Johnny1360

Yes and fortunately although discontinued, PF is far from dead. I expect to continue using mine for years to come. Possibly to motorize the pneumatics on the tow truck, not sure if is feasible or not and also is a topic for another thread.

And I agree as well, it's just this is the first large remote set I have even wanted recently, I do like it, shortcomings and all. The last PU 4x4 set I had thought I wanted, until I checked it out more closely, then I considered it too expensive and under performing and certainly less realistic. I do have the last PU buggy and feel like even though it isn't a great set it is better than the last two small remote PF sets, which I also own. Still I have yet to get used to operating PU sets with a phone screen, I prefer an actual physical remote as with PF. Hopefully I get the hang of it soon, lol.

Yes it is like fine music, the spaces in between the notes is what makes it great, rather than just a wall of noise. Valid point, Darkdragon. Just some absolutely great techniques, part usage and colors, would love to actually be able to study it in person. I can't see any pictures doing it proper justice. Edit: Oh yeah forgot to mention, I really enjoyed the little factoids as well, just can't say enough how great this project is turning out. Extremely ambitious, is a thought that comes to mind as well.

Absolutely

Seems to be a very popular opinion, hopefully TLG takes note.

I will definitely be looking to see your results, that is some heavy modding.

Yes of course, that is what I meant, it is no more expensive than usual for LEGO, in fact seems less expensive than normal, I guess I should have made that clear. LEGO has always been a rather expensive toy, one of the reasons I hardly had any as a child, most of which was bought as gifts from non relatives, twice to be exact. Hell a I remember asking for LEGO for Christmas, when I was 13, in the early part of the 70's and my dad would have no part of it. Instead I got a Honda 70cc motorbike. Which I certainly enjoyed far more. It just seems like price is the go-to complaint about LEGO sets, when people need an excuse to not buy a particular set and it strikes me as odd as it's just business as usual for TLG. Most here are painfully aware of this fact as well which even baffles me all the more. I also have a friend who is big into RC cars and helicopters and although there may be some less expensive parts, it is in noway less expensive than LEGO, especially when it comes to batteries and all those machined aluminum frame pieces and suspension components and those helicopters can be crazy expensive, for something that can be rendered useless in seconds. If you are after RC enjoyment, LEGO should not even be a consideration as it pales in comparison.

One thing that has been bothering me about people's criticisms of this set is the high price. Which is one of the main things that usually steers me away from these larger RC sets, they always seem to cost too much for me. However this time I didn't feel that way, quite the opposite actually, it seems to be a decent price to me, for a change, something that surprised me, for sure. My thinking was, the electronics alone are worth at least $150, 4 motors and a smart hub in this day and age, doesn't seem half bad, of course if bought separately the price is far higher. Then if you factor in the parts another $150 for 2,000 pieces seems a good bargain, considering other set prices. Take for instance the tow truck similar part count for also $150. Then taking into account the parts you get, it actually seems like a decent value. Is it overpriced, likely but not so much so than any other set, which is what baffles me so much. I guess I just don't understand why so many are completely dead set against this set, based solely on price. Obviously it is only my opinion but it just doesn't seem any worse than any other recent set PF or PU. For once I think I will actually be buying one of these larger RC sets and the tow truck, two sets I am very happy to see this year. Rarely are there two larger sets in one wave that I enjoy as much as these. I just really find it puzzling. And yes I realize the tow truck is a pneumatic set which makes its parts a better value, however I also think this set has some not so common parts as well, which makes it a good value as well.

I get it, display model for shelf, functions don't matter but the complete lack of four wheel drive and a rather lackluster suspension, both things the real truck have and in fact are the main features of said truck, just make me have no desire whatsoever to buy this set. It reminds me of the recent orange Corvette set, which I built and promptly tore down and binned the parts. I am glad to see it is only $99 and not the $150, I thought it would be. Sad that is the only good thing I can say about this set.

I had forgot all about that and never really noticed it in the build process. Time to rebuild it, lol.

Lol, I always say the best time to buy any given set is, when you see it and have the ready cash in pocket. I know that isn't much help but that's the way I do it, right or wrong.

Not that I disagree with you but this just goes to show no matter how good a given set is or how reasonably priced it is, not everyone will agree on whether it is a great set or not and I am fine with that. I am looking forward to getting this set and will likely immediately start modifying it, to me that is what I look forward to the most in a set, modability. Like you I would like to see it motorized, so I will be working on that. Also I will be adding some panels or lift arms on the back to make the crane appear to be lower. Fortunately I have many spare parts in the right colors and many PF components. Do wish I had some air tanks though.

Talk about Wow factor, these builds are absolutely gorgeous and I can tell also you are very passionate about them. I would not even know where to start, with all the great stuff you have done here. I also hope you continue showing off future reefs. Just fantastic, very minor gripe, some stuff just seems to ordered, not random enough, although that is a real stretch to find fault. Keep up the great work.

I am actually quite surprised to see a pneumatic set with such a high part count so reasonably priced. There is still hope after all, lol. I wonder how hard it would be to motorize this set.

Also feel like this set may be a bit difficult to pick up at first, due to its inevitable popularity and the dreaded resellers trying to capitalize on that.

Lol, never.

With all the great parts and the fact that I currently have $100 VIP rewards, dying to be used, this will definitely be a day one purchase for me, even with all it's shortcomings. Again thanks Jim for a great review.

I am one of those that thinks the crane appears to stick up from the truck too far as well. Now that I study it a little more though, I think it's more because the sides of the bed are too low and feel like simply putting a couple more panels or lift arms, towards the front portion of the bed, would make the crane appear to be lower, or more enclosed. Of course you wouldn't want to interfere with the operation of the crane assembly. Cant wait to test my theory and will likely be one of my first mods.

Thanks for the great review Jim, really glad you showed it with no stickers, as that is what I will be doing. Looks just fine without them, unlike so many other sets. Since I have only glossed over the review, for now, I was wondering how hard would it be to motorize the pneumatics. Great to hear they work smoothly, as that is always my biggest gripe with pneumatics, herky jerky movement or not moving at all them suddenly moving through full range in the blink of an eye. Anyway big thanks for taking the time to review this set, you are one of the best in my eyes.

Well half the World anyway, lol. Funny how I am actually looking forward to this set review, usually I don't get so impatient for reviews.

Right, certainly no need for a separate thread for every different pose.

I have actually considered modifying the 1x2 brick with slope on the bottom but really hate to resort to that sort of solution. It would be perfect for those fenders though and who knows what other uses it would be great for.

Lol, glad someone is actually playing with it, I do and I am an old man, lol, love drifting those cars on the table, lol. On a side note, I just bought that set last week and low and behold, I was missing sticker number 15 for the 68'. Never made it into the box, funny, and man did I look everywhere for it. That was a first, anyway got two more sticker sheets coming, thanks LEGO and some bonus VIP points. I do have some mixed feelings about this years SC sets but I will hold off saying until I have actually built all the sets, only two to go. What we need is an upsidedown 1x1 cheese slope with a stud on top, for those fenders. I always find that gap rather annoying and ruins many a fine build. It's weird how LEGO addresses it many times but seems okay with on so many other builds.

Interesting, though I would connect the bricks over the rear fenders more tightly. Curious also why did you omit the two stickers on the side behind the number. That and it looks like the spoiler is about ready to fall off. I also noticed how difficult it was to make a proper connection on those fenders, on mine as well, never had that problem before.

Argh not again, there has to be a way to eliminate a quote, when you accidentally hit that button while scrolling through the posts. I guess I am just to ignorant to figure it out. Sorry folks, I had no intention of posting.