LEGO Technic 8110 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 400

Positive points:
- Impressive attention to detail, inc. full 4WD drivetrain, working live axle suspension, portal gearing (look up all these terms like I did!) and full steering.
- The detachable grab (can be attached / working either end) is usable and one of the better accessories I have seen.
- The pneumatic grab works well, and you don't need to manually pump- the motor powers a mini compressor. The controls are ok once you have used a few times and assuming you've connected it all ok- my interpretation of the pneumatic hoses was right first time, amazingly- it's slighty complex?
- The pneumatic system is the best I have used- and you can connect at either end of the truck, which is a nice touch.
- The wheels have the usual Technic axles and 3 pins for extra strength in the wheel hub-axle connection.
- The alternative snow plough looks fun, you need to download the instructions though.
- Good value if found at right price, you get 2048 parts and a few left over.
- One of the more realistic models, lots of new components too.
- Likely to eat batteries, but you can use rechargable AA (x6) easily.

Negative points:
- Instructions could be better, especially in places where a lot of black/dark bricks used and the pneumatic hoses etc. Some guesswork / trial and error might be needed. Instruction quality is always a moot point I guess. (Having said that I didn't make any errors- do check when dealing with the differential gear, that you have it the right way around)
- Finished Unimog has a poor turning circle and the steering feels strained; limits of technic component strength being reached perhaps?
- The rear grabber stabilisers are manually operated, no big deal though- make the grabber very stable and the truck's rear wheels lift when they are deployed.
- The rear tipper attaches fine, but doesn't tip- perhaps a mini upgrade project?
- No information on how to integrate remote control or how to power the drive-train- useful for those less able builders who might want to do this.
- Working lights would be nice, but you can add on I guess.

I'd recommend this model- less able builders might need some extra patience or help in places.

At 69 I am not really into updating a Facebook or Twitter account so at Christmas I usually buy some sort of challenge, jig saw, model,etc to keep me sane, and away from the distractions of eating too much, watching hours of drivel repeat TV and so on.
As I said, I like a challenge, but must admit that even I was somewhat taken aback by the size of the box that arrived from Amazon.
I actually thought, my god, what have I done. This model is NOT cheap, in fact my wife thought I had lost my marbles, but , I always wanted a Unimog even a model one.
Briefly, it took me approx 30 hours to assemble the model, spread over 3 weeks.
it is huge!! but everything works fine and I am delighted with it. The plastic parts are of excellent quality and everything went together without problems
I have assembled many models over the years(started with Airfix Messerchmidts in the late 50,s) so I am not a beginner.
However, I have never constructed a Lego model of this size and cost before and therefore started with some trepidation One thing that is at the forefront of your mind IS the cost.!! Failure is not an option .

Based on my experience, I would offer the following advice to anyone thinking of buying this kit.
1) in my view it is only suitable for experienced modellers, i.e., don't buy this as your first Lego kit.
2) Work on a well lit table and only construct one module at a time --there are 5modules and 5 books. Ideally, you should be able to leave your work station as it ,is rather than have to clear up and put out the parts every time.
3) READ the books and particularly make sure that the gear trains are assembled in the correct order, its easy to get it wrong (some of the gear wheel parts look very similar) . If you do get it wrong , you will only find out at the end when it does'nt work which will be VERY frustrating and will then be one hell of a job to sort out.
My experience was that despite sometimes thinking the part was not in the bag after a search, it was always there. make sure its not on the floor!!
4) Take your time. Putting this together is supposed to be satisfying .its not a race. !!

Was I satisfied?
Very much so, There are 2400 parts and putting them altogether in the right order is a satisfying challenge. It looks a great model, everyone has admired it, even my wife .
So whats stopping you buying one.

Wow! this thing is quite big when built and it a challenge to build, I know it costs a lot but when you work out how much lego you are getting for the money it works out quite cheap.