LEGO 42114 Technic 6x6 Volvo Articulated Hauler RC Truck Toy, Remote Control Car Construction Vehicle

Product Information

TLG has decided that without the app there is no way to use these components any more. And given TLG's history I have zero confidence in their long-term app support.

Can’t argue against that, except that the functions are (currently) pretty limited. You only need a few kinds of controls. On the plus side, in the future, exciting new kinds of functions could be possible only being a software upgrade away. Let me preface the next bit by saying that as an electronics and software engineer this subject is right up my alley - or to put it simply: I know what I‘m talking about." Includes the following LEGO® Power Functions components: a servo motor, an XL-motor, a large motor, a medium motor, a battery box, 2 remote controls and 2 infrared receivers

There’s also a lot of exposed parts on the underside. There’s really no good way to see any of this in action, but at least you can look at the complexity. It's operated entirely from the Control+ smartphone app, of which I've been provided with a pre-release version. My comments above could be construed as “bashing” but I don’t mean them to be. I’m pretty much embracing PU, having already bought a few of these sets. Pointing out shortcomings is an effort to suggest improvements. After watching Sariel‘s excellent review, I‘m reminded of my two biggest PU gripes, which I‘ll describe in the spirit of suggesting improvements:

This is an incredible set! It looks amazing, but I didn't feel like a lot of the build time was spend just to make it look pretty, like I had with for instance the 42100-1 Liebherr. Everything feels functional. The build went smooth, but is challenging as there are multiple places where a mistake can cause a lot of re-doing. So you need to keep your attention. At the end of the second section, the foundations of the hauler are all in place. There are a few exposed connection points, and the motors aren’t connected to the hub, but there’s very little Technic building left to be done. Great review. I have this set and my thoughts were fairly similar going into it. I mainly bought it for the parts and was pleasantly surprised at how good the kit is. Both the build process and the finished model are really fun. It's also amazing value compared to buying all the parts separately for my MOCs. Some of the rare or expensive parts, or stuff that just come in huge quantities include: The second operation mode is accessed by swiping left and this one works much better in my opinion. Using two fingers, you drag the yellow sections of the circle out and around to control the speed and to steer. LEGO Technic construction vehicle playsets are ideal for LEGO fans ready for a new challenge with vehicles that look and drive like the real thing.

Construction

Overall, though, I am impressed and I think it's the best Technic Control+ model thus far released. Attractive, clever, and quite fun to operate, at least at first, until the novelty wears off... Honestly, it is no secret that Boeing does produce more than just civilian aviation equipment. It is also no secret what the Osprey is. Are TLG seriously trying to tell us that they did not know that? I mean, they made a specific licensing deal with Boeing for crying out loud.

The other play feature is the raising and lowering of the bed. This works really well, and the app has some pretty realistic sound effects to enhance the experience. Since this model is based on a real-world vehicle, some comparisons should be made. The general shape looks beautiful to my novice eye, but those more in the know have had a few complaints. The cab is apparently at least a stud too tall, and the bed’s shaping is off as well. My guess is that these were compromises needed to use existing Technic beams and panels, but I’m sure there will be some upgraded fan versions of this build in due time. But perhaps LEGO is working on a strategy of planned obsolescence. Once they discontinue the last set tied to this app-based platform, they can let it wither and die. They then might have plausible deniability and suffer few consequences in sales as a result. Then they can just move on to the next very expensive powering system that requires additional investment by fans, old and new.There’s also a large amount of exposed gearing and connection points. Not really a “minus” from this angle, as seeing the gearing for the lift-arms spin is kind of mesmerizing. In “display mode,” there is at least one nice feature to share. The engine cover can be raised and propped open using a Technic rod. As I noted earlier, the engine build is pretty sweet, and having a way to show it off is a plus. Huw are you able to say if you received a promo copy of the Osprey and if so are you allowed to post a review?" It’s ridiculous to suggest keeping or buying an old phone just to run motorized toys. In my case, I’m playing catchup buying sets that have been retired 5-10 years old. With PF, I can still use all the functions built into the set. I seriously doubt being able to use a PU set I buy 10 years from now. Even if I could find an appropriate phone+OS, will I be able to find an app? obsolescence/longevity: just because an OS or App doesn‘t get any updates anymore (at some point in the future) doesn‘t mean the product stops working and becomes useless! My original iPhone still works quite well today, over a decade after I got it - I only had to change the battery once. So next time you get a new phone, keep the old one around for Lego use.

My hope is that most of the naysayers might see reason at some point and we can stop the negativity and instead enjoy all the new possibilities Lego has given us with the system.

The completed model

The second section’s focus is on the hauler’s cab. Once again, I took the time to lay everything out (somewhat) neatly. There was a decent variety of Technic elements in useful quantities. There were also three more large piles of connection pins to deal with.