[HELP] Which Technic Set Should I Buy?

[Vectormatic]

I have both

42000: the more impressive model, and imho, more accurate looking, the suspension is more interesting as well. Less interior space though, so mobilizing it will be harder (both models have a PF option, on this car, the battery box just gets hung off the back spoiler)

42039: Out of the box, a little more disappointing, a bit shorter, and the looks/proportions are a bit off compared to a modern le-mans racer (nose/cockpit are too long, missing the rear fin, the body work around the back is too high/bulky), but that all can be fixed (working on that myself right now), if you are OK with gutting out the feature mechanics, there will be a LOT more room for motors etc.. the stock PF instructions even hide the battery box in the nose, so itll be a lot easier to make this car look clean with batteries/motors in it.

IMHO: if you can still find 42000 for a somewhat reasonable price, go for it, prices will go up from here, and 42039, while very nice, will be in stores for at least another year. That said, either model is very cool, so if 42000 is a bit too expensive, dont worry about it, 42039 is still a very impressive model, and IMHO a better base for modification then 42000

[BusterHaus]

From a parts point of view, 42000 is much more interesting. The suspension arms in it are not available in many sets and the tire/wheel combination is very versatile (can be used on racing cars and doesn't look out of place on a 4x4). The panels colours on the 42000 can be matched with any other colour, while the green panels on the 42039 don't always match well with other colours.

[Saberwing40k]

I'd go with 42000. You can always get 42039 later, but overall 42000 is far more interesting technically, and has 3 mini linear actuators.

[Jay Psi]

Purely from a shelf life standpoint I'd go for 42000 - it will be out of production sooner and probably cheaper now. In a year or two 42039 will probably be the same position as 42000 is now (i.e. more readily available and cheaper).

The big positive I would take from 42039 (new gearbox parts) doesn't apply if you are looking to motorize the set. Both sets are relatively easy to motorize, a quick search shows how it is done for either set. I suppose 42039 might be easier because there's more space inside the body if you want to keep the look as close to the original as possible.

Edit - Here's an example for both sets (both using XL motors), so you can see what sort of changes you would need to make and get a good look at the pieces/construction involved:

Edited October 10, 2015 by Jay Psi

[parngon]

Thanks guys for the great advice, much appreciated. Just for your references, prices are quite a big difference in HK (I think it is the same everywhere) as 42039 goes for around 90USD and 42000 for 130+USD (and not many shops sell them!)

Maybe I will just get both... some day

[Kman860]

I'd say 42039 because you'd have more room

[Freekysch]

Well, between those two I would get 42000, it is an interesting model with nice parts. Also, it will soon retire.

[zux]

42000 has wide range of useful panels in white. Also it includes tires that were also available in another set from 2007 only. It might be wise to get 42000 now if you still can find it at a decent price as price might skyrocket later.

[Andy D]

Well, between those two I would get 42000, it is an interesting model with nice parts. Also, it will soon retire.

If it is not retired where your are, great! It is already retired in the U.S., guess I missed it.

Andy D

[Kman860]

If it is not retired where your are, great! It is already retired in the U.S., guess I missed it.

Andy D

Same in Canada

[BimmerBoy]

I converted 42000 into a Ferrari F1 car (based on the F150 chassis of 2011) since I did not like the mostly white look of the Lego version. I made a few changes here and there, but most modifications were to allow for full RC via Power Functions. Its slow, but its a big car and everyone who sees it loves it. I still need to clean up the rear end, but its hard finding reference pictures of F1 cars that show rear details. Overall, this set is just good looking design, and its easy to swap out panels for different color schemes.

I've been debating 42039 since it finally showed up here in the states. Its a big, impressive car with decent color scheme, and it looks a lot easier to add Power Functions for RC. I dislike the body style, though. It looks better in person than pictures, but its just "off" for lack of a better description. There was a preliminary picture of this set with a different body style that looked much better IMHO. The B model is cool, though, and someone here on Eurobricks converted the 42039 into a Grand Prix car that looks great. Also, I think the "official" Power functions that Lego incorporated are better on this car than 42000.

I'd recommend 42000 since I love mine, but I don't think 42039 is a bad set, especially if you like closed-cockpit cars and/or endurance racers.

[Vectormatic]

I converted 42000 into a Ferrari F1 car (based on the F150 chassis of 2011) since I did not like the mostly white look of the Lego version. I made a few changes here and there, but most modifications were to allow for full RC via Power Functions. Its slow, but its a big car and everyone who sees it loves it. I still need to clean up the rear end, but its hard finding reference pictures of F1 cars that show rear details. Overall, this set is just good looking design, and its easy to swap out panels for different color schemes.

I've been debating 42039 since it finally showed up here in the states. Its a big, impressive car with decent color scheme, and it looks a lot easier to add Power Functions for RC. I dislike the body style, though. It looks better in person than pictures, but its just "off" for lack of a better description. There was a preliminary picture of this set with a different body style that looked much better IMHO. The B model is cool, though, and someone here on Eurobricks converted the 42039 into a Grand Prix car that looks great. Also, I think the "official" Power functions that Lego incorporated are better on this car than 42000.

I'd recommend 42000 since I love mine, but I don't think 42039 is a bad set, especially if you like closed-cockpit cars and/or endurance racers.

Do you happen to have pics of your 42000 mod? I am currently working on my 42039 mod, but id love some on-point changes to 42000, especially based off of a ferrari

[Richard Dower]

From a parts point of view, 42000 is much more interesting. The suspension arms in it are not available in many sets and the tire/wheel combination is very versatile (can be used on racing cars and doesn't look out of place on a 4x4). The panels colours on the 42000 can be matched with any other colour, while the green panels on the 42039 don't always match well with other colours.

agreed...from a parts perspective 42000 is a better buy, i bought two sets...because despite what others have said, i think the B model is fantastic

[Blakbird]

Merging this topic with "What set should I buy?".

[plethorabricks]

Having built 42039 last night, it has completely surprised me. I wasn't expecting much other than just a "large car", but it turned out to be a very interesting build from a structural standpoint:

- most of the chassis is only 3M in height - the car is rather light in the hands and the studless downward "flex" or "sag" is miniscule for a construction of this size

- the steering is near-effortless, which is not always the case with Technic models

- the new function switching parts result in one large satisfying click to switch, vs. the two weak half-clicks prone to getting out of sync that we've been using for years.

- motor isn't required to operate the two "functions", they are smooth and have a good response vector

- the suspension is stiff during the build, yet travels well in the finished model

- you get a good view of the V8 from both top-down and bottom-up, again not always the case

- most of the included green and white beams "disappear" into the exterior bodywork, but can be very useful in building your own structures

- black, grey, green, white, and a splash of red - not a bad assortment of part colors

Hope this helps in your decision!

[Kman860]

agreed...from a parts perspective 42000 is a better buy, i bought two sets...because despite what others have said, i think the B model is fantastic

I've never been able to decide, some days I love it, some days I hate it

[bricklayer]

Hi Technics board.

I'm ready to make my first major Technics purchase.

I like planes so was thinking to start with the Cargo Plane as my first purchase.

Do you think its a good starting point/introduction into motors/gears etc etc?

I'm really looking forward to tinkering with the mechanical side of things and see what I could wind up doing.

I've been reading a lot on this forum lately and checking out the different MOC's everyone as created....truly inspiring and everyone seems very helpful and super knowledgeable.

Thanks for any feedback.

[nerdsforprez]

Personally, I think that it is an excellent set. It did not receive the attention that many other sets did, but that should not dissuade you. if you like planes....it is the largest technic plane TLG has produced and is highly modifiable. I modified mine and had a blast. Course it took three planes to do it

You are welcome to check out http://mocpages.com/moc.php/418746

where I give further information of changes I made to the plane.

Edited October 29, 2015 by nerdsforprez

[Samer]

Hi Technics board.

I'm ready to make my first major Technics purchase.

I like planes so was thinking to start with the Cargo Plane as my first purchase.

Do you think its a good starting point/introduction into motors/gears etc etc?

I'm really looking forward to tinkering with the mechanical side of things and see what I could wind up doing.

I've been reading a lot on this forum lately and checking out the different MOC's everyone as created....truly inspiring and everyone seems very helpful and super knowledgeable.

Thanks for any feedback.

Personally, I think that it is an excellent set. It did not receive the attention that many other sets did, but that should not dissuade you. if you like planes....it is the largest technic plane TLG has produced and is highly modifiable. I modified mine and had a blast. Course it took three planes to do it

Totally agreed!! I also plan to get this set, just watching for a big discount. However, since you mentioned this is your starting set, you want to get acquainted with cool Lego mechanics, and just to let you know: 42009 and 42008 are almost at end of life. Both are highly desired sets by Technic fans and both are rich in parts and mechanics. 42008 particularly has also Pneumatics. So if you are interested and have access to them for good price you may like to get one or both first before their prices jump high forever and keep 42025 for later since it still has a year of life during which you can watch for a good discount.

Edited October 29, 2015 by Samer

[bricklayer]

I like that 42008......even the 2nd model looks great.

Thing is, the cargo plane Is actually $30 cheaper at Costco.ca compard to the lego site and TRU. It's $124 which is a great price.

I might just have get both

[Victor Imaginator]

42025 it's more about panels, and less about gears and motors, but it's a good starter set anyway. I started with 42009 because it have tons of gears... and using 5-10% of my pile of gears in my MOCs now)

[plethorabricks]

The cargo plane (and its B-model) are both very interesting and nicely-sized creations. As an "intro" to gears and motors specifically? Not so much - but as a study in transferrence of motion and routing of power, definitely yes.

The closest set currently available in Lego stores and online that is an all-in-one "intro" would be 42008, but 42038 or 42024 plus the 8293 power functions set would also make good intro sets. If you're looking more for a huge bank of parts, it's hard to beat 42009, you just have to be willing to accept the amount of yellow you will get!

Unfortunately there is no "creative box" product line with Technic like there is with Lego System, so go with sets that just seem to appeal to you personally. 42025 is certainly the best plane I've seen out of Technic by far.

[Blakbird]

Merging this topic with "what set should I buy?".

[Trango]

First off, I know there is a "which should I buy" thread somewhere, but I can't seem to find it. By all means do merge if needed.

Since I should have some time in December, and first half of 2016 doesn't really cover any massive sets for me, I'm thinking about buying one last large set, a flagship. Which one would you recommend and why? What sets this or that set apart for you? Not the "buy them all" or "oldest first" default response but a little more deeper thought in which set might be the most enjoyable and why. I know pricing might vary, but lets ignore that one for now, and I don't mind second hand. Neither do I purchase a set for their parts since I'm not that advanced, I mostly purchase a set for the enjoyment of building the set itself (and the b model as an added bonus).

- 8110 Unimog

- 42009 Mobile Crane

- 42030 Volvo

- 42043 Arocs

How do these flagships compare to each other nowadays. Is one clearly superior over the other? What are the clear pros and cons of each model, they've been around and compared so much I'm sure this common knowledge is out there by now.

Overall I'm a offroader type of guy. But I got this covered already set wise, and Lego tends to keep a few years between big 4x4 sets. I enjoy a clever suspension and fancy axles and drivetrains. Modern day Technic purchases: 42042 Crawler Crane, 42039 24H Race Car, 42038 Arctic Truck, 42029 Customized Pick Up, 42005 Monster, 9398 4x4 Crawler, 8258 Crane Truck, 8265 Front Loader, 8297 Off-Roader.

Any recommendations on my next big purchase? Most appreciated! Off a day in the woods now, but hoping for a lot of solid reading when I come back tonight!

[Nick Barrett]

If you like truck suspension maybe it's worth seeking out a Unimog, especially as everyone needs a set of those tyres!

You'll enjoy the Arocs as well - a model that works better overall than the 'mog.