LEGO Racers 8369 Dirt Crusher remote controlled car review

17 November 2004 8:13 GMT / By Stuart Miles

While Lego has for the most part stuck with building bricks, every so often it ventures out into other areas to reach the bigger boys. This time it's the return of remote controlled cars. For us, this was one of the best experiences we've had with RC Cars since we longed to play with our mate's grasshopper remote controlled car as a kid.

The unit and premise is that you build the car for the ground up, the key elements are there: battery, wheels, chassis parts and bodywork. Because the bodywork is a relative of the Lego family, there's still an element of building involved although before you get whimsical ideas about what you can add or design your current Lego set don't get too excited as the sets are incompatible with each other.

45 minutes later and you've got a car just waiting to go somewhere. Designs in the manual allow you to build a car suited for different terrains; road, grass or sand although this being Lego you can adapt if you so wish. Aside from the three different designs you can also set three different speeds when you go out on the road and this is all done via a large remote control.

The car's performance was very impressive, fast and agile. Tricks, spins and basic control are very easy to perform and the unit has a range of about 20 meters. The large tires make for good suspension and double up as good bumpers to avoid damaging paintwork if you're racing indoors.

Verdict

Troubles? Not many, you get a tool to make it easier to get the battery out of the car for charging and a plug in charger to recharge it. You even get a battery for the remote included in the box, however no tool to open the remote case. Just remember to have a Philips screwdriver to hand to avoid disappointed faces.

With three RF settings you should be able to race others together without getting signals crossed and this will make a great Christmas present for Dads and children alike. Top Marks.

Score

Review Recap

Made by: Lego
Price as reviewed: £90
The good: Easy to build, fast, batteries included
The bad: Will need to have a screwdriver at the ready for the battery case
Quick verdict: Great speed and control makes this a great toy for dad’s and children alike
Score
Winner