Review: 42039 24 Hour Racer
Posted by Huw,
LEGO Technic cars have been stuck in a rut in recent years with more-of-the-same Formula 1, 'super-cars' and 4WD vehicles making up the majority of the larger offerings.
How refreshing then, that this year we have been gifted with something new: a Le Mans 24-hour style racing car. I don't think it's based on any specific vehicle but you can see what the designers have been influenced by at Google Images.
This 1200-piece set introduces new parts and a brand new Technic colour, so has a lot going for it.
Box and contents
The front of the box shows the vehicle in a race track environment. The box in the corner shows the measurements: 48x21cm.
On the back, the top image illustrates that the gull wing doors open as does the engine cowling at the rear.
The alternative model, a truck, is shown at the bottom, along with how it can be motorised.
The 1219-parts are not in numbered bags so some sorting is required before tackling construction.
The instructions are in a single 256-page manual.
Inevitably, there is a sticker sheet: Apply them at your peril!
I have to admit that when I saw images of this set a while ago it did not register that the green parts are not regular green but bright green, which has not been used in a Technic set before. There are 11 different parts in this colour, 76 parts in total. That's about 6% of the total parts in the set.
The Panel Curved 3X13X2 is new, used only in this set at the moment but I'm sure it won't be long before it's used in many more.
There are also three new gearbox parts in the set which I'll mention below.
The Build
Construction begins at the back. The first milestone is reached when the rear axle and engine assembly is complete.
Next, the chassis is completed and front wheel assembly added.
The front and rear wheel bearing parts were first used in 2013 in 42000 Grand Prix Racer. They enable compact and efficient suspension, steering and drive mechanisms to be implemented.
Next, the gearbox for the moveable parts of the model is built and panelling fitted along the side.
The gearbox uses three new parts, a red 'Gear Wheel Z16 W. Ø.4,85', a 'Gear Shifter Ring 3M' and a 'Gear Shifter Connector 3M'. These are a vast improvement over the previous incarnations: the gear shift is much more positive and locks in place much better and it is not possible to get the gear the wrong way round as it is with the old dark grey version. Technic expert Crowkillers has produced a video which extols their virtues and shows how they compare with the old versions.
To be honest, the gearbox is a bit superfluous in this model although it does allow a single PF motor to be fitted to drive both the door and engine cowling opening mechanisms.
Here the gull wing doors have been added along with the first wheel arch and headlight. The gear wheel visible on this side of the body is used to manually operate the door and engine cowling opening mechanisms.
The front is now just about complete.
The engine cowling is built and connected to the rear to complete the model.
The completed model
I have no intention of adding the stickers (this is why) but even without them it looks okay.
A view ot the underside shows pretty much all of the gearing.
The wing mirrors rotate and mis-align easily when handling the model for photography :-)
Verdict
If you're a fan of Technic cars you'll love this one, primarily because there's been nothing like it before. It's not as sophisticated as others that have gone before, e.g. it's not 4WD and there's no transmission gearbox but nevertheless it packs in enough functionality to make it an interesting build and a pleasing finished model. The design is not perfect by any means, but it's a good representation of the vehicle it's supposed to be.
The gearbox mechanism for the gull wing doors and engine cowling uses brand new parts that make a much more robust unit. It is however largely unnecessary other than to facilitate operation by a single PF motor.
The bright green and white colour scheme looks fantastic, even without stickers. The new curved panels make perfect wheel arches.
So, overall, it's a great model!
7 likes
57 comments on this article
A review is subjective and thus can't be far from reality. I expressed my opinion of it, you yours.
I felt it was an interesting build and a reasonable looking model. Of course improvements could be made but that's the case for almost all sets.
^This.
I'm a bit of a car fanatic, but feel that Lego is a bit of a let-down the last few years. The Unimog and the few other trucks are great, but as for their cars... It's another one I won't buy. Especially considering how all the stickers of my BMW formula 1 car were pretty much gone within a year.
Thanks for the review
I'm a Technics fan, but not convinced by this set yet. Granted, cars & bikes don't usually do it for me anyway, but just can't help but think it looks overly rushed (and given the new panel, that's probably not the reality.)
Annoyingly, I thought the early-release images showed a better set, and was quite excited by it, but feel the final product is a bit of a let down.
Perhaps if I see it cheap I may give it a shot - wouldn't be the first time I've been left surprised by a build.
One final bit - is your comment 'I have intention of adding the stickers' correct? Your sticker article suggests you wouldn't want to apply them :o)
@Huw, aware on the policy of watermarked images, but does this apply post-release of the set? Would love to add a link to the pre-release image artwork!
Hmm... Am I the only one here that thinks this model looks great? I'm not into Technic so I won't get one but, I think this is just an excellent representation of LMP1 racecar (as mentioned from reviewer - something Lego has never done before, and they nailed it!)
Maybe if this set was less pricy...? :)
I love the look of this set and although I am not generally a Technic fan I will definitely still pick it up at some point. Thanks for the review Huw!
@aldredd, I'll play it safe and not post that image again. I agree that certain aspects of the design shown in the preliminary image were better, particularly the lights.
Have you done the other build as well, or just the main one?? If so, will we get a review of the alternate version??
Once built I tend to leave Technic models in one piece. They take ages to build, and often ages to take apart. So, to answer your question, probably not!
I'm no real fan of Technic racers, but this set looks to be a great parts-pack. Great review. :)
I do wish people would stop complaining about reviews being 'wrong', it's so silly.
I have never in my life bought a Technic set but this one appeals to me more than most. I would certainly consider buying it.
Great review, Huw. I like it when we get good shots of the new parts. I'm not a huge Technic builder, but knowing that, for instance, the new wheel hubs exist is nice in case I ever get off my lazy rear and build that huge a rover I've been planning since forever.
I don't get the negativity. It's got a steering, gearing, and an engine. And it looks just like am LMP car. What more could you want?
@peterlmorris
"I don't get the negativity. It's got a steering, gearing, and an engine. And it looks just like am LMP car. What more could you want?"
Slightly daft comment - would be like getting an awful modular, and saying 'Well, 4 walls, a roof - couple of random minifigs, what's the problem?' - always more to it than that. For me, style is part of it, but I actually look for complexity, particularly in the gearing - which this set lacks (and is pointed out by HUW as well). Still not got the Cargo Plane, which is on my buy list - by the time I've got that, and some other I want, the H2 sets should be upon us, which are sounding very exciting!
Wow, it looks great, and I bet would be really cool if you motorized it.
@Huw, don't be loathe to take them apart. I was once that way, but having taken apart every Technic set between 1977-1994 recently I can tell you that it's not that bad, doesn't take too long, and building alternate models is great! Sometimes the alternates are more creative than the mains.
I see your point, Aldredd. I was thinking about it more from the point of something like the other race cars (as opposed to the off-roaders and "super" cars). They don't usually feature much beyond a diff, suspension, engine and steering. The main draw seems to be their looks.
Also Huw, can we not edit comments? I was posting from my iPhone and didn't notice I accidentally included some crude language. Should be "shots."
Also I don't know what an Ariver is. Should be "rover." Man I really should get more sleep.
^^ Just wait until you get started on models from the studless era, then you'll know why I tend not to :-)
^Yes you can for 5 minutes or so. I've corrected one of them for you.
Thanks for the review Huw! I'm with you on this one, looks like a neat set!
Personally, it'll be one of my first big technic buys in a few years! The plane from last year and the servo-equipped 4x4 before that were tempting, but the different subject matter, new parts, and new colors clinched it for me.
I really enjoyed building this set and, while it lacks the engineering purity of the great Technic Supercars it feels more like the old 'Racers' line and is none the worse for that. Looks pretty good too, even next to my 8461 Williams. Like that car, this will remain stickerless!
I (ultimately) found a picture of the preliminary model. I was surprised to learn that, apparently, a product can still undergo substantial changes until it’s released!
Although the headlights a much more streamlined in the preliminary model, I feel like the parts used there are "don’t belong” in a Technic set. Moreover, I actually like that they used the more remarkable Toyota-like front end over the sleeker design of most other cars in this racing class.
Funny that the back seems to have undergone a transformation in the other direction: there used to be a connection between the cabin and the rear wing like the Toyota has, but this connection is left out in the final product.
Finally, I agree that the wheel arches are very square but this doesn’t bother me so much that I wouldn’t buy it.
Sad to see someone "commenting" on this review just to shamelessly promote their own (or, so I presume).
I understand this set will not quite rock the boat for Technic afficionados, being a bit simple, and for those looking for an exact replica of this kind of car it certainly leaves something to desire, but I like it for what it is. I'm not a big Technic buyer, but this might be an interesting buy for this year.
I'll be picking this one up. I'm on the fence re: the looks. Completely agree that they've *almost* nailed the LMP racer look, but the leading edge, where the wings drop down into the headlights looks to be too abrupt for my liking. I'm sure these cars are designed with streamlining in mind.
However, I don't really buy Technic for the looks, I buy it because I'm fascinated by the engineering that goes into it, and this looks like it certainly delivers on that front.
Cheers Huw!
Since endurance racing is my favorite branch of the sport, I ought to be very excited by this, but I must admit the over-blocky shape, especially at the front, leaves me cold. I'd much rather have the Cargo Plane than this model, although the new bearings and gearbox parts do interest me very much.
Huw's review, while positive, was certainly thorough enough to confirm my initial prejudices. Some nice parts, but not enough to make me want to buy it as a parts pack, and nothing like enough functionality to interest me in a model I don't feel captures the look of the subject very well. What's more, if you're going to make opening doors one of the features of the model, then the doors should be convincingly door-like!
The only real thing that I absolutely do not like about this model is the nearly square wheel well design... I know Lego's goal is to keep it simple, practical, and cost efficient, but the side view of this model absolutely kills it for me...
^^ I agree with thehornedrat's comments above about having the workings exposed. It is one of the principle features of the http://brickset.com/sets/8448-1/Super-Street-Sensation that sets it apart from the other cars. With the transparent cylinder heads, you can also see how the engine works.
I am not such a fan of this 42039 racer and disappointed the PF only operates the doors and engine cowling in the same way as 42000. I may still get it though for the new colour and parts. I have been thinking of building an E-Type Jaguar ever since building the Mini Cooper mark VII and perhaps the colour and curved panels would work.
I am waiting for LEGO to produce a comparable Super Car to 8448.
I like your review, Huw, and agree with most of your thoughts. Disassembling the 42030: Volvo L350F Wheel Loader took just a long as building it however the A25F Volvo Hauler is an impressive second model and well worth the effort.
I will be getting this from my work and since I get discourse I can get it for 80quid ;)
It mentions Power Functions as a add on but how much does the Power Functions set improve the model and if so does it state in the Technic instructions when to implement the Power Functions items?
I don't like this set... at all, for the following reasons:
1) I'm not a Technic fan at all.
2) It's too expensive. (Not in terms of price-per-piece, it's just a really pricey set!)
3) I don't particularly care for Bright Green.
4) How does a model regress that much in stages of production? Ugh. It's just too blocky, which isn't right when you've got a myriad of sleek panels to use.
5) It doesn't look enough like an actual Le Mans car.
6) WAY too many stickers.
So a definite no for me.
I hate technic. Too many little bits, too time consuming. With that said, I actually really like this vehicle. I was overwhelmed with the bit of technic on the VW Camper, so I can't imagine being able to build something of this size, but it actually surprised me in how well it looks.
I am not a fan of racing at all either, but I know what look they were going for here. Very well done. I'd gladly take one for free to review ;), but I doubt I will end up buying one. UNLESS somehow I come into a lot of extra money and can afford all of the other sets I want too.
Is there a price or release on this?
@onejdmbrick84, I wouldn't bother with the power functions as all it does is automate the opening and closing of the doors and cowling, and illuminates the headlights.
^ £99.99/$99.00 out now.
Is $99 USD official...? That seems low for a 1,200 piece Technic set... I was thinking it would be around $119 or even $129...
I can't believe the negativity. Must be a lot of younger people commenting. Being a 44 year old motorsports fan, I think this is a very welcome change from the typical Technic models. Technic has had far too many utilitarian models. Sooo many dum(b)trucks and cranes. Few models with any sense of speed. And the people complaining about the "blockiness" of a LEGO SET? Are you delusional? It's Lego. These parts are made to be usable again and again, not for super-specific models. "Kids", leave the Technic reviews to the "adults" and don't comment if you're going to use the word "hate".
Now this is bad Technic : http://brickset.com/sets/42008-1/Service-Truck Regardless of the functions, that's just ugly. How can anyone get excited by a tow truck.
Personally I would like to see some MACHINES or even buildings in the Technic line. There are very good examples that could be used. Lego, Technic should not ONLY mean vehicles, bring some of the ideas from the educational side to the consumer.
I'm not a huge technic fan, but I may have to consider picking this one up...
I love Le Mans race cars and this set, but the more I look at it im just not that impressed and it will take a good bit of room on my shelf. Will wait for the F40.
That French review linked to at the top of the comments is HILARIOUS!
It treats this Technic set like it was a Creator Expert set.
Personally, I think it's nice to see something different from LEGO in the Technic area. A Le Mans proto is unusual and not something I recall LEGO ever releasing before.
Alexanderbrett, do you see alot of square wheels wells when you watch motorsports..? I am 40 years old and work on cars for a living and have yet to experience ever seeing that... Also, many of us have seen the prelim pics of this model and are a bit let down because the officially released model is a complete 180 from what we had previously viewed...
It is a nice overall looking model, but it is hard to dismiss the squareness of the wheel arches.. Even "kids" can recognize that... This is where IMO the "Blockiness" comments are coming from...
The primary goal of the Technic line is all about functions... Not sure how many functions that you can pack into a building.. Maybe an elevator or something like that...
I would like to see an official GBC with about 5 or 6 modules as a Flagship set... I think that would be pretty awesome...
Here is a link to one of the preliminary confidential images from TLG and I can see why some people are disappointed. The whole front end of the car has been redesigned which has negatively affected the wheel wells, lights and front cowling.
http://fourtitude.com/news/motorsport_news_6/choice-gear-upcoming-lego-technic-racecar-set-may-green-see-r18/
^^^ Not to mention the cockpit area going from very nice looking to very simple and bland....
The preliminary set looks more streamlined like a LMP1 racer should. The addition of including real world companies like shell for sponsoring makes the car seem more realistic.
42008 is fantastic, in my opinion. So there you go! Then again I love each Technic set in different ways and for different reasons -- even those 5-piece Japanese sets in the early 2000s.
This set is certainly dividing opinion, isn't it, and is a good example of why LEGO don't like preliminary images being published.
@Huw, I am surprised that the model has changed so much from the preliminary images of 2014.
Given that the image shows box art, I would have thought the actual set would have already passed design approval and had some focus group feedback. The model as shown in 2014 "looks" superior to the model that has been released to the public in 2015.
Do you know why there would be so much variation? Is it normal for any set (regardless of theme) to have such significant design changes?
I've been a lurker for ages, but just to show how much this set polarises opinion I've signed up to comment :)
Every year I look at the LMP cars at Goodwood Festival of Speed and in the flesh the bodywork doesn't feel all-enveloping; I think the Technic panels capture very well the sense of barely covered mechanicals.
Initially I didn't like the change from the preliminary design but looking at it now I've changed my mind. The lights may be arguably less attractive on the final product but they are more true to life, and the wheelarches on the prototype are terrible. I'm a big fan of this set, and there really is no doubt exactly what it is.
Im not a fan, not sure why but its just doesn't work for me. The review photos possibly didnt help, I think the stickers would have helped it look better.
Preliminary pic looks better to me as well. I imagine they had their reasons for making the changes, but why on Earth would they change the number that is stickered to the side? Did a survey of 12-year-olds say they preferred the number 6 to the number 83???
Funny thing is that in one of the Official Lego videos(can't remember which one), there is a shot of the 42039 prelim model on a poster on one of the walls of one of the Technic offices.. If you look real close, you can see that it is designed completely different than the final model that was released.. It even had Dark Blue Gray Steering arms in the rear suspension...
http://i.imgur.com/xvJKryW.jpg
Re: stickers, I'm having the same peeling issue, and this with the UCS Super Star Destroyer set's specs label, which in my opinion is particularly egregious, given how much that set cost.
It's been a while since a new Technic set has been discussed so vehemently in the comments, so apparently this endurance racer seems to strike a cord, whether you like it or not.
Regarding the looks I'd like to add that if you compare the pictures of this NO-STICKERS review here on brickset.com with the ALL-STICKERS-APPLIED review on Rebrickable ( http://rebrickable.com/blog/2015/review-lego-technic-42039-24-hours-race-car ) I feel the stickers do make a massive and positive difference to the looks of the finished model!
Anyway, as a Technics fan I really like this model and can't wait to pick on up asap, hehehe...
Great review Huw, thanks!
I not decided on this set. I agree with those above that real LMP racers have large open panels. The bottom view really shows off the engineering, but there are some nasty right angles where there should be none.
I won a £100 from a drawcat work and will probably be putting it toward a Tumbler than on this. Let's see what the summer sets bring
I can't say that I care much for this set at all. The chassis appears fine enough, if lacking a bit of originality, but the outer body work just doesn't look right at all. It's almost as if there are too many panels competing for the space.
I bought 42008 to mix parts with this one, so I'm very disappointed that it's bright green. I do love the 42008 though, so it worked out fine for me. I agree with the majority that the preliminary model was more attractive, but I quite like the final design and it wouldn't be that hard to MOC the prelim on this chassis( although not in the same colour, it would have been simple if it was just green...) Not a fan of the new wheel arches, I would have preferred flex axles there.
My main issue (though I don't have the set, can't afford it) is the Power Functions features this one and the F1 have had. Instead of full function PF RC control, they choose silly stuff to motorize that isn't normally motorized, like the hood and doors. The LEDs on this one are a cool feature, though.
I'm not a big fan of Technic, but I think this is one of the better looking ones in recent memory.
Now that I've seen the pics of the prelim model, I can see what all of the fuss is about. It looks fantastic.
So now I have a theory on the drastic changes. Now please forgive me, but I don't know the source material too well, maybe someone who knows LeMans cars better can pitch in here.
Is it at all possible that the car looked too good? It looked too much like an actual, existing car?
Remember that this is an un-licensed set, if Lego's lawyers (or anyone else's for that matter) thought it looked too much like an actual LeMans car, it would need to become licensed, or risk litigation.
It is possible that the model was butchered to avoid possible litigation issues?
Personally I would get this set for model B rather than the one as above. I think the Racing SUV (not sure if that's the proper name) is better looking and more innovative. I would want LED lights so probably see if I can get the PF Led Lights from eBay or even the Lego store or such places are Bricklink.
Definitely getting the Record Breaker and the Racing Truck - for the latter,again, I would build Model B cos its a Street Car and looks better not to mention more in my line of interest being a petrolhead.
Not sure about the Racing Buggy though :(
It all helps knowing I get 20% staff discount though ;)
^^ I wondered that myself.
COOL!!!!!!!
Is this coming to the United States? I checked the Lego Shop at Home and it wasn't there. I hope it comes to the U.S. because it looks awesome.
I made an animated stop motion speed build review of this video. I think it could be helpful for you too. Here is a link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHxoHAM6P50