[REVIEW] 42095 - Remote-Controlled Stunt Racer

[Jim]

REVIEW - 42095 - REMOTE-CONTROLLED STUNT RACER

INTRODUCTION
This set feels like the successor to the 42065 - RC Tracked Racer from 2017. Like the 42050 - Drag Racer from 2015, this set also has two wheels at the rear of the vehicle, limiting the vertical movement. Something tells me that, unlike the drag racer, this model can actually do wheelies.

And how about those new big sprockets driving the vehicle?! I can hardly imagine these sprockets have been designed specifically for this model. Thoughts about a new big excavator fill my mind. But let's focus on this set first.

This review is shorter than usual, but time was limited. Sorry about that. I do hope you enjoy the pictures! 

PICTURES
Pictures can be clicked to view hi-res versions. More pictures can be found in my Flickr album.

DISCLAIMER
This set has been provided by the CEE Team of TLG. It's not my goal to promote this set. It's my goal to give you an honest opinion about it. Therefore, the opinion in this review is my own and is in no way linked to TLG.

SET INFORMATION
Number: 42095
Title: Remote-Controlled Stunt Racer
Theme: Technic
Released: 2019
Part Count: 324
Box Weight: 784 gram
Box Dimensions: 38,0 cm x 26,0 cm x 7,0 cm
Set Price (RRP): € 79,99
Price per Part: € 0,25
Links: Brickset, Bricklink

THE BOX

CONTENTS OF THE BOX
The box contains:

• 1x Booklet
• 1x Sticker sheet
• 1x Bag with Power Functions elements
• 1x Power Functions battery box
• 3x Unnumbered bags

BOOKLET

STICKER SHEET

POWER FUNCTIONS ELEMENTS

BATTERY BOX

BAGS

  

HIGHLIGHTED PARTS

TECHNIC TREAD SPROCKET WHEEL XL
These two new sprockets are the XL variant of the Technic Tread Sprocket Large. Since these are new parts, it's safe to assume that the future (2H 2019?) will bring us a big (motorized) set, like a new bulldozer or excavator.

POWER FUNCTIONS ELEMENTS
This set contains a set of very useful PF elements. You get a battery box, IR transmitter, IR receiver and two large motors. Basically everything to motorize your MOC.

BATTERY BOX
Something which caught my eye is the new design of the battery box. Going through my collection, I notice this change has been implemented earlier. I remember discussing a slightly different version in the Arcos, so it might have been a couple of years. But most of the time I use one of my other battery boxes with batteries in it. This new design is much better, since you can get all the batteries out easily.

COMPLETED MODEL
I wasn't too sure about this model, but looking at the completed model, it is definitely growing on my. The yellow-blue color scheme is very vibrant and works really well. Especially with the XL sprockets. And it is no secret I love dark azure. I'm so glad TLG got rid of all the other shades of blue :laugh: 

Here you can clearly see how big the rear sprockets are.

Just when you start loving this little bugger, you are presented with its rear end. Ouch, that hurts. This set is all about fun and performance, but a slightly more decorated rear end would have been better. Not sure if Milan designed this one, but he (or TLG) did a better job with the previous one. I don't think it will bother kids at all, but if I have to name a negative thing about this set, it's the rear end. 

Two 16T gears, an XL sprocket and an L-motor make up the drivetrain for each side.

Minifig paint rollers as mirror pieces and a fishing rod as antenna. Cleverly done.

Before I end this review, I do need to address the RRP (Recommended Retail Price) of € 79,99. This set does contain lots of PF elements, but 80 euros seems kinda steep for a model this size, basically being nothing more than a small RC toy. If you can get it with a discount, it is a great PF package though.

The left-over parts.

READY, SET, GO
This review would not be complete without a video. Here you can see the Stunt Racer in action. I have mentioned it before, and I will mention it again; I hope TLG will create treads made up of a softer (more rubber like) material. As you can see, the set is rather useless when you are playing on a smooth surface.

Some time ago I bought a couple of these bags in LEGOLAND Germany. It would be great if TLG would include a bunch of these rubber pins with tracked sets. Especially the remote-controlled ones.

As you can see the result is much better. It actually does the wheelies which it is supposed to be doing.

B-MODEL
If it weren't for the price, I would definitely get a second copy to build the B-model and have some fun with both. The B-model looks even more finished than the A-model, but the main model can do wheelies!

SUMMARY
This is a very fun little model that will keep the kids entertained for a while. Two things that I don't like about this model. One is the rear, with clearly visible cables. And another thing is that the treads don't have any grip on smooth flat surfaces. Maybe a third thing and that is the price. Seems a bit steep for a small RC toy. But these cons definitely don't mean I don't like it, because I simply love this cute little stunt racer!

PROS

• It's great fun
• It does wheelies
• It drives really fast
• Looks nice (except the rear)
• It's great fun
• Vibrant color scheme
• New big sprockets
• Did I mention it's great fun?!

CONS

• Cables sticking out
• Treads don't have much grip on smooth surfaces
• Price

SCORE
How do I rate this set?

7 DESIGN

I love the front and color scheme, but the rear could have been better.

7 BUILDING EXPERIENCE
 
Fun build, given the part count.

7 FEATURES

Not so many features, but stunt driving is implemented very well.

8 PLAYABILITY

 So much fun!

8 PARTS

All the PF parts you need to motorize small to medium MOCs.

6 VALUE FOR MONEY

The price is pretty steep for what is basically an RC toy.

7,2 WAIT FOR A BOGO DEAL AND GET TWO COPIES

FINAL WORDS
Thanks you for reading this review. All pictures can be found here.

[pleegwat]

Possible explanation for the rear: Could this originally have been a power up design? If that is the case the IR receiver was likely a late addition.

[Jim]

3 minutes ago, pleegwat said:

Possible explanation for the rear: Could this originally have been a power up design? If that is the case the IR receiver was likely a late addition.

Interesting theory. Could very well be the case.

On the other hand; a late addition could have been implemented better by most, if not all, of the designers at TLG. Feels like cutting corners....which kinda matches the vehicle 

Or maybe TLG has a new pay-off "only the most cost-effective solution is good enough" 

[kbalage]

Interesting to see how differently it behaves for you, maybe my floor is not as shiny and tidy as yours  For me it did wheelies all the time, regardless of the surface or with/without rubber inserts. The only way to start in non-wheelie mode is to turn first then go straight, but due to the speed it was almost impossible to set the direction properly. Really looking forward to build the B model because so far I'm a bit disappointed with this one, so much potential but the set really cannot use its power. 

[Jim]

1 minute ago, kbalage said:

Interesting to see how differently it behaves for you, maybe my floor is not as shiny and tidy as yours  For me it did wheelies all the time, regardless of the surface or with/without rubber inserts. The only way to start in non-wheelie mode is to turn first then go straight, but due to the speed it was almost impossible to set the direction properly. Really looking forward to build the B model because so far I'm a bit disappointed with this one, so much potential but the set really cannot use its power. 

Yeah, my floor is very smooth, so doing wheelies was almost impossible. But you are right about going straight first. And it does have too much power to control is properly. But I don't think you are meant to control is properly hehe.

[1gor]

Review is very good. I'm very interested in big tread sprocket, but could you please change 42092 into 42095 in title 

[kbalage]

24 minutes ago, Jim said:

Yeah, my floor is very smooth, so doing wheelies was almost impossible. But you are right about going straight first. And it does have too much power to control is properly. But I don't think you are meant to control is properly hehe.

Yeah I guess this is the "stunt" part, easy to control like a rodeo bull 

[AVCampos]

1 hour ago, pleegwat said:

Possible explanation for the rear: Could this originally have been a power up design? If that is the case the IR receiver was likely a late addition.

I thought that too, but I was told that this one was designed with PF in mind from the beginning.

[Rudivdk]

Just now, AVCampos said:

I thought that too, but I was told that this one was designed with PF in mind from the beginning.

Maybe just part-saving design, keep it as minimal as possible. 

Where else to put the receiver without extra parts and still have proper line-of-sight?

Edited December 16, 2018 by Rudivdk

[Erik Leppen]

The topic title says 42092. That should be 42095 

[kbalage]

38 minutes ago, AVCampos said:

I thought that too, but I was told that this one was designed with PF in mind from the beginning.

I remember that comment but I still have my doubts. If we assume that the Technic version of the PU hub will have similar dimensions, the set would look much better and more balanced without the IR receiver, and the cable arrangement could be better too. Additionally with the proportional control of PU the "all time wheelie mode" could be easily avoided to, having a standard mode with ~70% throttle and a boost mode for the wheelies. Would have been also a logical introductory pack for the Technic PU parts with the L motor equivalent. I guess we'll never know but once the Technic hub and the new motors will be introduced my first thing will be to test them with this set to proove my point 

[Jim]

1 hour ago, I_Igor said:

Review is very good. I'm very interested in big tread sprocket, but could you please change 42092 into 42095 in title 

Thanks! Changed it

[Jim]

I decreased the score for Design and Playability. In hindsight, both of these were way too high.

[AVCampos]

1 hour ago, Rudivdk said:

Maybe just part-saving design, keep it as minimal as possible. 

That makes sense; after all, it has better motors than the '65 yet costs the same.

[1gor]

48 minutes ago, Jim said:

Thanks! Changed it

You're welcome 

Today I have made something you would do; during rebuild of central chassis part for JCB Fastrac 4220 I have enjoyed Nescafe gold 

Thanks for all reviews, but I have to be disappointed because only Porsche has this one connector in black and stunt racer has yellow new tread sprockets and I need red or black ?

...so I'll wait for second half, only 42094 is interesting...ok 42093 hotrod is tempting...

[shadow_elenter]

The XL sprocket is the only interesting part in the new lineup for me, so I'm not exactly getting spoiled.
I had hoped that the inside would have teeth along the edge to make it even easier to gear down but hey, You can't have it all I guess.
I still want 8 of them for no apparent good reason!

@Jim Thank you for making these reviews.
I can only imagine the time and effort it takes to make them. Your work is greatly appreciated!

[pleegwat]

There seems to be quite some room between the battery pack and the motors too. Would it be possible to mount the IR receiver backwards, so the lower part (with the plugs) fits between them? This would also significantly reduce the amount of visible wiring. It would also however require some extra parts because the only pinholes are on the 'high' end, and it might reduce IR receipt from the front.

[Maaboo the Witch]

I've noticed "Roue-Roue Racing" on one of the stickers. That's Aurelien Rouffiange who designed this set, then. Is every designer going to get their shot at one of these? 

[oracid]

This new sprocket is like a dream. In 100 years, maybe, there will be a new track.

[AVCampos]

It does look a bit thin on the inside... I hope it's not too fragile for it diameter.

[Ngoc Nguyen]

15 hours ago, Maaboo35 said:

I've noticed "Roue-Roue Racing" on one of the stickers. That's Aurelien Rouffiange who designed this set, then. Is every designer going to get their shot at one of these? 

Aurelien said medium azure is his favorite color from now on. Before that, he said he's the kind of designer that would want to make every single set in orange, his previous favorite one.

[makoy]

I hope to get this set in discount or whenever there is a promotion in my local shop. My kids will go nuts with this remote controlled set. 

[kbalage]

31 minutes ago, AVCampos said:

I thought that too, but I was told that this one was designed with PF in mind from the beginning.

I remember that comment but I still have my doubts. If we assume that the Technic version of the PU hub will have similar dimensions, the set would look much better and more balanced without the IR receiver. Additionally with the proportional control of PU the "all time wheelie mode" could be easily avoided to, having a standard mode with ~70% throttle and a boost mode for the wheelies. Would have been also a logical introductory pack for the Technic PU parts with the L motor equivalent. I guess we'll never know but once the Technic hub and the new motors will be introduced my first thing will be to test them with this set to prove my point 

[AVCampos]

7 minutes ago, kbalage said:

once the Technic hub and the new motors will be introduced my first thing will be to test them with this set to prove my point 

If you have an SBrick you can do it right away, as it's a drop-in replacement to the IR receiver and in this model the swap should be trivial..

[TeamThrifty]

This is pretty cool set.. it feels 'technic', and will attract younger builders as it fun and wheelies. So i suspect its a winner for TLG.

Big sprocket is exciting.. has to be a hint at something to come (and it won't be another car!). Now all we need is updated tracks to go with it. Something rubbery would be lovely!! So many construction and ag options open up with updated track components. Can't wait for 2H.