To mark the 60th Jubilee of the Unimog, Mercedes-Benz teamed up with the world’s largest toy manufacturer, LEGO, to create the LEGO Technic Unimog U 400 model. The LEGO Technic Unimog U 400 is a 2,048-element kit targeted at adult LEGO fans (like yours truly here—trying to contain my excitement…), and it is designed true to the real Unimog with real functions that mimic the real thing.
LEGO Technic Unimog U 400 (8110) | €190.00 | www.lego.com
Touted as the first do-it-yourself Unimog U 400, the model is actually a 1:12.5 scale version of the real thing, but nevertheless, it is the biggest Technic model ever produced by LEGO. Though no measurements were given, based on the scale provided, we should expect a model length of slightly under 400 mm. No doubt a huge model.
The model vehicle has a combination of electric drive and pneumatics that are adaptations of its full-size counterpart. The “Power Functions” run the pump of a pneumatically operated crane with a gripper arm that has almost 360 degrees of rotation. It even has a loading area that can be lowered.
Wow. I am totally sold.
Other features include a serviceable control system and an engine that is accurate in every detail, right down to the pistons. Additionally, the crane and winch can be converted into a large snow plough, again closely replicating what the original vehicle is capable of. The LEGO Technic Unimog U 400 will be available from toy retailers from August and costs about €190 (around US$275).
