Review: 60159 Jungle Halftrack Mission
Posted by CapnRex101,
The Arctic range proved incredibly successful in 2014 and LEGO CITY has since explored the deep sea in 2015 and a volcanic landscape last year. This summer we are travelling to the jungle in search of unusual wildlife and ancient ruins.
60159 Jungle Halftrack Mission captures the essence of the subtheme through the inclusion of a brand new panther, a couple of exploration vehicles and a lost shrine. The set costs £24.99 or $39.99 so is towards the cheaper end of the Jungle range and seems to offer excellent value given the impressive selection of items included, particularly based on the comparatively low price in the UK.
Minifigures
This set includes two jungle explorers, each of whom wears a new dark orange uniform which I like very much. They are fully equipped with radios, straps and climbing equipment which is printed on both sides of the torsos but the legs are plain which looks a little odd to me. Some pockets and a belt would certainly have been appropriate, although the dark blue colour scheme works very well against dark orange.
The female explorer features a relatively rare dark brown hair piece with a bun and her head is brand new. One side is printed with a smile while the other shows some beads of sweat and a frightened expression, as though she has just spotted the panther in the undergrowth! The male explorer wears a dark tan cap and includes a head which has appeared many times before, featuring some stubble and a confident smirk.
The explorers are equipped with a range of accessories including a camera, a metal detector and a radio. However, the most interesting is the new machete element which is cast in pearl silver and looks splendid. I like the textured handle and the shape of the blade seems quite realistic. It is pleasing to note that this implement appears in almost every Jungle set, even the smallest ones.
The Completed Model
The new animals are undoubtedly the highlight of the set in my opinion. I like the detailed moulding of the red spider which comes complete with rows of eyes, fangs and a textured abdomen. Some printing on the eyes would have been nice to see but they are very tiny so this may not have been possible, even using LEGO's precision printing technology. The panther, on the other hand, does include printed eyes and these are a piercing green shade which contrasts beautifully against the black coat.
The forelegs are fixed in place but the panther's hind legs and head can be articulated, allowing it to stand as if about to climb as demonstrated below. This is reminiscent of the brown bear introduced in 2012's Forest Police subtheme and I think it looks great in either stance, particularly since the legs and tail are shaped very effectively to give the impression of movement. Hopefully more animals will be released in the coming years of LEGO CITY.
Most of the new Jungle sets include a ruin and these seem to be what the explorers are searching for. The set description suggests that this structure was once a temple and some foliage surrounds the doorway which looks great, although a couple of larger leaves might have been useful. I like the tan tooth elements which generate some carved details and the golden elements above the entrance are very impressive.
A trans-red gem is hidden inside the temple, just out of reach for a minifigure. Unfortunately, there are a couple of brightly coloured elements visible behind the ruby and these look very awkward surrounded by the natural colours of stone and greenery. It is worth noting that the 1x1 tan slopes at the base are shown upside down in the official images but the instructions show them arranged as in the image below which looks much better to me.
A hook allows the explorers to attach a dark bluish grey chain and drag part of the temple, complete with the gem, towards the entrance. This causes a section of the roof to collapse and releases a spider. I would question the archaeological viability of this solution as it is obviously very destructive but the feature is quite enjoyable!
Turning the model around reveals an absolute mess of colourful pieces. I am not sure what the blue Technic pins are intended to represent and the other brightly coloured components should certainly have been replaced with something more appropriate for the jungle. Nevertheless, the model looks alright from the front and includes an interesting play feature so I am fairly satisfied with it on the whole.
A small ATV allows the explorers to ferry supplies through even densely vegetated areas of the jungle. The chassis is very simple but I like the large tyres and the high ground clearance allows the truck to roll over rough terrain with ease. Headlights are fixed to the front and there is room for a minifigure to sit inside, controlling the truck with a blue steering wheel.
A crate is fitted behind the driver and this component has only appeared in light bluish grey twice before so I am pleased to see it again. The box is packed with accessories, including a chicken leg which can be cooked over the campfire or used to distract the panther, as suggested in the set description and on the box. It is also worth noting that you can attach the other end of the chain to a hook at the back of the vehicle.
The half-track truck is considerably larger than the ATV and it looks marvellous overall. I like the flame yellowish orange colour scheme and the unusual wheel configuration is welcome as half-tracks are a comparatively rare sight in LEGO sets. The tracks at the rear sit a little higher than the balloon tyres at the front, giving the entire model a slight forward rake which looks great when viewed from the front or side.
The radiator at the front is protected by a black bullbar and another pair of grilles are fitted to the top of the bonnet. I like the textured bricks used above the front wheels to represent suspension, although white was perhaps not the most appropriate colour choice in this case as suspension springs are more often seen in a bright primary colour or in black. Either option would have presented a pleasing contrast with the yellow bodywork.
There are clips for storing even more tools on either side of the cab and stickers represent the doors. I would rather have seen functioning doors and the absence of a short access ladder is disappointing, although this seems to be the standard for LEGO CITY trucks at the moment. Additional stickers are used on the flatbed side panels and these include the set number alongside a rather nice panther symbol.
Removing the roof reveals a seat for the driver and a steering wheel. The upholstery is blue to match that of the ATV and the windscreen is trans-light blue which looks great. A similar colour scheme appears throughout the Jungle range so all the vehicles match very nicely when they are displayed together. I like the rear window too, especially as the outer surface is protected from damage by a black cage.
The flatbed area is surrounded by silver stickers featuring a lovely chequer plate pattern and there are a couple of brake lights at the back. You can slot the crate into this space and there is room for some other accessories or minifigures as well. A hook is also included for the chain but some blue pieces used for the track mechanism are visible from the rear which is bothersome. These should definitely have been concealed as they look totally out of place beside the black and grey of the chassis, although you might imagine that they represent brightly coloured shock absorbers.
However, the tracks themselves function very effectively, even on smooth surfaces. Two hidden wheels with rubber rims offer precisely the same diameter as the treads and these are placed between them to grip the ground and turn the tracks as you roll the truck forwards and backwards. A similar feature has appeared on several previous occasions in recent years but this example has been implemented particularly well.
Overall
LEGO has evidently found a successful formula in releasing a series of exploration-based sets in each summer CITY wave since 2014 and this is an excellent example of what the Jungle range has to offer. The flame yellowish orange colour scheme of the exploration vehicles looks good and I really appreciate the new animals, with the panther being the highlight of the set in my opinion.
However, I cannot help but feel a little disappointed by the trucks in comparison with those released in last year's Volcano Explorers range. The 2016 selection included a couple of new parts which distinguished them from the many similar vehicles which had gone before and the same level of innovation is not present this year. Nevertheless, 60159 Jungle Halftrack Mission offers great value and I would certainly recommend it, particularly if you are not intending to purchase either of the largest sets in the wave.
I hope you have found this review informative. Let us know by liking this article and share your thoughts on the set in the comments below.
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30 comments on this article
I didn't know if I would get this, but thanks to you maybe I'll get it. I still don't like that there's an ATV. Lego makes too much of them. Still thinking about 76059 (Spider-Man: Doc Ock's Tentacle Trap).
Have to agree about the odd bright colours marring the set & the minifig legs look like they're from a completely different minifig. Even just a belt print would have helped
Great review! The man's hat has actually appeared in this color before, in 60065.
Nice review! Those bright colors are annoying. And didn't know the new machete existed. Will have to bricklink some.
@Coson - Thanks, not sure how I missed that!
The vintage jungle sets from the Adventurers line are in my top three Lego themes ever, so I was very hopeful for these.
But these sets are so very, very "vehicular", and lack the fanciful terrain and ruins.
I'm disappointed, despite the neat new pieces.
Pretty cool set with a good deal of play value.
I don't agree with the statement regarding a general lack of half-tracks however, while that may be the case with City, one does not need to look further than Ninjago for half-tracked vehicles!
I like new parts and animals, but so many vehicles, that i wont buy the sets. Jungle is all about animals and trees and hidden treasures and ruins and so on, but no vehicles.
Too many vehicles, not enough jungle.
I'm pretty excited for this theme. Although some of the vehicles aren't super exciting, I really like the figs and the animals, and some of the scenery pieces are nice too. Not sure if I'll go for this one, but that Panther is enticing.
I had the opportunity to purchase this set last night. I'm regretting not doing so.
The set is better than I thought but could have utilized a carnivore plant.
"LEGO's precision printing technology" Haha, yeah right. They can't even print a regular stamp on a simple flat surface correctly. Almost all of my minifigures have leg and torso prints that don't line up.
Now that we have a proper machete piece we need an old time goalie mask to go along with it.
I was one of those who liked the Arctic line and its a nice effort by Lego to try and recapturing its success, but changing the environment isn't likely to cut it. Although I do enjoy the Feline additions to the animal kingdom. in Lego form.
A machete? With that, an axe, golf club, baseball bat, and katana, I can finally amass a proper anti-zombie arsenal in LEGO!
Nice!!!
I really like the ruins and the animals in the jungle sets, but am just not as interested in the vehicles. I wish they had made at least one jungle set that was 75-100% buildings/fauna/flora with little to no trucks/atvs/helicopters etc. Although I really like the jungle theme in theory, I'm still on the fence about whether I'll actually get any. Obviously lots of people do like vehicles and that's great, but why does every single set have to be dominated by them? I can't be the only one who'd like more plants and critters.
I love the look of these jungle sets and will be getting them for my son for his birthday and Christmas. He will be over the moon for them and will love the vehicles, but even for him I think there are too many vehicles and not enough scenery. I agree that one or two of the sets should ideally have been focussed on more scenery and fewer vehicles.
How can a jungle theme have so few trees? But those big cats are a bit good though.
@shaase : 2018 city camping subteme?
Not enough buildings in new sets? If only there was a way to build your own...
I, too dislike vehicles in general and was hoping for a more typical jungle approach but since kids love vehicles, I guess they have the final say. Still I will try to buy this set for the panther alone.
I may buy the set, and sell the vehicles.
This Jungle theme has really captured my interest from when I used to have many of the Jungle Adventurers line, or the Pirates Islanders. Of course the ruins aren't perfect due to the focus on vehicles and there are some slight mods that could be done to the them, but if you take it as an inspiration there's lots of fun & potential here.
The image on the back of the Jungle theme instructions is a good example of just how an expanded Jungle layout could work! I already have a tonne of 2x2 pearl gold plates and tan bricks, so I think I'll be looking to build an Aztec Pyramid when I have time so there's 'really' something to explore!
Another very useful review from CapnRex!
You're absolutely right about the tan cheese slopes at the base of the ruins: they should be wide side down as shown in the instructions and your review, not narrow side down as pictured in LEGO's images. Wide side down looks better, is more stable architecturally and resembles the stylised feet of the carving straddling the entrance.
I feel the ruins would have benefited from a base plate a few studs longer. It would have allowed you to stand the minifigures or panther there.
I'm also disappointed by some of the colourful pieces. Fortunately, they are easily hidden or replaced.
Despite its shortcomings, I like this set. I have been trying to get it for a few days but can't find it near me yet.
Great review, Capn! While I don't usually get these sets I find it interesting to see how a panther is represented here vs. how a panther is represented in the Elves world (the set I've just built - review to be coming soon). I like this panther a lot, while the ones in the Elves set is the same as a cat but in a different colour.
@Lordmoral - I'm with you on the carnivore plant, but delighted to say that it's in the Elves set!
I like this set but they definitely should've gotten rid of the ATV and lowered the price to $30.
I think my thoughts line up with everybody else. The animals are pretty cool, but I'm not so keen on the vehicle-focus, and will probably pass on most of these.
More Indiana Jones than Time Team as far as the respect for archaeology goes I see. Because I like some if the vehicles in this range I'll probably get this and the one with the 6-wheeled truck. The rest of the bricks will go in the parts boxes.
Less vehicles, more adventuring playsets!