Review: 42060 Roadwork Crew
Posted by Huw,Before we commence our reviews of The LEGO Batman Movie and DC Super Hero Girls sets tomorrow, there is just time to give Technic some more love.
42060 Roadwork Crew is one of four Technic sets that has just been released in North America. It features a truck, a trailer and a digger which provide a wealth of playability. It is bound to find favour with young kids who are obsessed with such things, and AFOLs might find it quite cool, too...
Box
There is not much to say about the front of it, other than to point out the dimensions which state it measures 27cm long which is more than I was expecting it to be.
The back illustrates the alternative model, for which instructions are included: a mini-gritter with plough.
Parts
The most exciting new part is this new 1-length worm gear (6170153 in dark bluish grey) that has a larger diameter than the old 2 length 4716 Worm that has been around since 1985.
This part is also new this year, (6167281 in dark bluish grey). I believe I predicted such a part in one of last year's review, when the version with one axle had just come out.
The truck
The bags are numbered one and two, with bag one providing parts for the truck. The chassis features a compact steering mechanism. There is not much movement side-to-side but it is sufficient.
The cab is solid rather than skeletal, which is becoming the norm these days.
The finished truck looks pretty good. Its looks are enhanced with stickers but would not look too bad without them.
The grey axle joiner on the left hand side allows the tipper to be tilted. Unfortunately no load is provided, other than a shovel and a broom, not shown.
The trailer
A simple trailer is constructed next. You can just see the white 40-years commemorative brick, included in all of this year's Technic sets, buried at the back.
The digger
Here is where the new worm gear is used. It has clearly been designed to work in conjunction with 6084724 (Double Conical Wheel Z20 1M, design: 18575, colour: Brick Yellow). It is a compact alternative to the old one.
It does not take long to assemble the digger...
...although connecting the 46 chain links is as tedious as always.
Rotating the gear at the back allows the arm's angle to be adjusted. The end of arm is moved by twisting the grey axle joiner on the side.
The completed model
This is a good looking model, but there is one thing I do not like...
To me, the rear axle looks too far back making the wheelbase too long. Compare it to this real one.
It would be fairly easy to move it forward a hole although it would be better done during initial construction to avoid a major rebuild. Rather than do that I have used a few extra parts.
It is probably a matter of taste, you might think it looks okay as it is...
Verdict
I was not expecting to like this model, what with it just being 'more of the same' and not large enough to have any interesting mechanisms in it, but I do.
The combination of colour scheme (rather than the usual yellow that we have become accustomed to for this type of model) and simple but effective functions that provide just the right level of playability, have won me over.
It would have been nice to have some 'rocks' or 'dirt' to pick up to put into the back of the truck but given it would be pretty much impossible to actually do that, I can understand why none have been provided.
The set is now available at shop.LEGO.com for $29.99 in the USA and $39.99 in Canada. In Europe we have to wait until January...
This set was provided by LEGO but the review is an expression of my own opinions.
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16 comments on this article
"The set is now available at shop.LEGO.com for €29.99 in the USA" I didn't realise USA had euro now lol.
Edit: It's been fixed now so now my comment looks a bit stupid. :)
@scoiltreasa reverse Brexit mate
I really like the approach Technic is making with smaller multiple models in one set, it seems like it appeals to a younger audience!
I think the original wheel position is the most realistic one.
Don't like Technic sets that are like City sets. This one is an easy pass unless I find it heavily discounted.
Too bad for that gear in the drivers compartiment, otherwise you could cram in a minifigure or two! Talking about seats, where is the Seat for the crane operator?
Available 20 Dec according to lego shop (uk) @ £19.99.
A lot of new sets across different themes have been added today.
Loving how many Technic reviews have been posted recently - keep them coming!
A nice little set - that could look nice on my desk in my dorm :P
@Huw: the old worm (4716) was 2 long, not 3. There was a 3 long worm screw element (15457) but the actual worm part was only 1 long. It was only used in 2014.
Looks like this set has a little more functionality than I thought when I first saw it but still not enough to make me want to buy it.
I agree with a previous comment in that this set seems to overlap too much with City, and the resulting Technic truck does not look nearly as nice as it would in the City format. Perhaps some like this, but not me.
I am looking forward to the RC car!
For its price and size? Pretty impressive.
Discounted, I mean.
Good review (as usual) @Huw. Also, like you I was not impressed, but it really a neat little model, and I like the alt build on the box as well. May actually get one of these if I ever have shelf space for my LEGO.
Huw, I'm in shock that you applied the stickers! Have you had a change of heart? I know I have come to appreciate the quality of the new ones and always apply them these days.
The most important question for me is this:
"Try building digitally" on the box. Does it mean there are no paper instructions inside? Or is there normal booklet?
^^ Yes--the new ones are much better and hopefully more robust over time.
^ Normal booklets included.
I think my 7-yr-old brother would like this... I think it's too simple and city-ish, although it does seem like a good idea to try and win kids over with this sort of thing to get them into the real deal of Technic.
It does look quite nice, though. I'll give it that.
I never buy any Technic sets, but every now and then some set pops up that makes me really wish I was more into it and gets me real tempted to finally buy one, and this is one of them. Just a nice-looking little set, if only the budget allowed for it! Great review!