Review: 40746 Santa's Delivery Truck
Posted by CapnRex101,
10339 Santa's Post Office joins the long-running Winter Village Collection this year and 40746 Santa's Delivery Truck is intended to partner the bigger set. The model's old-fashioned style suits the broader Winter Village and the festive colour scheme is attractive.
Gifts-with-purchase of the same style have been produced before, but this set is actually available to buy, costing a reasonable £17.99, $19.99 or €19.99.
Summary
40746 Santa's Delivery Truck, 224 pieces.
£17.99 / $19.99 / €19.99 | 8.0p/8.9c/8.9c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Santa's Delivery Truck is a charming set and an affordable one too
- Beautiful style
- Spacious interior
- Superb Christmas tree
- Nice companion for Santa's Post Office
- Occasional bland areas
- Avoidable stickers inside
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigure
Santa evidently employs a variety of elves, dedicated to making toys, wrapping them or, in this case, delivering them. 10339 Santa's Post Office thus provides a new torso with a golden horn symbol on the chest, resembling the logo used for postal services in many European countries, including Denmark.
This driver wears the same uniform as the elves working at the post office, albeit with dark tan legs instead of green. The combined hat and ear component is identical though, also matching the elves in 10275 Elf Club House. A moustachioed head completes the figure, so this character looks a little older than his colleagues in 10339 Santa's Post Office.
The Completed Model
Vehicles are quite common in Winter Village sets, usually originating from the early twentieth century. This model definitely captures that aesthetic and recalls the equivalent van in 10222 Winter Village Post Office, without appearing derivative. I love the tree attached to the roof in particular, lending the vehicle a slightly comical or fantastical image.
Similarly, the open cab is an interesting choice. This design looks decidedly unsuitable for the cold environment of the North Pole, although it matches postal vehicles from the early 1900s and distinguishes this model from others in the Winter Village. Additionally, I like the different widths of the front and rear wheels, but I wish LEGO would create spoked wheels for sets like this one.
The bodywork around the wheels looks great though, including curved wheel arches and the radiator, represented by a lattice window. The pearl gold statuette on top is appealing as well, but I find the grey bumper a bit bland by comparison. While this is evidently a practical feature, the bumper could still look more ornate to match the rest of the van.
The cab is designed to accommodate either the standing elf or a seated minifigure. A steering wheel is included, of course, plus clips for various accessories beside the cab. However, white seems a strange colour for parts around the shovel, interrupting the tan and green shades used for the surrounding bodywork.
Stickers are applied on either side, displaying the same postal service branding as signage in 10339 Santa's Post Office. These designs look nice and the metallic gold tiles underneath are welcome too. Moreover, I love the clockwork-style key to access the storage area, which spins on a 2x2 turntable.
The roof rack is very reminiscent of past Winter Village vehicles, although this one carries a Christmas tree, unusually! The tree is cleverly constructed with 1x3 inside bows, creating an attractive shape and leaving connection points for some colourful baubles. A pearl gold star is fixed on top.
You can easily detach the Christmas tree, as well as the whole roof panel to reveal the interior. The opening wall works well and I like the stickers inside, showing some familiar accessories, such as a clamp based on the LEGO bar with clip. Proper tool racks would have been better than stickers, although this solution allows more space for presents in the middle.
I like the variety of colours used for these wrapped gifts, as well as the golden flowers forming bows on top. In fact, I prefer these presents and the Christmas tree to those supplied in 10339 Santa's Post Office.
Overall
40746 Santa's Delivery Truck is not flawless, but it is definitely a worthy addition to the Winter Village. This model seems completely at home within that old-world setting and its colours are appealing, although certain areas of the van look relatively bland, such as the tan 1x2x3 bricks beside the stickered North Pole Post symbols.
The reliance on stickers is not ideal either, particularly inside, where tool racks could probably have been built instead. These are minor problems though, as the style of the delivery truck is wonderful and the accompanying tree looks superb too. Furthermore, I think £17.99, $19.99 or €19.99 is a fair price, so I would recommend this set to any Winter Village collector.
131 likes
38 comments on this article
A charming little van. Glad it's separate from the Post Office. Got one this morning... tempted to get a fleet!
I like it, but it feels like it was once meant to be a GWP with Santa’s Post office set. I’m not sure if I prefer GWP or retail. Free with purchase is better?
Thanks for the review!
From what I hear, that tan turntable base is incredibly rare! Awesome to see it return!
@wsmit99 said:
but it feels like it was once meant to be a GWP
Even the number
Why are these sets always available for purchase rather than freely given as all love should be?
Eh, eh, do I win Lego Bingo or is this just redundant?
Set is fun. Not a fan of the stickers. Would rather have real tool racks and lose the superfluous tree.
The stickers show a more fun world that will always be just out of reach (I want that hand planer). :(
I can't believe people are moaning that it's available to buy and not a GWP. Usually it's the other way round :-)
@Huw said:
"I can't believe people are moaning that it's available to buy and not a GWP. Usually it's the other way round :-)"
I know, right? It seems people can't be happy no matter what happens.
I guess I should stop commenting on Brickset, feels kinda shitty to be accused of "moaning" and being unhappy for stating your honest opinion.
@Murdoch17 said:
" @Huw said:
"I can't believe people are moaning that it's available to buy and not a GWP. Usually it's the other way round :-)"
I know, right? It seems people can't be happy no matter what happens."
Agreed, why can't everyone be happy that they don't have to spend £160 or something on other sets? I honestly glad that this is seperate, I might even pick it up myself as a Christmas decoration, and, aside from the occasional advent calendar, I NEVER buy seasonal sets! (^o^)
EDIT: Just realised that those upset probably were going to buy the main post office set and expected this to be a GWP with that. I still think that this works better standalone, but imagine if it was both a GWP and purchasable on its own...
I'm surprised this wasn't a gift with purchase set.
@b2_O said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @Huw said:
"I can't believe people are moaning that it's available to buy and not a GWP. Usually it's the other way round :-)"
I know, right? It seems people can't be happy no matter what happens."
Agreed, why can't everyone be happy that they don't have to spend £160 or something on other sets? I honestly glad that this is seperate, I might even pick it up myself as a Christmas decoration, and, aside from the occasional advent calendar, I NEVER buy seasonal sets! (^o^)"
I suspect people are more likely to comment with a complaint than because they are perfectly happy with things. Personally, I don't care whether something is a GWP or a reasonably priced small set, so I don't comment about that either way. There's always enough on my wishlist to fill out an order for a GWP, and nice smaller sets can be very useful--for that very reason, sometimes! What's nice here is that we've had similar sets in the past, so it's good to have the option of completely skipping the little van if it's not wanted for the display. I wonder if that's why TLG divided the post office and van into two different sets in the first place?
@Graysmith said:
"I guess I should stop commenting on Brickset, feels kinda shitty to be accused of "moaning" and being unhappy for stating your honest opinion."
By all means, do as you will. You are neither required nor expected to comment here or on any article. It's entirely up to you.
That said, we should all be careful about population sampling here, instead of lumping everyone into one group. Are the people complaining that this set isn't a GWP the same people who normally bemoan GWPs with expensive sets? Or are the GWP-haters happy with this, and the people questioning this decision those who are usually ok with GWPs? If you have previously shown dislike for GWPs and you're happy this set isn't, consider yourself excluded from the group @Huw was thinking about.
Also, "I feel like this set should've been a GWP" doesn't necessarily equate to "I would have preferred this set to have been a GWP." This set seems like it was designed as a GWP that got released for regular retail (note even the set number, 40746 ). That does not mean I wanted it to be a GWP. It might've been better to get this free with a $100 set than having to pay a full $120 for both... but this boils down to whether you intend to get the main WV Post Office set or not. Edit: @b2_O beat me to it. :)
Finally, only one person in the comments (of this review) so far has actually expressed the above concern. @StyleCounselor was just up to his usual tricks.
Oomph, this derailed quicker than I ever could have imagined. I know it’s hard to please everybody, but in the end everyone’s entitled to have his/her opinion.
A pretty ugly looking thing. It is a Christmas set I spose. Glad it’s not a GWP or I’d have to flog it off on EBay.
If only this were a VIP redeemable set, we’d all be equally unhappy, that is except for infamous trickster @StyleCounselor. Of course in that scenario, the set would get lost.
I think this set is just okay and I could not fathom spending $20 on it.
Stickers on the insides of panel pieces?
That makes the set an instant, hard 'no'.
@BLProductions said:
" @Graysmith said:
"I guess I should stop commenting on Brickset, feels kinda shitty to be accused of "moaning" and being unhappy for stating your honest opinion."
By all means, do as you will. You are neither required nor expected to comment here or on any article. It's entirely up to you.
That said, we should all be careful about population sampling here, instead of lumping everyone into one group. Are the people complaining that this set isn't a GWP the same people who normally bemoan GWPs with expensive sets? Or are the GWP-haters happy with this, and the people questioning this decision those who are usually ok with GWPs? If you have previously shown dislike for GWPs and you're happy this set isn't, consider yourself excluded from the group @Huw was thinking about.
Also, "I feel like this set should've been a GWP" doesn't necessarily equate to "I would have preferred this set to have been a GWP." This set seems like it was designed as a GWP that got released for regular retail (note even the set number, 40746 ). That does not mean I wanted it to be a GWP. It might've been better to get this free with a $100 set than having to pay a full $120 for both... but this boils down to whether you intend to get the main WV Post Office set or not. Edit: @b2_O beat me to it. :)
Finally, only one person in the comments (of this review) so far has actually expressed the above concern. @StyleCounselor was just up to his usual tricks."
What??!! LOVE?
@yellowcastle said:
"If only this were a VIP redeemable set, we’d all be equally unhappy, that is except for infamous trickster @StyleCounselor. Of course in that scenario, the set would get lost.
I think this set is just okay and I could not fathom spending $20 on it."
Yeah, does seem a bit pricey for what you get... stckers.
Master, I trust in the Force. So far, the Force is "In Warehouse." Say a lil' Force prayer fir me. :]
I’m happy it’s a smaller set sold separately. I’m lucky if I can afford smaller sets, let alone ones that costs hundreds just to get the GWP.
@StyleCounselor said:
[[ @yellowcastle said:
[[If only this were a VIP redeemable set, we’d all be equally unhappy, that is except for infamous trickster @StyleCounselor . Of course in that scenario, the set would get lost.
I think this set is just okay and I could not fathom spending $20 on it.]]
Yeah, does seem a bit pricey for what you get... stckers.
Master, I trust in the Force. So far, the Force is "In Warehouse." Say a lil' Force prayer fir me. :]]]
Life is a mystery
Every set must stand alone
I hear you call it’s name
And it feels like home
From being a 3 day backorder the Batmobile caught up with Santa's Post Office and Delivery Truck and they all arrived together. Nice.
@yellowcastle said:
[[ @StyleCounselor said:
[[ @yellowcastle said:
[[If only this were a VIP redeemable set, we’d all be equally unhappy, that is except for infamous trickster @StyleCounselor . Of course in that scenario, the set would get lost.
I think this set is just okay and I could not fathom spending $20 on it.]]
Yeah, does seem a bit pricey for what you get... stckers.
Master, I trust in the Force. So far, the Force is "In Warehouse." Say a lil' Force prayer fir me. :]]]
Life is a mystery
Every set must stand alone
I hear you call it’s name
And it feels like home
]]
Hallelujah!
Can I get an Amen?
This is the type of discussion I wish was in the Discord, and not here.
Good review as always.
I'm very happy this is a regular set and not a GWP. About bloody time! Just a damn shame all the previous Icons vintage/classic vehicles werent free to purchase. Vintage/classic vehicles in lego are extremely rare!
We used to get vehicles occasionally with modular buildings and WV, sadly some swines whinged so that is no longer the case (I will never understand the hate towards vehicles in the modular buildings, they added to the set and out of what 17 modulars? only 4 even had vehicles)
As for this, its a nice little van. Not sure how I feel about the open cab. Its true some early model cars/trucks had open cabs but I think this is a little too open for me. A 2 wide windscreen is too small, shouldve been four.
I wish lego would get over its obsession with 8 wide vehicles. They are too large and dont scale well with other sets, especially buildings.
I look forward to getting multiple of this for parts for vintage vehicles and I commend CapnRex for calling for proper spoked wheels.
The problem however is this is $32.99 AUD. That is ridiculously overpriced. No, I dont want this as a GWP, but that doesnt mean it cant be fairly priced. Especially when you consider the size and detail of other lego vehicles I can get for $33 AUD.
The mismatched colours arent great but I accept its Christmas coloured and thats okay. Good point about the white parts, they are weird and confusing given there is some snow on the truck as well.
@Brickchap said:
"Good review as always.
I'm very happy this is a regular set and not a GWP. About bloody time! Just a damn shame all the previous Icons vintage/classic vehicles werent free to purchase. Vintage/classic vehicles in lego are extremely rare!
We used to get vehicles occasionally with modular buildings and WV, sadly some swines whinged so that is no longer the case (I will never understand the hate towards vehicles in the modular buildings, they added to the set and out of what 17 modulars? only 4 even had vehicles)
As for this, its a nice little van. Not sure how I feel about the open cab. Its true some early model cars/trucks had open cabs but I think this is a little too open for me. A 2 wide windscreen is too small, shouldve been four.
I wish lego would get over its obsession with 8 wide vehicles. They are too large and dont scale well with other sets, especially buildings.
I look forward to getting multiple of this for parts for vintage vehicles and I commend CapnRex for calling for proper spoked wheels.
The problem however is this is $32.99 AUD. That is ridiculously overpriced. No, I dont want this as a GWP, but that doesnt mean it cant be fairly priced. Especially when you consider the size and detail of other lego vehicles I can get for $33 AUD.
The mismatched colours arent great but I accept its Christmas coloured and thats okay. Good point about the white parts, they are weird and confusing given there is some snow on the truck as well."
I don't mind the white parts, if look at sicker that says post on top shows snow.
The snow on the vehicle justt adds to christmas theme.
If was no snow I really bet there would be big uproar of comments.
At least it was not a white truck, now that be a nightmare.
I know AUS is expensive from other comments compared other countries...
I think.. But $20 in U.S. is normal price GWP. so considering it is not, Seem's a fair price.
Any way you can get it from another country? Bring price down? Have no clue on conversion rate, Just a thought.
@CapnRex101 said:
"I like the different widths of the front and rear wheels"
This really confused me at first, so I had to look up the building instructions. The wheels are the same width front and rear. What CapnRex101 meant is that the front and rear wheel *tracks* are different - "wheel track" is how wide the vehicle is at the wheels (more specifically the measure between the centerlines of the wheels). It's the counterpart to wheelbase, or how far apart the wheels are front-to-back.
I don't understand why a delivery truck needs those tools. Saw, hammer, chisel, paints, etc . Surley those tools should be in the workshop where the toys are made. I can understand a breakdown kit in a delivery truck, but the existing ones suggest toys are being made inside the delivery truck. Weird.
I have to stop reading Brickset reviews........for the sake of my wallet!
After reading the review on this little set, I ordered it alongside the (new) WV Post Office. I then went on to research the WV collection which, hithereto, I had not taken any notice of and, unfortunately, the 'completist' in me is itching to get the rest of them. Probably also need to self-exclude from Bricklink..............arghhhh!
BTW...Thanks for the review (I think...)
I think GWP should be free a if you buy the related set in a certain date and a normal set to buy if you don't wan't buy the related set...
however, i think this GWP should be included in the Post Office (like original one...) but TLG has should increase the price until 120€...
@Belboz said:
"After reading the review on this little set, I ordered it alongside the (new) WV Post Office."
Betting there was a keyring involved too, to hit the pumpkin threshold!!
Am I the only one that thinks the tree looks incredibly stupid while on top of the car? No way am I leaving it there.
The tree is a cool build though.
A nice little set that I will likely be adding to my cart on my next LEGO.com purchase. That said, I think it could have been made a bit better. I don't understand why a mail delivery truck would have a mobile workshop in the back. It might look more appropriate if the stickers showed shelves of additional letters and parcels rather than the work benches. Also I believe that a halftrack style truck would have better suited the model. Something similar to that driven by the postman in the intro of the animated Christmas movie "Santa Claus is Comin to Town" is better suited for the winter driving! :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYApJ0i2kXs
@Micah86 - moderating a free site is not always easy, trying to balance legitimate, constructive feedback while maintaining an open and respectful community. For instance, there are some folks who routinely don’t want to discuss the article in question, and instead choose to make it their own personal soapbox interspersed with disrespectful language.
I would suspect that the thousands of folks who routinely visit would not concur with your dystopian sentiments.
@Mica86 said:
" @Graysmith said:
"I guess I should stop commenting on Brickset, feels kinda shitty to be accused of "moaning" and being unhappy for stating your honest opinion."
Yuh and by the person who runs the site!
no wonder this place can be such a shithole when even the person running it likes to make jabs at people for expressing a feeling..
Ive been banned before for asking them to moderate this site better..instead they just started joining in on the bullshit.
I wish this place was a place people showed basic respect for each other and could freely share a thought without being bullied.
But Huw's never really taken any steps seemingly to address the spiteful crap..if he has theres no evidence of any effort to encourage healthier discourse that im aware of."
There is a mute option
@Graysmith said:
"I guess I should stop commenting on Brickset, feels kinda shitty to be accused of "moaning" and being unhappy for stating your honest opinion."
You are totally allowed to express your honest opinion as long as said opinion aligns with the minority of people who get offended with differing opinions form their own. This is the world we live in nowadays. Freedom of speech for everyone as long as your speech is the same as the speech of the clique that monitor speeches otherwise you are a bigot/something in 'ite'/something in 'ist' or you are just a horrible person (I've just been playing Portal on Steam - Glados insults you profusely during the whole game! being a horrible person is one of the first she offers)
@dukedishin said:
"Am I the only one that thinks the tree looks incredibly stupid while on top of the car? No way am I leaving it there.
The tree is a cool build though. "
No. Yes. Yes.
I think there is the limit of price for winter village sets- $100. So the truck was designed with the post office oeiginally but the piece count was over the limit. That's why it was separated from the main post office.
@wsmit99 said:
"I like it, but it feels like it was once meant to be a GWP with Santa’s Post office set. I’m not sure if I prefer GWP or retail. Free with purchase is better?
Thanks for the review!"
Why not have both options available? A GWP "pre-release" then a second regular retail.