LEGO Technic Bucket Wheel Excavator 42055 Construction Toy

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. Read more

There are some very hard part when disassembling after you played. Otherwise it is a very good Lego set, no missing pieces. Looks great! Some function does not work as expected due to the complex gearing mechanism and construction solutions. Read more

These Lego building sets are great toys!! I ordered this one next day and it came fast and on time for my son's birthday. My ten year old loves to build these!! If you have a child who likes to build things this is the toy to get. My daughters also love these so great for boys and girls!! It is a smart toy that makes kids use their hands, follow directions and exercise perseverance. It will take him a few days to get this built and definitely worth the effort. Read more

This is a really great build. the key word here is "build" I had the best time building this amazing kit. Maybe the most enjoyable build of any lego set ever. The instruction book is amazing and makes putting this monster of a kit quite easy. And when its finished you will have something that really is a wonder to behold. BUT there is one tiny little issue. IT DOESNT WORK. The motor is so under powered the best most people can get it to do is creep along. And forget trying to get the buckets and belt to move. Ive read several posts on other sites saying the same thing so its not just me. Do I feel I wasted my money on this NO. Do I wish it would work as described, of course. But fot me I can live with it. Bit if youre the type who has to have it run... Read more

This was a great build, even based againsy other big lego sets. There is so much detail in this set it was great. It took me about 2 weeks to put this whole set together, but I was not rushing it and was doing a little at night after work. The engineering behind this piece was also amazing, from how it turns to how the bucket scoops work. I 100% recommend this for oldrr amd more advanced builders. Read more

Is a good build and very big. But as others have said it is underpowered - perhaps two motors would have been better. I do like how you can easily disconnect three bits to take the motor out of the loop so you can manually move it about. Also it would be cool if there were an alternate set of instructions for the same model that did not quite spoon feed the steps so much. Maybe have 'standard' and 'advanced' sets of instructions? Anyway still good - still five stars! Read more

Why did you pick this product vs others?: ok Read more

This is the best set ever. I have given my 10 year old grandson many Lego sets--far beyond his age range. He always has them done the first weekend. Not this one! He has been working on it for 3 weeks! He is loving it! On about the 8th bag and 350+ pages into the directions. I can't believe how intricate and at the same time so big. Best set ever! As soon as he is done I will post pictures and let him add his thoughts. Read more