Review: 60424 Jungle Explorer ATV Red Panda Mission
Posted by CapnRex101,
60424 Jungle Explorer ATV Red Panda Mission may be a small set, but it stands out, thanks to the included red panda. Other than an unusual appearance in the VIDIYO range, this lovely animal is new to LEGO and translates neatly to minifigure-scale.
Additionally, this set contains the new explorer minifigure inspired by Johnny Thunder, so for the relatively low price of £8.99, $9.99 or €9.99, there is a lot to like!
Summary
60424 Jungle Explorer ATV Red Panda Mission, 92 pieces.
£8.99 / $10.99 / €9.99 | 9.8p/11.9c/10.9c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
The red panda is the inevitable highlight, but everything about this set is enjoyable
- Delightful red panda
- Great explorer minifigure
- Off-road vehicle matches other sets
- No tilt steering
Minifigure
Johnny Thunder was the iconic central character of the Adventurers theme, well known for his distinctive hat and facial hair. This explorer clearly shares Johnny's style, so features a similar moustache and sideburns, paired with a dark brown fedora. Maybe the original reddish brown hat from Adventurers could have been reintroduced here instead.
The torso decoration closely resembles the original Johnny Thunder minifigure as well, with a red neckerchief, tan shirt and ropes slung across the chest. I am pleased with the attention to detail here, as even the shape of the pockets is evidently based on the minifigure launched in 1998.
The revolver from the original minifigure is not included, but should not be required for studying red pandas! Instead, this explorer comes with a printed compass and an exclusive map, which shows where the red pandas reside and highlights a nearby volcano. This map matches those available in the other Jungle Exploration sets, so they can combine to reveal the full landscape.
The Completed Model
The adorable red panda is instantly identifiable in LEGO form, putting the new reddish orange colour to good use and including accurate stripes on its tail. Furthermore, the patches of white hair on the face look perfect and the black legs are also realistic. Of course, more than one red panda would be welcome, but these are solitary animals in the wild, so one makes sense.
I like the stud on the red panda's back as well, providing an opportunity for customisation. The accompanying habitat is quite basic, unsurprisingly, but the foliage looks reasonable and clips are available on either side, so you can connect this landscape section with those in the other Jungle Exploration sets, much like the printed map.
In addition, the off-road vehicle features the same white, dark blue and orange colour scheme as the vehicles in larger sets, even including angled stripes! This consistency between them is laudable and I love the use of 1x2 angled tiles on the sides, creating those stripes. Notably, this piece has never appeared in dark blue before.
Besides its vibrant colour scheme, the proportions of the ATV are appealing. The balloon tyres work well and I like how the bumper is constructed, integrating a dark blue spoiler and a single headlight. However, similar vehicles have used specialised elements for tilt steering as recently as January, which is a function this model lacks, unfortunately.
There is enough space for a minifigure in the cab, although they look a bit silly behind such a low windscreen. I find this rather charming though, reminiscent of older LEGO cars. Moreover, there is plenty of accessory storage on board, between a slot for the map behind the driver and clips for a camera and a radio at the back.
Overall
I think the smallest set in a wave should provide a nice sample of the wider range, as well as something unique, ideally. 60424 Jungle Explorer ATV Red Panda Mission definitely satisfies those requirements, especially with the delightful red panda, as expected. The minifigure also looks splendid, balancing the nostalgic appeal of Johnny Thunder with modern details.
The ATV is also satisfying. Despite lacking steering, the vehicle looks excellent and can easily rumble over rough terrain, which is important for play. The price of £8.99, $9.99 or €9.99 feels reasonable too, so I would certainly recommend this set.
168 likes
50 comments on this article
Pretty nice looking set, and a good, cheap way to get Johnny Thunder. Thanks for the review!
Also...
"This map matches those available in the other Jungle Exploration sets, so they can combine to reveal the full landscape."
Wait, what!? That's genius! Such a cool idea that I (surprisingly) don't believe has been utilized before. Man, imagine a Pirates theme with collectible map pieces. That sounds like so much fun.
I would like a red panda battle pack please and thank you.
@Kalhiki said:
""This map matches those available in the other Jungle Exploration sets, so they can combine to reveal the full landscape."
Wait, what!? That's genius! Such a cool idea that I (surprisingly) don't believe has been utilized before. Man, imagine a Pirates theme with collectible map pieces. That sounds like so much fun."
That is good idea! Always remember the Pirates in the 90's, every set had the same map. How do you keep the treasure a secret if everyone had a copy of the map?
Great set, unfortunate it is already being phased out from stores ahead of its retirement.
@Kalhiki said:
"Pretty nice looking set, and a good, cheap way to get Johnny Thunder. Thanks for the review!
Also...
"This map matches those available in the other Jungle Exploration sets, so they can combine to reveal the full landscape."
Wait, what!? That's genius! Such a cool idea that I (surprisingly) don't believe has been utilized before. Man, imagine a Pirates theme with collectible map pieces. That sounds like so much fun."
2003's Orient Expedition had three map segments like this as well, and so did 2004's Pirates 4+ with two 4x4 sections.
@Kalhiki said:
"Pretty nice looking set, and a good, cheap way to get Johnny Thunder. Thanks for the review!
Also...
"This map matches those available in the other Jungle Exploration sets, so they can combine to reveal the full landscape."
Wait, what!? That's genius! Such a cool idea that I (surprisingly) don't believe has been utilized before. Man, imagine a Pirates theme with collectible map pieces. That sounds like so much fun."
They have done that before, like a few times
@Rabrickzel said:
"I don't like that they use those "Arctic" colors in these jungle sets. Looks weird."
I think they just want a unified color scheme for those explorers with orange and dark blue ("artic" had divers with turtles last year) , just like how the "Cargo" subtheme seems to continue the green color scheme with the 2024 harbour.
But yes, it does look weird, especially seeing how they swapped to Dark Red for those other jungle sets (that are not retail but still look better imo)
Too bad it doesn't include a second Red Panda. These last few City sets in this price range 60394 and 60376 have had two animals.
Good set, should have come with another panda, or at least a bird.
@Kalhiki said:
""This map matches those available in the other Jungle Exploration sets, so they can combine to reveal the full landscape."
Wait, what!? That's genius! Such a cool idea that I (surprisingly) don't believe has been utilized before. Man, imagine a Pirates theme with collectible map pieces. That sounds like so much fun."
Bro
That was literally the gimmick of the very first Adventurers sers
I know it hasn't been used for 10 years (since the LEGO movie figure) but would have been great to get Johnny's classic hat in dark brown instead. It just doesn't feel like him without it.
@Rabrickzel said:
"I don't like that they use those "Arctic" colors in these jungle sets. Looks weird."
Cheap military surplus, gotta take what you can get :)
@AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
" @Kalhiki said:
""This map matches those available in the other Jungle Exploration sets, so they can combine to reveal the full landscape."
Wait, what!? That's genius! Such a cool idea that I (surprisingly) don't believe has been utilized before. Man, imagine a Pirates theme with collectible map pieces. That sounds like so much fun."
Bro
That was literally the gimmick of the very first Adventurers sers"
Was it? The egypt Adventurers wave had all the same map, with a different mask and X on the spot each time. They definitely didn't connect/combine into a bigger map, like the current wave does
@Murdoch17 said:
" @Kalhiki said:
"Pretty nice looking set, and a good, cheap way to get Johnny Thunder. Thanks for the review!
Also...
"This map matches those available in the other Jungle Exploration sets, so they can combine to reveal the full landscape."
Wait, what!? That's genius! Such a cool idea that I (surprisingly) don't believe has been utilized before. Man, imagine a Pirates theme with collectible map pieces. That sounds like so much fun."
2003's Orient Expedition had three map segments like this as well, and so did 2004's Pirates 4+ with two 4x4 sections."
Thank you for the insight! Seemed like an obvious gimmick, but I never recalled it happening in the past.
Still, it's a neat feature I wouldn't mind seeing used more often.
@TeriXeri said:
" ...
But yes, it does look weird, especially seeing how they swapped to Dark Red for those other jungle sets (that are not retail but still look better imo)"
I think the 'second wave' Jungle Exploration sets (60693, 60692 and 60691) may represent a different (rival?) faction of explorers; the kind more interested in treasure and less in wildlife...
It's not just the overall colour scheme;
the logos look very similar, but are also different in colour.
@CapnRex101
A red panda is one of the alternate builds for 31129 Majestic Tiger.
@560heliport said:
" @CapnRex101
A red panda is one of the alternate builds for 31129 Majestic Tiger."
Duplo has also given us a red panda (red pandas are some of my favorite animals) in 10964.
RED PANDAS AND JOHNNY THUNDER?!?
SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!!
"Tilt steering?...why should we care about the steering wheel tilting??"
[reads review]
"OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH"
@gatorbug6 said:
"Too bad it doesn't include a second Red Panda. These last few City sets in this price range 60394 and 60376 have had two animals."
Plus each of those has a fish.
I've already bought this set, and put a review out before the capn!
It's definitely worth picking up. For Johnny Thunder, the red panda, and the builds.
p.s: the Red Panda was my favourite animal to visit at the zoo when I was younger.
@ForestMenOfEndor said:
"Duplo has also given us a red panda (red pandas are some of my favorite animals) in 10964."
You beat me to it!
I'm definitely going to pick this one up for both the Red Panda and Johnny Thunder. It's not listed on Amazon, Target, or Walmart right now so I'll have to wait to find in a store.
@Maxbricks14 said:
"I've already bought this set, and put a review out before the capn!
It's definitely worth picking up. For Johnny Thunder, the red panda, and the builds.
p.s: the Red Panda was my favourite animal to visit at the zoo when I was younger."
I am 50 and its still mine.
@Maxbricks14 said:
"I've already bought this set, and put a review out before the capn!
It's definitely worth picking up. For Johnny Thunder, the red panda, and the builds.
p.s: the Red Panda was my favourite animal to visit at the zoo when I was younger."
Same, I have that set and its pretty good.
It just needs some more plant life
Anyone know if this fits in the new twin blade helicopter? Would be cool to have it in the middle
Thank you for review. I will buy this and other Exploration Brand sets today.
@fakespacesquid said:
" @AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
" @Kalhiki said:
""This map matches those available in the other Jungle Exploration sets, so they can combine to reveal the full landscape."
Wait, what!? That's genius! Such a cool idea that I (surprisingly) don't believe has been utilized before. Man, imagine a Pirates theme with collectible map pieces. That sounds like so much fun."
Bro
That was literally the gimmick of the very first Adventurers sers"
Was it? The egypt Adventurers wave had all the same map, with a different mask and X on the spot each time. They definitely didn't connect/combine into a bigger map, like the current wave does"
No, there were four, and 5978 had all of them.
@TheOtherMike said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
" @AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
" @Kalhiki said:
""This map matches those available in the other Jungle Exploration sets, so they can combine to reveal the full landscape."
Wait, what!? That's genius! Such a cool idea that I (surprisingly) don't believe has been utilized before. Man, imagine a Pirates theme with collectible map pieces. That sounds like so much fun."
Bro
That was literally the gimmick of the very first Adventurers sers"
Was it? The egypt Adventurers wave had all the same map, with a different mask and X on the spot each time. They definitely didn't connect/combine into a bigger map, like the current wave does"
No, there were four, and 5978 had all of them."
Nope, the current wave has 4 maps that work as different sections. When you have all four tiles, you can line them up into one big map. Those Egypt tiles are 101% not that. If you combined those 4 tiles, you’d have 4 pyramids, 4 obelisks, 4 sphinxes, 4 identical stretches of the Nile. It is most assuredly *not* what the latest sets are doing
Price per piece feels very good here! From what I've noticed, value tends to get better with larger sets, but this one seems very solid... I'll definitely keep an eye out in stores for this one. I was starting to feel a bit upset with Lego over their latest pricing, but this set redeems them a bit in my eyes.
There's a red panda piece now??? This is the greatest day of my life!
@fakespacesquid said:
" @TheOtherMike said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
" @AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
" @Kalhiki said:
""This map matches those available in the other Jungle Exploration sets, so they can combine to reveal the full landscape."
Wait, what!? That's genius! Such a cool idea that I (surprisingly) don't believe has been utilized before. Man, imagine a Pirates theme with collectible map pieces. That sounds like so much fun."
Bro
That was literally the gimmick of the very first Adventurers sers"
Was it? The egypt Adventurers wave had all the same map, with a different mask and X on the spot each time. They definitely didn't connect/combine into a bigger map, like the current wave does"
No, there were four, and 5978 had all of them."
Nope, the current wave has 4 maps that work as different sections. When you have all four tiles, you can line them up into one big map. Those Egypt tiles are 101% not that. If you combined those 4 tiles, you’d have 4 pyramids, 4 obelisks, 4 sphinxes, 4 identical stretches of the Nile. It is most assuredly *not* what the latest sets are doing"
https://img.bricklink.com/ItemImage/EXTN/36375.png
Gonna have to agree with @fakespacesquid on this one. The maps all feature the same geography. The only things that change are the dotted line that presumably shows the path they traveled, where the red X is located, the Egyptian deity that's shown in silhouette, the giant head that presumably represents the same, the hieroglyphs in the lower right, and the Arabic numeral in the lower left.
@PurpleDave said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
" @TheOtherMike said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
" @AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
" @Kalhiki said:
""This map matches those available in the other Jungle Exploration sets, so they can combine to reveal the full landscape."
Wait, what!? That's genius! Such a cool idea that I (surprisingly) don't believe has been utilized before. Man, imagine a Pirates theme with collectible map pieces. That sounds like so much fun."
Bro
That was literally the gimmick of the very first Adventurers sers"
Was it? The egypt Adventurers wave had all the same map, with a different mask and X on the spot each time. They definitely didn't connect/combine into a bigger map, like the current wave does"
No, there were four, and 5978 had all of them."
Nope, the current wave has 4 maps that work as different sections. When you have all four tiles, you can line them up into one big map. Those Egypt tiles are 101% not that. If you combined those 4 tiles, you’d have 4 pyramids, 4 obelisks, 4 sphinxes, 4 identical stretches of the Nile. It is most assuredly *not* what the latest sets are doing"
https://img.bricklink.com/ItemImage/EXTN/36375.png
Gonna have to agree with @fakespacesquid on this one. The maps all feature the same geography. The only things that change are the dotted line that presumably shows the path they traveled, where the red X is located, the Egyptian deity that's shown in silhouette, the giant head that presumably represents the same, the hieroglyphs in the lower right, and the Arabic numeral in the lower left."
Yeah, I didn't really look at the images when I looked up the set's inventory on Bricklink, and my memory (which I now realize was inaccurate) was that all four joined to create a larger image in a 2x2 pattern.
Methinks there is a raccoon recolor coming in our near future, and I am more excited about than a red panda.
I just want the red panda! Must!
@TheOtherMike said:
"Yeah, I didn't really look at the images when I looked up the set's inventory on Bricklink, and my memory (which I now realize was inaccurate) was that all four joined to create a larger image in a 2x2 pattern."
I had to look it up myself. I remember discovering on my own that the images tied together, but it’s been some 20 years now, and I was thinking they formed a linear map.
I made a slight change to the front of the car, lengthening it by one stud. It’s not as stable as the set version but I prefer it to the “underbite” look. The red panda is lovely and a favourite among the junior crew
@YanVanLan said:
" @TeriXeri said:
" ...
But yes, it does look weird, especially seeing how they swapped to Dark Red for those other jungle sets (that are not retail but still look better imo)"
I think the 'second wave' Jungle Exploration sets ( 60693 , 60692 and 60691 ) may represent a different (rival?) faction of explorers; the kind more interested in treasure and less in wildlife...
It's not just the overall colour scheme;
the logos look very similar, but are also different in colour."
I'm pretty sure the minifigures are the same characters as in last year's Arctic Explorers theme.
I'm pretty sure the minifigures are the same characters as in last year's Arctic Explorers theme.
...
yes they are BUT now there is even NEW faces included. 5/5
Turtle, is that you?
@AddictedToStyrene said:
"I made a slight change to the front of the car, lengthening it by one stud. It’s not as stable as the set version but I prefer it to the “underbite” look. The red panda is lovely and a favourite among the junior crew"
I think the “underbite” is supposed to be a skid plate that’s basically armor plating intended to keep you from gutting your ORV when you drive over stuff like rocks and tree roots. You see similar stuff on offensive military vehicles, like tanks.
@PurpleDave said:
" @AddictedToStyrene said:
"I made a slight change to the front of the car, lengthening it by one stud. It’s not as stable as the set version but I prefer it to the “underbite” look. The red panda is lovely and a favourite among the junior crew"
I’ve kept the skid plate; I just made the front longer so it’s more like a little SUV and less like an ATV
I think the “underbite” is supposed to be a skid plate that’s basically armor plating intended to keep you from gutting your ORV when you drive over stuff like rocks and tree roots. You see similar stuff on offensive military vehicles, like tanks."
@TheOtherMike said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
" @AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
" @Kalhiki said:
""This map matches those available in the other Jungle Exploration sets, so they can combine to reveal the full landscape."
Wait, what!? That's genius! Such a cool idea that I (surprisingly) don't believe has been utilized before. Man, imagine a Pirates theme with collectible map pieces. That sounds like so much fun."
Bro
That was literally the gimmick of the very first Adventurers sers"
Was it? The egypt Adventurers wave had all the same map, with a different mask and X on the spot each time. They definitely didn't connect/combine into a bigger map, like the current wave does"
No, there were four, and 5978 had all of them."
Which was strange since it wasn’t the largest set in the theme
@ABrickinTime said:
" @TheOtherMike said:
" @fakespacesquid said:
" @AverageChimaEnjoyer said:
" @Kalhiki said:
""This map matches those available in the other Jungle Exploration sets, so they can combine to reveal the full landscape."
Wait, what!? That's genius! Such a cool idea that I (surprisingly) don't believe has been utilized before. Man, imagine a Pirates theme with collectible map pieces. That sounds like so much fun."
Bro
That was literally the gimmick of the very first Adventurers sers"
Was it? The egypt Adventurers wave had all the same map, with a different mask and X on the spot each time. They definitely didn't connect/combine into a bigger map, like the current wave does"
No, there were four, and 5978 had all of them."
Which was strange since it wasn’t the largest set in the theme "
But it *was* the best, IMHO. Although I will admit that 5988 was impressive.
@ohrmazd said:
" @Maxbricks14 said:
"I've already bought this set, and put a review out before the capn!
It's definitely worth picking up. For Johnny Thunder, the red panda, and the builds.
p.s: the Red Panda was my favourite animal to visit at the zoo when I was younger."
I am 50 and its still mine."
It's still mine too, I should have made it clearer that I still enjoy seeing it.
Red Panda set, with free ATV!
@8lackmagic said:
"Red Panda set, with free ATV!"
I think you mean, "Johnny Thunder set, with red panda included! Oh, there's also an ATV, if anyone happens to care."
Master Shifu! I hope he finds his inner peace...
(But seriously, a Kung Fu Panda theme would be bodacious and awesome!)
@oldfan said:
"Master Shifu! I hope he finds his inner peace..."
Unlikely, unless he's secretly a nudist. And I _really_ doubt he is.
I like the builds (especially the tool holders) but I just can't get myselfvto like the color scheme. And the JT look-alike feels wildly out of place in this subtheme, as this is about (regular,non-dinosaur) animal documentation, not anything remotely resembling an adventure besides the vaguely jungle-like setting from the tiny bits of location. He's probably not meant to be the same character, but even without context the outfit doesn't fit the vehicle's ultra-modern colors. Especially the white.
As always with 10 euro sets I like the amount of contents you get for the price though :)