Star Wars Advent Calendar: Day 1
Posted by CapnRex101,
LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendars have included a thoroughly impressive range of characters and vehicles from across the Star Wars saga since the first set was released in 2011, even introducing a few models based upon Star Wars: The Clone Wars alongside those from the Original and Prequel Trilogies.
However, the 2017 calendar marks the start of a new era, taking inspiration from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and the Star Wars Rebels animated series. This pack is therefore full of promise and will hopefully include a selection of new minifigures and models to distinguish it from previous years.
Hoth has proven to be a popular focus for past Star Wars Advent Calendars which is unsurprising given its association with snow and winter. This year the similarly frosty Starkiller Base dominates the front of the box and is shown looming above the surface of Jakku. I like the red ribbon in the corner and it is pleasing to see some vehicles from both the Sequel Trilogy and Rogue One to reflect the set's contents.
The front of the box folds down to reveal a mat for displaying the gifts as well as the all-important doors waiting to be opened. I think the contrast between the snow of Starkiller Base and the Jakku desert is rather abrupt but I am not sure how the design could have been improved upon. No doubt we will receive models and figures appropriate for both settings over the next few weeks.
Door number one has housed some magnificent models over the last couple of years and that trend continues in 2017. This miniature version of the Ghost from Star Wars Rebels is instantly recognisable, featuring an angular fuselage with docking ports on either side and a cockpit canopy at the front. The trans-black 1x1 round tile representing the cockpit is quite rare in this colour, having only appeared in seven previous sets, so the presence of a spare has the potential to be very useful.
The Ghost features some colourful markings in the animated series so red, flame yellowish orange and sand green elements are used on top of the vessel. These blocks of colour are larger than those in the show but I am delighted to see them included at such a small scale, especially since the sand green 1x2 jumper plate is only available in four sets! The dorsal turret is represented by a single exposed stud which is rather clever but I think it would look even better with the aforementioned spare 1x1 round tile attached.
The model looks as good from the rear as it does from the front in my view, including two 1x1 plates with side rings which form the main engines. You could even imagine that the white 1x2 plate fitted just in front of the engines is a tiny version of the Phantom as it can be disconnected very easily, although it serves equally well as a part of the fuselage.
Overall - 4.5 - I am delighted with the first of the 2017 Star Wars Advent Calendar gifts. This model includes plenty of detail and vivid colour as well as a couple of rare pieces which are always very welcome.
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16 comments on this article
While I was building it this morning, I had no clue what I was putting together. But once I finished, I instantly knew what it was. It's quite recognizable, even though I have only seen the show a few times.
This is the first Lego advent calendar I've ever owned, and so far I am pleased with it.
Awesome! As usual, day 1 rules!
I like it, very strong start for the calendar.
Still think it's kind of a shame that this one is so full of TFA stuff, now, a full two years after the movie came out.
Once opened we first wondered with my 8 old daughter what ship it represented. But once first side assembled we instantly recognized the Ghost and found it delightful. We also and quickly had the idea to use the spare round tile to figure the top rotating turret, which works very well as mentioned by Cap'n in your review. I thought that this year was a bit poor compared to previous ones, but I must admit that I have really been positively surprised with this first build, which has already found its place next to the original set and the smaller version (which is pretty good also) from LSW magazine. So start is better than expected IMO. Cross fingers it will go on, even if as noticed in comments on other calendars, we already know what to expect this year, but for the day we 'll find each surprise. But a good start indeed.
I give it a 5. Great way to start the calendar. It was a fun little build, too!
Great build! I wonder if there will be a Phantom 1 or 2 to go with it?
Definitely a 5 for me! As a huge fan of Rebels, I knew what it was in the bag just based on the colors. Can't wait to see what's in Day 2!
I built a fleet of tiny ships almost exactly like this before Rebels came out... huh.
Looks pretty cool.
Even though I wasn't really a fan of Rebels, I do think this is a great micro build and a great starter for the calendar! I bought and built mine months ago, but I won't spoil.
Would be helpful for folk's new to the site to mention somewhere the range you're using for the rating scale. I'll make the assumption it's out of 5 max, like from previous years.
I was a bit late out on the first day. I had no clue of what it was, before i start thinking outside of TFA.
Ghost from Rebels was what i think it was and was correct.
Solid start to this calendar. I opened mine this morning and it's a very nice little ship. Besides the actual box I haven't seen any images of what's in the calendar this year, so I'm intrigued to see what else there is!
I haven't watched any of Rebels yet and so I had no clue what this was! Figured I would find out on here and I was right. Glad it's not something from the movies, because I was sure I knew all those vehicles pretty well!!
I pass on this years SW advent, fewer cool builds. Nice Ghost and along with the Falcon, probably the pinnacle.
For those that didn’t notice the ship was also in rouge one.
I did put the extra transparent round tile on top. :)