Set Review ➟ 42118 Monster Jam Grave Digger
Pullback motors have been a constant feature in the Technic line-up since 2015. There have been a few sets with pullback motors before that, but beginning in 2015, among the first sets of every year there has been a pair of pullback motor sets.
2021 is no exception. Once again, there are 2 pullback motor sets, and this year the theme is Monster Jam. Today we will have a look at the 42118 Monster Jam Grave Digger. With 212 pieces, the set is roughly in the same bracket as last year's Dragster and Race Truck (42103 and 42104 respectively).
The box shows off the model in full flight, and the rear of the box provides a picture of the car the model was inspired by, as well as an image promising an alternative build—a kind of buggy with digital instructions available from the LEGO.com website.
From a building perspective, the set is fairly simple. The shape of the pullback motor allows the back of the set to be slightly higher on its wheels than at the front. Stickers play an important part in the look of the set, but there are also quite a few lime pieces to build some of the accents.
There are even 1 or 2 that are not strictly necessary to make the model look better, but they certainly improve the building experience (building with just black pieces is not as clear as using different colours) and also add to the availability of lime elements in the secondary market.
The set is easy to build. As mentioned above, stickers play a prominent role in decorating the model, and they are well chosen. The ones on the rear mudguard are only a narrow stripe, but they make the model complete. The flag piece also gets a sticker on either side.
Building is only the start. After you complete the model the real fun begins: it is time to create obstacles and ramps to make the most of the pullback motor and see the car fly ... or crash.
Now I really need to build the second Monster Jam model to smash both cars into each other!
We wish to thank LEGO for providing this set for review. The opinions in this review are not supported or endorsed by LEGO.
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