The Rough Terrain Crane is the biggest Technic set ever released by LEGO, with 4057 parts, surpassing the size of the Bucket Wheel Excavator set by 128 parts. But does this set offer more than a high parts count? We will look into the specific features of the set to find out whether LEGO added not just new parts, but also significantly better functionality.

The packaging

The massive box weighs around 5 kg, and shows a picture of the model in front. It is the same size as the 42055 Bucket Wheel Excavator's box, but heavier like all LEGO Technic flagship models' packaging. The front of the box opens up like a lid, and we were impressed to find an image of the crane in all its extended glory under the front flap. The packaging opens on either side, and like the recent Technic sets includes a main box, a smaller box, and some bags with parts. The main box contains 18 bags with parts numbered 5 to 13, while the inner box contains eight bags with pieces numbered 1 to 4, a sticker sheet, instruction books, and a PF battery box. The back of the packaging is divided into two sections. The right side shows the alternative build, while the left side shows the functions of the main build.

Parts

We were surprised to find that this 4000-piece model does not have any new parts. There are however some pieces in new colors such as the Curved gear racks 11 x 11, which was originally color yellow when it was included in the 42055 Bucket Wheel Excavator set, and is now in black. There are a total of eight 11 x 11 Curved Gear Rack in this new color, which can be used to build two full circles.

You will find four panels in this set, including the Panel Curved 7 X 3 with 2 Pin Holes, which is also in a new color. These panels make for a great addition to any LEGO Technic panels collection.

Here are other interesting pieces found in the set: 

• Thick Liftarm 3 x 3 T-Shape in red. A LEGO Technic part that we have only seen in one other Technic set: the 42075 First Responder.

• 32126 Axle and Pin Connector in white is also included in this model

• The Technic Curved Panel 7×3 with 2 Pin Holes in dark bluish gray is a rare find, but two pieces of this are included in this set.

• Liftarm 3 X 5 Perpendicular H-Shape Thick. A hard to find Technic part that was first released in red in 2017

• LEGO tire 94.3x38R is once again used for a Technic set after a two-year pause

The Build

This is a time-consuming build that starts with different kind of gears and several colorful liftarms. The first bag contains all the pieces you need to assemble a reduction gear box, which is the mechanism that allows the crane tower to rotate. With massive builds like this set, you can complete each step of the building process by working with a short list of pieces. Luckily, the parts are split into 13 sections, and you have the freedom to work on each section for one to hours until all parts are assembled. If you are used to building massive sets like this, you will find that the pace of the assembly is quick. However, since this set requires strong framing, you need to take extra care when putting together the complicated structures such as the pin connectors and liftarms. Even the smallest mistake will cost too much time, as you will need to partially disassemble some of the parts of the crane to place the missing pieces.

The second stage of the building process involves adding the two axle sections. The build should be significantly growing at this stage, although the model will still look quite small at this phase. The chassis will look much bigger in the next stage of the assembly wherein you will add the two outrigger assemblies. Stages 4 and 5 are all about adding some strengthening to the chassis by adding the V8 engine and the steering knob.

LEGO devoted the whole step #6 of the manual to the turntable that will support the heavy model. The turntable used in this set is unlike the typical turntable pieces that are only about 8 studs in diameter. This one comes with a roller-bearing assembly that allows the transitional rings to rotate smoothly in two directions.

Design

Since the set is designed with Technic liftarms and panels, we expected the result to either be a total win or a complete disaster. Luckily, the entire look of the crane turned out to be impressive because of the fine choice of panels. The stickers are minimalistic, and work well in filling the empty spaces on the model.

Conclusion

We had high expectations for this set because of the potential for playability, as well as the authentic functions and features that the model is packed with. Although we did not find any new pieces, the functions of the set work well and the model itself is strong and solid. Overall, it's a great value set that looks stunning and has real play value.