Star Wars Advent Calendar Review: Day 1
Posted by CapnRex101,
In the third and final of our three LEGO Advent Calendar reviews today we take a look at the Star Wars offering, which is in fact the first mini model of the day! The mini models revealed on the first day of each Star Wars Advent Calendar in the past have been great, so I had high expectations which were certainly matched!
There are fourteen pieces (plus two spares) in this model of a Separatist AAT featuring the blue colour scheme seen during the Clone Wars. Although I prefer the tan version of the vehicle personally the blue and grey combination works well here and it looks rather more interesting on a small model in these vibrant shades.
The other main factor with mini models like this is how effectively they capture the shape of the vehicle they represent, and I think this model does a fantastic job. Although the 'foot' could be a little thinner it looks great at this scale and it is nice to be able to rotate the cannon on top, even if it can only point in four directions. The addition of one of the two spare 1x1 plates could raise the turret sufficiently to allow free rotation in any direction, which is a fun option to have if you are hoping to play with the model.
Overall - 4 - I think the Star Wars Advent Calendar is off to a good start. The model is easily recognisable as an AAT and even has some limited playability which is exactly what I want in a mini model.
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18 comments on this article
Its a shame I wont be getting a calender this year, the stores near me are all sold out. its a nice model and really accurate for just 14-15 pieces (if you put the round 1x1 under the cannon)
This is a great new mini model. Built it this morning.
1er plutôt réussi, décembre commence très bien !!!
Looks good. Like it a lot. :-)
This may change my mind to get this. Didn't purchase because this years Santa looked pretty lame (last year's jango fett changed all his armor to look Christmas like , this years just adds a red overcoat.)
Can I suggest also posting an image of the actual Star Wars vehicle they represent?
^Yes, that would be a great idea!
Looks like this is the bigger LEGO version: http://brickset.com/sets/8018-1
Agreed, OP--I was looking forward to getting one of these too, but not at ebay scalper prices. And HK-50 --don't bother, they're gone :(
Ooh, that's a nice little build!
I'm not doing a parts breakdown on Star Wars things, but I don't think there's anything rare in there.
I was gambling on getting one for my birthday yesterday... Alas, that did not happen. Today they are nowhere to be found... And to add to my sorrow, this looks like it might be the best one yet!
I *Almost* waited too long to buy this calendar this year. I had been hoping to buy all 3 at the Lego Store in October for double points plus a free calendar and finally broke down and bought the other two plus a random set for the minimum purchase thinking I would pick it up at Target or similar. Then I passed over the last Star Wars Advent at my local Target, because the box was beat up, only to not see it elsewhere and discovered that online was sold out. Fortunately, my local Toys R Us had 3 on 11/20 when I ran in to check. I guess after having so many left over a few years ago they have reduced the amount they produce.
Nice mini-build, totally accurate.
I didn't get to town to pick one up either... Good thing I've stock piled a few of the old ones for the kids to do this year...
Steve
This is my first Lego calendar and there were no instructions in the box. Is that normal ? I still built it by eyeballing the tiny pictures on the box but that seems pretty hard for kids to do.
Look on the back of the door - not instructions but a clear image of what you need to build.
Athos--yes, I have a couple from long ago waiting for the kids, too. 1998 and 2006, if I recall. It'll be a couple more years before they're old enough, though :)
More than enough of these sets in the Netherlands. In the 25 - 35 euro price range at least.