I saw this featured on YouTube before Christmas and couldn't wait to get it. After all this time checking the Tru stores I figured I was going to have to buy it online.
Of course, no issues with Amazon, but paid $25 for 2 day shipping, and the carrier dropped the ball, got it in 3 days.
The box is absolutely massive. Cut the seals and dump out alot of bags, and then a box. Inside the box, more bags!! Almost 3000 parts compose this model.
Bags are numbered 1-8, corresponding to the phase of build. Phase 1 builds the dump truck, and contains the material for play. Phase 2 builds the frame. Phase 3 builds the tracks. Phase 4 builds the machine frame. Phase 5 builds the exit conveyor. Phase 6 builds the digger wheel. Phase 7 builds the rear of the digger and the power functions. Phase 8 builds the accessories.
Built the model over 4 days. Being almost 3000 parts, I thought it would be a grueling build, but it wasn't the case. I recently built the Arocs truck, which was tedious. I just wanted to get it built. The Wheel Excavator was fast and enjoyable.
I checked things as I went, seeing there are a lot of axles and gears in this set. With the motor being at the rear end of the digger frame, getting to the tracks takes a lot of mechanics.
Finishing the build, I have to say it is quite impressive. However, I have to say using 1 motor for all the functions kind of was a let down. I built the Volvo loader, and it has 4 motors. There are really only 3 functions powered: tracks, wheel/conveyors, and turning the machine. Turning the machine requires the conveyors and wheel running. You can't run the tracks with anything else engaged. Raising/lowering the digger wheel is manually operated, as is rotating the discharge conveyor, which has a locking mechanism, which, from gear backlash is kinda, pointless.
I realize most of this was engineered to mimick the real machine, but, being a Flagship model, I think things like the railings, the goofy rear access ladder, and the multiple gear boxes could have been reduced to add a couple more motors and some better functuality. IR remote capability like the Volvo loader would have sent this over the top.
I suppose being Lego it could be reworked to add these in, but I really don't want to take apart the models I have to get the parts to do this.
So, although it is completely awesome, huge, and definitely a must have for the serious Technic builder, I just feel a few small things could have made this the biggest, baddest set ever made, period.
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From the manufacturer
- Features a LEGO Power Functions motor for multiple motorized functions
- 2-in-1 model rebuilds into a Mobile Aggregate Processing Plant
- Contains over 3,900 pieces
- Finished model perfect for displaying on a desk or shelf
- Provides a fun, immersive building experience for ages 12 to 16
Experience the Huge Bucket Wheel Excavator!
LEGO Technic Bucket Wheel Excavator is the largest LEGO Technic set to date and a perfect gift for those who love a building challenge. This 2-in-1 model faithfully re-creates a real-life mining excavator with a dark blue and yellow color scheme, hand-railed walkways, huge tracks, and a detailed cab. The Power Functions motor activates the conveyor belts, rotates the massive superstructure, and maneuvers the colossal machine into position. Activating the boom lowers the gigantic, digging bucket wheel and conveys the mined material to the waiting mine truck. The finished model is worthy of display on a shelf or desk, or can be rebuilt into a Mobile Aggregate Processing Plant.
LEGO Technic Bucket Wheel Excavator Features and Functions:
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Rebuilds into a Mobile Aggregate Processing Plant. |
Rotating bucket wheel. |
Huge tracks, conveyor belt, and detailed cab. |
Motorized functions include moving conveyor belts and rotating superstructure. |
Excavator and Rugged Mine Truck
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Customer Review: Very complicated build but very gratifying!
Tom
Reviews with images
Looks great, but doesn’t work too well.
Awesome looking set, kept me busy for the thanksgiving break. However, the set is lacking behind on power functions. The white “protecting” gears connecting the motor to the gear box kept slipping and I had to replace them with normal 3:1 gears for the thing to run smoothly. The gearbox mechanical designs are also sub-par. The drive train kept skipping gears. However, if you take the time to fix those issues and be a bit creative, it’s a really great set.Oh and forget about scooping up the dirt pieces they provide you. It barely scoops anything up even on a huge pile of Lego.
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Reviewed in Spain on January 17, 2020