LEGO Technic Mobile Crane Set 42108

Cranes have been a part of the Technic range since the introduction of the first mobile crane (set 855) in 1978.Start with what could well be the only downside to those familiar with previous cranes; much that unlike all the other cranes from the original set (mentioned) to the recent Rough Terrain Crane (set 42082) and new Compact Crawler Crane (set 42097) this is only a one model set. Yes, there are other one model Technic sets, yet they tend to be the bigger, licenced sets such as the Porsche 911 GT3 RS (set 42056), Bugatti (set 42083) and Liebherr 9800 Excavator (set 42100), combined with the size/price point of this set.However, that said, and it is a big however, those familiar, and grew up with the previous sets, not just cranes, will enjoy this set. As ... MoreCranes have been a part of the Technic range since the introduction of the first mobile crane (set 855) in 1978.Start with what could well be the only downside to those familiar with previous cranes; much that unlike all the other cranes from the original set (mentioned) to the recent Rough Terrain Crane (set 42082) and new Compact Crawler Crane (set 42097) this is only a one model set. Yes, there are other one model Technic sets, yet they tend to be the bigger, licenced sets such as the Porsche 911 GT3 RS (set 42056), Bugatti (set 42083) and Liebherr 9800 Excavator (set 42100), combined with the size/price point of this set.However, that said, and it is a big however, those familiar, and grew up with the previous sets, not just cranes, will enjoy this set. As with the Compact Crawler Crane launched in August 2019, it is back to the heart of what Technic sets are. And that is where the appeal lays; it is Technic through and through. The build took about no more than 9 hours, on and off, over several days. It is not an overly complicated build when compared to some of the newer bigger sets. It is still a sizable model, particularly when fully extended.Anyone familiar with the previous sets, will recognise the build, and that is where the enjoyment is, yet not so easy that it won’t offer an enjoyable challenge to those who are new to or wanting to get into Technic looking for something more.

A Box of Great Entertainment

These Lego Technic kits provide hours of pleasure, not always straight forward but that is part of the fun. The golden rule, IF SOMETHING DOSN'T FIT YOU HAVE DONE SOMETHING WRONG. An example, I'm currently building the Saturn V rocket, one section I took to pieces 3 times before I found my error. A WORD OF WARNING, these kits are very addictive.

Good, but not perfect

I wavered between 4 and 5* for this. First up - it looks fantastic and beautifully proportioned, and the steering that everyone raves about is very nicely done. But there are a few things that could be tweaked: 1) the stabilizers need to be bigger (I'm going to see if I can fix this myself), and the mechanism for the front ones isn't especially smooth. 2) the "stoppers" that prevent the crane mechanism from spinning back when under a load need to be stiffer, they can easily fall down. 3) with the crane swung to the side, the weight limit is quite light, though front on it's pretty good (I lifted the Lego snowplough very easily). 4) (and this may be me rather than the design), I have found it hard to keep the pulley from spinning the thread round.Overall, though, ... MoreI wavered between 4 and 5* for this. First up - it looks fantastic and beautifully proportioned, and the steering that everyone raves about is very nicely done. But there are a few things that could be tweaked: 1) the stabilizers need to be bigger (I'm going to see if I can fix this myself), and the mechanism for the front ones isn't especially smooth. 2) the "stoppers" that prevent the crane mechanism from spinning back when under a load need to be stiffer, they can easily fall down. 3) with the crane swung to the side, the weight limit is quite light, though front on it's pretty good (I lifted the Lego snowplough very easily). 4) (and this may be me rather than the design), I have found it hard to keep the pulley from spinning the thread round.Overall, though, despite these weaknesses, the look and feel, the playability and the value still make this a 5* kit - it didn't even take that long to build.

Great Play Value

The Mobile Crane 42108 has plenty of functions for the price, especially on discount! The functions are simple but effective; whilst larger sets would have winding handles for things, this one has pop-down stabilisers.The steering is above average for Technic sets but might still be improved for how far it turns; the turning circle of the crane is still longer in proportion to its length than a real crane. The principle of it is good, with 4 sets of steerable wheels. For its scale and functions, this set would make a good basis for a larger mobile crane, using 2 or more sets, perhaps as large as one would fit in most homes! Real cranes can have at least 9 sets of wheels and it would be possible to make at least 5 sets steer like the real one.One of the main ... MoreThe Mobile Crane 42108 has plenty of functions for the price, especially on discount! The functions are simple but effective; whilst larger sets would have winding handles for things, this one has pop-down stabilisers.The steering is above average for Technic sets but might still be improved for how far it turns; the turning circle of the crane is still longer in proportion to its length than a real crane. The principle of it is good, with 4 sets of steerable wheels. For its scale and functions, this set would make a good basis for a larger mobile crane, using 2 or more sets, perhaps as large as one would fit in most homes! Real cranes can have at least 9 sets of wheels and it would be possible to make at least 5 sets steer like the real one.One of the main attractions of this set is the extra-long linear actuator, also featured in 42100 at a much higher price. The yellow panels are those well-suited to crane building. To get a general mix in yellow, for more versatile building of construction machinery, add set 42114 for more shapes.The controls are easy to use, steering from the lights on the cab and crane functions from the knobs on each side. The string is long enough for the hook to reach the floor if the crane is on the sofa.This crane compares with the one that was prescribed from multiple sets in the original 3-digit Technic set instructions from 1977-1982. The price is about the same as what one might have expected to pay for the 4 sets back then. This crane exceeds the functions of the previous one by 2 sets of steering and achieves it functions more simply.I would have been overjoyed to receive this for Christmas as a child of 8-11. It compares well with older sets 856 or 8851 that I had when I was in that age range; I played with nothing else! For a child younger than the recommended 10+ age group, either the child should be ahead in building ability or it might be a parental build in advance of Christmas Day. Some sets are definitely not a "Christmas Eve build" for a parent but this one I would recommend starting a week before Christmas, rather than a month ahead for other sets!After the crane, there are plenty of wheels to rebuild the set as 2 vehicles, though I might keep this one built for longer than average, compared to other Technic sets. It can be agonising to take apart some of the better sets but building My Own Creations allows builders of all ages to consolidate their learning by applying the techniques they learn from the instructions. That can build engineers.The only improvement I would make would be to have a box that could be opened as a tray. Those that do, I keep for building and sorting till the glue fails. The split into 3 sets of bags means that the box from a £40 set could be reused for building each stage. Doing that means that reuse can precede recycling.This is a set I would put on watch early, to see when it is discounted by the retailers. Don't leave it till the last minute to buy one.

Haul It

Okay, this is one of the tougher builds I have done. I will readily admit I had a mini meltdown about 3/4 of the way through as suddenly the boom arm did not work. Cue the other half checking online builds and going through the remainder of the instruction book. His advice "have faith". Fortunately I did and carried on with the build and suddenly the boom arm is working. He then decided to advise that it has a split differential built in and because I was only halfway through that mechanism that is why it wasn't working all of a sudden. So, if you are like me and check your mechanisms in a Technic build as you go be warned you will have a moment of panic when it suddenly stops operating as expected.This is definitely one item that would benefit from Instructions ... MoreOkay, this is one of the tougher builds I have done. I will readily admit I had a mini meltdown about 3/4 of the way through as suddenly the boom arm did not work. Cue the other half checking online builds and going through the remainder of the instruction book. His advice "have faith". Fortunately I did and carried on with the build and suddenly the boom arm is working. He then decided to advise that it has a split differential built in and because I was only halfway through that mechanism that is why it wasn't working all of a sudden. So, if you are like me and check your mechanisms in a Technic build as you go be warned you will have a moment of panic when it suddenly stops operating as expected.This is definitely one item that would benefit from Instructions Plus but it doesn't have them. I also had an issue early in the build where I had flipped the chassis plates and had to take a few steps back and dismantle pieces to rectify my mistake.So, lots of issues in the build but they were all of my own making and not a problem with the product or the instructions. This was a challenging build but I REALLY enjoyed it. The finished crane is great looking and is operationally fabulous. It even has the bracing legs that you wind up and down for when then crane is in use or being transported.STICKER ALERT! Yes, there are an awful lot of stickers on this build and, as we know, I loathe stickers. I did put them on but most are ever so slightly out of true but I can live with it.Number Of Pieces: 1292Approximate Price Per Piece: £0.07Build Time: 6.25 Hours

Love it! but......

I have a love for crane's, and I have operated some. So when I built the outriggers, and saw how small they were I was a little disappointed. I knew then it would not be able to lift much weight. Especially over the side without tipping over. I do love the overall design of the crane and how it works. But I had to modify it to pick up more weight than the little pilon in the set. I wanted to pick up my little fishing boat and rescue plane. What I did to be able to do so. Was fill the empty space where the counter weights are with Lego bricks. I was able to fit about 130Grams of bricks in the empty space. This made a big improvement in its lifting capabilities but I wanted more. So I made a block about 800g and hung it off the back of the counter weights. Wow this ... MoreI have a love for crane's, and I have operated some. So when I built the outriggers, and saw how small they were I was a little disappointed. I knew then it would not be able to lift much weight. Especially over the side without tipping over. I do love the overall design of the crane and how it works. But I had to modify it to pick up more weight than the little pilon in the set. I wanted to pick up my little fishing boat and rescue plane. What I did to be able to do so. Was fill the empty space where the counter weights are with Lego bricks. I was able to fit about 130Grams of bricks in the empty space. This made a big improvement in its lifting capabilities but I wanted more. So I made a block about 800g and hung it off the back of the counter weights. Wow this made a huge difference. Now it plays with both my boat and plane. I thinking about trying to figure out how to make the outriggers go out to make a wider stance. And I want larger block and tackle on the winch line.

Mobile Crane

I admit I bought this for my 5 year old grandson, thinking that he would have fun with it once built, and I wanted to try building something a bit more challenging. The challenge was increased by the enthusiastic assistance of my grandson, who frequently decided to put pieces together to make his own creations, after which he didn't want to give them up for the actual build. I tried working on it in the evening after he was in bed, but by then I was too tired to concentrate and twice found myself cursing Lego for errors in the instructions before realizing I was just reading them incorrectly. Sigh. Once complete however, my expectations were realized. He greatly enjoys it and all the little features built in (he loves that he can steer it!), and I enjoyed the sense ... MoreI admit I bought this for my 5 year old grandson, thinking that he would have fun with it once built, and I wanted to try building something a bit more challenging. The challenge was increased by the enthusiastic assistance of my grandson, who frequently decided to put pieces together to make his own creations, after which he didn't want to give them up for the actual build. I tried working on it in the evening after he was in bed, but by then I was too tired to concentrate and twice found myself cursing Lego for errors in the instructions before realizing I was just reading them incorrectly. Sigh. Once complete however, my expectations were realized. He greatly enjoys it and all the little features built in (he loves that he can steer it!), and I enjoyed the sense of accomplishment once it was all together and working properly (much to my surprise - and my wife). A great toy and worth the price. Now.... if only the excavator was the same price!

My favorite build thus far!

After building several Star Wars, Disney, and other assorted Technic kits, this has been my favorite. My previous Technics build was the Lego 42100 Liebherr excavator. Comprised of 4,100 pieces and filled with motors it was a multi-day build. It’s big and expensive. However, with enthusiasm I have declared that the 42108 mobile crane coming in at just under $100 is now, without doubt, my favorite Lego build.I found myself cheering on the designer(s) of this build at almost every step. It is filled with creative and well-designed features. The way the crane arm extends is simple but wonderful. But my favorite feature, by far, of any Lego innovation is the way the wheels on this mobile crane move. As I was marveling at the turning mechanism, how the front and rear ... MoreAfter building several Star Wars, Disney, and other assorted Technic kits, this has been my favorite. My previous Technics build was the Lego 42100 Liebherr excavator. Comprised of 4,100 pieces and filled with motors it was a multi-day build. It’s big and expensive. However, with enthusiasm I have declared that the 42108 mobile crane coming in at just under $100 is now, without doubt, my favorite Lego build.I found myself cheering on the designer(s) of this build at almost every step. It is filled with creative and well-designed features. The way the crane arm extends is simple but wonderful. But my favorite feature, by far, of any Lego innovation is the way the wheels on this mobile crane move. As I was marveling at the turning mechanism, how the front and rear wheels move opposite each other, I was impressed. I didn’t know how this was going to play out in the final form and as I got caught up in the build I forgot about this mechanism.When I reached the end of the build and was installing the eight giant tires I wondered how this crane was to be steered? Had I looked at the final instruction page I would have known but I used my iPad instead of the instruction booklet so I never turned the page. I took the wheels in hand and carefully turned one set and then I saw it. I was stunned! The large rotating beacons on top of the crane cab turned in sync. Essentially, you turn either of the beacons to make the wheels turn. That was freaking amazing! Even though I should have seen that coming it never occurred to me this would happen. I am beyond impressed. There are three knobs that operate the crane boom. One raises the boom, one extends it, and one operates the cable. Even the outrigger stabilizers have well-designed mechanisms to deploy.Lego sets can be expensive. Some just sit there and some move in different ways. The trains are a fun build and so are the cars. But for the value and amazement of what the gears and various mechanisms do, this kit is by far the best value for the money. Sure, there’s no motors or automation and iPhone app. This is pure hands-on play with no automation. The design of this crane deserves some kind of Lego build award.Bravo! to the person or persons who designed this incredible kit.

Only a $100?!?

I don’t know why this build took me so long, but I am glad it did. The price-to-part ratio is fantastic! No complaints there. The build was unique and rewarding. Felt like the building experience was taken into consideration when the designer was building it because so many things were unexpected and fun.The end result is a sight to behold. As always with technic sets, as you are building test the functions to make sure it was built properly. The crane worked great. I was very surprised to see just how high the boom reaches (close to the height of the Lego Ideas Saturn V rocket).Playability is fantastic. Appearances are great! I could see lego charging more for this as is... but I am glad they didn’t (feels like it could have easily been a $120 set, so at $100 ... MoreI don’t know why this build took me so long, but I am glad it did. The price-to-part ratio is fantastic! No complaints there. The build was unique and rewarding. Felt like the building experience was taken into consideration when the designer was building it because so many things were unexpected and fun.The end result is a sight to behold. As always with technic sets, as you are building test the functions to make sure it was built properly. The crane worked great. I was very surprised to see just how high the boom reaches (close to the height of the Lego Ideas Saturn V rocket).Playability is fantastic. Appearances are great! I could see lego charging more for this as is... but I am glad they didn’t (feels like it could have easily been a $120 set, so at $100 it’s a great value). The range of parts are exceptionally well and great for building your own designs.If you are new to technic, though this might be a bit challenging, I think it will be more fun than anything.

Standard Lego quality. Its what youve come to expect out of Lego.

If you have ever built a grey market, Chinese clone, you will really appreciate genuine Lego quality. Every part fits just like the last one did. Every part is identical. Its great. Lego quality is unsurpassed and this model is just another example that quality is absolutely first on their list. Great model. Fun to build, functions work as designed. You wont be disappointed.