Review: 75217 Imperial Conveyex Transport
Posted by CapnRex101,
Solo: A Star Wars Story includes several exciting action sequences, perhaps the most memorable of which is the conveyex train heist on Vandor. It seemed inevitable that LEGO would produce sets which are inspired by this scene, despite the vast scale of the subject and the resultant difficulty in designing a model which is both accurate to the movie and affordable.
However, I think 75217 Imperial Conveyex Transport represents a reasonable solution. This set comes with a selection of exclusive minifigures and the vehicle itself appears to capture the essence of the 20-T Railcrawler in the movie, despite only containing 622 pieces. I have therefore been looking forward to building the conveyex.
Minifigures
Vandor endures a frigid climate so Han Solo wears a thick coat during the conveyex heist on the planet's surface. Its heavy texture looks fantastic, covering both sides of the torso and continuing onto the front of the legs. Unfortunately, the legs are not dual-moulded and look slightly odd when viewed from either side or the rear, although I like Han's gloves which present a lovely contrast against the reddish brown coat.
Han wears a pair of tinted goggles over his eyes and these are printed on both sides of the head alongside two different expressions, one of which appears determined while the other seems more relaxed and features a smile. As usual, the minifigure comes with an intricately detailed hair piece and the young smuggler wields a black blaster pistol.
Chewbacca has been updated quite significantly for the Solo: A Star Wars Story range, featuring a new head and torso component which fits over a standard reddish brown minifigure torso. Getting accustomed to a new design like this is often quite difficult but I think the texturing on the updated piece is excellent and it includes the dual bandoleers worn by Chewbacca during the heist, printed with metallic silver highlights across both sides.
However, the rounded goggles printed over Chewbacca’s eyes do look rather strange, despite their accuracy to the movie. The figure from 75212 Kessel Run Millennium Falcon does not wear goggles and I appreciate such attention to detail on this version of the Wookiee, although I am not certain that the goggles translate well here. Chewbacca is not equipped with his standard bowcaster, instead wielding a rifle with two barrels.
The conveyex is protected by two Range Troopers. These specially equipped soldiers wear unique helmets with a metallic gold visor that protects from reflected snow glare and these new elements look perfect when compared with the source material, including some lovely moulded detail and a few scratches from past battles. A fabric component is fitted around the troopers' necks and they share the same Clone Trooper head that has been in use since 2013.
Their chest armour is reminiscent of that worn by Imperial Snowtroopers, as one might expect given its similar purpose. I like the combination of fabric detail and armour plates which continues onto the legs where one finds a printed kama, complete with an accurate fur lining. A separate fabric piece might have been appropriate here, although the printed design works well in my opinion. These minifigures are both armed with a white blaster rifle that has not appeared in this colour before.
A single Imperial Gunner completes the minifigure selection. His black helmet is identical to that worn by past gunners and continues to look superb, featuring a communication device on the left temple and an Imperial emblem on the forehead. However, this figure is dressed for combat in cold environments so wears some black insulating material around its neck along with a pearl dark grey jacket which covers the torso and legs.
The dark tan mud around the edge of the jacket looks marvellous but feels more suited to soldiers on Mimban than Vandor. Even so, I am pleased to see a new kind of Imperial Gunner and the head beneath his helmet seems appropriate for this character, including a printed headset. He is armed with a small blaster pistol but is primarily intended to occupy a turret on top of the Railcrawler.
The Completed Model
The 20-T Railcrawler conveyex transport is an enormous vehicle in Solo: A Star Wars Story, twisting and turning on a curved rail which follows the contours of Vandor’s mountains. This model, on the other hand, measures just 43cm in length and consists of two sections so lacks the sheer size of its film counterpart. Personally, I think the designer has done well to scale this huge vehicle down in such dramatic fashion, although another container unit would have been welcome as the train appears rather short in its current configuration.
No track is included in this set, as one might anticipate given the complex design of the twisting rail in the film. Nevertheless, the conveyex can tilt from one side to the other, as demonstrated below, so you can create a reasonably dynamic display. The joint which links the main drive engine to the container unit is fairly flexible and will therefore tolerate a wide range of motion while also being easily disconnected for recreating the coaxium heist from the movie.
The drive engine is the most substantial section of this model and it looks magnificent in relation to the film. Its proportional length has definitely been shortened but the overall shape of the vehicle is superb and I like how the black drive chain has been incorporated, particularly towards the front. Stickers are applied to panels at the rear but tiles, jumper plates and exposed studs add some delightful textured detail as well.
A simple Technic frame forms the support structure for the drive chain, around which the entire engine is constructed. This consists of 77 chain links in total and runs remarkably smoothly, allowing the drive chain to function properly on smooth surfaces as well as carpeted floors which is somewhat surprising. Hopefully other tracked vehicles will follow this example in the future.
Dark bluish grey 6x6 hatches, which have never previously appeared in this colour, form the drive link housing drum. This should really be positioned further back but its rounded shape looks pretty good in my opinion and there is room to place a blaster rifle inside. There would undoubtedly have been space for another blaster so it seems odd that this storage area only contains one attachment point, although you will find plenty of room in the cargo unit.
The angular shape of the Railcrawler is one of its most distinctive features and that has been captured almost perfectly, making clever use of 2x2x3 corner slopes at the rear. In fact, the only obvious area for improvement is just above the blaster storage bay where an unsightly gap between the armour plates is visible. The blue Technic pins on the coupling also appear out of place but I imagine it would be difficult to conceal them.
Opening the flaps on either side of the vehicle reveals two seats for the Range Troopers. I like the red computer display in front of each seat but am slightly disappointed that the exposed Technic assembly between the drivers has not been concealed. Nevertheless, the twin cockpits have been integrated very effectively on the whole and I appreciate how the space inside the conveyex has been occupied, either by a storage bay or seating.
The container unit is even more angular than the drive engine and I think it looks marvellous, despite using some different building techniques. 3x6 wedge plates form the corners of the cargo vehicle and are an ideal shape for the task, although the ends of the model could have been attached at an angle to match the sides. The large stickers look great when compared with the movie but I do not like the narrow gap between them.
Blast doors protect either end of the cargo unit in Solo: A Star Wars Story but they are absent from this model. Doors would have been welcome but are not a necessity in my opinion as the interior is dark so you cannot really see inside, even through the open doors. I am glad to see an Aurebesh sign next to the coupling, although this seems to include an error as it reads 'HITCH LOINT' rather than 'HITCH JOINT'. Admittedly, the Aurebesh letter Leth does resemble a Latin 'J' but this is still disappointing.
An opening hatch allows minifigures to enter the container unit from the top, just like in the movie. This works perfectly and there is a ladder underneath which is lovely as such details are often omitted from Star Wars sets. The rotating turret alongside the hatch looks good too and this can be attached to the main drive engine as well as the container, as demonstrated in the two images below.
The Imperial Gunner looks great when seated behind the two stud shooters and I like the asymmetrical design of the turret. Moreover, the turret is primarily constructed on its side which creates an interesting shape, particularly when it is viewed from behind where some angular edges match those on the actual conveyex transport.
Lifting the armour panels on either side of the container unit reveals its interior. There are four slots for storage cases, each containing a coaxium tube, but you could fit many more in here as the floor space is reasonably open. I like the black ladder and am impressed by the rigidity of this structure given how few supports are included. The container car rests on four small wheels but these are well hidden on the underside of the vehicle.
Overall
75217 Imperial Conveyex Transport has definitely exceeded my expectations. This set lacks the huge scale of its onscreen counterpart but its shape is excellent and several interesting functions have been incorporated, without spoiling the appearance of the model. The minifigures are equally impressive and I am particularly satisfied with the two new Range Troopers which capture almost every detail of these specialised soldiers from the movie.
However, this set costs £79.99 or $89.99 so feels quite expensive to me, especially given the omission of a second container unit. I would therefore suggest waiting for a discount before purchasing this set, although it is an interesting addition to the LEGO Star Wars range and offers considerable play value. Personally, I am considering buying a second copy in order to expand the vehicle, albeit only once its price has been significantly reduced.
I hope you have found this review informative. Let us know by liking this article and share your thoughts on the set in the comments below.
The set is currently available from shop.LEGO.com:
USA ($89.99) | Canada ($109.99) | UK (£79.99) | Germany (€89.99) | France (€99.99)
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32 comments on this article
I really like the design of this set, but I don’t like the price. Tbh all I really care about is the Range Troopers, so I’m hoping maybe sometime soon a Range Trooper battle pack will be released...?
Another great review... I will likely buy 2 of this set (when on sale) as well, to better represent the model in the film. That said, the ever-increasing set prices (Star Wars, especially) are getting outrageously expensive. As an AFOL, who does well, professionally - even I am starting to feel the pinch, with each wave. If I am, how can a family afford the sets, especially, if they aren’t single theme buyers? I am seriously considering waiting vs buying upon release, for sales, before buying any more sets... Cloud City, aside... LOL
I think the minifigures look great. The set looks good, but for the price it's not one I would buy.
I love the Chewie Minifigure!
Its a good compromise for the scale, but I agree, should have been one car longer.
Also agree about the price, feel this set should have been closer to the £60 mark. So many of the Star Wars sets seem massively overpriced for what you get in recent times, its a worrying trend.
Still as said, makes it easy to pick them up on discount if you wait a while.
Wow, $89.99? Hard pass, if only due to the price. I'll go to the point where I'll say Snoke's Throne is a better value (not just because I own it). Outside of the price, the minifigures and build are really good, though!
I could be wrong, but I think Lego has misspelled aurebesh words in the past
Update: I checked Kanan’s speeder and the aurebesh spells “Lethal”. I don’t know if this was intentional or if it was a misspelling of “Lothal” though :(
I had a great time building this, but I will echo the cries that its too short. The question is whether I acquire just a second carriage or go the whole hog and get a second set entirely, since real world trains do have an engine at the front and back
Price to part ratio is ludicrous, especially given 70 pieces are tread links. I also feel the absence of a second railcar REALLY limits the play options for this set.
Given that the movie itself was a bit of a flop, these should be on discounted prices relatively soon, but as usual a Star Wars set has good minifigs, a lackluster build, and too high a price.
The price along with the few cars makes it a hard pass for me but the minifigures are amazing and I will definitely be looking to buy the range troopers and the gunner.
Grey wedge with grey block... yay.
Yay. Another ridiculously expensive Star Wars set which I'll soon completely forget about, but will rediscover for £70, say "That looks cool" and remember to find something about it. Repeat cycle constantly.
I really wish there was another train car at the end for the price the set is at.
@ronvining
The NINJAGO, Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Unikitty!, Creator, and all LEGO Movie based sets are very reasonably priced. Star Wars is usually expensive, but sets such as the new X-Wing feel quite large for their parts count.
Great review of what seems like a great set, well except for the price that is.
^^On the other hand, The UK is getting hit hard with the Unikitty sets.....
The price is too much indeed. I would expect it to be more around 65 euros. Anyway, I'm gonna wait for a discount and I'm looking at it via the Amazon Price Tracker Keepa (plugin in Chrome).
Wow this is a pretty good set, might ge... NINTY DOLLARS?!?!?
I really dislike the Chewbacca minifigure. The bandoleers and pouch really ought to be a separate piece rather than merging with the fur of his body.
Thanks for the review. I was expecting this review to appear. As always, I appreciate your opinions. I like the minifigures here (the Chewbacca fig is fine, no complaints). And I like the parts and plates, and sure, it's gray, but it's accurate. It's a nice set, just too pricey.
I love this review and I echo the critic that for $80 it should have come with a second container (lately all passenger trains are coming too short). I will definetly add another from my collection but that so it can hold a raptor or Dilophosaur.
Can't do these Star Wars prices anymore. It's absolute insanity.
Ohh... I just can't even look at that prices. I understand inflation and all, but that's just crazy.
I feel like the additional of the goggles makes the new Chewbacca mould look a lot better. I just wish they were moulded on!
I love SW universe. I love Lego SW sets and collect them for about 11 years now. But as I have just ended building Destiny's Bounty yesterday, this 75217 Empire conveyer looks blocky, square, "flat" and desperately grey to me! So many shapes and colors packed in the Ninjago ship, filled with so many delicious details and references, so few on this one... Of course hard to compare, but many of my SW collection seems much more sad and uniform to me today (but for a few sets as Tantive, Republic Gunship, Rogue shadow, VTorrent and my minifig display cases which are also colorful...) And as mentioned by many users it's once again too expensive. I will come down from my colorful Ninjago dreamworld with days passing by and I still love my collection and my sets. But if I eventually get this one, it will be with a worthy discount. Thanks for your review.
All this talk about price got me curious; so I checked the price tag tab on the set page and yeah Europeans are paying $30-40 than we are in Canada. That's a pretty big discrepancy.
I don't own it yet and haven't seen it in person but to me it doesn't look like a $110 set but I guess it is comparable in size to 75103 to warrant that price tag.
The price would make more sense if there was a second railcar incorporated into the set, but other than that it looks cool
I may have a theory on why the Star Wars sets are particularly expensive. If you compare Star Wars to other licensed themes, like many of you have, a lot of you have noticed the Star Wars sets are pretty expensive compared to other themes. This may be due to the fact that Star Wars is owned by Disney and I heard there's a special tax on sets owned by Disney. I do think some of the prices are insane, especially recently, but I guess that's just life. Anyways, the set isn't bad to be fair. The figures are great and the build is decent, despite missing an extra car. I don't think I'll be buying this, as I do have other priorities, which is a shame because of the exclusive figures here, especially the Range troopers.
The range troopers are a bit disappointing for me. I thought they looked cool in the movie but these figs don't really look right cos of the lack of kama.
Slightly underwhelmed :-(
Am starting to fall out of love with Lego SW generally. Not totally, as the new x-wing looks excellent, but it doesn’t have the same appeal as it used to
Speaking of high prices, try Singapore, where LEGO starts at 25% more...and goes up, the larger the size of the set. Let’s take the 2017 Sandspeeder that sells for $29.00 (can be found for $10 less at Target) in USA on LEGO’s Website. Let’s add 6% sales tax, $31.78 and convert to SGD, $43.46... Want to know how much it sells for in Singapore? Ready? SGD $79.99... or $58.48 USD. The additional USD $26.70 mark-up, is almost 50% more. Where does LEGO get off, marking up, their product, THAT much? It’s no wonder why LEPIN (and many others) are becoming so popular, in the market.
Could you place the stickers on the cargo unit closer together, to eliminate the narrow gap between them? Or is it built in such a way that you can't do that?
I don't get why they used the 6x6 tile and plate 6x12 with 26 studs. The Rangetroopers have magnetic boots so they can walk on the sides of the train- so use regular studded plates!