Review : LEGO Technic 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor

Today we are quickly interested in the LEGO Technic set 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor, a box of 1379 pieces which will be available at the public price of 139.99 € from October 1, 2021.

This set is stamped with the mention 18+, but in my opinion nothing justifies this classification which seems arbitrary to me and which undoubtedly aims to simply segment the Technic range to extract products considered as "adults".

The treated subject, a utility vehicle among the best-selling models on the other side of the Atlantic, the version offered here is not sold in Europe except to a few specialized importers, can possibly also explain this classification: this derivative product under official Ford license. 'address also to Ford F-150 owners who would like to afford a toy reproducing their own vehicle or to fans of large 4x4s who do not necessarily have the means to afford the real one.

LEGO has chosen to decline this Ford F-150 Raptor 42 centimeters long by 18 centimeters wide with an orange body, it is not the color that I will have chosen. A little tour on the configurator manufacturer shows that the Ford Raptor is offered in a wide range of colors including Duck Red which turns more red than orange used already seen in the set 42056 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (2017) or on the Corvette from set 42093 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (2019).

The "model" to assemble offers the minimum of what a set of the LEGO Technic range usually offers in terms of functionality: steering connected to the front wheels with remote control on the roof of the vehicle, V6 engine with moving pistons via the integrated differential to the rear axle, front and rear suspensions and possibility of opening the doors, the tailgate and the engine hood.

We may regret that the steering is not connected to the steering wheel of the vehicle and that this Ford F-150 in LEGO version is not a four-wheel drive machine like the real one, the setting in motion of the engine being managed only by the 'rear axle, connected to the chassis by a Ball joint which gives it all its mobility on rough terrain. The wheel placed on the roof can be removed so as not to penalize the aesthetics of this exhibition product, it is always taken even if the part which then remains visible in the middle of the orange surface is ... red.

Thinking about it, we could almost conclude that this is a pure product of initiation into the LEGO Technic universe for adults more accustomed to building flowers, vehicles in the format System or monuments.

We can not escape a huge sheet of stickers to stick on the vehicle and only the two rear fenders stamped with the words "Raptor"are pad printed. Too bad for the grille and the headlights of this Ford F-150 which are satisfied with a few stickers. The challenge is complicated a little more at the level of the rear headlights with three stickers to be aligned between them to obtain an acceptable rendering. designer could have made the effort to offer headlights based on elements especially on an exhibition model intended for an adult audience and which therefore does not have the primary purpose of ending up in a toy bin.

The finish of the product is correct if we admit that the LEGO Technic range is generally satisfied with visible blue or gray pines regardless of the dominant color of the product, spaces a little empty in various places of the body and aesthetic shortcuts. Those who swear by this range keep repeating that the priority is functionality but they may be a little disappointed here, it is minimum service for a product in this price bracket.

If we were to really compare the LEGO version to the benchmark vehicle, there isn't much left of the "real" Raptor here anyway, other than the fender flares and the patterns on the stickers. From certain angles, the vehicle is however an illusion even if the junction between the front fenders and the headlights is only suggested by an empty space and the doors seem to me a little too short with the consequence of a connection with the side steps which leaves frankly glimpse the mechanics of the chassis.

It also looks like a few parts are missing at the junction between the fenders and the cabin and the interior of the cabin, yet easily visible and accessible through the opening of the doors, is summed up in its simplest form. There are still two stickers to represent the different dials and the central screen but no Ford logo on the steering wheel which remains in visible tenons.

Upon arrival, I have the impression that LEGO is content here to provide a promotional product all in the glory of the Ford brand and its F-150 Raptor without forcing too much on what usually makes the interest of the Technic universe. This Raptor of 1379 pieces (including more than 600 pins) at 140 € does not offer much more than many other products in the soft underbelly of the range sold much cheaper and it will be appropriate in my opinion to wait for the set be sold at knockdown prices by other brands to get really value for their money.

The assembly of the product is within the reach of all and does not require particular affinities with the LEGO Technic universe, do not deprive a young fan of this box under the pretext that it is presented as a product for adults. The most demanding step is still to correctly paste the half-dozen stickers symbolizing the rear headlights ...

Please note, the large instruction booklet and the sheet of stickers are thrown in the box without protection, at least on the copy I received. Remember to check that nothing is wrinkled or damaged upon receipt even if you plan to assemble the product later.

Note: The set presented here, provided by LEGO, is as usual involved. Deadline fixed at August 26, 2021 next at 23pm. For newcomers, know that you just need to post a comment to participate in the draw.

Update : The winner was drawn and was notified by email, his nickname is indicated below. Without a response from him to my request for contact details within 5 days, a new winner will be drawn.