Ardy

Thanks for your reply. I ended up returning 42030 and getting 42043 instead; similar price. I like the Volvo truly a lot, but I can't stretch my budget that much. Got more parts now and I got the impression that 42042 and 42043 give a more interesting and challenging build. 42040 (fire plane) looks very nice BTW!

Must have been because of all the MODS results on the net that I mixed things up. Indeed the original does have PF but no RC. So what it boils down to is, investing in more motors and RC (I suppose the electronic parts is what makes this set expensive), or choosing 42043 with more parts, wheels, suspension, pneumatics and PF (though less extensive). Both sets their own strengths. Not sure how expensive motors and RC are if I'd buy them separately; 42030 is a must-have coz I get the RC/motors cheap? Will check it out. I do like the model a lot, but as a newbie I am unsure which set will give me greater joy; probably bought a bit too quick :-P

A big thanks to the people who brought the 42042 to my attention! In the end I couldn't help myself and bought the 42042 as well. I even received the 42042 before the 42030 arrived. And I must say, although the 42030 looks impressive in terms of box size, motor count, fully RC and so forth, I will most definitely build the 42042 first. It surprised me. To be honest, I did jump on the train and bought the 42030 as it's the older model, but having physically seen the 42043 in a brick-and-mortar store again, I do wonder if I hadn't been better off with the 42043; more parts, suspension, pneumatics and PF (though less) and both got RC. Got a few days left to decide whether to return itt or not. Some doubt. But anyway, I am a very happy 42042 owner :-)

Thanks. £76.5 at MyToys but it will have to wait. Thanks folks.

That's it really. Not sure yet what's a reasonable price for both 8043 and 42009. I keep an eye on the used market to get a sense of things and see if a good opportunity presents itselves. For now I have ordered a 42030. It's an impressive model and comes with a nice remote power functions set. Almost ordered a 42042 along with it, but haha... it exceeds my budget for this month.

I just found out I get a 10% discount as a new customer with MyToys.de in Germany. 42030 for €168 is a no-brainer now. Having a closer look at 42042 and 43042 now as secondary set. Thanks so far! @Vassal: My apologies for editing my post. You made a fair point regarding 42042 which I left out by mistake.

So in conclusion: 42043+42030 for good component collection and great playability value 42042+42030 for better component collection and good playability value 42043+42042 not recommended. Or jumping to conclusions too quickly How about production for 42042? Newer model?

My first post in this forum. I am from the Netherlands. My English is a bit rusty, but hopefully it will do I need some advice in terms of which set to buy (first and second). I am back in the game for LEGO Technic, but not entirely sure how my money's best spend in 2016. Back in the 80's I started as a kid with set 8851. Absolutely loved it! Unfortunately I have no idea where the set is these days; still searching for it. The following sets got my attention: 42030 - Remote-Controlled VOLVO L350F Wheel Loader 42043 - Mercedes-Benz Arocs 3245 42009 - Mobile Crane MK II 8043 - Motorized Excavator 8043 and 42009 are no longer in production and unsure how much longer 42030 will be in production. I favour 8043 and 42043; they simply look awesome. I might opt for used market, but Dutch prices for 8043 are €200 and up from what I saw. Yes, 8043 is great, but I got a feeling I 42043 is much better value for money. Some doubt as I like the excavator a lot, but objective reasoning tells me I better go with 42043 as it's still available in stores. Suppose I would go for 42043 Which set would pair well with it? Q1 In terms of playability I am thinking of 42030. In terms of a good Technic bricks collection base I am thinking of 42009 because of all the gears and such. Not sure if this reason is good enough. However, if I were to opt for 42030, is it still wise to buy 42043 first? Can I rest assured that 42030 will still be plenty long in production? Q2 [EDIT] After posting I noticed 42042 being mentioned in the previous post. Also motorized. Hmm, 42043 in combination with 42042? Might give me a good Technic start as well and save me a few bucks?