Just like minifigures bring life to any LEGO City layout, vehicles are essential to completing the scene. And what could be better than a LEGO set featuring one vehicle? A set with two, of course! This year, we’re observing some fascinating parallels between the current LEGO City sets and those from decades past, specifically 20, 30, and even 40 years ago. There are particularly striking similarities between the LEGO Town range of 1988 and today’s LEGO City, and it’s worth exploring this connection further.
Today, let’s delve into the world of the Lego Transport Truck, specifically the helicopter transporter. One might ponder the logic of transporting a highly maneuverable flying vehicle by truck, unless it’s for maintenance, relocation, or perhaps after an emergency landing. However, let’s set aside that practical question and appreciate this unique class of LEGO set, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year and its tenth appearance in the LEGO lineup. While primarily a staple of the Town/City theme, variations of this set have also appeared in Model Team, Creator, and even Jack Stone themes. Some LEGO enthusiasts consider the 5590 Model Team version from 1990 as the definitive example of this type, boasting impressive scale and functionality. But today, we’re turning our attention to the original Truck/Helicopter combination from 1988: the 6357 Stunt ‘Copter ‘N’ Truck, and comparing it to its modern counterpart, the 60183 Heavy Cargo Transport.
Vintage LEGO 6357 Stunt Copter N Truck set box and built models
1988 LEGO 6357 Stunt ‘Copter ‘N’ Truck: A Classic Revisited
Released in 1988, the 6357 set contains 177 pieces and includes 2 minifigures. Originally retailing for $17, this vintage set is now a sought-after item on the secondary market, often found through online LEGO marketplaces like BrickLink. This particular set, acquired from a seller in the Netherlands, arrived in zip-lock bags, showing the signs of being well-loved – a hallmark of any classic LEGO set from this era!
The instructions are printed on a single sheet of paper, with building steps for the truck on one side and the helicopter on the other. The construction process is straightforward and quick, taking around 10 minutes to complete. Notably, there are no stickers included in this set, relying solely on brick-built details.
Iconic LEGO Elements of 1988
Close up of new LEGO elements introduced in 1988 set 6357 including helicopter blades and railing
The year 1988 was significant for LEGO elements, marking the debut of several new parts. The 6357 set showcases the introduction of the new helicopter blade element, along with the peg-on-tile connector designed specifically for it. This year also saw the arrival of the 2486 ‘Bar 1x8x2’ railing element, adding new possibilities for design and detail in LEGO models. These elements helped to define the look and feel of LEGO sets in the late 1980s and beyond.
The Evolution of LEGO Parts
LEGO elements are constantly evolving. The company is dedicated to refining its parts for improved strength, safety, playability, and efficient use of materials, all while maintaining functionality. Over time, many elements from the 6357 set have undergone subtle modifications, and some are no longer part of the current LEGO parts palette. This reflects LEGO’s ongoing commitment to innovation and improvement in its building system. The shift from light gray to medium stone gray/light bluish gray in 2004-2005 also marked a significant change in the color palette of LEGO bricks.
Comparison of obsolete LEGO parts from vintage set 6357 truck doors and wheels
Several elements in the 6357 set are no longer available in their original forms. The printed truck doors, while appearing in one other set, are now discontinued in this specific design. The chunky tires used on the smaller wheels are also obsolete, replaced by larger rims for modern LEGO City trucks. The wedge plate has been updated with notches for studs, and the hinge mechanism for the truck roof and helicopter canopy now features a ‘click’ mechanism for more secure positioning.
Image showing strengthened LEGO elements old vs new ring plates and inverse slopes
Looking closer at element evolution, older versions of functionally identical parts reveal subtle but significant improvements. For example, the stem of the ring plate has been widened for increased durability. The holes in the railing element are now filled, providing consistent bar placement and preventing shape distortion. The 2×3 inverse slope now incorporates internal supports for added strength.
The truck’s front design is particularly noteworthy, effectively integrating headlights, a grille, and red Ehrling bricks to support the fender. The vehicle’s size minimizes the need for stickers, yet it achieves a remarkable level of detail through clever brick construction. Plates with clip rings are ingeniously used to represent fuel tanks beneath the truck cabin. The cabin roof is hinged for easy access. The trailer is connected to the truck using a peg-on-tile system through a technic plate, a simple yet effective connection method.
The helicopter in the 6357 set is a straightforward build, featuring bold red and yellow stripes along the fuselage. A 1×3 slope is used for the tail plane, demonstrating resourceful part usage in lieu of a dedicated tail fin element.
LEGO 6357 Stunt Copter N Truck helicopter model close up
2018 LEGO 60183 Heavy Cargo Transport: Modern Marvel
Fast forward thirty years to 2018, and we have the 60183 Heavy Cargo Transport. This set consists of 315 pieces and retailed for $29.99 USD. Unlike the articulated lorry design of the 6357, this modern truck uses a trailer towed behind the main cab. The 60183 boasts a wider body at 6 studs wide, compared to the 4-stud width of the 6357, allowing for enhanced detail and a more substantial presence, further accentuated by mudguards, wheels, and wing mirrors.
Contemporary LEGO Elements
Newer LEGO elements in 2018 set 60183 heavy cargo transport including tiles and cockpit
Apart from the minifigure torsos, which are unique to the 60183 set, there are no entirely new elements introduced in 2018 within this set. Many of the ‘newer’ elements represent updated molds or element IDs of existing pieces, often with subtle refinements. However, elements like the 2×3 tile (introduced in 2016) and the cockpit design (from 2017) are relatively recent additions to the LEGO parts library. The walkie-talkie element was also updated in 2017 with a firmer plastic. The handrail element has appeared in only a handful of other sets, making it somewhat uncommon. The 1x2x1 brick with side studs, the inverse bow, and the 1x2x1 panel with rounded corners (updated in 2016) are also examples of relatively modern LEGO elements incorporated in this set.
The build for the 60183 is divided into two instruction manuals. The truck construction is detailed in 56 steps in the first book, and the trailer and helicopter are similarly involved in the second. The set includes 12 stickers, some of which require careful application to ensure straight alignment.
The front grille of the truck is constructed as a built-up panel attached to a SNOT (Studs Not On Top) element, showcasing more advanced building techniques compared to the 6357. The helicopter also incorporates some SNOT techniques, while the landing skids are a single, sturdy piece, although a brick-built solution might have offered a more intricate design.
The color scheme of the 60183 truck and trailer is predominantly black, accented with red and yellow trim. This color choice subtly nods to the late 1980s LEGO sets, including the 6357, and their characteristic color palettes. A barrel of unknown cargo, adorned with Octan branding, is included as an accessory for the helicopter to transport via a chain.
Minifigure Evolution: From Classic to Contemporary
LEGO 6357 vintage minifigures truck driver and pilot close up
LEGO 60183 modern minifigures female truck driver and pilot with stubble close up
Both the 6357 and 60183 sets include two minifigures: a truck driver wearing a cap and a pilot with a helmet. The older minifigures represent an era where gender was not explicitly defined through facial features – a design approach that began to change with the introduction of LEGO Pirates shortly after the release of the 6357. The minifigures in the 6357 set share the same torso print, which appeared in a total of 15 sets.
The minifigure torsos in the 60183 set are new for 2018, featuring detailed back printing, showcasing the advancement in minifigure design and printing technology. Both figures have unprinted legs, maintaining simplicity in the lower body. The driver in the 60183 is designed with feminine features, and the cap element includes a ponytail, reflecting a move towards greater character diversity. The pilot in the modern set features stubble detail, adding to the character’s personality. Both sets use the same helmet element for the pilots, complete with visors, maintaining a consistent design element across the decades.
Side by Side: A 30-Year LEGO Design Comparison
When placed side-by-side, the 6357 and 60183 sets vividly illustrate the evolution of LEGO City/Town set design over three decades. While both are excellent examples of set design from their respective eras, the differences in scale, detail, and building techniques are immediately apparent. The proportions of the older 6357 model appear somewhat unconventional compared to modern standards and real-world vehicle proportions.
Side by side comparison of LEGO 6357 and 60183 transport trucks from front angle
Side by side comparison of LEGO 6357 and 60183 transport trucks from side angle
In isolation, the 6357 truck appears well-designed for its time. However, juxtaposed with the 60183, the limitations of the 4-stud wide construction become evident, restricting the level of achievable detail, although the truck’s front maintains a realistic aesthetic, even if not strictly minifigure scale. The 60183 truck benefits from improved proportions and a higher level of detail, while the color scheme cleverly evokes the nostalgia of the older set.
Overhead view comparison of LEGO 6357 and 60183 transport trucks size difference
The helicopters in both sets showcase distinct design philosophies. The 60183 helicopter involves significantly more complex construction and detail. The inclusion of a chain for carrying cargo adds playability. However, the use of a sticker to create the diagonal stripe on the helicopter’s side feels like a missed opportunity. A SNOT technique using cheese slopes could have provided a more sophisticated and brick-built solution, although it’s important to remember that this set is designed for a 5-12 year old age range.
Side by side comparison of LEGO 6357 and 60183 helicopters from front angle
Side by side comparison of LEGO 6357 and 60183 helicopters from side angle
Conclusion: Celebrating LEGO Transport Truck Evolution
These two LEGO transport truck sets perfectly exemplify the evolution of LEGO City/Town sets over three decades. The most prominent changes are seen in the increased detail of minifigures and the expanded scale of vehicles, with modern vehicles being considerably larger. As clearly seen, the 60183 truck is significantly longer than its 6357 predecessor.
Both sets possess their unique charm and emphasize different building techniques, most notably in the front design of the trucks. The LEGO helicopter transport truck concept has remained a recurring theme over the years, despite the somewhat whimsical nature of transporting helicopters by truck in a city setting. Ultimately, you get both a truck and a helicopter – two essential vehicles for any LEGO City layout, one for the roads and one for the skies. As the tenth major representation of this iconic LEGO transportation combination, the 60183 Heavy Cargo Transport is a worthy successor, and its color scheme subtly pays homage to the original 6357 set from 1988. Both sets are commendable LEGO creations, each scoring high on the fun and playability scale. While the newer set might feel slightly overpriced in some regions, and the packaging perhaps a bit oversized, the enduring appeal of LEGO transport trucks remains undeniable.
Could this modern set be a subtle nod to the 30th anniversary of the original 6357? Is it part of a larger celebration of the 40th birthday of the LEGO minifigure and LEGO Town theme? Or are these just coincidences we’re imagining? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and subscribe for more LEGO insights from worldtransport.net!
Until next time,
Play Well!
