Official images of summer Technic sets
Posted by Huw,
LEGO has released official images of the two Technic sets that'll be released on August 1st: 42128 Heavy-Duty Tow Truck and 42129 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trial Truck.
The former includes pneumatics while the latter uses Powered Up components and is controlled from your smartphone.
View more pictures and read the descriptions after the break, then look out for our reviews which we'll be publishing mid-July.
42128 Heavy-Duty Tow Truck
- 2017 pieces
- 149.99 EUR / 139.99 GBP / 269.99 AUD / 149.99 USD / 199.99 CAD
When it comes to rescuing stranded vehicles, this LEGO Technic Heavy-duty Tow Truck takes any job in its stride. Take your time building this mighty truck then check out all its neat features and classic design details. With realistic pneumatic and mechanical functions, this model is the perfect way to experience the power of a classic tow truck.
Open up the world of engineering with this LEGO Technic Heavy-duty Tow Truck (42128) model. Packed with details, it’s a great tribute to the world’s best-loved tow trucks. Check out its authentic grille, air filters, lights, tailpipe, and fresh colour scheme. Then explore all the pneumatic and mechanical functions that make this model so realistic.
A construction toy packed with working functions. This tow truck toy with crane is filled with impressive features. Open the hood to see the 6-cylinder inline engine with moving pistons. Steer by rotating the pin on the roof. Activate the crane, pump up the boom, pull out the winch and extend the outriggers.
And for the first time in LEGO Technic history, this vehicle has a lifting axle to pull down extra wheels and spread the weight of loads. A great introduction to engineering. LEGO Technic sets feature realistic movement and mechanisms that introduce LEGO builders to the universe of engineering in an approachable and realistic way.
- Explore the engineering brilliance of classic tow trucks with this LEGO Technic Heavy-duty Tow Truck 42128 toy building kit. Enjoy the build, then explore the model’s many features and functions.
- Just like a real heavy-duty tow truck, this model features pneumatic pump functions including an extending lifting boom, a lifting crane boom and an extending crane boom.
- Check out all the mechanical functions like the rotating crane, working winch, outriggers, boom, plus the lifting axle which pulls down extra wheels for uneven loads – a first for LEGO Technic!
- This truck toy set makes a cool gift for kids and teens aged 11 and up who love mechanical toys. It’s also a great set for kids and adults to explore together while learning about engineering.
- This tow truck with crane model measures over 8.5 in. (22 cm) high (with crane down), 23 in. (58 cm) long (with boom down) and 5.5 in. (14 cm) wide (with outriggers up).
- Steer the truck by rotating the pin on top of the roof. Open the hood to see the 6-cylinder inline engine with moving pistons.
- Classic tow truck design details include the authentic grille, air filters and fresh colour scheme.
42129 4x4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trial Truck
- 2110 pieces
- 299.99 EUR / 274.99 GBP / 499.99 AUD / 299.99 USD / 399.99 CAD
Made for extreme conditions, the 4×4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trial Truck has the power to tackle the roughest terrain. Now you can build your own LEGO Technic version of this mighty machine. Enjoy a challenging build then use the CONTROL+ app to steer the truck and operate the differential locking. Set up obstacles and use the flags to create a trial course. Can anything stop this mighty truck?
Anyone who loves powerful toy trucks and construction toys will have lots of fun building this LEGO Technic 4×4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trial Truck (42129) model. Packed with realistic features, this truck toy offers an engaging build for adults and kids aged 12 and up. Open the cab doors and hood. Check out the working suspension on all 4 wheels and open the service hatch to inspect the gearbox.
The model also features a detailed engine with spinning radiator fan. In a first for LEGO Technic, this model has differential locking. Lock and unlock the differentials using the app to manoeuvre the truck over rough terrain. Explore the app With this model, the build is just the start. Use the CONTROL+ app to put this mighty machine to the test. Use the different control screens to steer and operate the differential locking. With challenges and achievements in the app, there are so many ways to play.
- Fans of construction toys will love building their own model version of the Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trial Truck. Check out all its awesome functions using the LEGO Technic CONTROL+ app.
- This LEGO Technic 4×4 Mercedes-Benz Zetros Trial Truck (42129) model is packed with authentic details like working suspension on all 4 wheels, a detailed gearbox and differential locking.
- Realistic design features include race themed stickers plus 2 fire extinguishers. Use the flags to create an obstacle course and test the truck’s skills across different terrains.
- This is a great set for adults and kids aged 12 and up to enjoy together. It’s also an awesome toy for young LEGO builders looking for a challenging building experience.
- The toy truck model measures over 8 in. (21 cm) high, 19 in. (48 cm) long and 7 in. (19 cm) wide.
- Requires 6 x AA batteries (not included). The battery box disconnects easily, making it simple to change the batteries when required.
- This RC app-controlled LEGO Technic truck is powered using 1 x Bluetooth-controlled smart hub, 3 x large motors and 1 x medium motor, included in the set.
81 likes
80 comments on this article
Love the tow truck.
Wow, that Merc is expensive!
I'm confused. What actually does the Trial Truck do with all those motors? Just go over rough terrain? That's a whole lot of money.
Control +? Sigh....
I miss power functions. Trial truck looks cool but it would have been half the price before.
So which set will be cancelled this time round?
Nice looking sets but neither interest me personally.
Seeing semi-realistic people in a Lego set is WEIRD...
@gylman said:
"I'm confused. What actually does the Trial Truck do with all those motors? Just go over rough terrain? That's a whole lot of money.
Control +? Sigh...."
Love the tow truck as well. Wasn't enthousiastic about the Zetros, but seeing that it supposedly has remote controlled differential locks (and possibly a remotely controlled gearbox?) it's becoming much more interesting.
Of course a decent remote control with haptonomic feedback would be great. Hope to see that some day.
That Mercedes doesn't look like 300 Euro worth of set at all to me.
Easy pass.
The tow truck seems like a much better value proposition. Not the best Technic set ever of course, but certainly better than most recent Technic sets.
And going by past experience, a 150 Euro RRP set will soon be available for around 100 Euro at Amazon, Smyths, etc. which means quite a fair value.
@gylman said:
"I'm confused. What actually does the Trial Truck do with all those motors? Just go over rough terrain? That's a whole lot of money.
Control +? Sigh...."
Goes up 45degree slopes, apparently, according to some of the pics.
Not sure about rough terrain though, not much clearance under those axles. I presume all the gear box and motors are slung between the wheels?
So done with control plus…
@gylman said:
"I'm confused. What actually does the Trial Truck do with all those motors? Just go over rough terrain? That's a whole lot of money.
Control +? Sigh...."
Adds 100% to the price apparently... We will see after reviews are out, but probably 1 motor is for steering, 1 for differential lock and 2 for drive (or 1 for drive and 1 for gearbox switching)?
Still, both sets are at around 2000 parts, tow truck has pneumatics and several actuators and Zetros is twice as expensive? More then 150 Euro for 4 motors, hub and license? This is ridiculous...
they are somewhat "ugly" looking
Cam't say i like any of them, that Merc looks mis mash of parts. Can't see buying either, looking like a poor year of Technic sets
Will pass on the Zetros because of stupid Control+ and the ridiculous price but the Tow Truck looks like a classic Technic model with a reasonable price and pneumatics are always great.
Such a shame that the control+ is so ridiculously expensive.
It ruins sets like this that are now way out of budget for most people.
You only have to look at the smaller Top Gear Rally car at £90 more than the bigger Corvette to see how poor value it is, never mind that you need a smart device to control it too.
LEGO pricing has been putting me off alot of sets recently, they are getting really greedy lately, lets not mention the cost to get the Adidas "freebie".
Woohoo! Pneumatics!! If I had any room left for vehicles of this size, the tow truck would be a definite buy. Still don't like their inline "engine", but since it's covered by a hood 99%+ of the time, not a complete deal-breaker.
The tow truck looks great, but the Merc looks awful and is eye-wateringly overpriced. Whatever happened to a simple battery box + motor?
Love the Tow Truck - except for maybe wondering why "The Thing" from Fantastic 4 is crushing cars, as a logo?!
As for the other one - apparently Control+, plus 90 more pieces + Mercedes = double the price of the tow truck? Owch!
Love that tow truck as well. Finally a strong pneumatics tow truck since 8462.
Not my favorite color scheme, but seems to be a great Technic set with lots of functionality.
Looking forward to Huw's review of it. :-)
Tow truck looks like a lot of model for the functions, but nice that it has pneumatics.
As for the Zetros, don't see what the licensing adds and don't see what this can do that the earlier 42099 can't.
The problem with Control+ is it adds a huge amount of cost. Buy more than 1 set and you end up with a bunch of control boxes and motors that are difficult to configure for other models.
Another day, another “why weren’t these at LEGO Con?”
Wait for at least a 1/3 off Amazon buy both.
These two have almost the same piece count, but one is twice the price of the other. I don’t think Power Functions ever did anything like this.
Looking forward to the reviews!
Tow Truck will be a day one purchase for me, but almost all those stickers will definitely be staying on the sheet!
Locking diffs are impressive for an official set!
Easy pass. Good because I can easily save for other sets now.
I've just seen the photo of these with the designers at New Elementary - that Zetros is enormous!
Do anyone remember when TECHNIC sets were made using bricks instead of a mess of lift-arms and lumps of shaped plastic? I really miss those days...
Because they were too busy showing off the pointless Sian, and staging a lame "Tonka Truck" race.
Like most everyone on this thread, what baffles me is the outrageous cost of their electronics (and also their size). You can get a raspberry pi for $35. Clearly you should be able to get a simple microcontroller for about $5. Buwizz packs tons of functions in a 4x8x3 formats - the new Lego box and motors are huge which does not facilitate concealment. The tow truck seems fine but the boom is way too high (interestingly they only present pictures of it with the boom raised) when it is lowered it should be roughly flush with the cab but in this case will be several studs above with a big giant gap underneath. This would have been a case where the smaller (i.e shorter V1 - they don't make them anymore I believe) pneumatic should have been used to raise the boom - the long pneumatic V2 forced them to put the boom higher otherwise the forces applied would have too much of an horizontal component to it (a bit like 8460 - huge amount of force needed initially to get the thing moving and them the boom would spring up very rapidly).
The jury is still out for the Zetros. It will most likely depends on the transmission. I did not experience the one with the hauler 42114 so I don't know how well it works (from videos I was not impressed) - will it be different? how many speed? have speed gearing been mixed up like 42056 ? do the huge amount of gears generates too much friction? The differential locking is just an on-off switch and has been done in MOCs many time with very efficient and compact designs. Any new parts? A review, or at least a study of the instructions (or both) will be needed to justify the spending. Eventually, you end up with lots of control+ box and these are quite expensive, bulky, heavy and 'so far' do not communicate with each other.
Suddenly, the Ford F-150 becomes really attractive (lots of empty space in it and can be easily modified and motorized)
@GrosPanda1979 said:
"Do anyone remember when TECHNIC sets were made using bricks instead of a mess of lift-arms and lumps of shaped plastic? I really miss those days..."
Decades ago?
A cursory glance at the tow truck shows 11 curved panels. Out of 2017 pieces. Kinda sounds like a 'you' problem
@Minifig290 said:
"So which set will be cancelled this time round?
Nice looking sets but neither interest me personal
Unfortunately, the Tow Truck is being cancelled. The words Tow Truck imply that something is being towed against its will so therefore the set will be cancelled. They cant even change it to helpful assistant vehicle, even thats too offensive! Seriously, though, the Tow Truck will look awesome without those weird stickers, so Ill definitely be getting it eventually. "
That ‘Power Tow’ sticker is derpy looking! :D …Surprised they let that through. Ages the set down a bit too much.
@GrosPanda1979 said:
"Do anyone remember when TECHNIC sets were made using bricks instead of a mess of lift-arms and lumps of shaped plastic? I really miss those days..."
Me too, but those days will unfortunately never come back. I am so happy about my collection of Technic sets from the Eighties to the mid-Nineties.
But to be fair, some newer sets are also very impressive. Out of those, 42009 and 8043 are my favorites.
I also really like the Osprey from last year, especially as mine hasn't got those gear crunching problems some reviewers had.
So is B model no longer a thing now?
I don't plan to add the stickers to the review models so you'll find out in due course.
Not a fan of the power up functions on sets, you play with them a bit and then they are not used. I don't know why Lego don't do what they did with the older technic models, you get the set and then there is options to motorize functions. Would keep the initial purchase costs down.
Also the licensing of models is making them hideously expensive, I am sure Lego has enough imagination to make generic models without the need for licensing.
The Tow Truck looks amazing! Finally a large fully manual pneumatic set, just like in the good old days.
Heavy Duty Tow Truck - lightning + Power Tow + cartoon mutant stickers - 11+
Mercedes-Benz Zetros - bunch of fictional race stickers - 12+
Ford F-150 Raptor - no stickers except Ford and Raptor logos - 18+
I think I cracked the code for what makes a Technic set 11/12+ vs. 18+.
Definitely picking up that tow truck. Its a beautiful set with amazing functions.
So, the 2020 Volvo flagman will go out to the end of the year. At this price, I don't think Zetros will last longer.
Well.., those look rather fugly and boring…
@ericchuimk said:
"So is B model no longer a thing now?"
https://brickset.com/sets/tag-Multibuild/theme-Technic
They haven't missed a year since 2003. Larger sets don't always get them
I've only ever seen pictures of the Mercedes-Benz Zetros with the German Army in the same green/grey colour scheme, so maybe this will be the one that gets cancelled. I needed to look up locking differential and that means both wheels move as one, which is different. Plus 4 wheel drive and steering means a lot is going on with all those motors which could make an interesting build but the price is scary.
The pneumatics look the most interesting part of the tow truck, seems to be a new thin extra long one for the beam which could find other uses. Hoping the piping is for a hidden pneumatic to lift the tow bar as well? Just not keen on the colour scheme and stickers, very loud 1970s!
Let me get this straight: both sets have almost the same number of parts and have similar dimensions. But one of them costs twice as much as the other because it is branded, am I right?
@Bevan said:
"Let me get this straight: both sets have almost the same number of parts and have similar dimensions. But one of them costs twice as much as the other because it is branded, am I right?"
Control+
@Bevan said:
"Let me get this straight: both sets have almost the same number of parts and have similar dimensions. But one of them costs twice as much as the other because it is branded, am I right?"
The Merc has 4 motors and a control box which account for about £150.
I'll probably get the Tow Truck when it gets discounted. The Zetros looks impressive, but the price is insane, probably even with discounts it won't get into the agreeable price range for me. Plus the problem of there not being a standalone remote, even though partially circumvented by third party apps that allow one to use a Bluetooth joystick (and also to implement own profiles), is still not solved.
Funnily enough, I've recently seen competitors advertising their brick-buildable RC models (which use a 2.4 GHz system IIRC) stating that they offer "zero screen time". I have no idea what the strategy behind Control+ is, but I like the idea of "zero screen time" much more, both for myself and as a toy for my kids.
No one’s talking about the rubber ducky on the Mercedes-Benz!??!
@Bevan said:
"Let me get this straight: both sets have almost the same number of parts and have similar dimensions. But one of them costs twice as much as the other because it is branded, am I right?"
Let me get this straight: people take the time to comment without reading the product descriptions, am I right?
Toe truck isn’t bad. Quite expensive though.
@matrox2001 said:
"Love the tow truck.
Wow, that Merc is expensive!"
It's one of the realistic design features. They even made the price expensive, just like a real Mercedes!
Errrgh they looked better in the blurry leaks.
Those concerned about the control + prepare yourself for the Cat Bulldozer that’s rumoured at $700 AU
The inconsistency in pricing still astounds me. There seems to be no formula or system.
Especially when the CAD prices are compared to the AUD given the exchange rates are similar.
I rather like both of those. May well get the Mercedes once it comes down to a more sensible price.
@ambr said:
"I've only ever seen pictures of the Mercedes-Benz Zetros with the German Army in the same green/grey colour scheme, so maybe this will be the one that gets cancelled.
"
I think they're fairly safe. Not exclusively army... fertiliser spreading in Australia too!
@Huw said:
" @Bevan said:
"Let me get this straight: both sets have almost the same number of parts and have similar dimensions. But one of them costs twice as much as the other because it is branded, am I right?"
The Merc has 4 motors and a control box which account for about £150."
To be more precise: 4 LEGO motors and a LEGO control box which account for about £150.
4 motors and a control box by any other manufacturer would account for about £30-40.
I think the tow truck not only a better value, but also a more beautiful and fulfilling set. I don't care for the technology that will be obsolete in a few years.
That heavy-duty tow truck is crazy looking. I like it a lot.
nice to see a large technic set that isn't licensed for once
I'd love to see the Zetros next to the old Technic Unimog in the review, if possible. :)
@Mister_Jonny said:
"Seeing semi-realistic people in a Lego set is WEIRD..."
What does this comment mean? Are you talking about the models they hire for the product photoshoots?
Summer will be cheap. I've never seen 2 big sets have so few new parts.
Guess I only need to buy the blue crane frame.
I really like the tow truck. I wonder if it can tow the 42093 Chevrolet.
@login said:
"I'll probably get the Tow Truck when it gets discounted. The Zetros looks impressive, but the price is insane, probably even with discounts it won't get into the agreeable price range for me. Plus the problem of there not being a standalone remote, even though partially circumvented by third party apps that allow one to use a Bluetooth joystick (and also to implement own profiles), is still not solved.
Funnily enough, I've recently seen competitors advertising their brick-buildable RC models (which use a 2.4 GHz system IIRC) stating that they offer "zero screen time". I have no idea what the strategy behind Control+ is, but I like the idea of "zero screen time" much more, both for myself and as a toy for my kids. "
I've even seen clone brands that have 2.4GhZ compatible parts that are a direct copy of Power Functions, so it would be a drop in fit. I don't like using knockoff components, however.
300 Euro for a large truck that... can drive? I fail to see the appeal of this set? I'd say every big LEGO truck that's been released before was both better looking and had more appealing functions.
@cody6268 said:
"I've even seen clone brands that have 2.4GhZ compatible parts that are a direct copy of Power Functions, so it would be a drop in fit. I don't like using knockoff components, however. "
CaDa has PF compatible components, but they are not clones but own designs.
As a hardcore truck enthusiast I gotta say I love all the trucks I’ve seen in the past few days. That tow truck is a must have for me.
Given the performance of 42099 and the automatic gearbox in 42114 I'm not holding my breath for that Merc truck.
The American style of the tow truck doesn't appeal to me but on top of that the boom looks a mess and the turning circle will be enormous with those three fixed rear axles.
Wasn't interested in the F-150 either so this looks like a cheap Technic year for me.
That tow truck is clearly themed after The Thing from the Fantastic 4.
The towtruck has an incredible amount of personality. I can see it towing rides to a fairground!
@Eaglefan344:
PU stinks, but at least that still has a dedicated remote that offers limited function without using an app.
@Spidermanager:
Took me less than a minute to spot it, and the first thing I did was Ctrl-F for "duck". I've got a bag of 300 of those that I picked up on LUGBulk for a future project.
@Duq:
Turning radius is not really a concern with that style of tow truck. Being able to winch a semi with a fully-loaded trailer out of a ditch and then tow it is what they're built for. If you've ever seen one in person, they are a beast and a half.
Never owned a set with pneumatics, so that may be something I buy someday.
@TomKazutara said:
"no 18+ ?
Lego are you allright ?"
Aaahahahahahaha! That's funny... that's really funny! Clearly this highly functional tow truck (which in all honesty looks like it has more pieces than they claim) is more suited to an under-18 year old than the Sesame Street set! : P
The problem with the control+ series of sets is, unlike previous motor systems they have EVER used, when you get bored of just playing with the primary set, we can't just take it apart and use the motors in our own inventions... they work one way and one way only.
6x6 Zetros would've looked cooler imo , but maybe it wasn't allowed due to military use.
Still, Tow Truck looks better at half the price (I have little interest in motors)
Control + was a mistake
Making your sets require an app that will be obsolete in a few years? It should be a fraction of the price because of that
the Tow Truck looks nice, altough I would prefer to have the orange parts in red.
How does the size of it compare to 42008? The tire size seems to be the same.
The Zetros is nice but too expensive, for less money you can get a 42043 or a 8110 on Bricklink
Cool to finally see an official diff lock.
@Deedesria said:
"Control + was a mistake
Making your sets require an app that will be obsolete in a few years? It should be a fraction of the price because of that"
On the contrary. Read my Liebherr review. Control + hubs are basically Mindstorms hubs for 1/10th the price. They are well documented and basically open-source. You can get a random bluetooth microcontrollerboard, add some thumbsticks, and program your own dedicated controls, or program the hubs with true robot code including sensor data processing.
Also the new motors are way better than anything before because of the angle-readout: this makes every motor work as a servo! Control+ is a godsend!
Looking at the back of the box it mentions something called Alternative Control, in addition to Control+. Anyone know what that is?
Why another four wheel drive truck and another tow truck. A Technic garbage truck would be a nice addition, that has not been done before, and would be something different than the usual more of the same.
@Legoist61 said:
"Why another four wheel drive truck and another tow truck. A Technic garbage truck would be a nice addition, that has not been done before, and would be something different than the usual more of the same."
42078's B model was a garbage truck.