Review: 42103 Dragster
Posted by benbacardi,
Since 2013, LEGO has released a pair of small Technic vehicles each year that make use of a simple pullback motor to provide the main play function of the set. The designs have ranged from stunt motorcycles to police cars, quad bikes, and racing cars.
Set 42103 Dragster is one of this year’s pair, along with 42104 Race Truck, returning the theme to the race track after last year’s road-based offerings. In previous years, alternative instructions have been provided that allow you to combine the two sets in the pair into a single, larger, model. This year, however, LEGO has provided each model with its own alternate build, turning them into standalone 2-in-1 sets in lieu of a combined vehicle. Presumably in order to more easily accommodate a second model, the part count for each model has also been increased from previous years.
The Box and Contents
The box artwork consists of the standard dark Technic branding, with the main dragster taking centre stage against a race track backdrop. It's not immediately obvious, but the set of lights behind the dragster (which, incidentally, would be facing the wrong direction if this were an accurate photo of a race) are actually included as a smaller build.
Prominent on the box are the Technic 2-in-1 and pullback logos, with a small depiction of the dragster being pulled back and released to indicate the functionality. Inside the box are three unnumbered bags of parts, two loose tyres, the pullback motor, and a fairly extensive sticker sheet. Unfortunately this is rather common in these smaller Technic sets, particularly those depicting racing vehicles and their sponsor-covered livery, and they often need the stickers to look attractive.
The Build and Completed Model
I am not a Technic expert, so although this is a relatively small set, it took me longer than expected to complete. The main chassis is constructed around the pullback motor, through which a single axle can be run and attached to the drive wheels of the car.
The body consists primarily of two 15-long beams onto which body panels are attached on either side. A large spoiler sits high above the rear of the vehicle, while a pair of engine exhausts are located on either side, spouting flames. A small air intake is situated above the cockpit, which contains the only printed part in the set - a 1x1 round tile printed with a gauge or dial of some sort. I'm not sure it was necessary to include the printed element, although it is a nice touch, as it is almost impossible to see once the model is complete.
As you can see, I originally built the model without applying any stickers, in the hope that they would not be necessary for the aesthetics of the set. Unfortunately this turned out not to be the case - the look of the vehicle is greatly improved with the stickers (see below), as the large plain green panels that cover the majority of the model are rather bland by themselves.
The completed vehicle is surprisingly large, at 32cm long (although it is obviously fairly skinny.) It makes for a relatively imposing model from what is a fairly small box.
Protruding from the rear of the vehicle is a stabiliser that introduces a second play aspect to the set; or rather, modifies how the vehicle behaves when released.
When positioned as shown above, lowered to the ground, the dragster simply races forward when released, with the additional stabilisation keeping all wheels on the ground. However, the red Technic parts above can be disconnected, the bar raised, and then secured again.
In this position, the racer's front wheels will lift off the ground as the car is propelled forward, before the stabiliser hits the ground and returns the vehicle to its original position to continue on. This feature is highlighted on the rear of the box, and demonstrated in the instructions once the build is complete. It adds another level of interest to be able to vary the play.
As mentioned earlier, a smaller build is also included; the starting lights Christmas tree. This is surprisingly accurate, consisting of two sets of pre-stage and stage lights (printed details on a 3x2 tile), followed by the three amber, one green, and one red light for each of the two dragsters competing against one another. It's largely superfluous in this set, but could be used to indicate a starting point if you had a second pullback vehicle to race against.
Unfortunately, my house is mostly covered in carpet, which is not the best surface on which to test a pullback motor. However, it easily cleared 9ft across the lounge, and would therefore go much further on a smooth surface such as tiled or wooden floors.
The Alternative Build
Instructions for the second model are not included directly in the set; instead they can be obtained from LEGO's website, or through a smartphone app, by scanning a QR code on the main instruction booklet.
The build, as shown on the rear of the box, converts the dragster into some kind of Hot Rod, with the spoiler removed and the engine exhausts moved to a prominent position at the front of the vehicle.
It is not too different from the main build, and the resulting vehicle looks unfinished, in my opinion. It feels somewhat like a case of the designers trying to come up with a decent second model from the parts available, and not completely succeeding.
Conclusion
As a departure from the previous method of combining two distinct sets into one larger model, I appreciate the new 2-in-1 approach for this theme. The increase in part count has led to a more substantial model, and you no longer need to purchase both of the pair.
The RRP has remained the same at £17.99 / $19.99 / 19.99€, which I think represents fair value for money, and certainly better value than previous years.
As for the model, the pullback functionality is fun, although it does add more friction when simply pushing the car around than a free-wheeled version. With the stickers applied, it's an attractive vehicle, and one that my children couldn't wait to start playing with when they saw it the next morning. In fact, it kept them both occupied for a substantial amount of time, pulling it back and releasing it to one another at either end of the table. Given that my daughter is not yet four, the age guide of 7+ is appropriate for the build but it's certainly not the lower limit for which the set can be enjoyed!
I will also be reviewing the partner set, 42104 Race Truck, which I hope will meet similar expectations. I suspect they will be facing one another in a drag race shortly after it is built, if my children have anything to do with it!
Thanks for LEGO for providing the set for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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16 comments on this article
I love these small Technic sets with Pull Back engines.
Good review thanks. It was interesting to read even for the non fan neither specialist of Technic sets I am.
The higher parts count and better value this year is a nice change for these pull-back vehicles. Sure there are quite a few small parts, but I always like more lime green. Thanks for the review!
For the money it looks quite decent. The Christmas Tree is a nice add-on too.
Am I the only one who likes the B model of this one?
@Brickmasterboy said:
"Am I the only one who likes the B model of this one?"
Apparently so. ;-)
I think the B model looks like someone stepped on the A model by accident and squashed it.
@Brickmasterboy said:
"Am I the only one who likes the B model of this one?"
Not at all. I like it a lot.
Thanks for this review, I am looking forward to getting both of these new Technic models.
@AustinPowers said:
" @Brickmasterboy said:
"Am I the only one who likes the B model of this one?"
Apparently so. ;-)
I think the B model looks like someone stepped on the A model by accident and squashed it. "
That's what makes it look so badass :)
Big fan of these and, after a couple less-inspired years' of models, great to see a little more volume / mass here - these look great! One of my few "100% collected" sub-themes!
Thanks for the review!
Neat review now, what recon have we received from the London toy fair?
reminds me a bit of some of the Racers sets released in the mid 2000s, I really miss that line.
I collect a great many LEGO themes and stretch my finances accordingly; however, this is not a line that will do any more damage to my wallet. It looks like a fun model, but I focus on bigger display sets.
I tend to believe that we each think we could write great reviews. I also am pretty confident that writing good reviews is far more difficult than it appears from the outside, even with the support of brilliant photography and Brickset mentorship.
That is all noted as a means of emphasizing that I loved this review for the way it was written and how it captured my attention. Tremendous job benbacardi—keep up the great work.
I’m starting to like Technic more and more...
B Model looks way better.
@namekuji said:
"B Model looks way better."
Sarcasm at its finest.
:-)
Awwww, using LEGO as it should be used: with the kids although watch how that 4 years old uses the parts.