The latest flagship technic set for 2013 is the Mobile Crane MK II 42009. It is the set with the highest part count ever for a technic model at a whopping 2606 pieces.

It follows on from the following flagship models, 9398 4×4 Crawler from 2012, 8110 Mercedes Benz Unimog from 2011 and 8043 Motorized Excavator from 2010.

LEGO has made a few mobile crane models in the past such as the following:

  • 8053 Mobile Crane with 1289 pieces released in 2010.
  • 8421 Mobile Crane with 1884 pieces released in 2005.

The Mobile Crane MK II 42009 has power functions to operate the crane arm, lower and raise the winch, extend or retract the boom and lastly to extend the outriggers.

Set comes with a Power Functions L motor and AA battery box.

It also features 5 axles with 10 wheels compared to the earlier models with up to 4 axles and 8 wheels only.

The B model of this set is a container stacker and truck. So essentially you get to build 3 different vehicles in this one set. The container in the B model is just a frame without any panels and so is less realistic.

Perhaps you could use a card board and print your favourite shipping company logo the form the container panels.

Should you buy it?

The main model is fantastic looking as it’s quite realistic with many panels and quite a smooth finish. If you are after something complex, this is it.

For those people who missed out on the earlier 8421 set from 2005, here’s your chance to buy something even better so grab it before it’s discontinued or you’ll have to wait a few years again and hope LEGO releases another mobile crane or pay high prices for a discontinued set.

Year Released: 2013
Pieces: 2606
Retail Price: $219.99