Rough Terrain Crane

Although there are no genuinely new mechanisms, and from a theoretical standpoint there are a few minor flaws, in practice the functions all work really well. The model is HUGE, and moreover it is remarkably solid, rigid, and strong. And it looks beautiful. The completed model has real play value. It's great to have a crane that can actually lift something. Finally, it's great value and a super parts pack. more less

This crane took quite a while to put together, but it is totally worth the money. It is amazing what LEGO has come up with. The gearbox and operating system on this set works great and is fun to build. more less

This is a worthy flagship model, a great example for the future of large Technic sets. I took my time and enjoyed it more. I took this set on holiday to build in the evenings. I was glad it was split into stages, so I did 1-2 stages each evening. That saved the need to leave it spread out over a large area. The key mechanism in this set is the large turntable, made from two rings of black "banana" pieces (ring gear quadrants) and a ring of small train wheels as a bearing between them. Whilst this sets the new standard for large cranes, I have re-used the technique in a model that uses drums to wind up some tubes; it uses the equivalent quantities of pieces from 3 sets. I can see further uses of the technique. So a great tick for providing learning even to experienced Technic builders. This set improves on the previous crane 42009 by having much better working of the stabilisers from the motor that is located in the jib. I did find the panels a bit ugly in places, such as on the right side by the jib and around the rear of the jib. Perhaps that's similar to the real crane? This set is successful as a revival of the original mobile crane 855, though I would like to have seen at least a 3-section telescopic jib, given that 42009 achieved it. I have seen real mobile cranes with 7 sections; whilst this would be a challenge in a LEGO model, owing to the minimum width of strong-enough panels and beams, a flagship set should do all it can to maximise the capability of the LEGO construction medium, so I would be happy with 3 sections. I looked for the possibility to extend this set into a 9-axle mobile crane, to be built with at least 4 sets. The original set has the wheels well-spaced either side of the main turntable so it would be a challenge to bring them closer together to reflect the spacing on a real crane of that type. I will wait and see if other AFOLs try it. The advertising of the features of this set was better than some other sets in the range. This makes it more obvious what the customer is buying and might make for better sales. Overall value for the number and type of pieces is good. The grey panels will be useful in my own models while I keep the crane built for a while. The only reason I didn't buy more of this set was that I'm short of space at home. I might be tempted next year if I see them cheap, depending on how good next year's sets are. This set is most excellent and warmly recommended. more less

My final conclusion is that for around 200 euro, you do get a LOT of value for money. I can see myself getting an extra copy, just because of that. I would almost go as far a stating that this could be considered a UCS Technic set. more less

I was expecting the set to take a while but I was also expecting it to be really complex and frustrating to build, it was none of those things. The gear system is a genius use of parts and engineering. The final model is a beast, it's huge and has some amazing functional features. I still think the Volvo Concept Wheel Loader is my favourite Technic set I've built so far, but the Rough Terrain Crane is an extremely close second. more less

The rough terrain crane is a great set, not just because of its size: the build is entertaining and there are many motorised functions. Additionally, the set is full of little details like the tool boxes and compartments those are stored in or the “sliding door" on the cabin. The prefabricated house is added value and perfectly designed to be built with the crane. more less

Despite its few flaws, the biggest Technic set to date is more than meets the eye. First images did not give the impression this was a 4,000 piece set. Most work goes into the lower part, which is a complex and dense vehicle. And seen in the flesh, especially fully extended, this is an imposing kit, worth the bucks and a good parts pack. more less

What can be better that an awesome LEGO set? Probably, a bigger, more awesome LEGO set! We've seen a lot of outstanding LEGO Technic sets during the last 3-4 years, each of them being bigger and more complicated than any model before. The new 42082 Rough Terrain Crane beats all of them in terms of both size and piece count. And judging by its functions and a very solid choice of pieces it offers, the set easily lands at the top of the list of the most attractive LEGO Technic sets of recent years. more less

I have enjoyed building this model. Having the parts separated into numbered bags made the building process straight forward and ensured that the eventual building outcome was error free. This is a solid, sturdy crane and the Power Functions operate easily and smoothly. However, they operate a bit slow due significant gearing down. more less