I don’t know if it was a belated Father’s Day gift, birthday gift, or both, but my wife got me this Lego Technic Mercedes-Benz Arocs 3245 truck building set, and I can’t wait to build it. I’ve been staring at the box for weeks, but it’ll be after the new year before I’ll have a chance to even think about opening it and getting started.
The last Lego Technic set I built was the updated version of a mobile crane (here’s the GearGuyd mini review), and before that I tackled the Unimog, which was another massive model.
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This Lego Technic Arocs set, model 42043, has 2793 parts, and an updated pneumatic system. It’s a huge build – according to Lego specs it’s 21″ long, over 12″ tall, and 5″ wide when assembled.
If it’s anything like the Unimog building set, the Lego Technic Arocs will likely take me about 2 weeks to build, maybe longer since I can’t build on the living room floor anymore, at least not unless I want my son to eat the small pieces. If you’re ambitious, you can probably build this in a long afternoon or two. Building it in one sitting will likely leave you with sore fingertips.
There’s something about building a Lego Technic set that I find calming, and almost therapeutic. Technic sets involve a LOT of gearing, clutches, and this one has its pneumatics pump, cylinder, and actuators.
This set is PRICEY at $230. That’s the current Amazon price, and how much you can buy it for at the Lego store. Some places might charge more for it. $230 (plus tax) could buy a LOT of tools, but sometimes it’s nice to splurge on something fun. Not that tools aren’t fun, but… you know what I mean.
If you haven’t yet asked your significant other for a big-ticket holiday gift, maybe this is just what you were waiting for.
It’s not a toy, it’s a functional model building set.
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There are plenty of worthwhile Lego Technic sets that are smaller and less expensive, but this is one of few that have made my jaw drop.
The Arocs will probably be in short supply and with jacked-up reseller pricing by the time I’m done building mine. User reviews seem to be very positive.
Nathan
I have to stop reading this webpage. Love lego technics and I love modern erector sets.
always wanted them to do some cross functional tie together. without me having to modify pieces.
anyway – nice find.
Benjamen
You could 3D print them…
Classic Erector set to LEGO
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:184565
Nathan
when I was 9 3D printers didn’t exist.
well I don’t think they did.
Benjamen
I recommend:
http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Remote-Controlled-VOLVO-L350F-Wheel-Loader-42030
The Volvo Wheel loader is an awesome build and fun to play with.
mikeh
AWESOME!
Farid
Enjoy the build. As tempting as it is, I’ve bought enough Lagos this year to finance a real car.
BTW, the Crawler crane is another set with amazing gearing (set 420042)
We could have used the pneumatic from this set on our teams robot for tomorrows competition. My son is team for First LEGO league (FLL) and helping out as coach. Kids do amazing builds and tools with the LEGO robots. There are plenty of videos on YouTube. just search under FLL finals or FLL World Class.
Just wait until your son is 8 or 9, and this website will be all about LEGO Robots!
Farid
Oops, I meant to say my son is on a team and I am helping out as coach.
…not enough sleep lately.
lee
I hate LEGO, always coming out with these cool items. now i have to spend more money and find space for it DAM YOU LEGO.
no really love it
DaveVB
Lego’s now are a very different build from the sets I built in late 70’s to early 80’s.
I built the tow truck last christmas for the ‘Phews. Probably build something with the kit this year.
geo
I’ve paid less for real trucks. Granted they were Macks not mercedes. Had to rebuild them pretty much from scratch too tho-. ;>)
geo
after seeing that in print, I guess I’m really showing my age AND cheapassedness.lol
CHEYNE LIPFERT
SO COOL!!!