Set Review - 4200 Mining 4x4

To round off the recent mining polybag reviews we'll look at the smallest set in the series, the Mining 4x4.  As I mentioned in the review for the Quad, it seemed a little superfluous to include it when there was already a 4x4.  But there are differences.  First off, the quad is considered to be a motorcycle type open air vehicle whereas this is an enclosed truck.  Other than that only the piece count is significantly different.

Each vehicle does come with a minifig that is different from each other though it is one of the four mining minifigs (try typing that 5 times fast).  The 4x4 comes with a rock and a couple of tools whereas the 4x4 miner has to find his own doggone rock.  The quad driver gets a lone 3-stick of dynamite but the 4x4 driver gets a remote plunger and a timer for his C-4.  Though the package erroneously shows him using the plunger AND the timer at the same time.  One or the other buddy, one or the other.

I picked up this set due to my fetish with the mining line.  I walked into my local Kroger branded store with very little money in the LEGO account.  I was just going to get milk and walk out but as you well know if there's LEGO in the store, that's the first aisle we check.  I'm glad I did.  There was one 4x4 left on the shelf likely due to the current sale.  This set was $11.99 down to $6.99.  Woot, $5 off makes a huge difference at this price point.  The box was damaged so I took it to customer service to check it out.  All contents were there so I bought it but she gave me 10% off for damage anyway.  Furthermore I had a 10% toy coupon that applied.  Final price was $5.66 (no sales tax in Oregon).

Having 97 parts, one 5 part minifig and ten extra parts places it right near the happy dime per piece.  It's also a bit heftier than the quad or dozer.  It felt nice and sturdy and I wanted to swoosh instead of vroom it.  Two issues I could find.  First, the way that the pickaxe attaches to the side clips allows for the axe point to overhang the window opening.  Little Mr. Miner is going to catch his eye on it one of these days.  Apparently I need to raise it high enough that it's just hanging on by the tip of the handle.  Second, the windshield does not have internal anti-studs at the doors so they are susceptible to falling off.  It's pretty good unless you get rough with it so I give the connection a solid 7 out of 10.

If you're working on the mining line, this set is a must have.  It's a cheap extra vehicle for another hand to play with.  Great if you have three kids *ahem*.  It doesn't fall apart like the polybag vehicles.  And the miner will fit in the truck with his hat on.

Unlike the retired mega dump truck this set is still being sold by LEGO though listed as hard to find.  Find it easily on their website: