[REVIEW] 42077: Rally Car

[Milan]

SET INFORMATION
Number: 42077
Title: Rally Car
Theme: Technic
Released: 2018
Part Count: 1005
Box Weight: 1720 gr
Box Dimensions: 47,8 cm x 28,2 cm x 12 cm
Set Price (MSRP): € 99,99
Price per Part: € 0,099
Links: Brickset, Bricklink

THE BOX
The box measures 47,8 cm x 28,2 cm x 12 cm and weighs around 1720 grams.

THE FRONT
The front of the box shows the Rally Car blasting through the hilly track. We could almost presume it has all wheel drive, given how the wheels are shown, but that is not true.
The box states that this model is for the age of 10 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.
In the lower right corner there's a image with the dimension of the model. It's 42cm long.

THE BACK
The back side of the box shows the functions of the main model on the left side, and also the B model, and its functions, on the right side.
B model is the Buggy, which actually looks really good. In first, it seems that its red bars on the sides are part of the suspension system, which would be awesome, but they are actually just the aesthetic parts. Nevertheless, this seems like a great model!

THE SIDE
One of the sides shows a picture of the main model, and one of the wheels/tires combo in the actual size.

CONTENT OF THE BOX
The box contains:

• 1 Instruction Booklet
• 1 Sticker Sheet
• 10 Bags
   

INSTRUCTION BOOKLET
The instruction booklet for the main model.

Random page of the instruction booklet.

STICKER SHEET
The sticker sheet is neatly packed into the instruction booklet. No damage on them.

TIRES
Four of the 68.8 x 36 ZR are provided, released in 14 sets so far.

BAGS
A total of ten unnumbered 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
Again, a 5 x 7 Open Center Liftarm Frame in black! We got four pieces in this set. So far, it has been released in one more set in this color, the 42075 First Responder.

White Hose, Soft Axle 7
Soft Axle 7. We got four pieces in this set. This is the only set which contains this piece in this color.

Dark Azure Technic, Axle and Pin Connector Perpendicular 3L with 2 Pin Holes
Axle and pin connector. We got seven pieces in this set. This is the only set which contains this piece in this color.

Dark Azure Technic, Liftarm 3 x 5 L-Shape Thick
L liftarm 3 x 5. We got two pieces in this set. We can also obtain one piece from the 42074 Racing Yacht.

Dark Azure Technic, Liftarm 1 x 7 Thick
1x7 Liftarm. We got five pieces in this set. We can also obtain two pieces from the 42074 Racing Yacht.

Dark Azure Technic, Panel Curved 7 x 3 with 2 Pin Holes through Panel Surface
Technic Panel 7x3 curved. We got only one piece in this set. This is the only set which contains this piece in this color.

Dark Azure Technic, Panel Curved 11 x 3 with 2 Pin Holes through Panel Surface
Technic Panel 11x3 curved. We got only one piece in this set. This is the only set which contains this piece in this color.

Dark Azure Technic, Panel Curved 3 x 13
Technic Panel 3x13 curved. We got seven pieces in this set. This is the only set which contains this piece in this color.

Dark Azure Technic, Panel Car Mudguard Arched 15 x 2 x 5
Technic Panel 15x2x5 mudguard. We got only one piece in this set. This is the only set which contains this piece in this color.

Dark Azure Technic, Panel Fairing # 3 Small Smooth Long, Side A and B
Technic Panel fairing #3. We got a total of four pieces in this set, two of the side A, and two of the side B. This is the only set which contains this piece in this color.

Dark Azure Technic, Panel Fairing # 5 Long Smooth, Side A and B
Technic Panel fairing #5. We got a total of two pieces in this set, one of the side A, and one of the side B. We can also obtain two pieces of each side (A and B) from the 42074 Racing Yacht.

Dark Bluish Gray Technic, Panel Curved 11 x 3 with 2 Pin Holes through Panel Surface
Technic Panel 3x11. We got only one piece in this set. This piece has been released in two more sets in this color, the 42084 Hook Loader and the 42078 Mack Anthem.

PART LIST
This set contains 1005 parts, which are shown below.

THE BUILD
Building the Rally Car was enjoyable and interesting, due to sheer size of the car. 
From the very beginning we start with the chassis and its side steps. Note that from the very start of the building you can see the final width of the car, and it's very wide! 27 studs wide!

Next, we have the driven and suspended back axle.
Suspension uses two of the yellow hard shock absorbers.

After we connect the rear axle to the chassis, we can start with the six cylinder engine. Here, it is already connected to the driven axle.
Also, two of the 1x16 links are placed, to act as a part of the roll bar system.

Moving on with the front of the chassis, and the seats. Now, we can see one of the most recognizable features of this set: a beautifully designed roll bar in the cabine.

Front axle. Yes, it is NOT driven. What a shame. It does have the suspension, and steering.

By attaching the front axle to the chassis, and installing the front section, we can clearly see the size of the car. It is Huge!
Inside details include aforementioned roll bar, two seats, fire extinguisher, and the steering wheel. In the front section we got two cooling fans. 

FINISHED MODEL
I hereby present to you, the finished Rally Car! Isn't she a beauty?
Yes, she is! But, that's where we try to find the functions. And we are disappointed. More on that a bit later.

Finished model does look smooth from the headlights to the rear spoiler! Everything flows nicely!
Those white flexible hoses really complete the package!

Colors? Well, it is one of the main strengths of the set! Dark azure, white and red really makes it special. Clever use of the stickers make the model even better.

Side view.
Here, we can note three flaws.
1. Big gap around the tires. On the pictures it look worse than when the model is in front of you. You can also say that, since this is a rally car, it might need more room there for a wheels to have enough room when the (extra long) suspension work. Even with this in mind, the gaps are simply too big.
2. The car is very low to the ground, which is not always good for a rally car.
3. The inside is somewhat hollow. Basically, this model is all about the shape and size. 

Back of the vehicle is aggressive and thick. Nice use of the parts to achieve the curved look. Strangely, there are no stickers at the back side. It looks a bit pale.

From this angle you can see how the designers managed to made nice flow with parts. The cabine is narrower than the wheels, which gives the car a more sporty and aggressive look.

Front section. I like the hood, with unusual hole (intake?) in the hood. Nice shaping of the front section. Perhaps the main headlights could be better if mounted at an angle of 45 degrees, to match the oval shape of the front.
Four additional headlights are a great touch. So is the windshield shape. Notice the white liftarm with "Billund High Point" sticker. This liftarm is connected to the roof in a way that any accidental touch will make the liftarm move, which can be annoying when you want to lift the model by grabbing its roof. The best place to pick the model up is to hold it to its black side steps.

Back section.
As noted before, nice shaping. I like the fat wheels being visible. Interesting use of parts at the exhaust section.

Underside shot. Yes, this is a hollow model.

Leftover parts after finishing the Rally Car build.

FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS
This model has the following features:

• Steering via Hand of God.
• By pushing the model, we put the V6 engine in motion.
• Suspension on all four wheels.
• Openable doors, hood and trunk/side spoilers.

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

STEERING
Works smooth, but poor range of motion. Steering knob on the top of the cabine steers the front wheels.
I would prefer a bit more direct/faster turning speed.
Also, there are two limiters installed in the front axle, which prevent the wheels from steering all the way.

Openables
Hood, doors and trunk can be opened to reveal (hollow) interior.
Note that the doors are connected to the car with only one pin.
Trunk has a interesting way of revealing the engine bay. Namely, when you open the trunk, you also open the side panels, via levers connected cleverly to the trunk. Perhaps it is really needed, as the engine itself is pretty deep inside, toward the middle of the vehicle.

UNDER THE HOOD
Not much to see. Naked front axle, and two fans.

ENGINE BAY
Much better than under the hood.
We can see the engine, roll bars, suspension, and exhaust system.

SUSPENSION
This is how it looks when we push down the model.
Suspension travel is okay. The model touches the ground when the suspension is at its lowest point, which combined with the low clearance, could indeed be a problem on a speedy hill race.

DETAILS

SUMMARY
Nice, big set, but seems a bit unfinished in some areas. It is most probably meant to be like this. For relatively low number of pieces/price, you get pretty big set, with very nice look.
Some would say it is meant for modifications.
I would say it is way too simple. It might be a very interesting rally car after few user-made modifications, but we could say that for other sets as well.
For a car of this size, we could at least get an all wheel drive system and a gearbox, not to mention new pieces for these functions, or even functions not yet seen on a Lego car.

Good: Great looking and big vehicle, sporting very attractive colors. Aggressive shape. Nice roll bar inside.
Bad: Hollow body, lack of "proper" functions, like AWD and the gearbox. Very close to the ground/hits the ground when the suspension is in its lowest point. Very simple suspension. Same old engine.

At the end, the model is what it is: a fully playable, big, beautiful car!
If you can get over its lack of advanced functions, or if you are into the modding, don't miss this set!
 

SCORE
So how do I grade this set?

8 DESIGN

Beautifully designed.

6 BUILDING EXPERIENCE

Not very exciting, but its sheer size makes it interesting.

6 FEATURES

Present functions work smoothly, but this set (and its users) just screams for more!

6 PLAYABILITY

If you take this model as it is, you will have lots of fun. Otherwise, you will miss some functions.

9 PARTS

Want dark azure? Panels in all shape and sizes? You got it!

7 VALUE FOR MONEY

Good value for the package.

Final score - 7.0

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed it.

[Jurss]

I built this. Was pretty OK, but nothing special. It is also not meant to be.

Maybe B model is even better. Will build it some day.

It is something like le mans reacer, which B-model was also more interesting.

[Jim]

I haven't built this car, but I absolutely love the looks on it. Nothing fancy, but a cool looking car, with suspension, steering and opening hood and bonnet.

Reminds me of the 42039, although that car had some extra gears and switches to operate the functions.

One thing though....what's up with the regular blue seats?! Why always blue seats?! And why blue in this car? Doesn't fit the color scheme at all.

Anyway, clean and sharp pics and a nice review overall!

[Nebulaire]

I like this set, I think I'll buy somedays.

I can't wait to see a MOD without gaps around the wheels.

[Rudivdk]

Essential parts pack for me !

Since I started modding, and only build cars, LEGO car sets are just below par for me when it comes to functions and features. I build cars of the same size with 2 or 3x more pieces...

But like you said, it ticks all boxes for a play set.

[1gor]

Last week I have build this model despite the fact that my initial idea is to buy it as a parts pack and it looks really good, stickers and color combo are great. whole design is appealing so a bit lack of extra functions are not such disappointment; for some 100 € set it is a bit unrealistic to expect transmission like on Porsche 

 Besides that what do you have to add to a rally car which has steering, engine, drive, suspension, open-able hoods and doors; crane, winch?

 

...almost forgot main thing, @Milan your review has covered all important aspects for this model IMHO 

Edited April 12, 2018 by I_Igor

[Venefic]

Excellent pictures! They really add a buying factor to the review. 

[Jim]

Just now, Venefic said:

Excellent pictures! They really add a buying factor to the review. 

I hate it when reviewers do that! 

[u118224]

Great review, fun read. I too like the looks of this car a lot. I can forgive most of the shortcomings but the front axle really should have been driven. 

[JunkstyleGio]

Nice review. Nice pictures.

I really like this model both a- and b-  (and c-model by Paul Boratko) model are fun to build.

What i like best of these models; they are so excellent to play with, have great looks and are easy to MOD.

Both kids and afols will have a lot of fun with this model!

 

[Ngoc Nguyen]

Nitpicking time!

 

4 hours ago, Milan said:

Dark Azure Technic, Panel Fairing # 5 Long Smooth, Side A and B
Technic Panel fairing #5. We got a total of two pieces in this set, one of the side A, and one of the side B. This is the only set which contains this piece in this color.

The yacht has them too.

 

4 hours ago, Milan said:

Openables
Hood, doors and trunk can be opened to reveal (hallow) interior.

Deathly hallows? 

 

 

 

[JGW3000]

Great review, and I agree this is a great set for mod and kids.  A question - why does the front axle have two trans-orange round 1x1 tiles?

[JunkstyleGio]

They are trans-orange because they are needed in the b-model as rear lights

 

Edited April 12, 2018 by JunkstyleGio

[Edwin Korstanje]

Great review Milan and very good pictures.

I have seen the A, B and Pauls C model at @JunkstyleGio place and are indeed big, good looking and specialy for kids, great for playing and for a € 90 to €100 good as parts pack.

What i can't tell if it's was fun to build, because i did not build any official set in years.

[Shiva]

I think this car looks as a RallyX / RallyCross car.

[kbalage]

This set is a great opportunity for motorization, even 4 L motors fit without removing any of the interior elements. It would have been cool to see the fans working out of the box, not that difficult to achieve. Otherwise it's a big flashy car with a reasonable price so I'm sure kids dig it :)

[arijitdas]

I personally liked this model and might end up buying 2 copies of this set as parts pack.

@Milan it was a very well written review with good quality pictures.

[snefroe]

thanks for a great review

I wasn't so much into this set at first, but when I saw a "speed build" on youtube, I got really excited about it. I especially like the alternative version, the buggy. I also feel that this set looks more realistic than other lego technic sets. Hope we get more like this in the future ... ah yes... and I like these black liftarms. I'll have a gazillion of those, please

[Maaboo the Witch]

Not a car person so this is a skip for me. But I do like the fact that Dark Azure is enjoying an upsurge. Plus it's nice to see the red CLAAS rims being used for another set (plus 42082 in the summer). Good set, but not my bag sadly.

[Erik Leppen]

I still don't get the hype on this set. I mean, it's good for kids who want big sets, but I still think it's hardly worthy of the name Technic, and too ugly to be any good as a Racers set either. For me, it has a Nitro Menace (8649) feel to it, which I don't really see as a good thing.

Basiclaly, there's three things I like about it.

• The dark azure color
• The rollcage (except the fact it's impossible to enter the car because the rollcage is in the way)
• The flappy side panels that open together with the bonnet (the only innovative function it offers)

Also, it will look great on a shelf next to 42039; I think dark azure and bright green look great together. (But Technic isn't meant to put on a shelf. For that, almost every other theme is more suitable.)

For the rest, this car feels like it's big for the sake of being big, which I find the wrong reason. But as I said, kids will probably love it. It doesn't make it worth >25% more than the hovercraft (42076), which has more functions and play features than this for the same number of pieces. (I'm not saying the hovercraft is so brilliant, but at least that's a proper Technic model). 

Don't get me wrong, I think the review is fine (except it's way too lax. Come on, what theme were we talking? Technic, right? Where's the technic on this set?). You cover all the points, and provice nice animations on each moving part, and I always like the build photos. So thanks for making this extensive review. Also, apparently, lots of people agree with you, so I guess I'm the minority here. I probably won't get the set, but I'm happy to see Bricklink stores be stocking those new dark azure technic parts.

[JunkstyleGio]

Color is not an issue for me. Both the models can be build in several different color-versions. (Even gold if you got the money..)

 

Edited April 12, 2018 by JunkstyleGio

[TheRacker]

This set is entirely mediocre imo, like others have said AWD and something as simple as a 2 speed gearbox could have easily pushed it to the must have category for me.  Or ackerman steering for some flair.  Would actually be really cool too on a model of this size.

[grum64]

Great review, thank you Milan.

I was bought this set recently and although I will build the main model it'll be the B model, the buggy, that'll find its way onto a shelf. I think it looks better than the rally car & has real character.

[Jim]

12 hours ago, Erik Leppen said:

I still don't get the hype on this set. I mean, it's good for kids who want big sets, but I still think it's hardly worthy of the name Technic, and too ugly to be any good as a Racers set either. For me, it has a Nitro Menace (8649) feel to it, which I don't really see as a good thing.

There is absolutely zero hype for this set. People, myself included, simply like it for what it is. This isn't a flagship model, just a simple Technic car. What I still don't get is why it has to be more than what it is. You are of course entitled to your opinion, don't get me wrong, but it's no "UCS" Porsche or Bugatti.

[JunkstyleGio]

@Jim That's it! "Hear Hear"!