LEGO Technic 42117 Race Plane Review

Priced at only £8.99, you might not expect that much from LEGO Technic 42117 Race Plane. It comes in a tiny box, and thanks to its budget price you’ll likely assume that it’s a basic, small model that will take a short time to build and then be left unloved somewhere. Or deconstructed and put back in the box.

Honestly, though, it’s actually pretty brilliant. And as usual with Technic sets, it’s two models in one. If you’d rather, you can build a fighter jet instead.

What’s in the box?

In the box are three unnumbered bags, along with a sticker sheet containing nine stickers and two loose wing pieces. An instruction manual is also included, but as usual with Technic sets, if you want to build the alternative model, the fighter jet, you’ll need to seek out the instructions on the LEGO website.

The build

With one bag containing the main parts of the model and the other two smaller bags containing lugs etc, you’ll need to open all three bags at once to build the LEGO Technic 42117 Race Plane. It’s not a problem, though, when overall that’s still only 154 pieces.

First you’ll build the main structure of the plane, and usual with Technic it ends up being very solid indeed. The technical part involves doing a little gear work so that you end up with propellers that move as you turn the plane’s wheels. Still, it’s not really complicated.

With the main body completed, it’s time to build the two wings and connect them. After that the propeller is connected, followed by the rear wing. Until the rear wing is added, the rear wheel flops around, perhaps making you feel like you’ve made a mistake. But fear not, it’s gets secured in place and all is well.

Finally, the cockpit is built and placed on top. The stickers are applied to the propellers, front and rear wings, and sides of the plane throughout the process. Overall, it’s an enjoyable build.

Play or display?

As it’s just a generic model, you’re not likely going to want to display the LEGO Technic 42117 Race Plane. Still, it does look great, so it won’t be an eyesore if you just leave it lying on a shelf somewhere. Thanks to its solidity and its rotating propellers, it’s perhaps best used as a plaything – it has lots of “swooshability”. And then there’s the fact that you can deconstruct it and have yet more fun building a fighter jet. It may only be a small set, but it can deliver a large amount of joy.

Value for money?

At just £8.99, LEGO Technic 42117 Race Plane offers exceptional value for money. It really is a nice-looking model considering its size when built, and, being Technic, constructing it is a more involved experience.

It’s those who will break it down, obtain the instructions for the alternative build and construct that that will get the most out of it though. Twice the construction means twice the pleasure, and then you can decide which one you like the best.