Review: 10279 Volkswagen T2 Camper Van
Posted by CapnRex101,10220 Volkswagen T1 Camper Van was released during 2011, introducing the appealing selection of larger-scale vehicles which remains successful today. However, the surprising endurance of the Camper Van distinguishes the model, which was available for almost ten years!
10279 Volkswagen T2 Camper Van succeeds the classic T1 design, exploiting modern elements and construction techniques which have been developed since 2011. The resultant model looks marvellous, benefiting particularly from the enhanced selection of curved slopes and integrating substantially more interesting functions.
Box and Contents
The packaging for 18+ products remains consistent, displaying this vehicle against the typical black background. Such designs are periodically successful, although the vibrant VW Camper Van would probably benefit from equally colourful packaging. However, I appreciate the stylish graphic beside the model, clearly identifying the renowned T2 Camper Van.
Opening the box reveals twenty bags, which are numbered between one and eleven. Another bag contains the windscreen and tyres, hopefully reducing the chance of scratches across the windscreen component. One instruction manual is also provided, containing 332 pages. These pages include information about the Volkswagen T2 Camper Van and the extraordinary culture surrounding this vehicle.
However, the most interesting sections encompass LEGO's history with Volkswagen and brief commentary from the set designer, Sven Franic. Sven discusses his familiarity with the classic Volkswagen Camper Van family and actually own this vehicle, which should undoubtedly prove advantageous when developing its LEGO counterpart. The designer's van appears with 10279 Volkswagen T2 Camper Van in multiple official images!
10295 Porsche 911 contained no stickers, hence I was somewhat disappointed to encounter seventeen necessary stickers here. These are easily applied, but greater consistency across this series would be appreciated. Another sticker sheet is also provided to customise this van, featuring varied designs which perfectly evoke the period most associated with these popular vehicles.
Construction
While certain aspects of large-scale vehicles have changed dramatically since 2011, when the collection was introduced, others have remained fairly consistent. The incorporation of Technic elements throughout the chassis is inevitably repeated, although such structures have become more elaborate. For example, the chassis under 10220 Volkswagen T1 Camper Van combined just six 1x14 Technic bricks, with two axles running between them!
The modern equivalent retains some Technic bricks, although the forward wheels require their own steering mechanism. Furthermore, the chassis is noticeably more integrated with the floor and bodywork structure, strengthening this entire model. These assembly techniques resemble other recent cars, such as 10295 Porsche 911, but the overwhelming abundance of brackets is decidedly unusual.
However, their purpose quickly becomes apparent as further Technic assemblies are mounted on each side. This model is inherently hollow, contrasting with comparable vehicles, which has necessitated Technic reinforcement inside the walls. Of course, 10220 Volkswagen T1 Camper Van encountered the same challenge but included no reinforcement, instead combining simple stacked bricks.
Each window is installed between the Technic supports, with layered plates stretching towards the front. Such strength is absolutely required because these windows are considerably bigger than those on the T1 Camper Van, hence they cannot rely upon the same construction method. Securing the bodywork also commences at this stage, where various slopes and tiles surround the windows.
The aforementioned Technic structure remains comparatively exposed until fixing the internal furnishings, matching the original vehicle in that regard. The whole kitchen area is assembled sideways and connected using stacked bricks with studs on the side, hence exceptionally few studs remain visible upon completion. Moreover, the seats are similarly constructed sideways and resemble those from 10295 Porsche 911.
After finishing the interior, attention returns to the bodywork. The colourful elements inside are completely covered by medium azure tiles, slopes and curved slopes, again leaving extremely few exposed studs. Unfortunately, the decorated air intake positioned behind the windows was partially damaged on my model, arriving with serious scratches. Hopefully the issue is isolated.
10265 Ford Mustang introduced steering to these large-scale vehicles and that mechanism is situated underneath the cab here. The structure in front of this mechanism slots neatly around the steering knuckles and its design is unique to accommodate the steering configuration. This section of construction also includes the sliding door, which corresponds with the neighbouring bodywork in building method and appearance.
The elaborate Technic assembly beneath the extendable roof comprises two linked sections. One slides between the walls of the Camper Van while another connects under the roof. The function seems relatively simple, but the mechanism requires remarkable complexity to avoid opening too far and integrates a great locking system which is subsequently hidden behind a fabric component.
Each wheel is attached using Technic elements, including the new pin and 2L axle with lower friction than its black equivalent. Several additional tiles are positioned above the rear wheels, accurately recreating the overhanging bodywork which is present on original T2 Camper Vans. Some accessories are then assembled to complement the vehicle, including a surfboard which combines 1x1x1 2/3 bricks with studs on the side through its core.
The Completed Model
LEGO large-scale vehicles have become increasingly accurate during recent years, benefiting from the growing selection of curved slopes and similar pieces which are particularly important when constructing vehicles. 10279 Volkswagen T2 Camper Van certainly makes superb use of those elements, especially across the front and along the flanks where the bodywork gradually tapers inwards.
Furthermore, the vibrant colour combination of white and medium azure looks great. Not only does that contrast beside past Creator Expert and 18+ vehicles, which is advantageous when displaying them together, but medium azure replicates the lovely 'pastel blue' bodywork shade that was available for the T2 Camper Van. Of course, the vehicle also comprises various parts which are newly appearing in this colour.
Comparing this model with 10220 Volkswagen T1 Camper Van reveals numerous differences, the most surprising of which is perhaps their sizes. The new version measures 34cm in length, comfortably surpassing the previous example that measures nearly 28cm long. This difference somewhat reflects reality as the T2 Camper Van is bigger than its T1 counterpart, although the extent of that variation is much too dramatic.
Beyond their respective sizes, the most conspicuous variation between the T1 and T2 designs appears at the front. The famous two-tone colours are replaced with blockier colour bands and an auxiliary tyre. This configuration corresponds with the original vehicle, although anyone with only modest awareness of Volkswagen Camper Vans may be disappointed, since the two-tone colour arrangement remains more recognisable.
Nevertheless, the rounded headlights, bumper and spare tyre seem accurate when compared with the source material. The distinctive twin grilles appear similarly appealing, while American and German number plates are supplied. They feature stickers which is surprising since 10295 Porsche 911 contained printed pieces, although the designs remain impressively authentic.
Steering has been introduced relatively recently, among these models. The mechanisms have consistently been connected to the steering wheel and that convention remains here, although the spare tyre now provides another means of control. In addition, the inclusion of an exclusive windscreen component significantly improves this model, loosely resembling the example from 10274 Ghostbusters ECTO-1.
This steering wheel returns from 10274 Ghostbusters ECTO-1 and is situated above the tyres, which is unusual among these large-scale vehicles with steering. Moreover, this updated door mechanism removes any need for exposed hinges, instead including Technic 3L beams which secure the doors inside. The design is exceptionally basic and feels less secure than standard hinges, but the resulting appearance seems excellent.
While both door mechanisms are inconspicuous, the interior remains apparently unfinished in other areas. For instance, numerous colourful elements are present beside the steering wheel, even though covering these pieces would have been simple. Their exposure is therefore rather disappointing, especially since lavish detail appears elsewhere inside the Camper Van.
Accessing the interior is relatively difficult because the roof is not designed for quick removal here. The dark orange and tan upholstery on the seats looks tremendous though, flanking an articulated gearstick. However, additional controls would have improved this design, including the distinctive handbrake lever which should be located above the gearstick.
Numerous interesting features distinguished 10220 Volkswagen T1 Camper Van, including its fabric curtains. Similar curtains are present on this occasion, although they are attached using an alternative method, secured between 1x1 round tiles with shafts and 1x3 inverted tiles. This design looks reasonable, despite the curtains' bothersome tendency to curve inwards slightly.
The stickers situated across the exterior appear relatively subtle, recreating minor details from the original camper. Unfortunately, the colour matching between the medium azure pieces and these stickers leaves much to be desired. I find this continuing problem frustrating because the colour of the stickers could easily be adjusted for better matching. I would recommend omitting this fuel cap sticker altogether.
Unlike the T1 Camper Van, this vehicle integrates an ingenious sliding door on the passenger side. The light bluish grey handle appears realistic, but is insufficiently strong to open the door. Instead, pressing a button beside the rear wheel causes this door to move outwards, providing an easy method for opening the sliding door and accessing the interior.
Furthermore, I am impressed by the authenticity of this opening mechanism, with grooves on the inside which the door slides along. Another sliding section is situated behind the door and ensures additional stability. This remains noticeable when the door is closed, as shown above, but I appreciate such efforts to capture original features from the Volkswagen T2 Camper Van.
The roof can also be removed, providing an impressive view of the interior. Outstanding detail continues inside the living quarters, greatly improving upon the cab which appears quite bland by comparison. One obvious problem does return though as another bright blue piece remains exposed. Such issues are disappointing because these elements could be swapped with more appropriate colours, or concealed.
Despite the restricted space, this kitchen contains numerous important features which appear authentic. These include the rudimentary stove with a removable gas bottle underneath. I love the sand green kettle and the neighbouring flame also looks splendid, although trans-light blue would have been more accurate than this trans-orange component.
Another opening cupboard door reveals the fridge, which features various bottles and cartons alongside a banana. Both cupboards are neatly designed, although an unsightly gap emerges between them to accommodate their hinges. However, the sink and folding table look fantastic, each making clever use of existing elements. This medium nougat 4x4 tile with curved corners seems particularly effective, returning from Super Mario.
Dark orange and tan upholstery returns on the rear seat, corresponding with those inside the cab. The texture looks appealing here and I like the worktop which continues beside this seat, including a red cup that should probably be stowed when driving! Storage space is somewhat lacking though, deviating from the source material where cupboard are concealed throughout the whole vehicle.
The space beneath the seat seems perfect for storage, although that is instead needed when transforming the seat into a bed. This function works beautifully, but no bedding is included so the furnishing appears relatively bland. Two brick-built pillows would have been adequate here and I am sure storage space could have been found for such accessories, if necessary.
10220 Volkswagen T1 Camper Van incorporated an ingenious pop-up roof section, recreating an important feature from the famous van. The new model includes a similar function as lifting the roof panel reveals an orange fabric component underneath. Several variants of the pop-up roof were produced in reality and this example seems accordingly realistic, although there is a noticeable gap between the roof and the fabric towards the front.
Studs are remarkably uncommon throughout this model, hence the inclusion of twelve visible studs across the reverse appears unusual. Nevertheless, I think this design looks brilliant and the shaping here closely resembles the T2 Camper Van, particularly around both flanks where decorated cooling vents are included. Despite an unfortunate printing error on my model, they achieve pleasing accuracy.
The rounded trans-orange and trans-red rear lights also correspond with the source material, flanking the accessible engine bay and another number plate. In addition, the curved bumper appears authentic and I love the pearl silver 1x1 round plates which create handles. However, another instance of poor colour matching between stickers and surrounding pieces is present.
Fortunately, the functionality suffers from no such problems as every door opens smoothly for viewing inside. Generous space is available above the engine bay, which could accommodate various accessories. However, this is required for the bed transformation instead, hence I think the aforementioned pillows could have been positioned here for storage.
Among the numerous impressive aspects of 10220 Volkswagen T1 Camper Van, the engine stood out in particular. This example also includes several recognisable details, such as twin mountings for the fan belt and the distributor. However, previous designs have demonstrated that including cables and functional fan belts is possible. Such features are missing from this engine though.
Customisable roof storage was an integral feature of many Volkswagen Camper Vans, hence this model provides space for two folding chairs above the cab. They are not connected using any studs, instead nestling perfectly inside a recessed panel. The arrangement looks effective, particularly because these bright red chairs contrast against the surrounding roof.
Both chairs are decorated with attractive stickers and their unfolding function is brilliant, albeit deceptively simple! The rear support slides perfectly between both back supports when folded and provides sufficient stability when unfolded, as demonstrated below. Moreover, the contrast between red and tan components seems excellent here, creating the appearance of fabric and wood.
An appealing surfboard accompanies the vehicle too, featuring a beautiful colour combination and accurate shaping. This is certainly a welcome addition to the model, although I was rather disappointed to find no dedicated storage solution for the surfboard. While there is room inside, an assigned roof rack should undoubtedly have been supplied to secure the surfboard.
Overall
Inevitable comparisons will be drawn between 10279 Volkswagen T2 Camper Van and 10220 Volkswagen T1 Camper Van. That might prove challenging because the T1 design is probably more famous than its successor, although I think their relative accuracy is approximately equal because both models succeed in certain areas while significant compromises are necessary in others.
However, the functions have certainly been enhanced, particularly with the addition of steering and an enjoyable sliding door. The internal detailing is outstanding too, exceeding the previous model in my opinion. The price of £149.99 or $179.99 does feel unusually expensive within this continuing large-scale vehicles collection, although that cost is reflected in its considerable size and detail.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
163 likes
79 comments on this article
Wow! That looks phenomenal.
Looks meh to me
The Trexler Marauder is a boring grey box on the outside, but is packed with all sorts of fun hatches and seats on the inside, so it's actually a totally awesome box.
This is that times 100. Not a hundred Trexler Marauders put together, but 100 times cooler as a very clever box! The door hinges, the sliding door, the steering, the pop-up roof tent, even the way the roof is removed are all very impressive. Want.
I didn't see this coming. I need this.
Can we please stop calling the previous van the Type 1. All Vans were the Type 2. The Type 1 was the Beatle.
The functions for the roof and the door are excellent. I've seen some commenters (without actually having built the set) say that there was an issue with fragility, @CapnRex101 outside of the door hinges was there any issue with that?
The color-matching on the stickers really just doesn't make sense. There's an out for the color-matching on bricks, since parts are sourced from all of the different factories. But that's not an issue for stickers. It's almost like they're meant to be Sand Blue
Outside of that, this is a massive improvement over the original in just about every way. It's infinitely more sleek, way more functional, 8 cents per piece compared to the previous 9. I know nostalgia is working overtime for the previous version but that's really the only thing that the original has
Quite a few large scale Creator cars out this year, however after 10 years of collecting all of the cars since 10220, I'm a bit bored of them now. I won't be getting this one, but it does look good, although I still think 10220 is the superior LEGO VW camper van for having better colours and interior design.
@j_d said:
"I didn't see this coming. I need this."
You should always look both ways when crossing the road.
Doesn’t look right to me, something’s off. Surprised at the size difference as the T1 was quite large when it came out.
When they are put next to each other 10220 looks much better. You'd think 10279 was from 2011.
Seriously disappointing.
I would never have guessed that this is meant to be a VW Bus just by looking at the images.
The interior looks nice but the horrible colors below the popup-roof are ridiculous. How stupid does TLG think its customers are that they need to use 10 (in words TEN) different colors for this simple construction. The price seems to be okayish though.
@legowerba said:
"Can we please stop calling the previous van the Type 1. All Vans were the Type 2. The Type 1 was the Beatle."
I don't see any reference to them being Type 1 or Type 2. 10220 & 10279 are both Type 2 vans, being T1 and T2 variants respectively. Lego has omitted the Type 2 part in the names of the models.
Why? Why won't Lego just print transparent-backed stickers? The not-at-all color matched backs look so cheap...I knew I was going to buy this, then saw the exterior gas tank sticker...just awful. I find it unbelievable that this got past quality control.
I like this a lot but in my opinion there's some factors (blue instead of red, dark grey floor instead of a b&w checkerboard, less vibrant curtains) that just make this look less cozy and therefore in (some ways) less appealing than the T1, which is obviously less technically advanced
The vehicle is fine. I'd totally play with it and look at it if a friend had one built.
Just not my cup of tea for $180. We really are in a Golden Age of Lego where dozens of great sets get bypassed ever year because there are dozens of other sets to buy first. Also, the 18+ packaging is terrible.
I give it a 'B' grade. The pop up camper part is cool but not enough to get me to want it. A 'B' grade is good enough to buy a set but not quite there if the cost seems high or it's not a set I'm interested in, both of which apply here.
I see this and am debating modding it into the mystery machine
I don't understand the location of the front indicators. Completely different compared to the designer's own car.
Excellent review by the way!
Edit: a quick duckduckgo search reveals that some T2 models had low mounted indicators.
Great colour scheme, cool functionality.
Those to me are the positives.
Horrible colour matching on the (unwelcome) stickers, visible parts in colours that should have been hidden, plus again trans-milk parts of the worst quality imaginable.
That combined with the totally ridiculous RRP (I am detecting a trend) makes this a pass for me. Not an easy one, because the basic model looked promising, but nonetheless. I have way too many sets already, got to filter out much more than in the past.
Oh Look! It’s a Combi with a costume!
Looks ok but the roof at the front looks odd to me. Price is about £20 too high
I just don't know if I like it or not. The forms seem odd, especially in the front, but the functionality is great. Choosing between T2 and T1, I would choose the last one. Choosing between this and 10290, I would choose the Pickup Truck, it just looks more appealing to me. So, maybe, some day, in the future, but not now.
@Reinier said:
"I don't understand the location of the front indicators. Completely different compared to the designer's own car.
Excellent review by the way!
Edit: a quick duckduckgo search reveals that some T2 models had low mounted indicators."
I noticed the same. Still, I think the model with the high mounted indicators is the most recognizable and could have looked better.
Something is off with the front lights poiting out with a slight angle... The VW T2 looks like a chamaleon!
I'm disappointed with the front doors. The curved portion at the front wheel fairing should be part of the doors. That might seem insignificant to most, but was an iconic part of this car for me. Great job with the sliding door, though!
This looks very average. The windscreen looks totally wrong. OK, the T2 has a slight curve, but this just looks ridiculous, spoiling the look of the front.
The colour mismatching of the stickers looks bad enough to make them unusable, so it's a shame that a couple of them are essential.
All in all, this looks a bit unfinished. Like a Friday afternoon job, where someone has said, 'Sod it, that'll do'. I think it could be really good with a bit more work.
The T1 is so much better... the Lego and the VW versions.
Interior of T2 is nicer, but overall the T1 is (I find) a much better display piece. Even if the colour for this one are correct, the red colour of the T1 were/is much more "inviting" than this one. This doesn't say "summer" or "vacation".
At this price point you'd expect near-perfection. It's a good model, but the Mustang shows that near-perfection can be achieved at this schedule scale.
I'm surprised that the decade-old T1 seems to achieve a sleeker design than this model with a much more limited parts palette. The van seems a bit too blocky. The exposed coloured bricks are completely unnecessary and why is there a row of exposed studs on the back? I'm all for naked studs, but here they stick out like a sore thumb. Last but not least, the stickers completely ruin the look of that vibrant blue colour.
A bit disappointing. Great review though!
I’m a massive VW fan and a massive LEGO fan…I should love this…but, uuuggghh!!!
We toured the country in one of these back in the 1970's but ours was red. The interior of this model is all wrong. Ours was like the interior of 10220 but we did have a grey floor. Might have considered getting this if it actually matched the real one.
Sorry, but the front of the car (as well as the roof) is terrible... It has nothing in common with the source material. It doesn't look like a VW at all.
Glad they upgraded from six wide studs to eight like the rest of the vehicles.
Looks pretty good but I do wish it would have on option to replace the front spare tyre with a VW logo. And also, I would have much preferred to have this in the same scale as the previous camper van. I don't want to compare it to the T1, but I really hoped to display the T1 and T2 beside each other but with different scales, it's going to look a lot more annoying and a lot less satisfying.
@ohrmazd said:
"Glad they upgraded from six wide studs to eight like the rest of the vehicles. "
This is not a Speed Champions set...
@rick77 said:
" @ohrmazd said:
"Glad they upgraded from six wide studs to eight like the rest of the vehicles. "
This is not a Speed Champions set..."
I was joking :)
If only those stickers were printed with a transparent background...
To anyone in the United States who is feeling nostalgic and wondering why VW doesn't make camper vans anymore: they do. Look up the Volkswagen California. Then look up the "Chicken Tax" to see why you can't have one.
Regarding this set I do think the first generation is more iconic, this looks very similar to a few Creator campers that have come before, just with branding. (and the additional $ hike that comes with that)
Add in a rear-facing seat behind the front ones and you end up with the spitting image of one of the three my best friend’s parents had when I was growing up. Many a mile traveled.
But those stickers!
@parsom said:
"Sorry, but the front of the car (as well as the roof) is terrible... It has nothing in common with the source material. It doesn't look like a VW at all."
Totally agree, plus the stickers are enough arguments to say to me: Don't buy.
@parsom said:
"Sorry, but the front of the car (as well as the roof) is terrible... It has nothing in common with the source material. It doesn't look like a VW at all."
The fact that the headlights point outwards doesn't help either... very sloppy design.
Also the fact that only the top half of the front doors open looks really odd... Would have been better off not opening at all if they couldn't do it properly.
great functionality but why oh why can't they get the colour matching right ? This has to be one of the worst examples that I've seen
I'd use the stickers to spell out 'LEAVE'
@DoonsterBuildsLego said:
" @legowerba said:
"Can we please stop calling the previous van the Type 1. All Vans were the Type 2. The Type 1 was the Beatle."
I don't see any reference to them being Type 1 or Type 2. 10220 & 10279 are both Type 2 vans, being T1 and T2 variants respectively. Lego has omitted the Type 2 part in the names of the models."
Doesn’t it say Type 2 on the package box?
Was looking forward to this, but seeing the size and the price, I'll save my money for another one.
180 USD, ugh.Hopefully it is on discount at some point. @Huw how does it compare in scale to the 10252 Beetle? It seems like they should match up in scale?
@iwybs said:
"The Trexler Marauder is a boring grey box on the outside, but is packed with all sorts of fun hatches and seats on the inside, so it's actually a totally awesome box.
This is that times 100. Not a hundred Trexler Marauders put together, but 100 times cooler as a very clever box! The door hinges, the sliding door, the steering, the pop-up roof tent, even the way the roof is removed are all very impressive. Want."
I agree! The designer of the Trexler Marauder did an incredible job and it’s almost certainly a purchase for me. While I won’t buy this (a bit way too expensive for me), I think the designer did a great job authentically capturing this vehicle. Thanks for the review!
Great looking set, I love the detailing! Though I am disappointed that it’s not a T1, as the design of that is much more iconic.
However, what’s with that colour matching on the stickers? It’s abysmal. That REALLY needs to be addressed by Lego.
@legowerba said:
"Can we please stop calling the previous van the Type 1. All Vans were the Type 2. The Type 1 was the Beatle."
You’re right, the Type 1 is the Beetle and the vans are Type 2.
However, Volkswagen itself has retroactively referred to the vans as T1, T2,T3 etc to better differentiate the different generations if the Type 2. Note that it’s T1, not Type 1.
So the naming of the vehicles is accurate.
I really like that brick-built surfboard!
Actually, I like the whole model quite a bit, except (of course) for the non-color matched stickers. Can't understand why they didn't use transparent stickers for this, which not only solves the color-matching problem but makes it possible to use a different color entirely. Even the price seems reasonable to me, given the size and piece count of the model. At the moment it won't make my wish list, given I have no nostalgia for VW camper vans and I feel the earlier version (which I never seriously considered buying) was more iconic. But it's close...very close to getting on that list!
Transparent-backed stickers aren't really the solution when they print the background color! I built 80028 The Bone Demon the other day. At first, I was pleased to see that the stickers were transparent-backed. But most of the stickers had the background printed. Not all, though: the stickers for the yellow parts on Monkie Kid's mech had no yellow, just the actual details. I'd love to know the reason for this. It means more ink is needed, but they don't look better, even though the color matching was very good.
I can only comment on the Australian prices, but - this is actually one of the best-value licensed cars they've ever done for a price/part/ratio perspective. I realise that's not everything (smaller parts etc) but still - it's better value (mathematically at least) than the original, not even adjusted for inflation.
Alright for VW fans but Im not interested. Im not really into European vehicles, Id much prefer Lego make a 70s Dodge Charger or a licensed pick up like the miserably rejected GMC Ideas project.
My parents bought an T2 camper in 1973 and we still own it! It was completely overhauled about 10 years ago and is still in use by my brother and myself. It has almost the same color scheme but ours has a more saturated blue on the lower half. We also have an older version of the roof bed that is hinged above the driver cabin and the storage area is at the rear end of the van. Nevertheless a straight must-buy!
Back looks good and the functions seem to work well but the front is all wrong. That windscreen is just terrible.
I heard this was coming, but I am a little disappointed. The features are good, I like the colour, but when you compare it to the red version, this seems like an older set or an older vehicle. I am not knowledgeable on the history of these vehicles, so I'm not sure if this model was made earlier, in which case this would make perfect sense, however I do prefer the red one.
If this gets discounted, I would be tempted, but I'm glad I decided to get the older one first when it was out, as I am not tempted enough to have this at the price.
I guess this one is up for 10 years for the least just like it's predecessor. Excellent set. Quite impressed by the opening roof mechanism. Excellent set.
@jokailblinnis said:
" @Reinier said:
"I don't understand the location of the front indicators. Completely different compared to the designer's own car.
Excellent review by the way!
Edit: a quick duckduckgo search reveals that some T2 models had low mounted indicators."
I noticed the same. Still, I think the model with the high mounted indicators is the most recognizable and could have looked better."
The front indicators and small rear lights indicate that this model represents the pre-1972 T2a ("Early Bay") model. Echoing what others have said, I think that the look of the T2b with the high mounted indicators is more recognizable.
I don't really understand why they chose to release another VW T2. IMHO opinion, the first generation is more iconic and the 10220 Lego model looked (and still looks) great! Moreover, I have some issues with this new model:
- overall, it looks too blocky;
- Google images tells me that the T2a poptop camper, typically has a front-hinged roof;
- I wish the air-vents (both in front and on the sides) were brick-built;
- head lights point outwards, looks strange;
- color matching of stickers;
- uncovered odd-coloured bricks;
- I wish the folding chairs on top of the cab were secured in some way (elastic bands?), at least to make them LOOK secured;
- the inclusion of the surfboard feels a bit lazy, especially since one was already included in the 10252 Beetle;
- no dedicated space to store the surfboard.
Many issues actually, haha!
Look amazing, but at that price, you have to be asking yourself, when are these prices going to slow down?
When the roof folds down, where does the fabric go? Does it automatically fold or do you have to fumble it into the interior? And once it's in, will it hang down, I mean, is it visible through the windows? In the photos, it seems to be well hidden but I wonder how much effort that takes.
@coenstegeman said:
"That is the van the Libyans used in Back to the Future. DeLorean CONFIRMED!!! "
Oh man, imagine this thing with BTTF branding, two Technic fig terrorists and a grenade launcher accessory instead of surfboard and deck chairs ;-)
Really excellent review, thank you
Was a big fan of 10220 and will certainly be getting this
@BeaR_the_Builder said:
" I wish the air-vents (both in front and on the sides) were brick-built"
At least the front ones should be fairly easily modified with 1x2 grills, especially as they were often black or white rather than body coloured.
That front grill should have been printed tiles. The stickers looks really bad there, but it would be harder to do without them compared to the gas tank one. Such a small thing, but it also isnt. If they cant make the stickers the same color, then those parts need to be printed
Other than that, love it!
I was ready to buy the set until I read this review. The scale and the price are over inflated, and the mismatched colours on the decals is something you’d expect from a clone brand. It’s a real shame because I still have my orange and lime campers (“Tic” and “Tac”) from our 2012 show built and on display for nearly a decade now - the original set is just so good to look at.
I do love the detailing and the mechanisms and the colour scheme on this one. I’m just put off by the negatives, especially the scale. At a much lower price I might have had a change of heart. But today I’m sorry to say this is a pass for me. And I’m gutted.
first of all, a great review! thumbs up! the model itself is awesome as well, beside the stickers. i would've liked printed parts but i can live with not applying most of them. so there is that, not realy an issue but what bothers me a lot is that i cant display it next to my t1 van nor my azure blue beetle because of its "oversize". if the t2 goes on discount i will pick it up, probably. .. but who knows what comes next? because who has seen that coming? me, for sure, not.. i love how lego is keep surprising me!
@darthsutius said:
"I can only comment on the Australian prices, but - this is actually one of the best-value licensed cars they've ever done for a price/part/ratio perspective. I realise that's not everything (smaller parts etc) but still - it's better value (mathematically at least) than the original, not even adjusted for inflation."
While I agree it's decent value, there is 0.5 cents per part difference between the T1 and T2.
T1 was $170 for 1,334 parts = 12.7 cents per part
T2 is $270 for 2,207 parts = 12.2 cents per part
They made a technic Dodge Charger under the Fast and Furious licence
Price per part is almost identical to the previous VW camper. It has nearly 65% more pieces and much bigger size
Just what I wanted! The van from Lost.
What's next? Herbie: Fully Loaded
As a longtime VW fan, I still want this despite its imperfections, especially since I never managed to pick up 10220. Although if I don't, at least I have another blue Lego VW with a surfboard, 10252.
After seeing the set pictures I thought this would be a definite buy, but after reading this review I'm less sure. I don't care much about cars in general so the only Creator Expert vehicles I have are the London Bus and VW Beetle, and this set seems to have more issues than others. The exposed bright colors in the interior and poor sticker color matching are both drawbacks to me in particular. Then we've got the $180 price and hard to remove roof over the cab. The build looks very interesting though, so maybe I'll just need to wait for a video review to make up my mind.
@legowerba said:
"Can we please stop calling the previous van the Type 1. All Vans were the Type 2. The Type 1 was the Beatle."
Was "Beatle" intentional?
I've no idea how anyone can say this looks like a VW Van because it looks like a Chinese knock off to me. Or someone who's on its way to become a great LEGO Builder but just hasn't reach its potential yet. This thing is bigger yet really the only better thing about it is the steering ability although the interior has to suffer for it. This is just another one of those LEGO cars that's a hard pass for me. For every good one they seem to release 2 bad ones at least.
@Norikins said:
" @legowerba said:
"Can we please stop calling the previous van the Type 1. All Vans were the Type 2. The Type 1 was the Beatle."
Was "Beatle" intentional? "
It's Rolling Bricks, I'd say.
They should've put a lava lamp in
@Supersonic said:
"I've no idea how anyone can say this looks like a VW Van because it looks like a Chinese knock off to me. Or someone who's on its way to become a great LEGO Builder but just hasn't reach its potential yet."
Yes, to me it looks like a lot of time has been spent on the roof and the sliding door (which turned out really well), and then time ran out, resulting in the disaster that is the front.
(But at least it's a good starting point to modify into something that looks a lot more like a VW T2!)
Is it possible to put the sliding door on the other side? I would want to UK Spec it (as I do with all my vehicles)
There are some very clever construction techniques in this set - the bodywork is essentially built of plates and tiles sideways. It’s definitely for experienced builders with patience though and actually I found some steps (notably affixing the front and the windscreen to the roof) extremely fiddly. There is a massive hole in front of the passenger seat - it simply looks unfinished - with no dashboard. I’ve added my own, but to see all the multicoloured brackets and technic elements when you open the passenger side door is pretty poor for a set this expensive. Also, one side of the van has a lovely fitted kitchen - the other absolutely nothing at all and not even finished with a line of tiles. Again I’ve added my own. The dark bluish grey floor is a very poor colour choice in my opinion and the numerous exposed multicoloured elements inside the van is also sloppy.
This is an enjoyable build over all however, with some seriously mind bending geometry. I adore the little kettle, the gas bottle and the sliding door. The pop top is much better than the one on 10220 and stays up for display very well. The accessories are sweet and neatly built. Good but a few too many misses for me.
@james_shaw said:
"Is it possible to put the sliding door on the other side? I would want to UK Spec it (as I do with all my vehicles)"
You could probably mirror the build which would move the steering wheel over too