This summer there are two new flagship sets joining the LEGO® Technic line-up. One includes the latest tech in the form of the Control+, whilst the other employs the classic power of air. Now it’s been a while since I’ve built a Technic set but I’ve had the opportunity to build them both, so I decided to tackle the Mercedes-Benz Truck first. Technic builds are vastly different compared to your average LEGO set. So here’s a brief look at the LEGO Technic Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trial Truck and its interactive features.
Product Description
Anyone who loves powerful toy trucks and construction toys will have lots of fun building this LEGO® Technic™ 4×4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trial Truck (42129) model. Packed with realistic features, this truck toy offers an engaging build for adults and kids aged 12 and up. Open the cab doors and hood. Check out the working suspension on all 4 wheels and open the service hatch to inspect the gearbox. The model also features a detailed engine with spinning radiator fan. In a first for LEGO Technic, this model has differential locking. Lock and unlock the differentials using the app to maneuver the truck over rough terrain.
Explore the app
With this model, the build is just the start. Use the CONTROL+ app to put this mighty machine to the test. Use the different control screens to steer and operate the differential locking. With challenges and achievements in the app, there are so many ways to play.
- Set Name: 4×4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trial Truck
- Set Number: 42129
- Theme: Technic
- Pieces: 2110
- RRP: £274.99/$279.99/279.99€
- Measurements: measures over 8 in. (21 cm) high, 19 in. (48 cm) long and 7 in. (19 cm) wide.
- Availability: LEGO.com, LEGO Stores & LEGO Retailers from August 1st
Technic sets are often inspired by real-world vehicles. Some generic and others are based on actual models from established manufacturers. This particular set is the latter and is based on the Mercedes-Benz Zetros Truck. The Zetros is an off-road truck, which was introduced in 2008. There are two variants including a 6×6 and 4×4 version. The Technic set is the 4×4 truck. Although it has been used in military operations it has largely been used in rescue operations and in agriculture work. I expected a similar backlash to this set as the Osprey set had, but so far I’ve not seen any.
The build is very involved, with a large focus on creating a gear system. These are then connected to and powered by a series of motors and the power hub. For this set, there are two separate axle sections which are then combined together to create the completed mechanical aspect of the set. As I’ve found with previous Technic builds, you really have to pay attention to the build. One slight hiccup by placing an element in the wrong place or even the wrong way around could have vast implementations further along in the build. Thankfully I don’t think I’ve made any errors during my build, although it’s not the fastest moving set, especially since it’s a racing truck, this appears by design and not a mistake on my part. I would have liked the set to have a sort of ‘test’ option partway through as there isn’t really a way to see if you have connected things up correctly. Unlike System sets, working back to see where an error could be is near on impossible without completely deconstructing it.
Thankfully accessing the battery hub has been made easy so you don’t need to take half the set apart just to change the batteries. Instead, it’s simply slotted behind the cab of the truck and held in place by a small Technic beam. I would still prefer a rechargeable option as 6 AA batteries can become costly. On the subject of cost, large Technic sets often carry an equally large price point. This is partly due to a big piece count and more so due to Powered UP components. This set includes a smart hub, three large motors and a medium motor. These parts account for over 60% of the cost of the set, compared to buying them separately.
The combination of chunky tires and differential powered wheels allows the truck to clamber over small obstacles and up inclines. It’s just a little slow and as a result, also has a poor turning circle. This may cause a lack of excitement for younger builders but its climbing ability is certainly impressive. It can easily, admittedly quite slowly, climb a fairly steep ramp. In fact, this more than makes up for the lack of speed. Flicking between differential powered movement certainly gives it an extra boost. The set also includes a set of four flags, which I guess can be used to create obstacles to drive around, but the turning circle makes them a little pointless.
Technic sets are often jazzed up with numerous decals and fun little details. As this version of the Zetros is deemed a racing truck, it has various stickers which represent fictional sponsors and automotive brands. I quite like the stickers but they can easily be left off if you prefer. There are two elements on the front of the truck which are really fun, a rubber duck element on the bumper and a disc shield, which carries the Mercedes badge.
The set can be controlled by the Control+ companion app. For the purpose of this review, I’ve had access to a BETA update to the current app. So there could be changes to the final release. But it offers two control options. The first is a slider controller. This has a simple up/down slider to move forward and reverse. The other controls direction. There is also a slider to switch differential locking. Lock and unlock the differentials to manoeuvre the truck over rough terrain. The other control option is a sort of draggable controller. A digital representation of the truck can be seen on the screen and you can drag an arrow to control both direction and speed.
If you haven’t built a Technic set before I certainly recommend trying one. Those with powered functions are certainly the pinnacle of Technic builds. They are vastly different to System sets and offer a very different and involved build experience. This particular set doesn’t have an overly complex gear system compared to some of the previous sets I’ve built. The biggest issue I did find was the instructions were hard to follow in places. There’s so much happening in a Technic build this can clutter the instruction illustrations. I would certainly suggest using the Instructions Plus app as the ability to zoom in and move around the build in a 3D space would be extremely useful for this set.
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This set was provided by the LEGO Group for purposes of review. The thoughts within this review are that of BricksFanz and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group. Providing the set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
