Review: Wicked Brick display case for 75322 AT-ST
Posted by CapnRex101,
75322 Hoth AT-ST is probably my favourite Star Wars set released so far this year, recreating an obscure and therefore intriguing walker design from the Original Trilogy.
The model looks outstanding and undoubtedly warrants appealing display, so I was pleased to receive the dedicated display case produced by Wicked Brick.
The display case comprises several Perspex panels that are connected using metal cubes at each corner. Assembly is accordingly quite simple and I think the AT-ST looks excellent inside, protected from dust. However, this case inevitably occupies more space than the walker alone, which is an important consideration because display space is almost always limited.
Nevertheless, the display case is attractive and the cover is easily removable. Of course, white is an appropriate colour for the base and the black border looks splendid too. These panels are attached using magnets and provide room for the aforementioned cubes to slot into the corners.
Wicked Brick display cases and bases include etched information plaques, displaying the set number and the number of pieces between relevant images. However, I was disappointed to find the AT-ST from Return of the Jedi presented here, instead of the lesser-known example deployed during The Empire Strikes Back. Few images of this design are available, although there are certainly enough for an accurate etching.
An impressive backdrop is placed behind the AT-ST, displaying the snowy plains of Hoth. The white and pale blue colours complement this vehicle, although the backdrop is formed using a large sticker. Fortunately, applying that sticker is surprisingly easy because the material is very forgiving, so air bubbles can be removed and the exact position of the sticker may be adjusted.
The most significant issue with these display cases is always their cost. The quality is brilliant, but the price of £38.99, including the backdrop, feels expensive when the set inside only costs £44.99, $49.99 or €49.99. For that reason, I would probably only consider display cases for the biggest sets, even though this case looks great.
You can find this display case and the whole selection on the Wicked Brick website.
Our review of 75322 Hoth AT-ST is available here.
This product was provided for review by Wicked Brick, but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
61 likes
23 comments on this article
That is pretty damn cool.
That is pretty damn expensive for a case.
@Dannygast said:
"That is pretty damn expensive for a case."
You get what you pay for. The quality of all WB cases is second to none.
The plaque, displaying the set number is very informative)))
Why couldn't they use a set name instead of a set number?
@DonTelnovone said:
"The plaque, displaying the set number is very informative)))
Why couldn't they use a set name instead of a set number?"
Set number is the same for all languages, the name is not- I would assume :)
"For that reason, I would probably only consider display cases for the biggest sets, even though this case looks great."
Not even there because then you factor in their absolutely absurd shipping costs as well.
Take the Titanic case, for example. Between it, the shipping costs and then the taxes that WickedBrick doesn't charge upfront (since Britain left the Single Market and they haven't adopted the EU OSS), the price of the case is almost the same as the set itself.
Their products are great but Brexit pretty much made buying from them unviable.
They promised a solution and so far nothing. With their prices going up, their shipping time taking more than a month AND them now moving to use fake LEGO on the displays, they've just stopped being an appealing solution.
They probably should have considered moving operations to the continent or, since that's not always an easy thing, entered a partnership with some European producer to franchise their products and bring the costs down and thusly sales and profits up.
@DonTelnovone said:
"The plaque, displaying the set number is very informative)))
Why couldn't they use a set name instead of a set number?"
They used to do that (I still have stands with the ship names in them). But they had to change it because the set names are copyrighted material so they would need a license to be able to use them.
A most impressive model in display, thanks for this awesome review but I have my eyes for the UCS MF Case.
@DonTelnovone said:
"The plaque, displaying the set number is very informative)))
Why couldn't they use a set name instead of a set number?"
I think they used to, and ran into some legal issues with Lego about using copyrighted names.
Im sure some of my early display units from them have set names - then it stopped.
While they are expensive they are also fabulous quality. You get what you are willing to pay for, I guess.
Is this AT-ST the same size as the Mandalorian AT-ST released a couple years ago? Would it also fit?
@Zoniax said:
"Is this AT-ST the same size as the Mandalorian AT-ST released a couple years ago? Would it also fit?"
There are probably loads of sets that would fit in this case, but the plaque & background would be wasted.
He'll, if you wanted to, you could probably STACK a couple of 75201 in there...
Was looking at getting a display stand from them for the UCS DeLorean… £59.99 to ship a $18 stand to Canada. Lmfao. That price is absurd, considering it ships ‘flat’/unassembled.
I used to buy lots of stuff from the UK in former times.
Since Brexit, none of it is economically viable anymore. The combination of lower value of the Euro versus the Pound, often absurd shipping rates and various import duties and taxes have made me stop purchasing anything from the UK. Pity, as I used to love the products, but that's Brexit for you. Thanks for nothing, Brexit lovers!
@AustinPowers said:
"I used to buy lots of stuff from the UK in former times.
Since Brexit, none of it is economically viable anymore. (...)
that's Brexit for you. Thanks for nothing, Brexit lovers! "
I feel your pain, AP, I feel your pain! Though spare a thought for those of us over here who could see it was nonsense before the vote, and are now essentially financially cutoff from Bricklinking from Europe...
@Huw said:
"You get what you pay for. The quality of all WB cases is second to none."
Thats true, I bought a few normal Vario display stands of different sizes and angles (they aren't that expensive, around 10€ each) to display some of my star wars ships and they are all pretty perfect. It takes some time to assemble, tho.
I placed an order for several items from them a couple of weeks ago, so I still don't have them, and thus cannot have a real opinion about quality, but I certainly trust the comments I have read so far in several reviews, and expect them to be superb. About the price, I do agree that they feel expensive, but the real question is whether they are really MORE expensive than other options. I have investigated several options in Spain, and I could not find anything cheaper actually.
When asked some companies to create a case for Central Perk 21319 I received quotations about 100 EUR. When looked at Amazon, I could not find anything that fitted the size of that set for a lower price than offered at Wicked Brick. In my opinion it is an expensive item, not an abnormally expensive place to shop. That said, I would certainly love to find cheaper ones, so any idea will be more than welcomed.
Regarding the shipping, I have paid about 10% of the total for shipping (about 39 pounds for a 360 pounds total). I think there is a point in which the shipping is more or less fixed. And I hope I did understand correctly, but that is absolutely included, so I will have no VAT nor custom expenses upon receipt. Again, I would obviously prefer cheaper shipping options, but that's the way it is, and it seems to me as a reasonable option if you buy several items, so that the shipping cost somehow "dilutes"...
I hope I do not have to change my optimism when I receive the package :)
They are excellent quality and everything fits together perfectly. You do get what you pay for. Which can be a lot.
I bought a case for the little Disney Castle and it worked out dearer than the product inside.
These guys make fantastic products that sell in the United States, but sadly Puerto Rico isn't part of the US in the case of shipping. Funny we have USD currency, US passports... but hey we don't count like Hawaii or Alaska... Come on Wicked Bricks get your shipping fixed!!!!
It is expensive but just because the base material is also extremely expensive. A 48 in by 48 in by 1/8 of acrylic sheet (PlexiGlass and Perspex are trademark) cost CAD$113. Then you need very good tooling to make a clean cut (several times). Add to this the cost of the little attachment cubes plus labour plus a bit of profit and you have something that may seem quite expensive but would most likely cost just as much if you were to do it yourself and you are not sure if the results would be any good (you certainly would not have the etching - unless you have the specialised($$) equipment to do it). I suppose, unless you are loaded, this is not for all your Lego sets but for the ones that you truly value and want to display in a special manner.
I don't own any but I really like the one for the Lunar Lander. Problem is shipping costs which often double the cost of the item... (as mentioned, a franchise, in Europe and in the US, might be a solution- but then you double/triple your operation/machinery/rent).
@HOBBES said:
"It is expensive but just because the base material is also extremely expensive. A 48 in by 48 in by 1/8 of acrylic sheet (PlexiGlass and Perspex are trademark) cost CAD$113."
Yes, I did originally think these were outrageously overpriced, until I checked out the cost of acrylic sheet. Now they're not so bad!
(Unlike Light Kits, when you see the tiny amount they can be made for from raw parts)
We have Wicked Brick cases for 75313 and 75192 and I consider them well worth the price, especially with the printed back panels that so excellent show off the models.
Not having to dust those is a special kind of reward, too. LOL.
It is expensive in the sense that it is close to the price of the set itself. Probably only get this for flagship sets. Not sure if anyone experience scratches on their cases. Acrylic are extremely susceptible to scratches as I know this from acrylic aquariums. Glass is probably better option and cheaper too.
I simply wish a company would start producing a similar product in the US. The cost is simply prohibitive (Item/shipping/taxes) I am a firm believer in paying for quality but the cost just does not make sense.