[REVIEW] 42072: WHACK!

[Milan]

INTRODUCTION

Starting with the 42010 - Off-road Racer and 42011 - Race Car in 2013, TLG released two sets in the first half of each year, using a pull-back motor. The pull-back motor allows the model to be pulled back, followed by forward motion.

Usually there's no apparent relation between the two set, other than the ability to combine them into an alternate build. This year there seems to some sort of racing scene going on, between 42072: WHACK! and 42073: BASH, two of the very similar racing machines.

Makes you wonder who will be victorious, the green or the red racer. Let's find out!

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

SET INFORMATION

Number: 42072
Title: WHACK!
Theme: Technic
Released: 2018
Part Count: 135
Box Weight: 302 gr
Box Dimensions: 26,0 cm x 13,8 cm x 6,9 cm
Set Price (MSRP): € 19,99
Price per Part: € 0,148
Links: Brickset, Bricklink

THE BOX

The box has the same dimensions as previous year's pullback motor sets.
Lime green seems very fitting for a race car, and it successfully attracts attention to the box. The weight of the box is approximately 302 grams.

FRONT SIDE
In the lower left corner there is "pullback" marking. In the lower right corner there's a visual explanation of the model's function, more on that later.

BACK SIDE
The alternate model, the "WHACK! 'N' BASH!, is a combined build with 42073: BASH!, which you can see on the upper part of the backside. The double rear-wheeled rugged formula one/truck/jeep type racer seems to be cool enough to give it a go. It seems we get two ejecting sections on this vehicle: cabin, and engine.

One of the sides shows a picture of the main model, with a visual explanation of the pullback mechanism, and ejecting engine.

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

 

CONTENT OF THE BOX

The box contains:

• 1 Instructions Booklet
• 1 Sticker Sheet
• 2 Technic Liftarms
• 3 Bags

INSTRUCTION BOOKLET
The instruction booklet for the main model. Unfortunately no booklet for the alternate model.

EXAMPLE OF RANDOM INSTRUCTION STEP

STICKER SHEET
The sticker sheet shows lime green/black details: presumably sponsors, racing number and fuel cap on side panels, and engine cover on a tile.

LIFTARMS
Two liftarms haven't been sealed in plastic bags.

 

BAGS
Three bags containing the rest of the parts.

 

 

HIGHLIGHTED PARTS

This section describes the new and/or otherwise interesting parts.

PULLBACK MOTOR
Pullback motor is placed in the biggest bag, and is a core part of this model.

TIRES
43.2 x 22 ZR Tires, also used on other Pullback sets. They do appear in 60 other sets though, so they aren't very rare.

 

PART LIST

This set contains 135 parts, shown below.

 

THE BUILD

Since it's a small model, I will skip the building steps. I hereby present the finished 42072: WHACK!

I was optimistic about lime green in a racing model, and seeing it in real life does add a kick to this set.
There are three stickers, which add some flashy details to the model. The model looks good without stickers, too.

 

Looking from this angle, we can notice flames, which add a lot of character to the model. I like the exposed meaty back tires.

The chassis is pretty basic, sporting the pullback motor in the rear axle.

 

LEFTOVER PARTS
A few common leftover parts.

 

FUNCTIONS

PULLBACK
By winding up the Pullback motor, i.e. pulling the model backwards and releasing the model, you can achieve pretty good speed. If there is not enough space in front of the race car, you could easily hit the wall or some other obstacle... Which may actually be what designer had in mind all along...as the other function is...

CRASH
Second function is shown on the box. In front of the model there is a mechanism, in a form of lime green 2x4 L liftarm, which allows the engine to eject when the model hits the obstacle. Even at high speed crash, the engine does not eject itself too high, so there is no danger of engine hitting the young racer.

 

SUMMARY

Pullback motor? Light weight/high speed? Race car/rugged formula shape? Well, i think kids will have fun with this small racer.
Does it look good? Younger racers will probably like it.

I prefer something that looks a bit more defined, even though, I am aware that this set is small and has limited number of parts.
I guess this it will have mixed opinions regarding its look.

Its main strength is in numbers! Use its (evil) brother - 42073: BASH! and you got yourself a true drag race! Just don't forget to provide enough open space for youngsters!

 

SCORE

How do I grade the lime green guy in this year's duo.

6 DESIGN

The lime green works. So do stickers.

6 BUILDING EXPERIENCE

Nothing out of the ordinary.

7 FEATURES

Pull-back and ejecting engine.

9 PLAYABILITY

Combined with the 42073: BASH! kids will love it!

6 PARTS

This set does not have any new parts, nor parts in new colors.

8 VALUE FOR MONEY

Pullback sets always deliver a certain value.

7

 

Thank you for reading. I hope you will find it useful!

[Aventador2004]

I know some may think it crude, I quite like it. I do not feel the same for the other model...

[Milan]

56 minutes ago, Aventador2004 said:

I quite like it. I do not feel the same for the other model...

Hehe, it is quite the opposite for me.
The other one (red one) is more defined as a rugged buggy, it has bigger back tires etc...but given the amount of parts, both are okay.

[Ngoc Nguyen]

Are you going to do a separate review for BASH?

[Milan]

Just now, Ngoc Nguyen said:

Are you going to do a separate review for BASH?

Yep, it is done, just tidying it up before posting

[Ngoc Nguyen]

 Why not combine with this one

[1gor]

2 minutes ago, Ngoc Nguyen said:

 Why not combine with this one

...and make combo model as final review step

[Milan]

2 hours ago, Ngoc Nguyen said:

 Why not combine with this one

2 hours ago, I_Igor said:

...and make combo model as final review step

They are two models, and even they are tiny, it is fair to review them separately.
Combo model is in plan, indeed!

 

[Aventador2004]

6 hours ago, Milan said:

Hehe, it is quite the opposite for me.
The other one (red one) is more defined as a rugged buggy, it has bigger back tires etc...but given the amount of parts, both are okay.

Hm, I can see kids liking it, opinions always differ a little.

[Saberwing40k]

Yeah, this set isn't up to par, even in comparison to other pullback sets of the recent past. It is ugly, and looks half finished. It is worthless as a parts pack, with a whopping 6 lime parts, of which only 3 are Technic. It should still be fun, though, and the engine function is unusual, though probably could be better. Not horrible, but not good either. If Bash! is average, then this is a solid below average set. At least it isn't as bad as 42076.