Set Review ➟ 42126 TECHNIC Ford Raptor
When I heard that I would be reviewing this set, I started looking for information about the subject of the set, a Ford pick-up. Here in Spain this type of vehicle is not as common as in other parts of the world, especially in the USA, hence my ignorance on the subject.
It was a great surprise to me when I found out that the Ford F-150 has been the best-selling pickup truck for 40 years in the US. In a country where almost 15% of annual vehicle sales correspond to this type of pickup truck, the F-150 places at the top.
The 2021 Ford F-150 is the fourteenth generation of this model, going back to the original in 1975. As a side note, in 2003 the Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson was launched, the first joint venture of these two automotive giants.
Let’s start with the review. To begin: the box. Since LEGO started to seriously care about automotive model sets, we have had real delicacies in the box design for these sets, such as Porsche 911, Bugatti Chiron, Lamborghini Sian…wait a minute, I think I’m describing the crème de la crème of TECHNIC. Yes, it’s true, these sets are next-level; let’s say they play in another league. It is greatly appreciated that the box is reminiscent of the designs of this magic triad, especially the Porsche 911, perhaps because of the color palette chosen.
After you’ve had your mind blown by the box design, you realize that the pickup is…orange. It is true that one of the goodness of the box is that black-orange combination. But an orange pickup…Well, as they say, "to each his own". To me, to be honest, it does not convince me at all. A dark red, blue or even black color would have been more realistic, but I insist that this is a personal opinion.
However, after this first negative impression, my AFOL spirit comes out, the more than 40 years I’ve been enjoying this toy, and you look at it with more accepting eyes. LEGO is LEGO, no matter the color. Although if they wanted to attract attention, they have succeeded.
After scattering and sorting the pieces carefully (no matter how many years go by, I still have the same sense of fun as when I was a kid), I start building. The instructions are divided into three large blocks, just like the bags. Logically, the chassis of the vehicle is built first. The rear axle is joined to the front axle with a great piece (Steering Ball Joint Large Receptacle) that I saw for the first time in the legendary Unimog (set 8110), and later in the no less legendary Crawler 4x4 (set 9398). This part allows the rear axle to have independent suspension from the front axle, since the whole rear axle structure can spin without losing the connection with the front axle.
Apart from the shock absorbers, we have classic assemblies such as the differential on the front axle. The front axle steering is controlled very conveniently from the roof of the truck with the Hand of God design, used in multiple sets before. The V6 engine is the typical one that LEGO has been using for years. Whenever I build one of these enginesmy imagination always runs wild and I think about building a “V200” and trying to give it movement with a couple of XL engines…Yes, that’s how far-fetched I am. Good thing I was thinking the same thing with the old 2x2 pistons. I have so many sets that I could probably do a V200 engine…well, maybe I’ve gone overboard, but a V80 for sure.
After the construction of the chassis, which contains the most remarkable TECHNIC elements, only the bodywork remains. Here is where the set really succeeds…, it is a very faithful reproduction of the original model. It uses many technic panels, of course, but the result is very good. It is true, no curves, but this set is a real block with a feeling of being a robust beast.
I should also comment on something related to the complexity of the construction. To be honest, when you see the size of the box it gives you the feeling that it will be a set with little realism. Given that it is still a pickup truck, and of medium size, the 18+ label seems to me a bit exaggerated. And while it’s true that we’re not dealing with an overly complex machine, the shocks give it a great ease of moving over any terrain; and I’ve found this to be true through testing by adding a few obstacles. The front hood seems custom made with a combination of technic panels. There is no space to add a gearbox or more realistic seats…it is a medium size set…but if you want a TECHNIC set with a fun build and have a tremendously realistic pick-up, do not hesitate, this is “the set”.
THE BEST: the shock absorbers and the HOG steering give it an extraordinary playability. The final result is a very robust vehicle and very faithful to the original in a set not excessively complex to build (I insist, I still don’t understand the 18+ thing).
THE WORST: the color, although this is a very personal opinion, and the stickers. It’s true, I understand that screen printing the parts would have made the price much more expensive, but when you come from building the Lamborghini Sian, everything seems somewhat less flavorful.
Thanks to LEGO for providing this set. The opinions in this review are mine alone
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