Sariel

I couldn't quite figure which thread add it to, so perhaps it deserves a new one. I hope somebody can come up with alternative, perhaps more accurate tests. And a short version :)

I will never forget my first time seeing a hamster yawn. It went like that: so cute, so tiny, so fluffy, so OHGODWHATISTHATTHING!

I assure you, the entrance to Hades has nothing on hamster's mouth ;)

Yes, I will be reviewing the crane this week too. But first, a video test of the new pneumatics :)

I would feel grateful if I even got a chance to see 5571 in flesh, not to mention own one :) Anyway, here's my review of the 42040 Fire Plane. I'm not going to list pros or cons this time because this set totally rocks. It made me forget all about the Cargo Plane and I will hug it and swoosh it and call it George ;)

My video has complete parts list in it, with numbers included. Should be readable in full HD.

Not possible, the construction of the red bracket prevents any bend. Trust me, just trying to bend it with my hands.

Yes, it's possible to connect two racks end-to-end. You won't be able to put them in that red brace, of course.

Then it's clear: they must represent driver's skill level ;)

Perhaps it's some lowered cabin variant? European trucks typically come with several cabin variants to choose from. Although Mercedes website shows all cabs with 4 bars.

I find that big stickers help a lot with controls. All levers are easily accessible, and you learn what is where quickly. It seems easier to me that 42008 which has similar layout of functions, but all the controls were kind of tucked away and it was difficult to find out what is where. That crane is a PNEUMATIC HELL, though. I remember building 8436 truck with pneumatic crane, and it was a walk on a beach compared to this. Seriously, that this has 4 meters of tubing in it!

I have added pros and cons to my post.

My review of the 42043: First of all, don't be taken aback by its length: it includes 16 minutes of speed build, and I have added chapters for your convenience - both in the video itself and in its YT description (which is clickable). Second, I apologize for below-average image quality, some footage is fuzzy and grainy. My camera died on me a few days ago and I was forced to quickly find a replacement, which proved moody to say least. Pros: - big, complex, challenging, with fantastic collection of new pieces - best source of pieces I've seen in years: you get new transmission pieces, suspension pieces, pneumatics and very promising new turntable - looks very realistic and the stickers are used in moderation - the suspension and steering system are the most advanced I've seen in a LEGO set - the chassis makes great base for MOCs - all functions are well polished and reliable: I was particularly impressed with dumping function which can lift 1.1 kg of load - the new pneumatics are well-thought and work splendidly: plenty of strength, plenty of range - the instructions are premium quality and the B-model looks interesting Cons: - the crane with 4 meters of tubing is an exhausting build and the instructions leave room for many mistakes - the most expensive set of the year comes with many great functions designed to handle cargo... but no cargo - I really can't get over this white cabin. I'm not a fan of white Lego, and together with LBG cargo hold it looks just bland - steering system has plenty of backlash and the small, smooth knobs require strong grip to turn - for all its complexity, the suspension doesn't actually do much. It's poerfectly realistic for a road-going truck, but I wouldn't expect much from it off-road - great as this set is, if you're not into trucks nor pneumatics, it doesn't have much to offer - the set looks polished and well-rounded, but you can see some corners were cut General impression: Fantastic set. Building the chassis made me feel like LEGO's Markus Kossmann was listening to our complaints about sets lacking suspension for years, and this time he went "now, watch me" :) The truck is stellar technically, there is so much to learn from suspension and steering systems. It's fun to play with, works very well, and the controls are easier to master than they seem. Unless you absolutely hate trucks and don't care about pneumatics, there's no way you could be dissappointed.

Photos are beyond amazing, as usual, Jim :) This set really reminds me of 42008 in how the functions work together.

Guys, I didn't want to start a big discussion or to judge people. Anio has his rules, I have mine, that's all there is. Please keep the thread relevant and respectful.

You can. But it only affects when the video is actually published, now what date YouTube displays on it. These dates always follow YouTube's timezone, AKA California time.

00:01 AM California time. Roughly 12 hours from now.

Personally, since I publish my reviews at YT, I stick to YouTube's timezone which is California time. This way the video has the right date given by the YouTube itself. I don't think a few hours are worth bending the rules.

Somebody didn't respect the deadline

Never happens, it's a hamster with manners ;)

As history indicates, invading Poland is a bad idea ;)

Be patient and wish me luck with the gear. My old camera died on me a few days ago, and the replacement I got is giving me awful image quality :/

My plan is to make a separate video specifically comparing the new and old pneumatic elements and showing some performance tests. This may follow a couple of days after the review, though, due to my workload. I'll make sure to post it here in a separate thread ASAP. Another thing: I have filmed the building process at 25x speed (full HD, of course), which is fairly low for a set this big. My thinking is, YouTube player allows you to speed up video up to 2x, so you can go faster if you want to, while 25x should be slow enough to give you a decent insight into how the truck is built.

Sounds like a plan ;) My reviews will go live at 00:01 AM California time, because that's the timezone YouTube is using.

Excellent photos, video, and one of the best studless cabins I've ever seen. The wheels look a tad small at first glance, though.