[HELP] Which Technic Set Should I Buy?

[Yevhen]

Thank you for replies, guys!

Edited July 23, 2018 by Yevhen

[Jim]

4 hours ago, Ngoc Nguyen said:

The general principle is earlier sets should be prioritized, as when they are out of production their prices willl go up the sky (holy moly the two clauses rhyme)

So I'd say 42055

Even though I am not a big fan of the 42055 and the 42082 operates MUCH better, I still agree with @Ngoc Nguyen. If you are remotely interested in this set, get it while you can.

I will be merging this topic with the general "Which set to buy" topic.

[Ngoc Nguyen]

To add into the rarity argument, 42055 is rare not only because it is gonna retire soon, but also because you most likely won't see another BWE again for a long time in Lego Technic. While mobile cranes have come and gone in all sorts and shapes.

BWE is an exotic machine. Most customers of LEGO likely haven't heard of a BWE, let alone see it in real life. As I've raised my observation in the General Part Introduction, some sets also have to double as part-introduction sets. They have to utilize a new part in the largest number possible to utilize the economy of scale effect. TLG for some reasons decide that it is time to introduce the XL turntable, aka the gear quadrants. And the BWE is the kind of machine that can utilize the largest number of that part. And probably the new small bucket too.

I also don't find BWE at a smaller scale possible with LEGO Technic. Markus said in a designer video that the bucket requires that the model be in that scale. Buckets in LEGO Technic need to have two mounting pin hole at least and the holes are usually 1 stud apart. So 3L interface is already the smallest scale for a bucket to have. 

@Jim Have you actually ever built a 42055?  The one up for review fell into Blakbird's hands, and I recall you having said you had another set but hadn't opened at the box at the time of speaking. 

Edited July 23, 2018 by Ngoc Nguyen

[Jim]

28 minutes ago, Ngoc Nguyen said:

@Jim Have you actually ever built a 42055?  The one up for review fell into Blakbird's hands, and I recall you having said you had another set but hadn't opened at the box at the time of speaking. 

Hehe yes, I have. Well, partially. I have built it with a buddy. I received the review set, but Blakbird did the review. He purchased the set, and I reimbursed him. That was to speed things up. Otherwise I had to send the set to the US. So I built the original review set with my friend. And a while ago I purchased a second copy, because I could use the 5x7 frames and the price was very reasonable.

I absolutely agree that this is a unique set which we will likely NEVER EVER see again.

[Ngoc Nguyen]

5 minutes ago, Jim said:

I received the review set, but Blakbird did the review.

Are the review sets hardwired to arrive at your destination? Couldn't you just like tell TLG to send it to a different address (Blakbird's one)?

[Jim]

Just now, Ngoc Nguyen said:

Are the review sets hardwired to arrive at your destination? Couldn't you just like tell TLG to send it to a different address (Blakbird's one)?

At the time of that review, the sets were sent to a single address. We do get that a lot with offers (providing a single address). However, the rules have changed a bit. I think we can send the sets to multiple addresses now.

[siddparkar]

Hey guys, I recently got the Arocs in the Prime Day sale. My birthday's coming up in October and I want to gift myself something good(just need an excuse so I don't feel guilty about spending so much), I am torn between the Mack Anthem, BWE and the new Crane 42082. I love how the red looks and have been hearing how BWE is overrated because it's very slow and a tedious build.

 

Will I be missing out if I skip on the Mac Anthem, now that I've got Arocs?

 

Also if I get Porsche for a price similar to BWE which one Should I get? ( Since I read the points about getting older sets first, I can probably wait for 42082)

 

Also I love how 42066 Race Jet looks. Is that a better value over CLAAS Xerion and Ocean Explorer?

 

Sorry for so many confusing questions. Thanks!

[Ngoc Nguyen]

42 minutes ago, siddparkar said:

Will I be missing out if I skip on the Mac Anthem, now that I've got Arocs?

I'd say yes. A proper tractor truck unit and trailer is already rare, and 42078 even has a side-loading trailer and a garbage truck, both of which have not done before. I also suspect there won't be a proper garbage truck for some time. 

48 minutes ago, siddparkar said:

Also if I get Porsche for a price similar to BWE which one Should I get?

Depends on what you wanna get from the set. If you want good look, displayability, go for Porsche. If you want playability, building challenges, drive train, gearbox, technic solutions, go for BWE. BWE B model has more pieces that Porsche. And you can Mod to speed up the BWE. If you can only afford one it's gonna be a tough call. Both are going to retire after this August I think.

52 minutes ago, siddparkar said:

Also I love how 42066 Race Jet looks. Is that a better value over CLAAS Xerion and Ocean Explorer?

If it's about look then it's an subjective call. You find one set to have a better look then you go buy it. I'd put Ocean Explorer on a higher order than Race Jet. The Ocean Explorer has a lot of boat features and subtleties done right. And the helicopter and submersible look not only accurate but also kinda cute. You can read the review of Ocean Explorer on brickset by a professional seaman to fully understand why the model has certain things. Then CLAAS Xerion, then 42066. As for the 42066, it doesn't have as many small details and subtleties like Ocean Explorer.  The 42066 B is a bit better in terms of look because it has winglets and capture very well the essence of a Gulfstream Private Jet.

[siddparkar]

Just now, Ngoc Nguyen said:

I'd say yes. A proper tractor truck unit and trailer is already rare, and 42078 even has a side-loading trailer and a garbage truck, both of which have not done before. I also suspect there won't be a proper garbage truck for some time. 

Depends on what you wanna get from the set. If you want good look, displayability, go for Porsche. If you want playability, building challenges, drive train, gearbox, technic solutions, go for BWE. BWE B model has more pieces that Porsche. And you can Mod to speed up the BWE. If you can only afford one it's gonna be a tough call. Both are going to retire after this August I think.

If it's about look then it's an subjective call. You find one set to have a better look then you go buy it. I'd put Ocean Explorer on a higher order than Race Jet. The Ocean Explorer has a lot of boat features and subtleties done right. And the helicopter and submersible look not only accurate but also kinda cute. You can read the review of Ocean Explorer on brickset by a professional seaman to fully understand why the model has certain things. Then CLAAS Xerion, then 42066. As for the 42066, it doesn't have as many small details and subtleties like Ocean Explorer.  The 42066 B is a bit better in terms of look because it has winglets and capture very well the essence of a Gulfstream Private Jet.

Thanks for the detailed reply. The reason I'm so keen on 42066 is because Lego has way too many helicopters (including themes like City) and very few planes. And love how the VTOL functions look. I wonder why that set is so little talked about? 

 

This discussion has piqued my interest in 42055 and 42078. Hopefully will pick up both in a good sale(Black Friday probably)

 

I cannot believe I missed the 42055 for $200 at Walmart recently.

[Ngoc Nguyen]

Just now, siddparkar said:

I wonder why that set is so little talked about? 

My guess is that it is more like a concept model. Like TLG decided it is time for a model with VTOL function, and since VTOL is mosly associated with the F35, the set was designed based on those concepts. But since Lego don't do military things, the race jet can only go that far. Can't make it resemble the real F35 too much. VTOL is definitely cool, and the fact that it is brilliantly executed through a series of complex linkages by The Elder Statesman Designer of Lego Technic also helps. But besides that and the F35 light reference it doesn't have anything else to wow.

[WvG_853]

@siddparkar I have not much to add to what @Ngoc Nguyen has answered already. I think it all comes down to the question what type of builder you are and what you do with the sets. Do you build the sets to display them? Do you build and then create your own MOCs?

Depending on these questions and the number of sets you have, the set recommendations may be different.

Finally, what excites you? Is it airplanes? Get the 42066 over any other set. Is it super cars? Get the Porsche, etc.

I like the Ocean Explorer, but it is not in the same league as the Claas, nor price range. But again, it depends on the questions above and what you like ...

 

[Jim]

3 hours ago, siddparkar said:

Hey guys, I recently got the Arocs in the Prime Day sale. My birthday's coming up in October and I want to gift myself something good(just need an excuse so I don't feel guilty about spending so much), I am torn between the Mack Anthem, BWE and the new Crane 42082. I love how the red looks and have been hearing how BWE is overrated because it's very slow and a tedious build.

Will I be missing out if I skip on the Mac Anthem, now that I've got Arocs?

Also if I get Porsche for a price similar to BWE which one Should I get? ( Since I read the points about getting older sets first, I can probably wait for 42082)

Also I love how 42066 Race Jet looks. Is that a better value over CLAAS Xerion and Ocean Explorer?

Sorry for so many confusing questions. Thanks!

Here are my two cents. I am not a big fan of the Mack Anthem. It's a nice set, fun to build, but for me it's just not the real deal. I bought it because I could get it at a very nice price, otherwise I would most likely have skipped it. The trailer is so so. If you are into modding, you can build a custom trailer and it will make a nice display piece. As it is, I wouldn't put in on the shelf.

You do need to get the Porsche...period. Even though I wasn't very enthusiastic about this set in my review, I do think it's a unique set. Get it!

BWE...mehhhhh (for me). Functions don't work that well. It's fun to build and it's unique. If you are interested in BWE's get it. If you expect a Technic with great functionality, skip it.

42082 is a great set, no doubt about it. But it hasn't even been officially released yet, so it will be around for three more years or so.

I haven't built the Jet Racer yet (I still have in box), but I don't think it's better than the Claas. It should be better than the Ocean Explorer though, since that is just a simple ship made of Technic parts.

When still in doubt....get the oldest set first, because that is about to be retiring before the others.

[Bartybum]

@Jim Have to agree about 42055. It was awesome to build but some of the design choices leave you wondering wtf Lego why. I ended up modifying it to use 4 clutch gears instead of 2, and it’s still not very smooth. The set requires a complete redesign. I’ve been wanting to try a more traditional shape for it but haven’t gotten around to it because of how ambitious it is.

[JonathanM]

Re 42066, it's a pretty good build - better than I was expecting. The functions work well - a bit boring though. The private jet build is pretty much the same as the A model build, but with one less feature. The CLAAS is a better set by a decent margin, even without a real B model. I dunno about Ocean explorer - it looks boring to me (few technic features) but might make a nice display piece?

As for 42078 I've just finished that build: it was a great. Very good steering setup. The trailer has a unique function (side loading container) though it really need motorising as the container is heavy, and turning those linear actuators is harder than they need to be (they really need gearing down for more torque, but then would be more tedious to turn...) The B model is what sold me on that one. It's the best B model out of lego for quite a while.

Re 42055/42082: I dunno. My concern of 42082 is it looks too damn big (same with 42055, but at least it's big for a reason!) I do really like the look of the 42055 B-model, so if I had to buy one of those two, I'd go for 42055 I think at this point as 42082 will be around for the next 3 years.

To be honest, you can't really go far wrong with most of them :)

[Yevhen]

Today bought 42055 for $209 thanks to your advices guys!

Wow in reality the box looks miles more impressive than I thought! Can't wait to open the set!

[Frantechnic]

15 minutes ago, Yevhen said:

Today bought 42055 for $209 thanks to your advices guys!

Well done, I bought it 2 months ago and it was a funny build experience, but for me the best is play with it, I bought extra pieces in a Lego Shop and it´s amazing how fantastic works and for me the speed of functions are right.

It´s a rarely set with a very good b model and better price quality, (i bought it with a 40% discount )

One of the best set ever with Arocs and Volvo loader.

[siddparkar]

8 hours ago, Yevhen said:

Today bought 42055 for $209 thanks to your advices guys!

Wow in reality the box looks miles more impressive than I thought! Can't wait to open the set!

Where did you get it from for $209?

14 hours ago, Ngoc Nguyen said:

My guess is that it is more like a concept model. Like TLG decided it is time for a model with VTOL function, and since VTOL is mosly associated with the F35, the set was designed based on those concepts. But since Lego don't do military things, the race jet can only go that far. Can't make it resemble the real F35 too much. VTOL is definitely cool, and the fact that it is brilliantly executed through a series of complex linkages by The Elder Statesman Designer of Lego Technic also helps. But besides that and the F35 light reference it doesn't have anything else to wow.

I see. I've decided to get the 42066. I love how it looks. I also like the Ocean Explorer but the size and position of the helicopter bothers me. Somehow CLAAS Xerion doesn't do it for me. Love how the cab swivels, but can't get excited enough about a tractor. Well maybe it's just me!

11 hours ago, WvG_853 said:

@siddparkar I have not much to add to what @Ngoc Nguyen has answered already. I think it all comes down to the question what type of builder you are and what you do with the sets. Do you build the sets to display them? Do you build and then create your own MOCs?

Depending on these questions and the number of sets you have, the set recommendations may be different.

Finally, what excites you? Is it airplanes? Get the 42066 over any other set. Is it super cars? Get the Porsche, etc.

I like the Ocean Explorer, but it is not in the same league as the Claas, nor price range. But again, it depends on the questions above and what you like ...

 

Yes decided on the Race Jet over Ocean Explorer and Xerion, purely based on looks.

[Yevhen]

3 minutes ago, siddparkar said:

Where did you get it from for $209?

My local internet store is closing in the end of the month. So they have lowered prices to get rid of Lego.

http://uatoys.com.ua/lego-technic

 

Edited July 24, 2018 by Yevhen

[siddparkar]

10 hours ago, JonathanM said:

Re 42066, it's a pretty good build - better than I was expecting. The functions work well - a bit boring though. The private jet build is pretty much the same as the A model build, but with one less feature. The CLAAS is a better set by a decent margin, even without a real B model. I dunno about Ocean explorer - it looks boring to me (few technic features) but might make a nice display piece?

As for 42078 I've just finished that build: it was a great. Very good steering setup. The trailer has a unique function (side loading container) though it really need motorising as the container is heavy, and turning those linear actuators is harder than they need to be (they really need gearing down for more torque, but then would be more tedious to turn...) The B model is what sold me on that one. It's the best B model out of lego for quite a while.

Re 42055/42082: I dunno. My concern of 42082 is it looks too damn big (same with 42055, but at least it's big for a reason!) I do really like the look of the 42055 B-model, so if I had to buy one of those two, I'd go for 42055 I think at this point as 42082 will be around for the next 3 years.

To be honest, you can't really go far wrong with most of them :)

 

11 hours ago, Bartybum said:

@Jim Have to agree about 42055. It was awesome to build but some of the design choices leave you wondering wtf Lego why. I ended up modifying it to use 4 clutch gears instead of 2, and it’s still not very smooth. The set requires a complete redesign. I’ve been wanting to try a more traditional shape for it but haven’t gotten around to it because of how ambitious it is.

 

11 hours ago, Jim said:

Here are my two cents. I am not a big fan of the Mack Anthem. It's a nice set, fun to build, but for me it's just not the real deal. I bought it because I could get it at a very nice price, otherwise I would most likely have skipped it. The trailer is so so. If you are into modding, you can build a custom trailer and it will make a nice display piece. As it is, I wouldn't put in on the shelf.

You do need to get the Porsche...period. Even though I wasn't very enthusiastic about this set in my review, I do think it's a unique set. Get it!

BWE...mehhhhh (for me). Functions don't work that well. It's fun to build and it's unique. If you are interested in BWE's get it. If you expect a Technic with great functionality, skip it.

42082 is a great set, no doubt about it. But it hasn't even been officially released yet, so it will be around for three more years or so.

I haven't built the Jet Racer yet (I still have in box), but I don't think it's better than the Claas. It should be better than the Ocean Explorer though, since that is just a simple ship made of Technic parts.

When still in doubt....get the oldest set first, because that is about to be retiring before the others.

Thanks for all the advice. I already have the Arocs which I'm major league excited to build! Also bought the 42066 as I really wanted it. I will build one of them in August and one in September.

I've decided to get one set for every month. Keeping the budget around $150 per month.

I feel I might get the Mack Truck for that price and Maybe BWE in Black Friday sale, if I can extend my budget to 200?

I like how the Porsche looks but I doubt it will have a price drop. I've never seen it on sale in Slickdeals.

In case I don't get the Porsche for a good price, anything else I should snatch for below 200?

 

[WvG_853]

1 hour ago, siddparkar said:

In case I don't get the Porsche for a good price, anything else I should snatch for below 200?

 

Skip one month, put the money aside and buy the Porsche. In the meantime build the B-Model, a C-Model if available, build the A-Model  again and the month is over. Have fun!

[Jim]

38 minutes ago, WvG_853 said:

Skip one month, put the money aside and buy the Porsche. In the meantime build the B-Model, a C-Model if available, build the A-Model  again and the month is over. Have fun!

This  

[Bublehead]

The Claas didn’t do it for me either... until I built it. It was a very satisfying build for some reason, even better than the BWE.  Porsche is one to get on sale.  I’ve been fortunate enough to get all mine either second hand or misb on Craigslist. I got my first BWE for $199 at TRUs, but got a second one for $146 on CL. My Porsche was $200 used, and I got an Arocs for $136 from TRUs (RIP) when the web site erroneously had the Claas tractor sale price listed for the Arocs. The store honored its own website price, however begrudgingly.

Your idea of one a month for $150 is a good price point, and as others pointed out, doubling up a month goes a long way towards bigger sets.

Edited July 24, 2018 by Bublehead
Typo

[arijitdas]

I am confused between 42030 - Volvo L350F Wheel Loader and 42043 - Mercedes Benz Arocs-3245. The Heart wants both but the Wallet will only allow one. The Mind says buy 42043 my dear lad as the Huge bucket and Unimog tires are also available in 2018 sets. Looking for some advice from the Elders of Eurobricks.

[Jim]

Just now, arijitdas said:

I am confused between 42030 - Volvo L350F Wheel Loader and 42043 - Mercedes Benz Arocs-3245. The Heart wants both but the Wallet will only allow one. The Mind says buy 42043 my dear lad as the Huge bucket and Unimog tires are also available in 2018 sets. Looking for some advice from the Elders of Eurobricks.

Both great models, so it kinda depends on your personal needs and preferences. I think you are the only one being able to answer this question. I have done reviews for both, so if you need any info, check them out.

Can you think out loud (post here) what you are considering? Which arguments etc.

[JonathanM]

42043 is a far more interesting technic model and a more interesting build by quite some margin. There are a ton of C models as well by talented designers to get more out of the set. It's a little frustrating to play with though as the gearbox is not bidirectional so you're constantly switching + going up to the battery box. The pneumatic crane works reasonably well, though suffers the usual faults of dropping too quickly if you're not super careful with releasing valves slowly. The valves on opposite sides are also a bit of a hassle (there's mods that put them on the same side). You get an L motor, pneumatics, a whole heap of parts including suspension, 12 wheels etc.

42030 is way more fun to play with. It's got a good B model, but few/if any C-models. But you do get the infrared remote gear, a motor of each type including servo, and the large bucket.

As Jim says, they're both great but also quite different sets, so it really comes down to what you're interested in.