Introductory Remark

No - I haven't built the model. I started to re-create the set as soon as pictures got published in June. I have done that in the past years for a couple of sets (cf. reviews of 42092, 42079, 42075, 42102, 42108) before.

On the cement mixer I decided to include modifications = improvements from start.

Impressions of the (Original) Set

Finally, a new truck idea in a good scale. A cement mixer was only available in the Lego City line before. The set designers chose to use a special, big drum piece to implement a play function: The drum can be filled with Lego pieces (bricks) and unloaded by a technic function.

What I like: Bright respectively classic blue is back: However only as supporting element as the main colour would be dark blue. There are few - rather small - sets in the past years with that shade of blue: 42071, 42063, 42062, 42045. The last one with main colour was 42042.

The truck could have possibly been designed with only three axles: There appears to be spare area between cabin and support of the drum. (The benefit of four axles is that there is plenty of room for modifications, see below).

The drum can be operated from either the wheels, e.g. turning when the truck is pushed around or by a manual crank. This can be selected by a switch.

The cabin cannot be tilted forward to show the engine beneath (cf. 42098). The setup of the hand-of-god steering control prohibits this.

Criticism

The water tank, e.g. the white 'thing' at the drum's support looks awkwardly squarish. Something in the shape of pneumatics tank would have been nice.

The cement drum is missing the funnel to feed the drum.

As with most recent vehicles turning radius can be expected to be bad: That is it will be too large to have a nice play experience when driving the truck.

It could be expected that the transmission of the drum from wheels is a direct one when engaged. This will result in unloading of the drum when the truck is pushed backwards for some distance.

Thus I decided not to recreate the model but also develop improvements. However, I would stick as much as possible to the overall shape of the model.

Improvements

• Steering setup for smaller turning radius. I have created a different chassis for 42108 Mobile Crane before.
• Special transmission from wheels to drum so that it would turn only in one direction regardless of direction of drive.
• Modify cabin to have better openable doors and ability to tilt forward.
• Add funnel to feed the drum.

This is current status (click on picture for more information in Eurobrick forum):

Eventually I will get the drum pieces to complete the model and test drive. Price of a single drum pieces is 13 € from LEGO website (checked on 1.8.20).

Conclusion

This is nice addition to the Technic line. Both the set itself and, if you would like to go further, also as an inspiration. The -very- special drum pieces are elementary for the play function of this set.