I just bought this for my 23 year old self and this set has rekindled my past love of Lego. This set uses some Technic pieces and mostly Lego bricks, as opposed to some of the newer sets that use large, custom shaped pieces. The design is very detailed, and given the fact that there is more than 1200 pieces will provide someone with hours of fun building. But Wait There's More!The Highway Transporter set comes with instructions for 3, That's Right - THREE different instructions that utilize almost all of the pieces to build 3 completely different, but cool sets. The design of the Highway Transport also reminds me of some of the more classic Lego sets because it has such a high level of detail due to the use of many small bricks, but also durability due to the use of a Technic frame. Since it is possible to build 3 different Lego sets with this one awesome product, I believe that this review deserves to address all 3 of the possible outcomes. 1. Tow Truck + car The truck has a nice durable frame, good detail in the cab of the truck and a working lift in the back. The lifting crane extends outwards, changes angle and can pull the car up with the winch. The car is also fairly durable and well designed. Only complaint is that the front wheels of the truck do not turn, so the truck is doomed to only drive in straight lines. Overall a good choice for the first build, but I will be taking it apart to build the crane next - 4.5 stars! 2. Crane The crane is probably the most impressive looking of the designs, but once built, actually feels like the cheapest. The boom arm is "extendable" by way of a push pin that locks it in place, but this feels lame in comparison to other lego cranes. Also the crane does rotate, but due to overly creative joint design it is very unstable and tilts off of the truck easily. The overall length of the crane truck is impressive, 5 wheels per side, but due to the lack of steering the truck only rolls forward and back. In its entirety the crane truck model is impressive to look at, but the functionality and mechanical design is severely limited. 3 Stars... 3. Truck with Trailer + 2 cars The last model, the one on the box, is worth waiting for. Build the trailer truck last, as it is easily the coolest model of the 3 and you will be hard pressed to want to take this thing apart. The front truck has a good steering mechanism, detailed interior with removable roof for access, and a nice realistic look to it. The trailer is very sturdy, despite its thin looks, and is fully functional. The top ramp lowers to allow cars to drive up it, and the bottom ramp acts as a second brace to keep the top ramp up in place. The technic base of the models makes the truck and trailer very strong, but the brick exterior makes this model look so much better than comparable technic models. The cars fit the trailier nicely, but seem to be slightly oversized when compared to other Lego Creator cars. Overall, this design meets all of my expectations and was a blast to build. 5 Stars easily! --Overall Rating-- Pros: *Holy crap! 3 Sets in 1! *High durability due to the use of Technic and Brick pieces *Not many large, custom, one-time use pieces *Classic Lego set design, reminds me of my older Lego sets *Good price for a 1200+ piece set Cons: *Once a set is build with the 1200+ pieces, it's not fun to take apart to build the next set *Wheels don't turn on cars or on Crane or Tow Truck (minor complaint) read more LEGO Creator Highway Transporter information... |
