[REVIEW] 42075: First Responder

[Milan]

INTRODUCTION

For my sixth review from this year's 1H batch, we will be looking at the 42075: First Responder.

In 1995 we got the 8280 Fire Engine, in 2003 the 8454: Rescue Truck, in 2006 the 8289: Fire Truck, and in 2017, the smooth looking 42068: Airport Rescue Vehicle.
This year we have the "First Responder", a medium size Fire Truck/Jeep with lots of nice functions, in a very sturdy and smooth bodywork.

Note: All images can be clicked for hi-res versions.

SET INFORMATION
Number: 42075
Title: First Responder
Theme: Technic
Released: 2018
Part Count: 513
Box Weight: 829 gr
Box Dimensions: 35,1 cm x 18,8 cm x 8,8 cm
Set Price (MSRP): € 39,99
Price per Part: € 0,077
Links: Brickset, Bricklink

THE BOX
The box shows our First Responder in the middle of a street, during night, with its traffic cones set in place.

FRONTSIDE

The box states that this model is for the age of 9 till 16. More importantly, the 2-models in-1 logo is clearly visible, which means this set can be used to build two different models.

BACKSIDE

The backside of the box shows the functions of the A model on the left side, and also, the B model, and its functions on the right side of the box.
B model is "Fire Racer". Pretty unusual vehicle, which seems it is built more as a Fire-themed hot rod/drag racer, than practical Fire Fighting vehicle.

SIDE

One of the sides also shows the picture of the main model, and one of the wheels in actual size.

CONTENT OF THE BOX

The box contains:

• 2 Instruction Booklet
• 1 Sticker Sheet
• 4 Wheels
• 5 Bags
   

INSTRUCTION BOOKLET
The instruction booklet for the main model.

The instruction booklet for the alternate model.

Random page of the instruction booklet.

STICKER SHEET
The sticker sheet is neatly packed into the instruction booklet.

TIRES
Four tires are provided separately. Tire 49.5 x 20. Released in 14 sets so far.

BAGS
A total of five bags containing the rest of the parts.

HIGHLIGHTED PARTS
This section describes the new and/or interesting parts.

Black Liftarm 5 x 7 Open Center Frame
Finally, a 5 x 7 Open Center Liftarm Frame in black! We got one piece in this set. So far, it has been released in one more set in this color, the 42077 Rally Car

Blue Pin with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and Pin Hole
Blue Pin with Pin Hole, great addition for blue models. We got one piece in this set. So far, it has been released in one more set in this color, the 75533 Star Wars Bobba Fett.

Axle Pin 3L with Friction Ridges Lengthwise and 1L Axle in RED
This 3L Axle Pin has never been released in red before for general public and easily obtainable. This year, it was released in 8 sets in this color, and it was also released in one set in 2017, The Nutcracker (Lego 2017 Employee Exclusive).

PART LIST
This set contains 513 parts, which are shown below.

THE BUILD
Building the First Responder was very enjoyable, much more interesting than previous sets, which is understandable, as it has much more functions and parts.
From the very beginning we start with the chassis and the steering mechanism.

Front axle installed and connected to the steering mechanism.

This is how it looks like when we turn the steering knob at this stage.

Back driven axle with suspension.

Back axle installed and connected to the driveshaft that goes straight to the front of the vehicle.

Added most of the structural beams. Note how well the beams are connected to each other. It provides for very sturdy bodywork.
Tan double bevel gear at the front will connect the driveshaft and the fake 2-cylinder engine.

FINISHED MODEL
I hereby present to you, the First Responder! The set is very well designed. It does look like a proper, capable all terrain vehicle.

I really do like red here! Combined with white, dark gray and blue lights, it results in a great color scheme. Looking at the stickers, they are not overused.
Back side of the vehicle is also done very well. I do not like low clearance of the back axle.

From side, no complaints, except the front fender seems unfinished, as it is secured only on one side.

Underside shot. Neatly packed and symmetrical model.

FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS
This model has the following features:

• Steering via Hand of God
• Openable hood, doors, side cargo panels, and floodlight
• Fake 2-cylinder engine, powered by back axle.
• Working front winch
• Working suspension on the back axle

Now, lets see the functions as shown in the instructions booklet.

STEERING
Works smooth, not very large turning angle of the wheels, but playable enough.
Operated via the black double bevel gear on the roof of the model.

OPENABLES
Hood, doors, side cargo panels, can be opened.

SUSPENSION ON THE BACK AXLE
Very decent suspension travel, works smooth.

WINCH
Has some friction on purpose, operated by black double bevel gear.

FLOODLIGHT ON THE ROOF
Packed between the two back panels. Has good height when erected.

DETAILS
Under the hood is the engine, nicely packed.

By opening the side panels, we can see the various equipment for emergency situations, like the fire extinguisher and an axe.

And two orange traffic cones.

SUMMARY
For this parts count, this is a great set!
Lots of functions and openable sections, very strong bodywork, and nice overall look.
Very playable.
If you are lacking fire fighting vehicle in your collection, this might just be it!

SCORE
So how do I grade this set?

9 DESIGN

Very well designed. Front fender and low ground clearance would be the only drawbacks.

7 BUILDING EXPERIENCE

Straightforward, interesting build.

9 FEATURES

PACKED with smooth working functions.

8 PLAYABILITY

Every collection needs at least one fire fighting vehicle.

7 PARTS

If you like red, you will be satisfied. New frame in black and blue pin with hole, but nothing more.

8 VALUE FOR MONEY

Good value for the package!

8

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed it.

[Johnny1360]

This was one of my favorites, of this wave. It shows you can get a good build experience out of a relatively small set, doesn't have to be 1000 plus parts to be great. 

That front fender thing does make it seem a bit unfinished though. 

Highly recommend this set for anyone that doesn't have it, I know I will be getting at least one more, just for the shock, differential, tires and black 5x7 frame and of course all that red. 

Thanks for another great review as well

Edit; 

It was nice getting the B model instructions as well, something I forgot about until I read this review, think I will actually build it for a change. 

Seems like I can't vote on the poll, give it above average. 

Edited April 3, 2018 by Johnny1360

[JLiu15]

This looks like an interesting set to me. I like how many functions were incorporated at such a small scale. One thing that I don’t really understand is - for over 500 parts, why does it look so small to me? I mean, the 9394 from 2012 had less and looked so much bigger to me. Other than that it’s a great set and has lots of interesting parts, like the black 5x7 frame.

[Maaboo the Witch]

Not a fan of this one. I know it's pretty standard Technic fare at this size and scale, with quick suspension and a few simple functions, but it just lacks something. Maybe it's just the profusion of fire vehicles recently after an 11-year gap (42068, 42084-B and now this). It's like waiting for a bus: wait ages and three show up at once! The new recolours are nice, though.

[Aventador2004]

Would have bought this, but got something better. Favorite of small sets besides the forklift of 2H.

When is 42076 being Reviewed? I got one at $60, but it is for parts. don't know weather to build once and disassemble, or just put in piles of sorted parts.

[Milan]

7 minutes ago, Aventador2004 said:

Would have bought this, but got something better. Favorite of small sets besides the forklift of 2H.

When is 42076 being Reviewed? I got one at $60, but it is for parts. don't know weather to build once and disassemble, or just put in piles of sorted parts.

This fire fighter is my favorite, too (of small sets so far, but not very fair to compare given the difference in part count and price).
42076 is coming tomorrow or on Thursday.

[Aventador2004]

18 minutes ago, Milan said:

This fire fighter is my favorite, too (of small sets so far, but not very fair to compare given the difference in part count and price).
42076 is coming tomorrow or on Thursday.

Ok, thanks! 

I just wanted a 2nd opinion on hovercraft, wasn't trying to compare them.

[sirslayer]

I've ordered this set and it should be in my hands any day!! The hovercraft looks like it has a lot of panels for parts but with this set I plan to buy one for parts and another for my fire brigade 

[1gor]

When I saw this set on shelves it looked as some small scale jeep but nothimh special. From time to time I was reading mostly good stuff about this set and now you made great review and now this set is really tempting me; it is very nice small set 

Great review Milan 

[Erik Leppen]

Good review, seems to cover all points well. I think it's a great set. I don't own it, but it seems to have plenty of functions in a decent size. Steer, drive, suspension, a light tower and winch in about 500 parts seems a great deal. Not too big for what it offers. Would be an ideal starter set and it would please many children I think. Also it's good to see a set that is all in a single colour. Thanks for reviewing it.

I am looking forward to your reviews on the bigger sets, because I'm curious how your review of the hovercraft will compare to other reviews I have seen. The reviews of the first responder all quite seem to agree.

[Milan]

Thank you all guys.

57 minutes ago, Erik Leppen said:

I am looking forward to your reviews on the bigger sets, because I'm curious how your review of the hovercraft will compare to other reviews I have seen. The reviews of the first responder all quite seem to agree.

Perhaps I should have mentioned it before, but I have not read any review of any 1H sets so far, mainly to keep these reviews consistent and objective. So, I am glad to hear this review seems to have the same conclusions as other reviews.
I have only used official Lego set promo videos, and the set itself.

[Lakop]

I was thinking of buying this set for the wheels but I have so much red already. its a decent starter set but It would be interesting to make the set more functional.

H

[kbalage]

Thanks for the review, I liked this set very much. Great starter set with a good amount of functions for it's size. I was a bit confused with the B model (Race car with a winch?), but if the kids like it then fine :) The only disappointment was the fact that a different piece holds the string for the winch in the A and the B model, which means the string has to be cut every time it is rebuilt.