I've been getting into Lego lately - It's not all I think about, but it's damned near all I think about. [Only a slight exaggeration.]
I've just completed the first Lego build I've done in years - More years than I'd like to count to be honest. It was a Volkswagen Beetle which was enjoyable. It was my first car, literally, as I bought a 1964 Beetle back in 1986 when I was 16 - It wasn't the coolest, or the Plymouth Roadrunner I really wanted, but it was mine, bought with my own money from working at the local supermarket after school. I was proud of every little rusty piece of it. So - What better Lego set to rekindle my love of Lego right? src
Anyway, with that build now complete and sitting on my desk at the office, it's time to get onto the next. I bought this kit last week and it has finally arrived. The Land Rover Defender! This is Lego Technic rather than the traditional Lego and I'm quite excited to get into it. For those who know me, (or think they do) you'll know how much I love off-roading and when I saw this set all thoughts of getting the Kombi van set I had originally thought I'd get went south. I had to have this set!
The kit comes with over 2,500 pieces and has amazing detail. It includes a working dual-range transmission (the most sophisticated Lego transmission to date), independent suspension, working all-wheel-drive with 3 differentials, working steering opening doors, working winch and pistons in the engine plus loads more. It is 42cm long, 22cm high and 20cm wide (8" high, 16" long, 7" wide) so is quite large and perfect for a display (or to play with like this man-child will probably do.)
Below is a video from Lego which I grabbed off YouTube below which shows off some of its elements and the overall size which is pretty big.
After I purchased this kit my brother (an engineer) thought he should tell me that apparently the angle on one of the shafts is wrong and that prevents effective operation of the gearbox - Thanks for telling me after bought it...However there is a way to fix it which should add some additional element of challenge to the build - Finding out how to fix it and actually doing so. He also told me that some work and some don't so he thinks it's more to do with the builders construction of it. I don't really care though, I'm looking forward to it.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting started on this one. I think I'll have to take a bit of time with it to make sure I get it right rather than rush it; Savour the enjoyment and all. Considering what my brother said my plan is to build it and see what happens. If the gearbox doesn't work then I'll pull it apart and trouble shoot it. All part of the fun and frustration of Lego.
I'm sure you'll get an update here and there along the way, and some photos. There may be some featuring a perplexed or frustrated galenkp in them but I'm sure I'll be having a great time with this build.
Stay tuned.
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