It's not often we review a LEGO set and hope it turns out to be a load of rubbish, but for LEGO Technic
Based on the real-life Mack LR garbage truck,
It's not the first time LEGO and Mack have partnered up to bring fans a working replica of one of their vehicles, but it is the first time that the LEGO Group has produced a garbage truck in Technic form. With all the working components that garbage trucks have, they should lend themselves nicely to a Technic model. Let’s hope that assumption is correct – and for once, we're hoping this particular set is complete trash...
--- LEGO Technic 42167 Mack LR Electric Garbage Truck set details ---
Theme: LEGO Technic Set name:
Price: £29.99 / $32.99 / €34.99 Pieces: 503 Minifigures: 0
LEGO:
--- Where to buy LEGO Technic 42167 Mack LR Electric Garbage Truck ---
LEGO Technic
--- LEGO Technic 42167 Mack LR Electric Garbage Truck build ---
Inside the box are 503 parts spread across four paper bags. The LEGO Group is making a conscious effort to increase the number of sets that do away with the old plastic bags in favour of the more eco-friendly paper bags, and if any set warrants their inclusion, it's a refuse truck. There are still a few smaller plastic bags used for the fiddly Technic pieces needed to build the model, but it's a massive step in the right direction.
The first stages of the build focus on constructing the chassis and framework of the truck. It's actually more involved than first seems and is a very enjoyable section. The shape of the truck comes together quite quickly and it's apparent from an early stage just where and what the mechanics of the set are going to be. Along with the side loader and back tipper, the front wheels can also be controlled.
The shaping of
Considering the recommended age for this set is 8+, the mechanism for the side loader is actually fairly complex. There are several gears and a lot of moving parts, but they come together in the cleverest and most satisfying way. Operating the side loader once attached to the truck is just as enjoyable to use as it is to build and is an inspired section of the model.
The body work is a little more standard and experienced Technic builders will be familiar with the various large panels that make up the truck's body. Nonetheless, it still looks effective and comes together to form a very neat, compact little truck and the additional stickers help to add some nice detail to the finished look.
Despite its diminutive size the truck is packed full of features that are both fun to construct and an absolute blast to play with. The recycling bin connects perfectly to the side loader, the included 'trash' (a handful of 1x1 red and blue round tiles) is then dumped into the back, and a twist of a switch dumps them out the back again, falling out the back loader, where they can be loaded into the bin and the process is repeated. Trust us when we say you will be doing this a lot: it’s just so much fun.
The final model looks great and although it's not the biggest of models,
--- LEGO Technic 42167 Mack LR Electric Garbage Truck price ---
LEGO Technic
As it is, this is a set that offers up 500-plus pieces, a brilliant build experience, some creative techniques and wonderful play features. It also looks excellent – and all that for just under £30. Seems quite reasonable to us.
--- LEGO Technic 42167 Mack LR Electric Garbage Truck pictures ---
--- LEGO Technic 42167 Mack LR Electric Garbage Truck pros and cons ---
There's really not a lot to criticise in
The features are so satisfying and fun that it just puts a smile on your face every time. Perhaps the only negative is the size, as a much larger garbage truck would have allowed for even more play features and functionality, but then the cost would have ballooned in turn – and there's a lot to be said for keeping a model as fun as this as accessible as possible.
It's trash, alright – but the right kind.
| | |
|---|---|
| An incredibly entertaining build | A larger model would have allowed for even more functionality |
| Priced just right | |
| Brilliant play features |
This set was provided for review by the LEGO Group.
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--- Alternatives to LEGO Technic 42167 Mack LR Electric Garbage Truck ---
LEGO and Mack have joined forces in the past to bring fans 42078 Mack Anthem, but that set has long since retired. So if you are looking for a Technic alternative that is still on the shelves then 42136 John Deere 9620R 4WD Tractor could be just the ticket, coming in at roughly the same size and price as
If you're happy to look to LEGO System, 60386 Recycling Truck is also available now. It comes with three minifigures and also has a nice level of functionality to it – although again, not as much as the brilliant
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