42042 - Crawler Crane - General Discussion

[AndroTech]

So, we get the video and the pictures of new Crawler crane. Let's discuss ...

Video:

Picture:

Edited January 28, 2015 by AndroTech

[Ondra]

Better photo

http://ukonio.de/spielwarenmesse-toy-fair-2015-lego-neue-sets-bildergalerie-52200/?pid=2144

I admire that functions are easy to select, not RC but still great playbility.

[XAxles]

Oh, so it's got a claw at the end of the boom. Then what's the B-model?

[theultimatetoa001]

I'm really looking forward to this set. The functions look great, the model looks amazing, and the use of blue is outstanding.

[kisper]

Yes my definite to GET piece from this years line up as I missed the previous one :(

[750ACE]

What plane do I see at 3 minutes in the video?

[BusterHaus]

What are those gray parts used to link the boom to the up/down beams? They look like flex axles with tips that accept pins. Is this a new part?

This looks like a great set. It's great to see a construction model that isn't yellow.

[Saberwing40k]

What are those gray parts used to link the boom to the up/down beams? They look like flex axles with tips that accept pins. Is this a new part?

This looks like a great set. It's great to see a construction model that isn't yellow.

Those parts are not new, they are Technic, Link 1 x 16

While these are not new, they have not been used in a mainstream set since 2009, and not in a Technic set even longer.

Also, I just noticed that the vents on the sides are not stickers, but brick built, and they are putting the stickers that tell what does what on separate tiles rather than on beams. Also, the functions selectors slide between functions, which means that there are 4 total shift rings, meaning that the functions can be operated forward or reverse without switching the batterbox. It's a nice detail, but it almost doesn't matter, given that the battery box switch would be easy to access. Also, going by the box, slewing is motorized. I'll be picking this one up.

[deraven]

What are those gray parts used to link the boom to the up/down beams? They look like flex axles with tips that accept pins. Is this a new part?

This looks like a great set. It's great to see a construction model that isn't yellow.

Looks like 1x16 Technic Link making a comeback:

http://rebrickable.com/parts/2637

It does look like a solid set, and I completely agree on the non-yellow sentiment!

[BusterHaus]

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm off to dream about those sweet blue panels...

[Bricktrain]

Nice looking set. I will have to extend the pendant bars to the tip though.

[vliet]

From 0:30 I think you can see the new plane top centre of the screen

[jantjeuh]

I love the colour scheme!

[Cumulonimbus]

While I really like the idea of a bigger (and blue!) crawler crane, I'm not really convinced by the proportions of it: The curved side panels, the strange ratio between the length and the height of the cabine, the length and height of the tracks, the width of the upper structure (where the winches and gearbox are), they all look not quite right to me compared to the real deal.

I know I will buy this set, but I will also heavily modify it.

[TheItalianBrick]

While I really like the idea of a bigger (and blue!) crawler crane, I'm not really convinced by the proportions of it: The curved side panels, the strange ratio between the length and the height of the cabine, the length and height of the tracks, the width of the upper structure (where the winches and gearbox are), they all look not quite right to me compared to the real deal.

I know I will buy this set, but I will also heavily modify it.

Sorry but...why don't you simply buy some spare parts and make a MOC then?? Sounds like if you are looking for a station wagon car but then buy a 2 seater..and complain it only has 2 seats LOL!

[timtimgo87]

This thing is superb! Designer is propably Michael T. Jeppesen (MT). The Crawler Crane is the first Powerfunction set which has not a medium motor though it is not the flagship. Remember older PF-sets (e.g. Offroader 2008), which has a simple 2-way-gearbox and a lame medium motor for flagship presence. Sets are getting better and better and for me, 2015 is the best Technic year ever.

[Askan]

Can't say what it is, but I really like this set. It is a must-buy for me. Only bad thing is that it will take a lot of space...

[AndroTech]

New picture ...

That is a lot of string ! Do you think, we will get the most Lego string, ever put in a Lego set ?

.

[timtimgo87]

This pic shows the gearbox as well. It seems that one stick can be operated horizontal and vertical - similar to 42009 but on booth sides. That means 4 driving rings instead of 2. There is one stud space beside each control stick. In the pic, both sticks are in middle position. In the video from the toy fair, the guy operates the sticks when the crawler is driving, but not the switch of the batterie box to let the tracks rotate backwards. It seems, that one driving ring operates one function, but two directions of that. If that is true, this is fairly new to Technic and the set comes with 4 (!) of the new driving rings in DBG.

Edited January 28, 2015 by timtimgo87

[allanp]

Yes, one driving ring and two clutch gears for each function. This means you can change direction of each function individually and without having to switch the battery box. I like very much . First mod will be to add another two levers, making 4 in total.

Edited January 28, 2015 by allanp

[Cumulonimbus]

Sorry but...why don't you simply buy some spare parts and make a MOC then?? Sounds like if you are looking for a station wagon car but then buy a 2 seater..and complain it only has 2 seats LOL!

I understand what you're saying but consider the following:

- A large scale version of the 8288 (which brought me back from my dark ages) has been on my MOC list for years and I have developed some ideas and wishes in the meantime. Although the 42042 might not satisfy all my wishes, it has sparked the MOC plans again.

- There's always something to learn from building official sets.

- Gathering the required parts for any MOC is time consuming, especially with the current TLG (temporary) ban on ordering parts directly from them. In addition, the easiest way to get the new part in this sets is to buy it.

- It's Lego, anybody can build the stuff they like

It probably doesn't sound like it, but I really like the 2H sets and admire the designers for the efforts they have made in the 2015 Technic line-up. Really nice models, parts and colors, kudos!

[DrJB]

In all such types of machines, isn't the cab supposed to be on the left side? Or is that the UK/Australia/HK version?

[timtimgo87]

Yes, one driving ring and two clutch gears for each function. This means you can change direction of each function individually and without having to switch the battery box. I like very much . First mod will be to add another two levers, making 4 in total.

This is a very nice and new solution. I dont understand why TLG did not make driving the tracks independently. The solution with the levers is great for that, because it might be possible to steer the tracks. Thats great for MOC's. Cut the rotation and bring the function to the second track,

[rollermonkey]

From 0:30 I think you can see the new plane top centre of the screen

Good eye! That's definitely a float plane... Red and white.

[Blakbird]

Oh, so it's got a claw at the end of the boom. Then what's the B-model?

The A model has the boom raised to 80 degrees and the B model has the boom at 45 degrees.

That is a lot of string ! Do you think, we will get the most Lego string, ever put in a Lego set ?

I think the 8288 still had more string, but this is a lot. There are 3 winches on 8288.