With the internal complexities out of the way, the remainder of the build -- the bodywork -- is straightforward, so the finished model takes shape in no time. Overall I think the build took me about 3 hours. That aside, the final model looks very impressive and is deceptively large, measuring 42cm long. There’s not much in the way of functionality, but then given the source material that is to be expected, and what there is works brilliantly. There’s front steering (operated by a gear on top), the front hood, rear tailgate, rear doors and front doors all open, and the suspension is the icing on the cake: it genuinely feels like you could drive this over pretty much any terrain without even breaking a sweat. — Characters —

Overall, it's an excellent model: not too big, not too complex, and without Control+ to bloat the price and impede playability.

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The most complex assembly is the rear suspension system. At the front of the manual, the LEGO designers reveal the most challenging aspect was getting the rear suspension structure’s mechanics to not only accurately reflect those of the real life F-150, but also align perfectly with the wheel arches. Thankfully, they passed that test with flying colours. It’s a stunning design, really smart, brilliant to construct and a wonder to behold. It feels very grown up and totally befitting of the 18+ tag. The 1,379-piece 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor is released on October 1st, and it looks to be a faithful reproduction of the vehicle, offering a reasonable level of functionality for a decent price, so let's see if that's the case.

While the UK and European prices seem reasonable, especially when compared to other Technic sets of this size and piece count, there is a massive disparity between them and the price in the US. Our stateside cousins are by far getting the best deal with 42126 Ford F-150 Raptor. Perhaps it’s because it’s such a popular vehicle in America, or maybe there’s another reason for the price difference that only those responsible for LEGO pricing will know. The finished Raptor is both striking and robust, very befitting of the real thing. It’s a fantastic model, and a prime example that it’s what’s inside the box, not what’s on the outside, that really counts. It’s probably not for everyone, but those looking for a really enjoyable Technic experience coupled with a decent and eye-catching model could do a lot worse than this.LEGO Technic sets feature true-to-life movement and mechanisms that let LEGO builders explore engineering concepts in an approachable and realistic way. I think the designers have done a good job of reproducing the shape and contours of the F-150 within the limitations of the Technic system, mostly without recourse to System parts, which I always appreciate. After completing the relaxing building challenge, you’ll love displaying your collectible LEGO Technic Ford F-150 model

There are no new parts in the set, but there are number of recolours, mostly orange beams and panels.

Ford F-150 Raptor is not as instantly desirable as some of the more exotic cars in the Technic garage, but don’t let that fool you into thinking this is any less of a set. The build is just as, if not even more, enjoyable than some of the sportier models out there, and the functionality feels authentic and is incredibly satisfying to put together. In terms of functionality, it offers steering using the gear on the top of the cab, effective suspension, and opening doors, bonnet and tailgate (not shown here). That doesn't sound like much but other than a complex gearbox and 4-wheel-drive there's not much more that could be added. Implementing them would just increase the cost and complexity without any real benefit, so I have no complaints. Construction begins with the front of the vehicle The front axle features double wishbone suspension and steering, but it is not connected to the drivetrain and the 6-cylinder engine, so unlike the real F-150, the model is rear-wheel drive only, although of course it doesn't matter in an unpowered vehicle. The off-road tyre is new this year, having first appeared in the abysmal Control+ 42124 Off-Road Buggy. It's not prototypical at all, but it looks like the sort you might put on the vehicle for specialist off-road use. It measures 41cm x 17cm. The real vehicle is 5.5m x 2.1m which makes the scale of the model approximately 1:13.

There's a fair amount of detail in the cabin, including rear seats, although there's not a lot of legroom! If you’re new to the LEGO Technic theme then you probably don’t know that there are no minifigures, Technic figures or any kind of figures for that matter included within the set. Technic is all about the engineering, build and final model. — Price —