|
One of the few really big sets I ever wanted that much, and a 1988 Christmas present from Mum & Dad. Lego had always done a few racing cars (including a smaller, inferior raceway in 1986 - my brother had that one; it's mine now...). Following the release of a more modernised F1 design in 1987, Lego made this set the centrepiece of the 1988 Town range. And by God, is it worth it! Four cars, each in different schemes, a nice repair truck complete with trailer, two pit areas, a TV camera on tracks, a nice grandstand and a TV commentary box - this has everything you'd want from a Grand Prix set. And there are some nice details on top of this, such as the tyre trolleys, the information board, the first aid man and the tool racks. The models are all nicely designed, especially the team truck and the excellent stairs going up to the grandstand. There are a nice range of figures too, including Shell personnel, TV crew, mechanics, spectators and a paramedic. There's so much to do on this thing if you like racing cars. Parts-wise, this one contains some interesting stuff. The pillars for the grandstand don't seem like too much of a cheat, looking better and being sturdier than building supports. Most of the pieces are fairly versatile, too, so this kit would make a good investment. It would, however, be a bit harder to build from other parts - not only due to the abundance of marked pieces, but also because of the large red panels that make up the floor of the grandstand, and the pillars. Also, the blue trailer was only ever found in one other set, the limited-release Race Car Repair set of 1989. For modifications, well, the basic set needed no changes, but a combined Lego/racing nut like myself was always going to add to this. The cars are easy enough to clone that a second in each style makes teams of two, and the design can be easily done in several different styles, meaning I have eight teams of two cars. There have been so many tow and repair trucks done that it's easy to make one in each team's colours, and then it's just a matter of finding mechanics and drivers (the Racers range means there are a variety of different uniforms available). With Karts and things you can even have support races. And the grandstand looks fantastic absolutely packed with people. Ordinary road boards look fine as a track (though obviously a complicated configuration for the track is a bit much), so usually I just put barriers around the town and have a Monaco-style race, with everyone watching. A very fun set, with a lot of possibility for additions. Of course, if you're not keen on Grand Prix stuff, this one will be an expensive way of getting a few parts, but if you do, boy are you going to enjoy this set! Review
Written: 04/07/2006 |
