Alan takes on the Heavy-Duty Tow Truck
Alan is one of our Brick Club subscribers and he sent over photos of his completed 42128 build. This is a set I always enjoy seeing finished because the sheer scale of it makes for a satisfying photo.
The Heavy-Duty Tow Truck is 2,017 pieces and sits comfortably in that 5-6 hour bracket. It is not a rush job and the build sequence rewards patience, particularly when you get into the boom and winch mechanism in the later stages.
The boom extension mechanism is the standout feature. There is a real positive action to it, the boom slides out smoothly and locks in a way that feels intentional rather than just resting in position. The outriggers deploy for stability and the winch hook actually lowers on a cable. This is proper working functionality, not just cosmetic.
The two-speed gearbox is controlled via a lever on the cab roof. It is a small detail but one that ties the model together as a proper working vehicle rather than a static display piece. Opening doors, the engine visible through the side grille, outriggers that you actually deploy before extending the boom. Alan has got it all looking great in his photos.
Alan has worked through enough of the library now that his photos are useful in a different way to product shots. They show the kit as a builder actually sees it: on a table, built in normal light, with the little mechanical details doing the talking.
If you have built Heavy-Duty Tow Truck and spotted something I have missed, send it over. The member posts are better when they feel like a record of what people are actually building, not just a list of sets we happen to stock.
Build sets like this every month
Brick Club sends out LEGO Technic sets on a rolling subscription. Build it, send it back, get the next one. No clutter, just the build.