LEGO® Technic review & MOC: 42152 Firefighter Aircraft

The largest and loftiest of the LEGO® Technic sets launched in March 2023 has taken to the skies, but New Elementary is calling it into to the hangar for inspection. Before we clear this airplane for takeoff, why not refit it into something a little more whimsical? Keep reading to see the features of 42152 Firefighter Aircraft; one of which inspired me to repurpose its parts into a giant dragonfly.

LEGO® Technic parts review and MOC: 42140 App-Controlled Transformation Vehicle

The LEGO® Technic line of simple "ripsaw"-like remote-controlled vehicles began in 2017 with 42065 RC Tracked Racer, which was an excellent source of Power Functions elements. The latest entry in this line is 2022's 42140 App-Controlled Transformation Vehicle, which I am dissecting for its inventory of juicy parts, before trying to come up with a very different use for it.

LEGO® Technic parts review: sets 42152, 42153, 42154 & 42155

Four new LEGO® Technic vehicles roll out of the garage on 1 March 2023, equipped with all sorts of recently-introduced parts, plenty of recoloured elements, and even a few new panel moulds. Whether the set's got two wheels, four wheels, or two wings, they all make use of modern LEGO Technic bits while further expanding the selection for MOCs.

For my first review of this wave, I'm pulling the most noteworthy elements out of the boxes for your consideration. Pictured above from left to right we’ve got: 42154 2022 Ford GT, 42155 THE BATMAN - BATCYCLE™, 42153 NASCAR® Next Gen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, and 42152 Firefighter Aircraft. I will return with reviews of these sets' features and techniques soon.

LEGO® Technic review: 42144 Material Handler

Following LEGO® Technic 42128 Heavy-Duty Tow Truck last year, LEGO pneumatics are still going strong and are now present in 42144 Material Handler. As a model, it resembles a cross between 42006 Excavator and 42053 Volvo EW160E, clad in red. As a source of elements for your creations, let’s see what it delivers.

LEGO® Technic review: 42145 Airbus H175 Rescue Helicopter

Products in this article were provided by LEGO®; the author's opinions are their own.

The LEGO® Technic line includes what could be called the "modern large helicopter" range of sets: 9396 Helicopter, 42052 Heavy Lift Helicopter and 42113 Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey (the latter can be considered a helicopter, and regardless of being cancelled by TLG, copies did get sold). Now, the fourth is approaching: 42145 Airbus H175 Rescue Helicopter. Will you give it permission to land?

LEGO® Technic review and MOCs: 42137 Porsche Formula E 99x Electric

Products in this article were provided by LEGO®; the author's opinions are their own.

42137 Porsche Formula E 99X Electric is the third LEGOⓇ Technic Porsche and the first Technic model to be based on an electric vehicle. The set contains 422 pieces and launched at the start of 2022 priced at $49.99 / £44.99 / €49.99. If you're buying this set, consider using our affiliate links, New Elementary may get a commission: USA LEGO Shop | Australia LEGO Shop | UK LEGO Shop/for Europe 'Change region'. 

 

Admittedly, I’m not a motorsport fan but I do enjoy interesting and unusual new LEGO pieces, and there are a few goodies contained within this set.

LEGO® Technic set review: 42143 Ferrari Daytona SP3

Products in this article were provided by LEGO®; the author's opinions are their own.

Ferrari's latest exclusive hypercar — the Daytona SP3 — is also the latest LEGO® Technic Ultimate car. 42143 Ferrari Daytona SP3 shares familiar functions with earlier Ultimate 1:8-scale Technic cars while also bringing its own unique styling and technical construction. This majestic Maranello machine sets itself apart with immaculate attention to detail, masterful building techniques, and the excitement of a modern Ferarri hearkening back to the automaker's racing history.

This set review is the second look New Elementary takes at this biggest-ever Technic car following a detailed look at our favourite parts from this 3778-piece set. This set is on sale now since 1 June for £349.99 / US$399.99 / CA$499.99 / 399.99€ / AU$659.99. Adding this supercar to your garage? Consider using our affiliate links if you're buying from LEGO.com; New Elementary may get a commission: USA LEGO Shop | Australia LEGO Shop | UK LEGO Shop/for Europe 'Change region'.

For our thoughts on the Daytona SP3's features, build techniques, and finished model, read on.

LEGO® Technic parts review: 42143 Ferrari Daytona SP3

Products in this article were provided by LEGO®; the author's opinions are their own.

Every couple of years the LEGO® Technic team treats car enthusiasts to a new Ultimate car set. The 3778-piece Ferrari Daytona SP3 is an intricate and beautiful recreation of Ferrari's latest "Icona" car and its design utilizes a heaped helping of new moulds and recoloured elements. Join us as New Elementary examines the Daytona SP3's notable parts including several new Technic panels, printed elements, and of course those gorgeous twisted rims. 

 

This flagship collaboration between The LEGO Group and Ferrari rolls out of the garage on 1 June 2022 for £349.99 / $399.99 / 399.99€. Buying this set? Consider using our affiliate links, New Elementary may get a commission: USA LEGO Shop | Australia LEGO Shop | UK LEGO Shop/for Europe 'Change region'.

LEGO® Technic review: 42141 McLaren Formula 1™ Race Car

Products in this article were provided by LEGO®; the authors' opinions are their own.

The ever-expanding LEGO® Technic "mid-scale car" line-up has been expanded with yet another entry; this time it's McLaren Formula 1. Coming 1 March 2022, this 1432-piece set retails at 179,99 EUR / 179,99 USD / 159.99 GBP/ 239.99 CAD / 279.99 AUD. What will it offer in looks, playability, and especially elements?

LEGO® Element Development: the Friends Hoop – Interview with Poul A Thomsen

Alexandre Campos and TobyMac complete our current run of Element Developer Q&As today as we speak to Poul A Thomsen, Mechanical Engineer at the LEGO Group, about the LEGO® Friends “hoop element” (77107). Then, Alex and Toby investigate the geometry of this new element. Transcripts were edited for clarity, readability and narrative flow.

Curved LEGO Technic beams, most notably the Technic Gear Rack 1/4 Circle 11 x 11 35 Teeth (24121), aren't common, and any addition is welcome. Indeed, another "banana gear" was just revealed yesterday in the upcoming LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series 75313 AT-AT!  But today we are here to talk about the Technic Beam Round 11 x 11, revealed earlier this year in LEGO Friends. As you might guess from its name, is a Technic beam that is round and has a diameter of 11 modules.

LEGO® Technic Review: 42129 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trial Truck

Zachary Hill (@zaxbrix) completes our run of Saturday LEGO® Technic reviews today with 42129 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trial Truck, which is now available. Buying this set? Consider using our affiliate links, New Elementary may get a commission: USA LEGO Shop | Australia LEGO Shop | UK LEGO Shop/for Europe 'Change region'. Products in this article were provided by LEGO; the author's opinions are their own.

The new LEGO Technic 42129 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trial Truck honors one of the world’s most unusual motorsports: truck trials, where a driver navigates a short but extremely challenging off-road obstacle course. This remote-control rock crawler comes with 2129 pieces including two new moulds and a smattering of parts recoloured in ever-versatile gray. Fans of off-road trucking and RC rock crawling will find something to appreciate, but others may find the price tag even steeper than the hills this truck climbs. After 42131 Cat D11 Bulldozer, this set is the second-largest and second-priciest Technic set of 2021 at £274.99 / US$299.99 / CA$399.99 / 299.99€ / AU$$499.99. Keep reading to see the new parts or scroll to the bottom to see a video of this truck in action.

LEGO® Technic review: 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor

Alexandre Campos continues our run of Saturday LEGO® Technic reviews with the 1 October 2021 release: 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor. Buying this set? Consider using our affiliate links, New Elementary may get a commission: USA LEGO Shop | Australia LEGO Shop | UK LEGO Shop/for Europe 'Change region'. Products in this article were provided by LEGO; the author's opinions are their own.

42126 Ford F-150 Raptor is the latest in the "mid-scale car" Technic line, joining 42096 Porsche 911 RSR, 42111 Dom's Dodge Charger, and 42125 Ferrari 488 GTE 'AF Corse #51'. You may have already heard of this set due to it being officially revealed a while ago, but now you can learn additional details and hopefully have a better idea on whether or not to get one for yourself. 

LEGO® Technic review: 42128 Heavy-duty Tow Truck

Zachary Hill (@zaxbrix) gets behind the wheel – and all the other parts – of LEGO® Technic 42128 Heavy-duty Tow Truck for you today. Buying this set? Consider using our affiliate links, New Elementary may get a commission: USA LEGO Shop | Australia LEGO Shop | UK LEGO Shop/for Europe 'Change region'. Products in this article were provided by LEGO; the author's opinions are their own.

A new highway king has been released by The LEGO Group. LEGO® Technic 42128 Heavy-duty Tow Truck brings pneumatic functions back after their last appearance in 2018 and is decked out with a heaping helping of geared functions to boot. This truck released on 1 August 2021 and is available from LEGO.com for £139.99 / US$149.99 / 149.99€ and includes 2017 pieces.

LEGO® Technic review: 42131 Cat D11T Bulldozer

Alexandre Campos kicks off a series of LEGO® Technic reviews that we will publish for you every Saturday for the next few weeks. Officially revealed yesterday, 42131 Cat D11T Bulldozer is released 1 October 2021 priced US$449.99/ AU$$749.99/ £419.99/ 449,99 €. Buying this set? Consider using our affiliate links, New Elementary may get a commission: USA LEGO Shop | Australia LEGO Shop | UK LEGO Shop/ for Europe 'Change region'. Products in this article were provided by LEGO; the author's opinions are their own.

Remember 42028, the bulldozer from 2014? Well, it grew up quite a bit in the last seven years, and mastered some new skills. Unfortunately, it also picked up a license from Caterpillar, usually known as Cat. Why do I say unfortunately? Well...

Old Elementary: Eero Okkonen's LEGO® tidbits

Eero Okkonen (on Instagram) continues his occasional series of articles today looking at LEGO® parts and their associated techniques which he likes to use in his own creations. Today's 2 selections are much squarer parts than his previous choices... however Eero is here to give you fresh insight into their potential usage!

Plate, Modified 2 x 2 with Pin Holes (2817)

Plate, Modified 2x2 with Pin Holes (2817) is one of those pieces most builders have dozens of, and they're waiting for a beautiful day to get used. They’re found in a great number of sets (more than 600) in 11 colours.

LEGO® Technic designer interview: Samuel Tacchi & Milan Reindl reveal 42128 & 42129

The LEGO® Technic brand has just revealed more sets for the second half of 2021: the pneumatic-powered 42128 Heavy-duty Tow Truck and remote-control 42129 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trial Truck.

Samuel Tacchi (pictured left) and Milan Reindl (right), two designers from The LEGO Group's Technic division, joined New Elementary's Zach and Caz (the palindrome team!) for a chat during the Recognised LEGO Fan Media Days about these two upcoming big rigs as well as Technic element design. The following transcript has been edited for clarity, readability and narrative flow.

LEGO® Technic review: 42121 Heavy-Duty Excavator

Alexandre Campos is back with another 2021 LEGO® Technic set: 42121 Heavy-Duty Excavator. Buying this set? Consider using our affiliate links, New Elementary may get a commission: UK LEGO Shop | USA LEGO Shop | Australia LEGO Shop, for other countries 'Change Region'. The products in this article were provided for free by LEGO; the author's opinions are not biased by this.

Excavators are a common sight in LEGO® Technic, ranging from some of the smallest sets to some of the largest. 42121 Heavy-Duty Excavator is the newest entry, priced €39.99/ £34.99/ US$39.99/ AU$69.99.

LEGO® Technic review: 42118 Monster Jam Grave Digger & 42119 Monster Jam Max D

Omid (@nwbricks) is back today, monster-jam-packed with more LEGO® Technic reviews for you: 42118 Monster Jam Grave Digger and 42119 Monster Jam Max D. Buying these sets? Consider using our affiliate links: UK LEGO Shop | USA LEGO Shop | Australia LEGO Shop, for other countries 'Change Region'. New Elementary may get a commission. The products in this article were provided for free by LEGO; the author's opinions are not biased by this.

In my second double-header review we take a look at the new Monster Jam LEGO® Technic sets, Grave Digger and Max-D. Featuring licensed trucks from the live motorsport event tour, pullback motors and some interesting recolours, they are aimed at intermediate young builders with just over 200 parts each. They both weigh in at £17.99/ $19.99/ 19.99€ and were released on 1 January as part of the first wave of 2021 sets. Start your engines!

LEGO® Technic review: 42120 Rescue Hovercraft

Today Alexandre Campos brings us a pre-release review of the latest LEGO® Technic set, 42120 Rescue Hovercraft, which will be available from 1 March 2021. Buying this set? Consider using our affiliate links: UK LEGO Shop | USA LEGO Shop | Australia LEGO Shop, for other countries 'Change Region'. New Elementary may get a commission. The products in this article were provided for free by LEGO; the author's opinions are not biased by this.

After 42113 Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey got cancelled at the last minute, Technic Rescue Services had to scramble to find something else to rescue figures with: a hovercraft.

Namely, 42120 Rescue Hovercraft. Let’s see what it does, and what interesting elements it brings. 

LEGO® Technic review: 42116 Skid Steer Loader & 42117 Race Plane

Omid (@nwbricks) reviews LEGO® Technic 42116 Skid Steer Loader and 42117 Race Plane. Buying this set? Consider using our affiliate links: UK LEGO Shop | USA LEGO Shop | Australia LEGO Shop, for other countries 'Change Region'. New Elementary may get a commission. The products in this article were provided for free by LEGO; the author's opinions are not biased by this.

This double review examines two small-but-mighty LEGO® Technic sets. With just shy of 300 parts between them and a price tag of £8.99 / US$9.99 / 9.99€ each, 42116 Skid Steer Loader and 42117 Race Plane are definitely targeted more at young builders but are not without their fair share of neat features. They were both released at the start of the year in the first wave of 2021 Technic sets. Let's take a look!