LEGO Technic 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor review

LEGO Technic 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor is a robust, solid and sturdy workhorse of a model – just like the real thing.

Technic petrol-heads have recently been treated to LEGO renditions of glamorous and exotic motoring icons including 42125 Ferrari 488 GTE AF CORSE #51, 42115 Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 and 42096 Porsche 911 RSR. On the surface, a utility truck might not seem as desirable as the rest of the collection, but the Ford F Series Pickup Truck’s importance in the automotive industry cannot be overlooked. It’s a workhorse of a vehicle, in production since 1948, and is an enduring symbol of Ford’s quality and functionality.

The F-150 Raptor is Ford’s latest model in a long line of pickup trucks, and this particular model marks the first time the LEGO Group and Ford have worked together to produce a Technic set. Designed closely with Ford, we can only hope for the same attention to detail, durability and workmanship that’s made it one of the most successful car manufacturers of all time.

— Set details —

Theme: LEGO Technic Set name: 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor Release: October 1, 2021 

lego

Price: £129.99 / €139.99 / $99.99 Pieces: 1,379 Minifigures: 0

LEGO: Available now

— Build —

To be brutally honest, expectations weren’t sky-high when first receiving 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor for review. The picture on the box doesn’t really do justice to the finished model, and it appears fairly bland, despite its bright orange colour scheme (fans of pickup trucks will probably beg to differ). Devoid of much livery or detail, it’s easy to assume this will be a straightforward build ending with an average Technic model – but we should never judge a LEGO set on the box alone, and this set is testament to that philosophy.

Underneath the solid frame, the Ford F-150 Raptor is a technological wonder, with state-of-the-art shock absorbers, suspension and a top line engine. They’re recreated in such a high level of authenticity that you can really tell that Ford itself has had a hand in the design process. Most importantly though, the build is a real joy to work through. It’s perfectly pitched, so at no point does it ever feel overly complicated, while at the same time being deep and involved enough to never feel mundane.  

The first notable assembly to recreate is the F-150’s FOX Live Valve monotube shocks. These high-end shock absorbers automatically adjust to the diverse terrain the real life Raptor might be traversing. The build is involved, intricate at times and very satisfying to put together. Equally as enjoyable is the construction of the massive V6 engine. There’s nothing new about the technique used for the cam shaft, but that’s not a negative as it’s a really smart assembly to put together. The first two bags focus on the assembly of the frame, which at times can be a little fiddly – so a fair amount of concentration is needed – but it comes together in such a pleasing way that the concerted effort is worth it.

The most complex assembly is the rear suspension system. At the front of the manual, the LEGO designers reveal the most challenging aspect was getting the rear suspension structure’s mechanics to not only accurately reflect those of the real life F-150, but also align perfectly with the wheel arches. Thankfully, they passed that test with flying colours. It’s a stunning design, really smart, brilliant to construct and a wonder to behold. It feels very grown up and totally befitting of the 18+ tag.

The final bag focuses on covering the large Technic frame with all the body pieces and detailing, of which there isn’t really that much. It’s a fairly blocky vehicle, so don’t expect much in the way of sleek curves or sexy bodywork, but what it lacks in aesthetics it more than makes up for in pure brute strength. The bulky, solid feel of the frame is carried through to the bodywork. Each section feels solid and strong; popping the hood in particular feels very sturdy, more so than a lot of other Technic vehicles.

And, to its credit, there are still areas where the pickup truck looks really striking – the front windshield, rear wheel arches (with printed ‘Raptor’ design) and front grille all look excellent, while the orange colour scheme really makes the model pop. 

There are so many positives to take away from the build and the final design, but one area that feels somewhat lacking is the distinctive front and rear lights. In this model they are replicated only through the use of stickers, which feels a little like a letdown considering how well everything else has been put together. They still look good, though, and capture the essence of the truck – it’s just a shame they couldn’t have been brick-built. 

That aside, the final model looks very impressive and is deceptively large, measuring 42cm long. There’s not much in the way of functionality, but then given the source material that is to be expected, and what there is works brilliantly. There’s front steering (operated by a gear on top), the front hood, rear tailgate, rear doors and front doors all open, and the suspension is the icing on the cake: it genuinely feels like you could drive this over pretty much any terrain without even breaking a sweat. 

— Characters —

If you’re new to the LEGO Technic theme then you probably don’t know that there are no minifigures, Technic figures or any kind of figures for that matter included within the set. Technic is all about the engineering, build and final model.

— Price —

While the UK and European prices seem reasonable, especially when compared to other Technic sets of this size and piece count, there is a massive disparity between them and the price in the US. Our stateside cousins are by far getting the best deal with 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor. Perhaps it’s because it’s such a popular vehicle in America, or maybe there’s another reason for the price difference that only those responsible for LEGO pricing will know. 

Either way, those in Europe and the UK shouldn’t feel too hard done by, as it’s still a decent price. But US fans will likely be even more tempted by this particular set, coming in at just under $100 (compared to £129.99 / €139.99 in the UK and Europe).

— Pictures —

— Summary —

42126 Ford F-150 Raptor is not as instantly desirable as some of the more exotic cars in the Technic garage, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this is any less of a set. The build is just as, if not even more, enjoyable than some of the sportier models out there, and the functionality feels authentic and is incredibly satisfying to put together.

The finished Raptor is both striking and robust, very befitting of the real thing. It’s a fantastic model, and a prime example that it’s what’s inside the box, not what’s on the outside, that really counts. It’s probably not for everyone, but those looking for a really enjoyable Technic experience coupled with a decent and eye-catching model could do a lot worse than this.

This set was provided for review by the LEGO Group.

Support the work that Brick Fanatics does by pre-ordering your copy of 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor using our affiliate links. Thank you!

— FAQs —

How long does it take to build LEGO Technic 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor?

42126 Ford F-150 Raptor is a very enjoyable build with three main stages to work through, each taking around 60 to 90 minutes to complete, with a total build time between three to four hours. 

How many pieces are in LEGO Technic 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor?

There are 1,379 pieces in 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor, spread across seven bags numbered one through three. 

How big is LEGO Technic 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor?

42126 Ford F-150 Raptor is deceptively large, measuring 42cm long, 17cm wide and 15cm high. 

How much does LEGO Technic 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor cost?

42126 Ford F-150 Raptor launches on October 1 at LEGO.com and in LEGO Stores. It retails for £129.99 in the UK, €139.99 across Europe and at a bargain price of $99.99 in the US. 

2 thoughts on “LEGO Technic 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor review

  • 28/08/2021 at 08:10
    Permalink

    $249 is Australia which is outrageous. I would expect about $169

    Reply
    • 24/10/2021 at 23:13
      Permalink

      Hi Ben
      Just completed the build and A$249 is well worth it! New pieces, some clever engineering and an assembly that needs some degree of focus, concentration and skill. Well worth placing in the Supercar series rather than Creator.

      Reply

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