Review: 75342 Republic Fighter Tank
Posted by CapnRex101,
While essential characters and notable vehicles remain paramount, LEGO Star Wars sometimes features lesser-known subjects. 75342 Republic Fighter Tank definitely satisfies that need, since these Clone Trooper minifigures originate from Hasbro action figures!
Among varied possibilities, selecting the purple 187th Legion seems decidedly strange, although the minifigures look excellent. Moreover, an exclusive version of Mace Windu is included, while this rendition of the tank introduces some unique features, deviating from 7679 Republic Fighter Tank and 75182 Republic Fighter Tank.
Summary
75342 Republic Fighter Tank, 262 pieces.
£39.99 / $39.99 / €44.99 | 15.3p/15.3c/17.2c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
The latest Republic Fighter Tank achieves mixed results, but provides great minifigures.
- Excellent, if unusual, minifigures
- Appropriate size for play
- Clever use of elements
- Limited space inside
- Lacking certain details
- Missed opportunity to include more desirable Clone Troopers
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigures
Mace Windu minifigures have appeared with increasing frequency during recent years, but none rival this example, featuring decorated arms! The dark tan Jedi robe closely resembles previous minifigures, including the version from 75309 Republic Gunship, although the newer design lacks Geonosian sand on the torso. The belt has been updated too, while the legs are unchanged.
Dual-moulded legs with dark brown boots would have been excellent, although printing alone looks good. The head also returns from 75309 Republic Gunship, featuring a determined face that suits Mace Windu. However, the highlight is definitely the new printed arms, which include Clone Wars forearm armour.
The dark red Jedi emblem corresponds precisely with the original design, while the opposite arm displays a simple wrist comlink. The creased fabric also continues here. Decorated arms are becoming more common, but I hope this appearance in a relatively small set signals wider availability in the future. Mace Windu wields a purple lightsaber, as always.
That purple-bladed lightsaber influences the colour of the 187th Legion Clone Commander, which takes inspiration from a Hasbro action figure pack released during 2006. Minifigures do originate from varied sources, but this choice seems surprising when there is such demand for numerous canonical Clone Troopers. Nevertheless, I think this minifigure looks superb.
The purple armour highlights appear attractive and the minifigure's Airborne Trooper helmet is distinctive, reflecting the action figure pack. However, I dislike the printed kama, replacing the fabric component which appeared recently in 75286 General Grievous' Starfighter. Of course, that enables the minifigure to sit more easily, but I would prefer a fabric kama.
Purple-armoured 187th Legion Clone Troopers accompany their commanders and maintain certain familiar features from 75280 501st Legion Clone Troopers. However, the vibrant purple accents are unique and strongly distinguish Mace Windu's troops, within the Grand Army of the Republic. Once again, dual-moulded legs would have been beneficial, but printing looks nice.
These minifigures also wear straps across their armour, further corresponding with the action figures. Each trooper includes a blaster rifle and the Clone Trooper heads under their helmets are identical, naturally. While these minifigures are well-executed, I would have preferred many other legions, or even plain Phase II Clone Troopers instead.
Two standard Battle Droids complete the minifigure selection. These skeletal figures are very common, but provide reasonable play value. While few alterations have been introduced since Battle Droids arrived in 1999, the figures remain immediately recognisable. Even though newer designs could absolutely prove interesting, they would not be my priority.
Both droids are equipped with pearl dark grey blaster rifles, differentiating their weapons from the Clone Troopers' black rifles. The distribution of colours remains inconsistent though, since 75280 501st Legion Clone Troopers contains Battle Droids with black blasters.
The Completed Model
Despite only appearing in video games and Legends comics, LEGO evidently appreciates the TX-130 Saber-class fighter tank, having now released three minifigure-scale models. The new rendition combines features from its predecessors and makes clever use of the X-wing canopy introduced during 2015, accurately recreating the shape of the thick frontal armour.
75342 Republic Fighter Tank measures 19cm in length, obviously surpassing 75182 Republic Fighter Tank from 2017, but falling short of 7679 Republic Fighter Tank, released during 2008. The proportions of this vehicle are nearer to the older model though. Personally, I favour the modern lower-profile version, but the larger cockpit should accommodate more minifigures on this occasion.
The scale was perhaps defined by the X-wing canopy component and I can certainly see why, since its shape is almost perfect, relative to the Legends tank. However, I was disappointed to discover that the riveted panels are formed using large stickers, while additional stickers adorn both flanks. The designs look splendid, but such reliance upon stickers is unfortunate.
Moreover, unsightly gaps are present around the frontal armour because 1x2 plates with side rails prevent the canopy from closing fully. They are necessary as the canopy could otherwise fold inside the vehicle, but the gaps remain quite frustrating. There is space for two minifigures here, although accessing the second is difficult and they are not properly secured on a 2x3 tile.
The sides of the bodywork are disappointing too, lacking any texture or shaping. Some smooth surfaces would be appropriate, but these appear completely bland. Fortunately, the projecting structures underneath display greater detail, including fuel lines, lime green highlights and the pronounced thrust modules immediately below the laser cannons.
Both laser cannon are attached using Technic pins, allowing them to rotate separately. These integrate spring-loaded shooters, but again lack proper mechanical detail. Nevertheless, I like the stickers because these dark red and lime green highlights continue from elsewhere on the Republic Fighter Tank.
The opening hatch on top is my favourite aspect of this model, presenting an accurate shape and nestling perfectly between 3x3 curved tiles. The access hatch on the back opens too, but 1x6 arch bricks prevent access to the cockpit. One minifigure can therefore view the battlefield from an elevated position, although the dorsal hatch cannot close with them inside. In addition, the neighbouring antennas feel fragile.
Four wheels are situated underneath the tank, creating the impression of hovering above the ground. They are not concealed particularly effectively, as the rear wheels remain visible from behind, but their black colour blends with the shadows. I think these simple wheels work nicely, returning from the 2017 rendition.
Overall
Confusing is the word to summarise 75342 Republic Fighter Tank. The minifigure selection is superb, particularly for the exclusive Mace Windu and his colourful Clone Troopers. Selecting these non-canonical Clone Troopers, among numerous potentially more prominent options, is surprising though. Even so, I do love the purple!
The vehicle is also muddled. The general shape looks good and certain details are accurately realised, notably including the top hatch. The space for minifigures is surprisingly limited though, while the sides appear unfinished without any texture. Moreover, the price of £34.99, $39.99 or €39.99 feels quite expensive, despite the generous selection of minifigures.
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41 comments on this article
Honestly, I like getting different troopers! It makes things exciting when new ones appear to add to the army. Seeing figures from non-canon sources is also nice because it brings plenty of nice surprises while opening up more possibilities for sets!
But this vehicle should’ve been $30. The set is good, but for this price you could get an X-Wing or Tie Fighter that are far more iconic than this tank. Also, this ties into my fears that Battlepacks were going to be replaced with these more expensive kits.
I feel it's good, I wish the top hatch could close all the way. Also I feel it would benefit from a 4x3 crate to hold the blasters, theres a perfect spot for it in on the 2x3 tile!
After the review I had a second thought about it. It looks nice, better than the first images showed indeed. Figures are great too.
But what kills it, as we all know from the 2022 SW sets, is the absurd price. The rise in prices is especially dreadful in Brazil, R$400.00 for a 262 parts set. Sales and price drops are extremely rare here too, which just makes me even less interested in buying it. A shame, since it would be a little more fine if it cost around R$250 ~ R$300 (or in USD, $25 ~ $30)
A bit of a shame the top can’t close with a figure sitting inside, but otherwise, a pretty cool set.
Isn’t it kind of a silly critique to complain about the Clones included when they’re part of Mace’s battalion
Am excited for new clone prints / colors and Mace’s arms!!! I love exclusive minis, this takes the cake for me.
i like these new models, but some of that is for their potential to be modded. i can easily fix the texture issues on the sides, the gaps on the front and the apace for a minifig in the top hatch. but then again, maybe they should think of those things before they finalize their designs?
Nice review. I like the set and love the minifigs. I find them desirable enough! I'll get it eventually.
Not every Clone Wars set has to be designed for army building. Including the purple clone troopers seems like a great way to get a few unique figures. Thanks for the review!
@ZeroPrime said:
"Isn’t it kind of a silly critique to complain about the Clones included when they’re part of Mace’s battalion"
I think it is a fair criticism. There was no obligation for LEGO to provide Mace Windu, nor to include appropriate Clone Troopers for a specific Jedi general. However, if the designers did wish to include Mace Windu with his associated Clone Troopers, they could have chosen the canonical Lightning Squadron.
Make no mistake, I am satisfied with these minifigures, although this set presented an ideal opportunity to release even more desirable Clone Troopers, especially as there are relatively few Clone Wars sets at the moment.
I like it, it's nice seeing purple on the armor (which weirdly makes the minifigs more valuable to me than being related to Star Wars), and there are some unique parts in the tank. I'll probably pick it up when it's on sale.
Actually, Star Wars sets less than $50 are the only ones I've ever seen go on sale in the US!
Anyone else notice that or am I nuts?
I don’t get the argument that the 187th legion was the right choice because they’re unique and different. 21st and 327th troopers have never been made before, and are just as unique, in addition to being a lot more desirable of options.
That being said, I’m perfectly fine with the 187th troopers here as long as they keep these types of clone sets coming and cover the other legions in the future
Give me interesting purple troopers over yet another drab 'canonical' legion any day. It's not like the canon ones are any less made up, they're just made up by a different person. None of this is real, after all.
This last change of clone trooper style towards the animated shapes ruined clone trooper sets for me, so I don't even care about the usefulness of clone squadrons though I still hope they just do the Galactic Marines so that this covers another Jedis legion.
Unlike the changes between 2011 and 2014 Stormtroopers that are both realistic renditions and could be said to just reflect small shaping details, this mostly animated look is just as bad as when the first animated looks were released in 2008. Everyone disliked the disruption those designs caused so much that they toned down the faces, but only the faces for some reason.
@lego4elio said:
"I don’t get the argument that the 187th legion was the right choice because they’re unique and different. 21st and 327th troopers have never been made before, and are just as unique, in addition to being a lot more desirable of options."
We actually did get a 327th trooper all the way back in 7655.
The purple troopers annoy me but they are still fun to have, I’m only going to get this to display with the AAT from a few years ago.
Nice figures, but it’s a pity they changed the base printing of the phase II helmet to no longer match those from 75028, 75035 or 75036 which I found more accurate (to the movies at least). At least it seems to continue the style from 501st battle pack 75280.
Can't go wrong with purple.
But just like in the Advent Calendar, there's no bigger waste than a vanilla battle droid.
@CapnRex101:
What? No! It’s got purple. If we count Mace Windu as an honorary Batman on account of his vambraces, that makes this pretty much the bestest most perfectest Prequel set ever!
Lightning Squadron is part of the 91st, which has been led by Windu, Gallia, and Allie (who ultimately perished at their hands under Order 66). They have plenty of other opportunities to fit the regular 91st in with any of these three, and can always pair Windu up with Lightning at a later date. It’s not like this is Last Year Ever for SW.
@sir_vasco:
Ain’t nothin’ weird about that.
@Grammaticul:
It’s not every SW set. It just that every SW has been accused of that for about 20 years. This set and the Trench Run you can make a valid claim for, but people were complaining about 200 trans-green 1x1 tiles in Dagobah when the set is still $0.10/pc without them (and $0.08/pc with).
@Binary_Code said:
" @lego4elio said:
"I don’t get the argument that the 187th legion was the right choice because they’re unique and different. 21st and 327th troopers have never been made before, and are just as unique, in addition to being a lot more desirable of options."
We actually did get a 327th trooper all the way back in 7655.
"
True. I don’t really count that one anymore tho
These purper-derper troops remind me of those ones that people colour with Sharpie and try to flog on eBay...
Definitely a love affair for Battlefront fans, to be sure. The model looks like it’s based more on the 2019 Battlefront version than the original BF1 or BF2 versions, which had that blue laser beam turret mounted on top. So you could…you know, protect the back of the tank with another Trooper while you pilot and worry about destroying what’s in front of you.
I’m a die hard fan of Star Wars video games of the late 90s/early-mid 2000s…those are the glory years though I’m hoping we are seeing a resurgence with LEGO: The Skywalker Saga and SW: Jedi Fallen Order and the decision to remove EA exclusivity.
FYI: the new Star Wars LEGO game is awesome. Go play it. Some stuff in there I need as LEGO product NOW. :D
The canon question is funny to me as a die hard Legends fan, since Legends sets or figures appear once in a blue moon.
For me, the more important question is: why exactly did Lego change the helmet printing of the phase II clones? Is there a Lego employee reading this? Please tell me. Objectively, the 2014 phase II helmet print was absolutely perfect and as movie-accurate as is possible for Lego. The 501st ones and this year's just look wrong… Especially as the phase I print from 2013 was kept the same
@MisterBrickster said:
"Give me interesting purple troopers over yet another drab 'canonical' legion any day. It's not like the canon ones are any less made up, they're just made up by a different person. None of this is real, after all."
Very good point!
This Mace Windu also differs from 75309 in that he has black hands instead of reddish brown.
I lost my interest in sets with clone troopers when Lego screwed up the torso and helmet prints...
@darkstonegrey said:
"This Mace Windu also differs from 75309 in that he has black hands instead of reddish brown."
...gloves...
I kinda like. I feel it splits the deference between the two previous sets pretty nicely. Not a big and as bulky as the first one. But still big enough to hold more then one figure. And while it isn't the most accurate in design (nether rally have) it makes some acceptable changes for the sake of play. The rocket launchers design is perfect those grille bricks in black. They look just like the games.
The minfigure selection is odd. The troopers being from Legends, but Mace's appearance from Canon. And honestly the clones don't do anything for me. I would have preferred some Phase I. Though I can appreciate the obscure reference to the Hasbro pack. Much like the Sandspeeder they released in 2017.
@blogzilly said:
"Definitely a love affair for Battlefront fans, to be sure. The model looks like it’s based more on the 2019 Battlefront version than the original BF1 or BF2 versions, which had that blue laser beam turret mounted on top. So you could…you know, protect the back of the tank with another Trooper while you pilot and worry about destroying what’s in front of you.
I’m a die hard fan of Star Wars video games of the late 90s/early-mid 2000s…those are the glory years though I’m hoping we are seeing a resurgence with LEGO: The Skywalker Saga and SW: Jedi Fallen Order and the decision to remove EA exclusivity.
FYI: the new Star Wars LEGO game is awesome. Go play it. Some stuff in there I need as LEGO product NOW. :D
"
Actually the sticker detail indicates it's meant to look like Pandemic's version, as opposed to the DICE/EA version. In particular how the tank appears in Star Wars The Clone Wars video game made by Pandemic prior to making Battlefront.
I'm only disappointed that the tank itself didn't turn out to have purple highlights in place of the dark red like one rumor had suggested. Would have been absolutely perfect!
Overall this tank is probably the best scaled of the three Lego versions and looks better than the last tiny release. The figures are awesome. Can't wait to display this supporting my 501st Legion set in battle.
Honestly the whining about the figures in the review and ending up calling the set 'confusing' and 'muddled' without really showing that, are detracting. You wanted different figures, we get it, leave it alone.
For four figures plus two droids and 260 pieces, the price is acceptable. Minifigs alone are roughly $4-$5 each, so there's about half the price of the set right there, technically. And it will go on sale.
I'm really into the troopers on this one! That being said, the price is too expensive and you should wait, till it's 30% off.
@ItsTwentyBelow said:
"Honestly the whining about the figures in the review and ending up calling the set 'confusing' and 'muddled' without really showing that, are detracting. You wanted different figures, we get it, leave it alone."
This is a review. I am going to comment on things I like and dislike.
Thanks for another great review. However, I cannot agree with the good Captain regarding the type of troopers in this set.
I suppose it's always possible to speculate (or even criticize) about 'better' alternatives for almost any Lego set. Yet, these are really nice, colorful troopers which surely no one could admittedly believe would appear in any other set. On that basis, I think objective criticism is nearly close to impossible. It all becomes very subjective. There's almost no objectively rational basis to dislike these purple dudes in favor of a speculative alternative in the vast Star Wars universe.
I too hope they cover more alternative troopers such as the Galactic Marines. The best way to ensure that is to make a success of sets like this one. These are sweet! The printing on Mace is really awesome as well.
Moreover, I find MisterBrickster very insightful.
"Give me interesting purple troopers... any day. It's not like the canon ones are any less made up... None of this is real, after all."
@CapnRex101
Wait, I thought these were actually canon, no?
Granted, they supposedly appeared only as background characters in Clone Wars (Zillo Beast arc, I think) but still.
Though to be honest, personally I welcome all the legends sets we get. The more the better, as there are many things I prefer in those timelines, plus it means acknowledging the history of SW which is a good thing IMO.
Another solid review. I too would have preferred a more recognized clone outfit, as great as these look, but I guess a non-canonical vehicle such as this is as good an opportunity as any to pair with non-canon clones. I think 'confusing' is fair as the set seems to feature elements from apparently unrelated Legends threads. I ordered this pre-release as, according to my own inventory on Brickset it would have been the 187th set I currently own (though I have subsequently bought Boba's Throne Room) and I couldn't deny myself fulfilling what seemed like some sort of destiny ....
The previous version just looked that much sleeker, and was perfect in terms of interior detail. 2022's Tank, meanwhile, doesn't even make an attempt in that latter area. Very disappointing.
I would be the one complaining about wishing the set included more desirable minifigures if they had gone with the brown design from The Clone Wars' series. The purple clones existed beforehand and were acknowledged as canon at the time of the toy's release, and appeared in multiple toy lines; they were not a one-off mistake and they were not non-canon at the time. Filoni and crew were the ones who insisted on creating a new design for The Clone Wars that broke with what was established canon at the time for no story reason. Both batallions co-existed until the Disney purchase. I like to think the purple clones are an elite squadron from the main brown legion.
It is, of course, a difference of opinion, and I hope those brown troopers are made someday for those who want them; but these are my preference.
@CapnRex101 said:
" @ItsTwentyBelow said:
"Honestly the whining about the figures in the review and ending up calling the set 'confusing' and 'muddled' without really showing that, are detracting. You wanted different figures, we get it, leave it alone."
This is a review. I am going to comment on things I like and dislike."
The best reviews are more objective, though. That's the real purpose of a review: to present the information objectively.
@ItsTwentyBelow said:
" @CapnRex101 said:
" @ItsTwentyBelow said:
"Honestly the whining about the figures in the review and ending up calling the set 'confusing' and 'muddled' without really showing that, are detracting. You wanted different figures, we get it, leave it alone."
This is a review. I am going to comment on things I like and dislike."
The best reviews are more objective, though. That's the real purpose of a review: to present the information objectively."
I completely disagree. The best reviews present information about a subject and include the author's opinion, which hopefully helps to inform the opinion of the reader, whether that means agreeing or disagreeing with the author.
I like the minifigures but the tank needs more work, especially the abrupt transition between the cockpit area and the pylons. However I think people should stop complaining about everything.
Every commenter on Brickset: "it's too expensive". SMH. LEGO users aren't going to be satisfied until every set is free.