MEGA Bigfoot Monster Truck – Product Review

There are two things we love here at Car & Classic. Toys, and monster trucks. If you’re not familiar with monster trucks and their fascinating history, you’re missing out. Machines that boast thousands of bhp, and that can fly fifty feet in the air despite weighing several tons, monster trucks are now an American icon. Car crushing, high flying, noise making spectacles. But, they came to be almost by accident. Back in the late ’70s, a man by the name of Bob Chandler needed to promote his 4×4 accessory company, so he drove his jacked up Ford F series over a couple of junk cars. A promotor saw the video, and the rest, as they say, is history. That truck was Bigfoot. And now you can buy, build and gaze proudly upon your own little version thanks to MEGA.

The Product

If you’re not au fait with MEGA, or MEGA Construx to use its full name, this is the more grown up arm of MEGA BLOKS, which were traditionally building toys for children. As Lego has so ably proved though, there is a massive market for adult collectors, and that’s whose desires this new range looks to satiate. Well, that, and older kids, as this kit is still a toy at its core. And it’s a great one. 538 pieces come together to create this 1:18 Bigfoot, and the resulting model would be welcome on any collector’s shelf. That’s where ours currently is. There are the requisite chunky tyres, there is fully functional suspension, the hood tilts forward to reveal a V8 with two big intakes and thanks to MEGA being under the Mattel brand, the kit also comes with a Hot Wheels version of Bigfoot, too. Aces!

The Test 

It’s not really a test, as such. This is a build, and we’re happy to report it was an enjoyable one. There is a caveat in that the MEGA bricks perhaps don’t feel as good, and are a tad harder on the fingers than Lego, but that’s about the only gripe. The instructions were clear as a whistle, the build process was enjoyable, with various bits of Bigfoot coming together quickly, and unlike Lego, the parts come with the logos and details printed on them so you don’t need to faff with tricky stickers. The build also happens in stages, with the bags of bricks numbered as such, meaning you’re not overwhelmed by bricks. It’s all very well thought out, and it was an utter joy to put together.

The Result

It took a gentle couple of hours to build, and it was a fun way to spend that time. The kit is very well made indeed, and will please even the most skilled of builders. The finished Bigfoot is a treat for the eyes, too. There is so much detail, from the dashboard panels with gauges to the two big stomper foot pedals as per the original truck. There is even a little black cowboy hat, which as Bigfoot nerds, we loved – Bob Chandler is never seen without his in real life. The tilting front to expose the engine is a lovely touch too, while the chunky wheels give it proper monster truck kudos. It’s also a hefty thing when done, and feels solid and good enough to play with. But you won’t, you’ll just stare it in wonderment, won’t you?

The Verdict – 5 out of 5

If this was a Lego kit, it would be £200. But because it’s MEGA Construx, it’s £80 instead, and in this world, that makes it a bargain. It’s a joy to build, the finished Bigfoot looks amazing, and the attention to detail is truly impressive. Buy this and you won’t regret it, we promise. And as for it fitting in with a display of the ‘other’ brick-based toy, don’t worry. It will, deservedly so.