Review: LEGO Technic 42128 Heavy-duty Tow Truck

Today we quickly make the rounds of the other novelty of the LEGO Technic range expected from August 1: the set 42128 Heavy-duty Tow Truck which, as the title of the product indicates, allows to assemble a big tow truck of 2017 parts and which should please fans of shows like "The road to hell"broadcast on RMC Découverte or Discovery Channel.

We will be a fan or not of the general appearance of the tow truck, but I think it really looks great with its shimmering colors and very original graphics stickers. The vehicle, which finally takes over from the more austere version of the set 8285 Tow Truck dating from 2006 is 58cm long, 22cm high and 14cm wide with the stabilizers stowed. The footprint increases to 27 cm when the two lateral stabilizers are deployed.

We could quibble about the fact that the crane clearly protrudes from the cabin with on arrival an impression of a difference in scale between the two elements, especially in profile. For those who are wondering, the Mack Anthem from set 42078 is practically on the scale of this tow truck: it measures 15 cm wide and 22 cm high.

As you already know, this tow truck offers a set of functions combining mechanical and pneumatic solutions. As for the purely mechanical functions, it is no surprise, we are working hard to deploy the two lateral stabilizers equipped with linear cylinders synchronized with those placed at the rear of the vehicle, to lower the third rear axle, to turn the crane and to reassemble the cables of the two independent winches.

The functionality that is in my opinion the most annoying is the one that puts the crane in rotation, it is long and laborious with the added bonus of a gear fixed on a support which sometimes has an annoying tendency to disengage if you force a little when that the crane platform comes to a stop. Regulars to the LEGO Technic range know that reeling is part of the deal and they shouldn't blame LEGO for having to watch a stabilizer descend very slowly and end up touching the ground after having turned the dedicated wheel for a long time.

If you want to see all of the product's features in action, I've summarized it all for you in the video footage below:

Three pneumatic functions are offered and their use is much more dynamic and exciting: it is possible to raise and lower the crane arm, extend and bring back the boom and lower or raise the rear towing fork. To take advantage of these technical refinements, you have to pump. Many. LEGO did not consider it useful to integrate an air tank into the product and each setting in motion is therefore accompanied by an intensive pumping sequence. It is not very serious, but it would have been appreciable to be able to raise the arm of the crane at first then to follow directly by the extension of the jib without having to go back through the pumping box. Here it is impossible to combine the features hoping to let go of the pump. Before starting the extension of the boom, it will be essential to provide a sufficient length of cable so that the arm is not retained in its movement, the two safety latches of the winches preventing the unwinding of the cable.

The pump is also not new, it is the one already seen in the set 42053 Volvo EW160E marketed in 2016. It is placed just behind the cabin, it knows how to be relatively discreet and nevertheless remains easily accessible. The pneumatic tube circuit is more or less well integrated into the vehicle with a few portions which remain clearly visible and which in my opinion could have been a little better organized.

It will be necessary to measure the tubes provided at the start of the assembly so as not to be mistaken afterwards, LEGO referring to their length when choosing which unit joins the construction. You can always cut some of the tubes before installing them and this aesthetically somewhat hazardous integration in places will be attributed to the educational potential of the product with the possibility of following the progress of the air from the pump to the various cylinders. The different functions are documented via a few rather explicit stickers placed next to the selectors or knobs that even the youngest will understand.

A classic pneumatic cylinder and two thinner cylinders which were previously only available in the set 42043 Mercedes-Benz Arocs 3245 marketed in 2015 are delivered in this box, the latter being inventoried under a new reference (6353188). The supplied pneumatic valves are not new: two copies are in the set 42080 Forest Harvester released in 2018 and a copy can also be found in the LEGO Education set 45400 Briq Motion Premium available since this year.

More anecdotal but still pleasant on a large set from the Technic range: the engine with its six in-line "cylinders" visible by lifting the hood is set in motion by the movement of the vehicle, the cabin doors open and the steering is deported to the roof via a thumbwheel. No alternative model to build with the set inventory or motorization option documented by LEGO, but the product is largely sufficient on its own without these two additional possibilities.

To put it simply, this product sold for 149.99 € offers a wide range of what the LEGO Technic range has to offer in terms of non-motorized functions and makes very good use of the pneumatic ecosystem. The vehicle is in my opinion aesthetically very successful, it intelligently combines many very well integrated mechanical and pneumatic functions and you will certainly get your money's worth.

Note: The set presented here, provided by LEGO, is as usual involved. Deadline fixed at August 5, 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.