Review: 42117 Race Plane
Posted by Huw,
42117 Race Plane is another entry-level Technic set that's being released on January 1st.
It introduces a number of new teal pieces, and that is likely to be the main reason for AFOLs to give it a second look.
Stickers for many of the flat surfaces are provided although I didn't apply them. The most interesting aspect about them is the aircraft registration: OK is the ICAO code for planes registered in the Czech Republic and I think we can assume that JMR are the initials of the presumably Czech designer.
It's interesting how so few pieces of a particular colour can given the impression of a lot more. Of the 145 pieces in the set, just 18 are teal, of which the wings, 7l beams and small panels used on the tailplane are new in the colour.
It's also interesting to note that about 30 of the pieces, 20% of the total, are System parts.
The propeller is geared to the front wheels so rotates as it's pushed along the ground.
It's a nice-looking model, even without the stickers and I'm sure kids will have hours of fun swooshing it around the room. Being Technic, it's particularly suited to that as it's less likely to fall apart while doing so than a System model.
For AFOLs, other than the teal parts which will be useful to add to 51515 Robot Inventor, there's not much to recommend it.
Instructions for this model of a rather strange looking craft will be available online when the set is released.
It will be available on 1st January for £9.99 / $9.99 / €9.99.
Thanks to LEGO for providing the set for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
62 likes
16 comments on this article
The only thing about this, that really makes this somewhat desirable to me, are the Teal pieces for Rock Raiders MoC.
Those stickers tho, it looks like you cover 1/2 of the plane's surface area with them.
I wonder when something becomes too entry level it loses its appeal to the traditional 10+ age group, especially when difficult to compete against more interesting models with twice the pieces such as 42092, which is available now at discount in Amazon for £16.67.
Wow, I think the official term for the B-model would be a 'Push-prop canard delta-wing'. In fact it looks quit a bit like a Rafale of Typhoon (except for the propellor of course, and the vertical stabiliser which is quite far forward).
yep the price point + play feature + b-model sold me, day 1 sale here
It gives me similar vibes as the B model of set
42044 display team jet. That is still one of my favorite technic sets of all time. This looks really good, and it’s TEAL!!!
Hey, a jet with a propeller. Way to go!
I don’t know why, but this set is so cute. :)
Those wings feel so much more aerodynamic than many wings in traditional system builds that are almost totally stud covered on top. This is definitely a purchase, and I rarely buy Technic.
@JPKuiper said:
"Wow, I think the official term for the B-model would be a 'Push-prop canard delta-wing'. In fact it looks quit a bit like a Rafale of Typhoon (except for the propellor of course, and the vertical stabiliser which is quite far forward)."
I was thinking the exact same thing when I first saw that.
$10 for a P-51D Mustang, I think I'll be buying at least one.
I know it's not the first set to reintroduce it (that honor goes to 51515) but as a child of the '90s I love that we're getting teal parts in Technic sets again. It's such a great color.
This set isn't that complex but it looks great for what it is, especially considering the scale. Functionally it reminds me of 8246, which was always fun to scoot around.
The B-model almost looks like a scaled-down version of the jet alternate from 42040 Fire Plane, but with a pusher prop and canards. Very interesting design...
For $10 it's a no-brainer (will most likely be $14 in Canada). Still, the helicopter polybag is more interesting than this (I will still buy it because it does something 'technical' and the mechanism is visible - my definition of Technic). At 4 gears, it probably has just as much as the Jeep Wrangler - if not more (same is true for the polybag!) As far as colours go, I believe new colours are good only if there is a large enough assortment to build a complete model in that colour - the variety in teal is becoming interesting. I don't mind at all system parts in Technic model; in fact I encourage it. I started Technic with 853 , 855 , 857 , 852 and they all had copious amount of system parts (in fact, significantly more than Technic parts).
It has a very oldschool 90's look to it which I think is very appealing.
Why does the top-down picture make it look like the plane is turning to the left? The tail appears to be aligned with the framing of the photo, but somehow the wings are tilted to the left?
@blogzilly:
It's got airflow channels through the wings so the air has a quicker path to the back of the plane, and doesn't have to waste time detouring above or below the wings. Superfast!
I bought 2 sets for adding to 51515. I'll ditch the orange parts, and the rest can be added to my 51515 box.