When the call came in over the trucker radio station, actually it was over our Discord chat channel. But we thought it sounded cool to get into the zone as a trucker. Our dear friends over at The LEGO Group have provided us with the LEGO Technic Heavy-Duty Tow Truck #42128. We asked Bev and Astrid to take the truck out for a days work. Bev based in the United Kingdom and Astrid onboard in Germany. And this was the highlights of their day.
The Heavy-Duty Tow Truck
The Tow Truck consists of 2017 pieces and is aimed at the aged 11+ age range. What is fair to say, this age group will love the working parts and the robust build. The whole set has some tricky little bits to put together. Saying this, it is well designed and engineered full of pneumatic functioning elements. This technic tow truck is no exception. It’s big, 58cms in length to be precise.
On both sides there are turning gears that control the moving mechanical parts such as the rotating crane arm, winch, outriggers, boom and the side stabilisers.
The front has an authentic grille, complete with air filters, lights and exhaust pipe. And a 6-cylinder moving piston engine that is incorporated above the front axle under the bonnet, linked to the rear. At the same time, there is a rear axle which raises and lowers one set of wheels in order to spread the weight of loads.
The truck is colourful, and there are around 30 stickers that add to the orange, blue and white bodywork. In fact, the stickers as cosmetic as they are, to us represent what we expect to see from classic tow trucks.
Bevvypix calling 10-4 for a copy
If you have seen the American road action comedy film, Smokey and the Bandit, you will have heard them talking on CB radio’s and probably already know what the lingo 10-4 means.
Truckers have developed a language of their own. And growing up Bev also has fond memories of sitting up front in the cab of her dear ole uncle’s wagon and thinking riding in trucks is so much fun, whilst listening to the lingo broadcast over the radio. Although the cab she rode in was completely different from the American wagons of today.
Whist on a truck stop break, a call came in. A vehicle had hit a ditch travelling at high speed on a country lane, thus blocking the way. Answering the call was Bevvypix. She powered up the dragging wagon (Tow Truck) and headed out to recover the over turned vehicle.
As she made her way toward the location, she noticed she wasn’t alone. Suddenly, a herd of bulls appeared from nowhere. They stood watching from the field behind the fence. Bevvypix stopped the truck and got out to take a photograph, because she knew no one would believe the audience that had appeared. Needing to share her story, she got straight on the CB Radio and put out a call, Breaker/Breaker One niner …
Breaker One-niner
Bev to Astrid “What’s your handle?”
Astrid to Bev “Heylight”
Bevvypix to Heylight “Copy that! “
Astrid had come online and the conversation began between them. Ironically, she also received a call to recover an abandoned vehicle. Passing the harbour area in Bremen, where all the containers were stored. Her engines were in full drive mode as she headed toward the Weser Flow.
As she approached the bridge, Astrid could see a beautiful place and wondered where the abandoned vehicle lay. There was no sign. So she continued looking …
It was some time after setting off, and the sun had started setting. As she got closer to the position of the car. Astrid discovered it was quiet and she was all alone. The vehicle looked like it had slipped down a steep slope. Without a doubt, Astrid slowly headed down the slope. Suddenly, with no warning a big wave washed over the tow truck. It was the after effects of a passing ship. Then as everything settled she continued down the slope.
Having recovered the vehicle and placing it on dry land, it was time to gather her thoughts with a beer. As the sun went down, she chatted with Bev over the radio and they laughed about their experience driving the big heavy-duty tow truck.
Technic fans around the world will have endless fun and hours of play recreating real-life tow truck adventures, just as Bevvypix and Heylight have explored this engineering brilliance.
Roger that, over and out!
Stuck In Plastic.
The creative collective of toy photographers.
Co Authors :
A pro photographers ‘life through a lens’ featuring #bevvypix #beverleythomasphotography.
Follow me on IG.
