LEGO Technic 42009 Mobile Crane MK II Review - The Ultimate Building Set

Introduction

Welcome to our in-depth review of the LEGO Technic 42009 Mobile Crane MK II! If you're a fan of building sets and love the challenge of constructing intricate models, then this is the perfect toy for you. This LEGO Technic set not only allows you to build a mobile crane, but also gives you the option to rebuild it into a container stacker and truck. With its impressive features, including motor-powered functions and a detailed V8 motor, this set is sure to provide hours of entertainment and creativity. Stay tuned as we dive into the details of this amazing LEGO Technic set.

Product Description

The LEGO Technic 42009 Mobile Crane MK II is an impressive building set that offers not just one, but two models in one! With this set, you can build a mobile crane and then rebuild it into a container stacker and truck, providing endless hours of building and play.

One of the standout features of this set is the inclusion of the 8882 LEGO Power Functions XL-Motor and 8881 LEGO Power Functions Battery Box. These power functions allow for motor-powered extending outriggers, lowering feet, extending or raising the crane arm, and a retractable winch. This adds a whole new level of realism and excitement to the play experience.

The attention to detail in this set is truly remarkable. The mobile crane features a rotating superstructure, 8-wheel drive, 5 axles, and 10 wheels. The V8 motor even has moving pistons for added realism. The crane arm can extend over 30 inches into the air, making it perfect for reaching those high places.

Measuring over 8 inches high, 23 inches long, and 5 inches wide (with retracted crane arm and outriggers), the mobile crane is an impressive model that will surely catch the eye of any LEGO enthusiast. But the fun doesn't stop there. The container stacker measures over 20 inches high with the boom fully extended, and the container truck measures over 3 inches high, 11 inches long, and 3 inches wide.

With its high-quality construction and attention to detail, the LEGO Technic 42009 Mobile Crane MK II is a must-have for any LEGO fan or construction enthusiast. Whether you choose to build the mobile crane or the container stacker and truck, you'll be sure to have hours of fun building, playing, and exploring the endless possibilities of this amazing set.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

  1. Impressive Size and Complexity: The LEGO Technic 42009 Mobile Crane MK II is a truly remarkable set that offers an exceptional building experience. With its impressive size and complexity, this set is sure to captivate both kids and adults alike. The sheer number of pieces and the intricate details make this a challenging and rewarding build.

  2. Versatile Functions: One of the standout features of this LEGO Technic set is the wide range of functions it offers. From the rotating superstructure and extendable outriggers to the working winch and crane arm, this set is packed with interactive elements that allow for endless hours of imaginative play. The attention to detail in the design of these functions is truly remarkable.

  3. High-Quality Construction: LEGO is known for its commitment to quality, and the LEGO Technic 42009 Mobile Crane MK II is no exception. The sturdy construction of the set ensures that it can withstand the rigors of play, while the precision engineering of the Technic pieces ensures smooth movement and seamless functionality. This set is built to last and can be enjoyed for years to come.

Cons

  1. High Price Point: One of the main drawbacks of the LEGO Technic 42009 Mobile Crane MK II is its high price point. At $503.00, this set is definitely a significant investment. While the size, complexity, and quality of the set do justify the price to some extent, it may be out of reach for some budget-conscious buyers.

  2. Time-Consuming Build: As with many large LEGO Technic sets, the build process for the LEGO Technic 42009 Mobile Crane MK II can be quite time-consuming. With over 2,600 pieces, it is not a set that can be completed in a single sitting. This may be a drawback for those who prefer quicker building experiences or have limited time available.

  3. Limited Playability: While the set offers a wide range of interactive functions, some buyers may find that the playability of the LEGO Technic 42009 Mobile Crane MK II is somewhat limited compared to other LEGO sets. The focus on the crane functionality means that there may be fewer opportunities for imaginative play compared to sets with more diverse themes.

Overall, the LEGO Technic 42009 Mobile Crane MK II is an exceptional set that offers a challenging and rewarding building experience. However, the high price point and time-consuming build process may make it less accessible to some buyers. Additionally, the limited playability may not appeal to those looking for a more diverse LEGO set.

Customer Reviews

The LEGO Technic 42009 Mobile Crane MK II has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers. With an impressive average rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars, it is evident that this set has truly impressed its users.

Let's take a closer look at some of the feedback from customers:

  • One customer reminisces about their childhood experiences with LEGO, stating, "When I was a kid in the '60's, my Dad used to work for Samsonite. He'd come home form Denmark with bags of Lego bricks, even some of the 'new' gears..." This nostalgic review highlights the enduring appeal of LEGO and its ability to evoke cherished memories.

  • Another customer, who has been building LEGO Technic sets since childhood, describes this set as "worth every penny." They explain, "I've been building technics since I was 10 years old, and this is the first time I spent over $100 on a set. The sheer size and the..." This review emphasizes the impressive scale and complexity of the Mobile Crane MK II.

  • One reviewer goes as far as to say, "This is an extraordinary set. Extraordinary. The complexity of the build, the breadth of functions and the way they have been put together is truly tr..." This enthusiastic feedback showcases the remarkable construction and attention to detail that LEGO has incorporated into this set.

  • A customer shares their experience of gifting this set to their grandson, saying, "That was a Christmas gift for one of my grandchildren, Ethan 11 years old. He loves to put Lego parts together and especially when it is a big project..." This review highlights how the Mobile Crane MK II can captivate the imagination and provide hours of enjoyment for young builders.

  • Another customer proudly shares how their 6-year-old son saved his own money to purchase this set, stating, "My son bought this right when he turned 6. He saved his own money...and was worth it." This review demonstrates the appeal of the Mobile Crane MK II to builders of all ages.

  • One reviewer simply exclaims, "AWESOME - The best Lego Technic ever made so far. Spent around 12 hours in total building it and was worth it. I had a mini heart attack when I finished building..." This enthusiastic feedback speaks to the excitement and satisfaction that comes from completing this intricate set.

Overall, the customer reviews for the LEGO Technic 42009 Mobile Crane MK II are overwhelmingly positive. Customers praise its complexity, size, and attention to detail, making it a highly recommended purchase for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages.

Conclusion

The LEGO Technic 42009 Mobile Crane MK II is an impressive building set that will provide hours of fun and creative play for both children and adults alike. With its 2-in-1 design, you have the option to rebuild it into a container stacker and truck, adding even more versatility to the set.

One of the standout features of this set is the inclusion of the LEGO Power Functions XL-Motor and Battery Box, allowing for motor-powered functions such as extending outriggers, lowering feet, extending or raising the crane arm, and a retractable winch. These functions add a level of realism and excitement to the play experience.

Additionally, the set features a rotating superstructure, 8-wheel drive, 5 axles, 10 wheels, and a detailed V8 motor with moving pistons, further enhancing the overall design and playability of the set.

Customer feedback for the LEGO Technic 42009 Mobile Crane MK II has been overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers praising the complexity of the build, the breadth of functions, and the overall quality of the set.

While the price may be a bit steep, considering the size and level of detail of the set, it is definitely worth the investment for LEGO enthusiasts and collectors. The sheer size and intricacy of the Mobile Crane MK II make it a standout addition to any LEGO collection.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a challenging and rewarding building experience, coupled with hours of imaginative play, the LEGO Technic 42009 Mobile Crane MK II is a top choice. Its impressive design, motor-powered functions, and the option to rebuild into two different models make it a must-have for LEGO fans of all ages.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What age range is this LEGO Technic Mobile Crane suitable for?

A: This LEGO Technic Mobile Crane is recommended for ages 11 and up. However, younger children who have experience with LEGO sets and enjoy a challenge may also enjoy building this complex set.

Q: How long does it take to build this Mobile Crane?

A: The building time for this LEGO Technic Mobile Crane can vary depending on the builder's experience level and the amount of time they dedicate to the project. On average, it can take approximately 10-12 hours to complete the build.

Q: Is this Mobile Crane fully functional?

A: Yes, this LEGO Technic Mobile Crane is not just a display model but also a fully functional construction vehicle. It features an array of realistic functions, including extending outriggers, a rotating superstructure, and a working winch with a hook.

Q: Can the Mobile Crane be controlled remotely?

A: No, this Mobile Crane does not come with remote control capabilities. However, it can be manually operated using the various control knobs and levers included in the set. This allows for a hands-on building and play experience.

Q: Is the LEGO Technic Mobile Crane compatible with other LEGO sets?

A: Yes, the LEGO Technic Mobile Crane is compatible with other LEGO Technic sets. This means that builders can combine parts from different sets to create their own unique creations or enhance the functionality of the Mobile Crane.

Q: What is the size of the completed Mobile Crane?

A: Once fully assembled, the LEGO Technic Mobile Crane measures over 30 inches (77 cm) in height, making it an impressive and imposing model. Its large size adds to the realism and playability of the set.

Q: Can the Mobile Crane be disassembled and rebuilt into other models?

A: While the primary build of this LEGO Technic set is the Mobile Crane, it is possible to disassemble it and use the parts to create other models. LEGO provides instructions for alternate builds, allowing builders to explore different construction possibilities.

Q: Is the LEGO Technic Mobile Crane worth the price?

A: The LEGO Technic Mobile Crane is a premium set with a higher price point compared to smaller LEGO sets. However, it offers a highly detailed and challenging building experience, as well as a range of functional features. Customers who have purchased this set have expressed that it is worth the price due to its quality and the enjoyment it provides.

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