A couple days ago we published our review on the large 1:8 scale LEGO Technic replica of the Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 E Performance racecar. Next up on the docket is the itty-bitty LEGO Technic 42165 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 Pull-Back. This 240-piece set is being heavily marketed as a companion build for the large version. Is it worth it? Come with us as we build it and make our verdict. The set will be available March 1st and retail for US $26.99 | CAN $34.99 | UK £20.99.
The LEGO Group sent The Brothers Brick an early copy of this set for review. Providing TBB with products for review guarantees neither coverage nor positive reviews
Unboxing the parts, instructions, and sticker sheet
The thick little box appears to be exactly the same as some of the other pull-back models. The front and back show two different angles of the car, and there is an inset image of the real think on the back.
Inside are four bags numbered 1-4, an unnumbered bag, 4 loose tires, and the sticker sheet. There are a fair number of stickers, as to be expected. It’s generally on par with other models like it.
The build
We kick off this little model with a sturdy frame attached to the pull-back motor. Our first sticker is the Mercedes logo on what would be the halo support.
Next, we do the paneling on the front portion of the vehicle, adding several more stickers.
From there we add the rest of the paneling apart from the spoiler and bits at the bottom. We also add the airbox, a fin about the motor, and soft axles for the halo and teal stripe along the side of the vehicle. This last element is new in this color and looks excellent. The way it’s bent around things cleverly mimics the real car.
Finally, we add the little bottom panels and the spoiler. Then we round the whole thing off with some wheels and tires. In general, the stickers are pretty well done, however the green circles at the center hub of each wheel are just slightly misaligned on every one.
The completed model
This is a very fast build! Image building its big brother and then building this! But it’s an adorable replica of the 1:8 version. As far as pull-backs go, this one hits the mark.
And, of course, a GIF of the pull-back in action is required. These motors can actually get the vehicles going pretty fast!
Conclusions and recommendations
You may be here because you like to collect pull-backs the same way that people collect Speed Champions sets for display. In that regard, it certainly looks cool and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Alternatively, you may be here to see if this is right for your kiddo. As previously mentioned, it’s a fast, easy build, and it’s fun to play with, so I would definitely recommend it for your Technic fan with even just a smidge of experience.
Finally, you might be intrigued by LEGO’s big marketing push to grab this set as a build-along companion to the large version. Even with very little experience, your kiddo is going to be done wayyyy before you wrap up the 1:8 scale model, however, it’s a clever idea that I could jump on board with. Keep in mind that the price-per-piece isn’t great. Not quite as bad as its big brother, but still not fantastic. But if that doesn’t bother you and you’re already sold on the big version, I would highly recommend this set if you’re simply considering a bonding session with your mini-me.
While you’re here, check out our other reviews on this latest wave!
LEGO Technic 42165 Mercedes-AMG F1 W14 Pull-Back will be available March 1st and retail for US $26.99 | CAN $34.99 | UK £20.99.
The LEGO Group sent The Brothers Brick an early copy of this set for review. Providing TBB with products for review guarantees neither coverage nor positive reviews
