The best LEGO sets of 2016 – 42056 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

14/12/201614/12/2016 Keith 2105 Views 0 Comments

The Brick Fanatics team have been thinking back over the past year to select which LEGO sets stand out as the best of the bunch. Whether you are looking for a last minute Christmas present, deciding which LEGO set to treat yourself to, or just want to reflect on another LEGO year, enjoy this week-long look back at the best LEGO sets of 2016…

For me, this year’s pick has to be 42056 Porsche 911 GT3 RS. You can imagine my excitement back when the LEGO Group announced that the 911 GT3 RS was being launched as a TECHNIC set. I own several diecast 911s and have driven one in the metal as well – for me, you cannot get much better for a pure driver’s car.

The LEGO Group and Porsche have worked side by side to create this 1/8 scale model and it is immense. It took me well over 11 hours to complete over several days. The array of parts is huge – most of them come from the standard TECHNIC catalogue, but there are some bespoke pieces such as the very impressive rims and the orange body panels, which really do make the car stand out. Working engine, PDK Gearbox, opening doors, boot and bonnet – the detail is right there and correct. Porsche and the LEGO designers really did the real life car justice.

It challenges you from the outset. The manual weighs a ton and with over 800 steps, this is deep and involved. For me, an immediate priority would be to re-engineer the whole cockpit to right hand drive – and looking at the way the model is set up, that is easier said than done. But that is the beauty of this set, it gets the mind thinking. There are techniques aplenty to boot, it is a long journey to see the car evolve from the basic beams used to become a fully working model.

If there is one TECHNIC set to get this year – and your wallet can take the damage – then look no further. This is a masterpiece in build and challenge, that will get your inner engineer out to start thinking about how to improve on the original brief.

42056 Porsche 911 GT3 RS is available to buy now at the LEGO online shop – with a free exclusive Gingerbread Man minifigure, until December 20

Author Profile

Keith

My name is Keith and I am a AFOL. Currently an expat living out in Basel, CH, but have a firm footing back in the UK when time permits.

I have had had Lego ever since I can remember - and only until my wee one came along have I re-kindled the flame for building again.

I also run matchbox1-75.co.uk, a resource site for the 1-75 series of miniatures by Matchbox.

There are only three themes that I am get/collect (finances permitting) - City, Creator (Advanced and Expert) as well as the classic Star Wars sets from Eps IV to VI (anything else does not exist). I also keep an eye in Europe with ample chance to see how France, Germany and Switzerland market and offer LEGO.