Introduction
We get more information about the development with photos of the real car here are our two sets. Then there are a few words from the designer focusing on the new LEGO parts and features.
Box Design and Contents
The large box for the 42171 Mercedes AMG F1 W14 E Performance set features a serious design with a black background, exuding an air of sophistication. On the back of the box, there is another view of the car along with its dimensions and some detailed information. A comparison view with the original car adds to the appeal of the packaging. In contrast, the smaller 42165 set showcases the car on a race track, providing a different perspective. The back of the box offers another view with a smaller photo of the real car.
Box Opening and Set Details
Upon opening the boxes, the 42171 set reveals 1642 pieces spread across 12 numbered bags, 2 unnumbered bags, 4 tires, and an envelope containing a thick manual and 2 large sticker sheets. The abundance of stickers in LEGO sets has become a trend, making one wonder if they will soon be sold by the square meter. The manual includes a striking double shot of the cars and information about the Mercedes AMG F1 team’s accomplishments from 2010 to 2022, although the irony lies in the fact that we are building the 2023 car, which was not as successful.
Release Date and Pricing
Both sets are set to be released on March 1, with the 42171 set priced at 220 EUR/USD and the 42165 set at 27 EUR/USD. Local prices and pre-order options can be accessed through the links provided in the description or the pinned comment.
Parts List
Here is the surprisingly short parts list. Apparently, the variety of parts used in this set is quite low. In the smaller box there are 4 numbered and one unnumbered bags. The instructions, the sticker sheet and 4 tires. As this is a pullback set, there is no additional information in the manual. This is the parts list now lets start building.
Front Axle Assembly
We start with the larger car of course. The process begins with the front axle. Here is our basic setup. Time to add the shock absorbers. This step was not entirely clear at first glance. You have to attach that pin first and then slide in the axle. The steering rack is in place and also some elements of the pushrod suspension, although it is not yet fully functional. Now the elements are properly attached and we can test the suspension. This is the end of bag 1.
Building the Steering
This is the base of the Hand of God steering. Once we have built this assembly, we join it to the previous one and with a few more parts, the steering is complete. Every component works. In case you’re interested, no, the steering wheel and the front wheels can’t both be centered. We have a 12-tooth gear on this side, an 8-tooth one here and one above, so the steering wheel will never be properly centered.
Phase 1: Getting Started
Interestingly, at least the manual is completely honest. This time it shows that the steering wheel is rotated while the front wheels are centered.
Phase 2: Chassis Construction
Extending the chassis backwards end of bag 2. We start with the construction of the rear suspension. Then comes the assembly with the differential. Its time to connect the elements of the suspension. Now we can see how the pull rod suspension works.
Phase 3: Rear Axle Assembly
The wheel hubs have been installed and after some reinforcements here is our finished rear axle at the end of phase 3. Heres the exhaust. With this section and the rear light, then we add more aero elements.
Phase 4: Body Paneling
We have a new type of panel here, which is actually an inverted version of this. Similarly, sized older one. We need a smooth surface to be able to apply stickers. But that doesnt stop us from putting stickers on the other side as well, which is very tedious by the way. Rear wing section completed and at the end of phase 4. We have the whole chassis here.
Phase 5: Engine Building
We build a nice V6 engine with transparent engine blocks, it is attached to the drivetrain secured in place and, yes, it works. The rest of the phase involves adding some reinforcements to the sides.
Phase 6: Floor and Venturi Inlets
Bag 6 is mainly about building the floor and adding the Venturi inlets on both sides.
Phase 7: Side Pods Construction
In the next phase, we build the side pods using a lot of panel fairings and stickers. Body shaping continues with a few more interesting angles in phase 8.
Seat Installation
Now its time to install the seat.
Unexpected Branding
I never expected to see the brand of my lawnmower and power tools on an official LEGO set, but here it is.
Front Wing Assembly
Bag 9 contains the front wing elements and one of the stickers seems to be badly cut. It has some excess, transparent plastic, which is a shame. The new narrower long panel fairings are being used here. The fully assembled front wing doesn’t want to go into place easily.
Panel Building
Here is the panel for the hump, which was heavily criticized at the Reveal. It doesn’t look too bad, but we’ll see in the end. Panels without stickers are a refreshing sight. The smaller assemblies that hold the front elements together look a bit more exciting than the usual panel building.
Aero Elements and Cockpit Area
We add the aero elements above the wheels and then move on to the area behind the cockpit in the next phase. The assembly with the camera pod, the Hand of God steering knob, and the slightly oversized red ring cover the sides of the cockpit. The front halo mount is followed by the rear view mirrors with their supporting cross axles in a specific position, as highlighted in the manual. The flex axle for the halo is also included.
Area Above the Engine
In the last phase, we build the area above the engine. A round 1×1 tile is used to hold the long blade piece in the correct position.
A Few More Parts
After assembling a few more parts, it is time to attach the engine cover. This stage introduces some intricacies into the build as we approach the completion of the set.
The Tires and Wheel Covers
The last items in the set are the real novelties – the tires and wheel covers. The slick tires provided are in a new size without any marked dimensions, which adds an element of interest to the assembly process. Comparing them to previous models like the Tumbler tire reveals some similarities in size and width, with a slight difference in diameter upon closer examination.
One striking difference is the rim used, which resembles those seen on Peugeot 9×8 or Porsche 911 RSR models. The newly designed wheel covers add a touch of elegance and practicality, indicating their potential use with older tires. The tires, wheel covers, and custom printed tile come together to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of the set.
Challenges Faced
However, not everything is smooth sailing with the set, as it presents the challenge of assembling four identical tires. This task requires precision and attention to detail to ensure a flawless finish.
Final Assembly
Once the tires are securely mounted on the car and the wheel covers are in place, the set nears completion. The finishing touches mark the end of the intricate building process, leaving a sense of accomplishment in creating this masterpiece.
Building Complexity
The pullback mechanism in the set adds a touch of complexity to the overall build, offering a more engaging experience than simpler models like Monster Jam pullbacks. Despite being a simpler component, the pullback mechanism incorporates clever design elements that showcase the sophistication of the set.
Panel Fairings and Rear Assembly
A single beam with tiles on the side as a nose cone fixing the element with further panel fairings that was bag 2. More tiny panel fairings. Then we continue the paneling at the rear, and here is that teal line from the original represented with a flex axle that’s a cool design choice. We get a smaller rotor blade as the rear fin here and the flex axle for the halo is similar to the Large model. This compact assembly represents the rear end of the vehicle with the wing. Then we add the panel fairings for the side.
Wheel Assembly
It’s time to assemble the wheels. Once again we get 4 identical, tires and rims. Then the wheel covers and we’re done. So here are the two finished Formula: 1 race cars. The difference in size is obvious, but I think they both have their strengths and weaknesses. The black design doesn’t really help to highlight all the details, or maybe it helps to hide the imperfections, but we have a lot of different panels to shape all the aero elements on this car. I think the pullback set also does a good job at this scale. The area around the pullback motor is a bit odd, but there’s not much you can do without redesigning the piece entirely.
Hand of God Steering
Here, we have hand of God steering, which is also connected to the steering wheel, which unfortunately isn’t aligned with the wheels. This design choice may lead to some interesting handling characteristics once the model is completed.
Suspension Features
There’s a push rod suspension at the front and pull rod at the rear. The suspension has quite a bit of travel, which is crucial right out of the box. This will be significant when evaluating the overall performance of the model.
Adjustable Rear Wing and Engine Cover
The model boasts a manually adjustable rear wing and the engine cover can be removed to reveal the V6 engine with transparent engine blocks, driven through the rear differential. However, the engine cover has a strange flexibility that is worth noting.
Pullback Motor Feature
The pullback set has one defining feature: the pullback motor. Surprisingly, the front wing of the model exhibits impressive rigidity, despite its sleek appearance. This speaks to the attention to detail in the design.
Upcoming Comparisons
Stay tuned for the next part of this review, where we will compare two more Formula 1 cars and discuss the presence and lack of features in these sets. We will also delve into what is offered for the price point and speculate on the target audience for these models.
Conclusion
As for the hump on the nose, it’s much less distracting in real life than in the photos and that shape exists on the real car as well, so I don’t think it was a bad move to use these panels.
