Review: 42070 6x6 All Terrain Tow Truck
Posted by Huw,It's the 40th anniversary of LEGO Technic, so you would hope that this year's flagship model is something rather special, right?
After the exceptional selection of sets released last year, it's going to take one that's really extraordinary to surpass them. Let's see if 42070 6x6 All Terrain Tow Truck does so...
When released on August 1st, 42070 6x6 All Terrain Tow Truck will set you back $290 in the USA and £220 in the UK.
For that you'll receive 1862 pieces. That's well under half of the total parts in last year's flagship, 42055 Bucket Wheel Excavator, which costs about the same as this set in the USA and £30 less in the UK. So, straight away it's not off to a good start...
Parts
As is usual with Technic sets of this size, parts are not distributed in numbered bags so it's necessary to open all the bags at the start.
To give me a fighting chance of finding parts during construction I did a rough pre-sort: panels in one tray, straight beams in another, and so on.
Here's a quick snap with my phone of my work table:
I don't think there are any new part designs in it but there are of course many re-colours, including 56 dark azure parts, in eleven different panel and beam designs
Construction
Instructions are provided in a single perfect-bound manual which contains 590 building steps on 402 pages.
Construction begins with the gearbox, which sits in the middle of the chassis. The two parts of it together allow for six movements. A medium PF motor is buried somewhere inside it.
The front axle is then added, along with the XL PF motor that is used for driving the wheels, among other things.
It goes without saying that attention to detail is crucial in the early stages of construction: miss out a gear somewhere and you'll almost certainly have to start building again from scratch because everything is locked together tightly in three dimensions.
Thankfully, I made just one error which I spotted early and easily corrected!
Next, the first of two rear axles is added to the back which is free to rotate independently of the main chassis.
The second rear axle is added which can also rotate freely at this point.
You might have noticed that the left- and right- hand sides of the axle assemblies chassis are colour coded: red on the left, grey on the right. This is to help ensure you join them together the right way round.
Colour coding is used throughout the build: for example nearly all the beams are colour coded by length: 5l and 11l beams are azure, 7l red, 13l dark grey, most 15l are light grey and so on. This has the effect of making the assembly so far look a right mish-mash of colours but most of it is covered up in the final model so it's not an issue.
Once the gearbox and chassis are complete construction picks up pace and it's not long before the truck takes shape, first with the cab and front outriggers...
Then the rear pair and front bull-bars...
The crane arm...
And finally, the rear bodywork, wheel arches and wheels.
The completed model
At this point I will apologise for the delay in getting this review published. I built the set as soon as I returned from holiday last week but then had difficulty with the photographs. I usually use a small studio setup consisting of two Nikon flashguns in diffusers and an A1 sheet of card for the background.
Unfortunately, once fully assembled it became apparent that this model is far too big for that so I had to buy a table top from Ikea, assemble my Interfit studio flash kit in the spare room (spare now my eldest daughter has moved out!) and order a large grey and white photography backdrop because the one I had, some sort of plastic sheet, kept curling up and being a nuisance!
Anyway, it's all here and set up so I can finish the review...
The pictures don't convey the size of this beast: it's about 63cm / 2' long, 20cm / 8" wide and the top of the cab is about 23cm / 9" off the ground.
The tyres are 10cm / 4" diameter, and are the same as used in last year's 42054 CLAAS XERION 5000 TRAC VC.
Quite simply, it's massive!
The teddy bear strapped to the front is a feature that it seems some people love and others loathe. I think it's quite cute and besides it's easily removed if it offends you.
The white 40th anniversary 3l beam, included in all of this year's sets, is prominently positioned at the front.
There's no suspension as such but the rear axles rotate around the central axis and thus float independently.
The underside shows the drive train, which utilises three differentials and powers all six wheels, along the length of the vehicle,
The bonnet can be opened the reveal the 4 cylinder engine, which looks more realistic than that usually found in Technic sets.
The cab doors can be opened, too.
The power functions battery box sits neatly behind the cab and the IR receiver, necessary for the remote control, of course, is positioned behind it.
The battery box can be removed to change the batteries simply by lifting it: it's not held in with pins.
Operation
Operation of the vehicle is controlled by two levers, one on each side of the cab.
- When the lever on the left is down, the remote control can be used to move the truck forwards/backwards and to steer it. In this position, the lever on the right has no effect.
- When it's up, the lever on the right determines what the remote control operates, and the truck can be pushed and steered by hand.
- When the lever on the left is up, and the lever on the right is up, the remote control can be used to move the crane arm from side-to-side and raise/lower the hook.
- When the lever on the left is up, and the lever on the right is down, the remote control can be used to raise/lower the outriggers and the crane arm.
The outriggers extend quite a long way out and do prevent the truck from wobbling about
The crane arm is extended by a linear actuator and can be raised to an impressive 75 degrees or so. It can also be rotated by about 160 degrees left and right.
The designers mention in their interview that the set utilises a new type of string, wrapped in a metallic weave to make it stronger. One side effect of this is that I found it difficult to tie knots in it: there's so little friction that they kept untying.
Verdict
There's quite a lot to like about this model.
- It's an interesting and challenging build without any lengthy repetition.
- It looks great. It's massive, imposing, and from some angles, looks menacing. The colour scheme is eye-catching and, for Technic, new. Some have complained that this is yet another shade of blue that's been used in recent years, and I suppose they have a point given it makes it difficult to amass any particular one for your own projects.
- It works well. All the functions operate as they should and without hitch. The levers are slightly stiff and sometimes need a bit of force to get them to engage but other than that it all runs smoothly.
- Driving it around the room can be fun as it moves surprisingly quickly. However, there's no return-to-centre on the steering and the turning circle is massive.
- There are lot of stickers -- usually a negative point -- but they are all easy to apply, mostly on large panels, and I don't think the vehicle would look terrible without them.
However, its not perfect by any means.
- Admittedly I'm no tow-truck expert but why would a vehicle designed to tow others need a crane arm that raises and rotates? And why the need for outriggers if all it's doing is towing? I guess it could be some sort of dual-purpose machine based on something you'd find in the USA but it looks like nothing I've ever seen, even when Googling. Please, if you find pictures of something like this online, do let me know.
- The need to switch between moving the truck and working its machinery remotely by flicking a lever means that operating it is far less fun than it could be.
- There's no suspension
- The floor at the back looks unfinished compared to the extensively panelled bodywork elsewhere
The deal-breaker, however, is the price. What is LEGO thinking? £220 and $290! Last year's Claas tractor had a similar number of pieces but was one hundred dollars/pounds cheaper. I know this has power functions but surely they don't add that much to the price?
In summary, then, it's a nice looking (albeit probably fictional) vehicle but it lacks features you would expect in a flagship model. The price is astronomical and I think most people would find it hard to justify spending such a sum on a set such as this, particularly this year when there are so many strong sets in other themes competing for our money.
By all means buy it, you will enjoy the build and it will look great on your shelf or desk, but wait until it's at least 30% off.
But, if you don't have all of last year's sets yet (42053 Volvo EW160E, 42054 CLAAS XERION 5000 TRAC VC, 42055 Bucket Wheel Excavator and 42056 Porsche 911 GT3 RS), buy them first because this cannot hold a candle to any of them and that is a little disappointing given that this is a special year in the history of Technic.
(Do let me know what you think of the photos. Like the grey background? White balance look OK?)
Operation in 'all terrains'
Technic is generally an indoor toy but that hasn't stopped Sariel from putting this 'all terrain 6x6 tow truck' through its paces outside. After the tedious watch-while-he-builds-it part, the video becomes more interesting 20 minutes in where its functions are demonstrated and put through their paces indoors and out.
tl;dw: it's not much good outside due to the way the wheels are geared, but then it was never designed for anything more demanding than a thick shag pile!
The B Model
The alternative model is a research explorer vehicle. Instructions will be available at LEGO.com/technic but at the time of writing are not there yet.
Thanks to LEGO for providing the set for review. The review is an expression of my own opinions.
52 likes
53 comments on this article
I was going to say I'd take the bear off anyone's hands who doesn't like it. However, on closer inspection it looks like a regular bear. I thought in this set it was meant to have an eyepatch!
Thanks for a great review! The lighting and the grey background is amazing! I actually prefer the grey color over white.
"There's no suspension"
Two rear axles are pendular.
Excellent review as always and superb photos, it was worth the wait to get the photos right, the background looks fine to me. I really like the look of this set and I'm a sucker for technic sets with lots of gears and this has over 100 of them!!! Some people complain that it looks unfinished in areas but that's one thing I like about technic, I like to see some of the cogs and workings left exposed, this is what disappointed me about 42056, all the mechanics got completely covered.
it would've been great if it included a system similar to the legendary 8043 set so it could be "full" remote control and some suspension components would've been nice and then it would start to justify the huge price tag.
I would never attempt to operate a technic set outside, they simply aren't designed for that kind of use so I won't hold it's lack of outdoors capability against it like Sariel does. If I wanted an outdoor RC model I would buy a Tamiya kit or similar with sealed gearboxes, more powerful motor, radio rather than IR control etc. It won't be long until amazon sells this at a substantial discount over the RRP and that's the time to buy it as it looks great, I like the functions and did I mention all those gears? It's just a bit pricey, oh, and I love the little teddy bear, maybe it's the teddy bear which has pushed the price up lol!!!
Yes they are -- thanks, I didn't know the correct term -- but that's not really proper sprung suspension, is it.
@Brainslugged
Yeah, now you mention it... I looked back at earlier photos from pre-release boxart and it indeed has an eyepatch on there.
I think, it's inspired by some tow trucks you can find in Canada and US, like in the "Crash Team" TV show : http://www.oharetowing.com/
@Huw where did you get those nice trays for sorting? I could use something like that when building and excellent review as always. I really like this set alot the only bad thing is the high price. I might have to use some VIP points towards it to make it more reasonable.
Thanks for the review! Regarding the crane: Well, it's sometimes useful for recovering a truck that went off the road, and that happens in Europe, too. :) I found a German video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q8ltTBs4-c
The crane and outriggers are for cars that go off the road and are in a ditch or down a hill. You cannot drive a tow truck down into these areas to recover the vehicle so you need the crane to be able to pull them up to the road to then properly hook them up for towing. Also the crane is used to flip over turned over vehicles, especially large tracker trailers that are on their side.
I think you need to watch this, You'll see that this Tow Truck is very real indeed! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqOUejbG4jg
Great pictures and review! The grey background looks much better than the regular aqua in my opinion. And you white balance looks perfect to me. ;)
I really like the look of this set...
The truck reminds me of the M936 5 Ton Recovery Vehicle that was in the U.S. Army and USMC. Except the outriggers on this truck are much larger. We used it for more than towing and recovering vehicles but in the field it was very useful as a crane to lift heavy pallets off trucks and to helping to pull engines out of track and wheeled vehicles.
White balance is perfect. Without trying to sound mean, the white balance is off in the Elves set reviews. I know it's difficult from experience!
It really bothers me that the teddy bear doesn't have an eyepatch!
Terrific review! Though I feel the need to comment on:
"You might have noticed that the left- and right- hand sides of the axle assemblies chassis are colour coded: red on the left, grey on the right."
There's a whole lot of red and grey scattered among the model in your photos by that point of the review, so I really can't see what you're referring to there and doubt someone would have noticed that! =)
That is definitely a much more positive point of view after Sariel's devastating review of this set.
I think this is the best Lego technic set of all time!!! I love it I so wanna get it!!!!!
Thanks everyone for the info and comments. Of course, the crane's range of movement and outriggers are for hauling vehicles out of ditches.
Regarding outriggers: When you are trying to lift 80,000 lbs out of a ditch you'd better well be sure you have the tow truck suspension out of the equation or you will end up in the ditch also! We had one at the GM Proving Ground that saved many a development vehicle called the Happy Hooker (it had three rear axles)!
EUR 250, I assume Smyths will have it 20% off after a few months like they did with the Porsche and Tractor so will wait and monitor on Amazon also.
With that many parts and at that price, you'd think there would be an alternate build.
What's up with the hamster in the video?!
Thanks for the review Huw!
Well I really wanted this initially but am looking forward to your review of 42069 Extreme Adventure. I definitely want to pick up a larger Technic set this year just haven't made up my mind yet. Sariel really had nothing good to say about this set but yours seems to be a little more positive. It is definitely pricey perhaps I shall wait and see about a discount and or a choice of an alternative model.
@Astrobricks There is a B model... Unless they changed that like how they changed the design of the teddy bear.
^My bad... I meant to include a picture from the back of the box.
I've added it to the end and you can see it here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/brickset/36205322105/in/dateposted/
Seriously, what's up with the bear? Was the original picture with the eye patch a hoax?
Presumably the budget didn't stretch to a new print on the bear...
@TxLegoguy, about the sorting trays. I purchased them in France some years ago. They are made by Rotho and are designed to be used as drawer dividers, for pens, stationery etc.
Nice review Huw. I was looking for some comments on the ingenious duel drive-shaft that goes through the turntable. A new use for the Gear Wheel.
I'm glad a lot of people in the comment section have clarified puzzling aspects of the functions, the set does make a lot more sense now... however, I really dislike how this set looks, between the gaudy color scheme and unfinished-looking parts all over the rear end of the vehicle. And the price is just absurd.
I highly agree with the judgment that last year's summer wave is miles ahead of this set.
The bear need to be pink and smell like strawberries.
^ I agree . . . but . . . http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/disney-sued-toy-story-3-679295
Great review! I'm not much for Technic, but this looks like a phenomenal set.
One thing though, why would someone find a teddy bear offensive?
Great pictures, love how you organize before build. I find this years releases quite alternative and risky. Reading last years interviews I was expecting something extra like Porsche also this year but feel that we are somehow let down in Technic department. Hope for my favorite yellow big sets next year. Would be great to get some 5000 pieces international space station.
The bear looks cool but as others have said, it would have been better with an eyepatch, gives it character.
I know that Sariel is a very critical no nonsense kind of reviewer but I really thought he was too harsh on this set and expected the model to do what it simply wasn't designed to do.
There is a review over on eurobricks now too which is also a much fairer review, Huws review of this set has certainly restored my confidence in this set which I have been so looking forward to since January!!! The biggest stumbling block is the price.
It looks to me like they have taken inspiration for this set from something like this:
http://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-scammell-junior-constuctor-wrecker-and-highwayman-trucks-at-smallwood-17793346.html?pv=1&stamp=2&imageid=02EB7413-D6FE-4EE5-94CF-3C300C376B03&p=57402&n=0&orientation=0&pn=1&searchtype=0&IsFromSearch=1&srch=foo%3dbar%26st%3d0%26pn%3d1%26ps%3d100%26sortby%3d2%26resultview%3dsortbyPopular%26npgs%3d0%26qt%3dscammell%2520lorries%26qt_raw%3dscammell%2520lorries%26lic%3d3%26mr%3d0%26pr%3d0%26ot%3d0%26creative%3d%26ag%3d0%26hc%3d0%26pc%3d%26blackwhite%3d%26cutout%3d%26tbar%3d1%26et%3d0x000000000000000000000%26vp%3d0%26loc%3d0%26imgt%3d0%26dtfr%3d%26dtto%3d%26size%3d0xFF%26archive%3d1%26groupid%3d%26pseudoid%3d%26a%3d%26cdid%3d%26cdsrt%3d%26name%3d%26qn%3d%26apalib%3d0%26apalic%3d%26lightbox%3d%26gname%3d%26gtype%3d%26xstx%3d0%26simid%3d%26saveQry%3d%26editorial%3d1%26nu%3d%26t%3d%26edoptin%3d%26customgeoip%3d%26cap%3d1%26cbstore%3d1%26vd%3d0%26lb%3d%26fi%3d2
Where did you buy the parts tray? What is the name? Thanks
@Noamh See above.
"I purchased them in France some years ago. They are made by Rotho and are designed to be used as drawer dividers, for pens, stationery etc."
The photos look great Huw. The top pic is so sharp and clear that I at first thought it might've been a CG render.
I like the grey background. It feels refreshing for a change.
Great pictures with grey background, Huw. You really need to provide a special tutorial for lighting :P
To my eyes, this truck is almost certainly inspired by the KMW Dingo military recovery vehicle.
https://i.wheelsage.org/pictures/kmw/dingo_2/autowp.ru_kmw_dingo_2_6x6_1.jpg
Off road recovery vehicles don't really exist in the civilian world and certainly not with 6 wheel drive! Cranes are common on such military recovery vehicles.
Much like 42066 Air Race Jet (being inspired by the Lockheed F-35B), I'd say Technic are now looking to the defence industry for inspiration as there aren't many subject matters they now haven't modelled but due to Lego's pacifist mantra, they end up creating fictional civilianised versions.
Huw, thanks for doing your best with a balanced review. The pictures are good too.
The one time TLG do remote-controlled steering there is "No return to centre" when a servo motor is available in the PF parts range = poor. Would a hockey spring help?
"It's massive". Yes, lots of big parts and a big price. I suppose if you subtract the big parts as well as the PF parts from the total price then the rest might come out at £0.07/p.
I will wait and see if this gets more than 20% discount. £175.99 would still be too much for 1862 pieces, especially because it has nothing I don't have already except for the azure parts, another colour I don't need. With other colours and a lot of Technic parts I consider making Technic models in the colour schemes of previous themes such as Classic Space e.g. a new type of fast, never-obsolete monorail or a Futuron space station with the white panels from 8 Cargo Planes 42025.
I might be tempted for £130 but I don't expect it to go that low. I think 42069 has a better selection of technical parts and 42068 has panels I can use so I will favour them in my purchasing.
Google truck+recovery+tow+trucks and see what images you will find. There are plenty of industrial tow trucks out there that look like this one.
http://www.webstertrucks.com.au/page/?page=11
I would like Lego to releases a mixed box of pieces - like the universal sets they used to sell that could make a few different models. In fact as I think Lego is about building for yourself it would be good if they released mixed boxes in some of their other different themes too. Another technic dream is a space shuttle. And finally if I could choose a 40th anniversary set, I would wish for a brand new, modern designed studded technic set! That would be a surprise but I would like it.
They build those tow trucks Antony linked to at Miller here where I live. Needless to say, you see them quite a lot. Often on the news lifting capsized tractor trailers that have gone way off I59 of I75
To me it looks as if they have taken the MaxxPro® Recovery Vehicle as an example.
Indeed so FlagsNZ but those have relatively low ride height, underrun protection and at most, are 6×4 but probably 6×2. Only military RVs have the high ground clearance and 6×6 drivetrain.
I've just bought 2 more of the Claas wheels on Brick Link: I'll be building this one from the online instructions. I also thought Sariel was a bit over-harsh on this model, but equally no way is it worth £220!
Crazy to think you could get the CLAAS for £60.
Almost a quarter of the cost of the 42070.
At ToysRUS here in Germany it is already available for 20% off a reduced price of 239,99, totalling at 192 EUR. A good starting point ;-)
I don't like it. Bigger isn't better. A tow truck without an extendable boom? Big miss. Futhermore i find the color scheme childish. The price is much too high in my opinion. I hope LEGO goes the quality way again, like with the 8043. That was Technic!
Wait till early next year or possibly watch Amazon for a cheaper price. This is a great set none the less. Yes it is pricey, the Volvo 42030 set was a great set that I got off Amazon for $200 and nothing can beat that set but I have been waiting to get this. Just gonna wait awhile.