that scar from bouncing around in the loader if he drives real fast on uneven terrain, or tiping the loader over... We've done it...

The minifig is grumpy, but he has a really nice Torso:

(I can only assume he is grumpy because he does not ride around in the little loader)

That usually makes me a little grumpy. He kinda looks scared to me with the sweat dripping down. He could be affraid if the guy driving the loader isn't very good. Those things can really get the dump box moving on the truck if they bump it. Or if you are in the back of the truck or working on the ground near the loader and the guy driving isn't quite used to the controls of the machine, it can get quite scary.

Thanks 'Wrinkledog' for this review, I like the set only because of the cool bobcat design ! (I it, quite realistic, except the headlight shouldn't that be mounted high ? )

The truck on the other hand, hmmm....a fusion of now and oh, dear TownJr though at least the chassis you have to attach the wheel mounts yourself.

The cab shape/styling is odd as well, has anyone seen one like it ?

Really what would have been better might have seen the bobcat on a trailer with attachments and would be towed by the 4x4 pick up....but I'm sure I won't be the only one modifying one of these sets to suit our needs.

Yes, the tiger will be buying two....one to keep all as per the designers wishes and the other tiger-ised !

Keep the reviews coming 'Wrinkledog' and Review On Brick On !

I agree with you about everything LT. The light on the loader is low, and the dump truck looks very odd.

Sal

WFB, WI

[MrDarthLord]

Same issue for me with the wheels attachment... It really feels like nobody tested that.

[1974]

Thanx for the review

I've completly changed my mind about this mining theme and bought a load of them to create a large mining industry for my train layout

Yes, the dumptruck thingy is not done so well. At least it should be articulated!

Also, I'm kinda tired of those enormous sidemirrors that seem to grace every new 6 wide truck too - TLG could at least provide us with 'mirror' stickers so they'd actually 'work'

On this model they especially looks way outta size. I removed mine

Bobcat is perfect. The minifigs in that theme are also way cool. Real workman like and cool helmets to boot

Edit : Never had a prob with those wheels/attachement btw

And 6581 is looking pretty hot too, thanx for that. I'll dig into my bricks and moc that as well ...

Edited December 8, 2012 by 1974