I should mention that the length on the plaque is also arguably incorrect, since most canon sources display a length of 17. The addition of a few light grey shadows is unobtrusive but serves to break up the otherwise almost entirely white armour and looks fantastic. Star Wars Episode II Republic Gunship set 75021 was released in August 2013, retailing for 130 €, but has since been retired.

Republic Gunship : Set 75021-1 | BrickLink Republic Gunship : Set 75021-1 | BrickLink

Exposed studs are consistently important on LEGO models and the balance between smooth surfaces and studs here seems effective. The instruction manual features 540 pages, including some that provide information about the LAAT/i and commentary from the design team. Nevertheless, issues concerning the minifigures should not overshadow the Republic Gunship itself, which looks absolutely spectacular. The resulting colours are attractive and the angular shaping looks appealing as well, closely resembling the onscreen vehicle.However, one section remains open to accommodate the cockpit structure, which is attached using a single Technic axle. They are pretty similar logos – naturally, as one government simply transitioned into the other in Revenge of the Sith – but it’s still an easy mistake to spot if you know your Clone Troopers from your Stormtroopers. I find it slightly strange that LEGO chose to include a poster as if it has been painted, although I do not think it is fooling anybody. They include several narrow viewports which seem reasonably faithful to the source material, although their edges should be rounded. But at 800€ the ISD really could have added parts worth of a 20-40€ set for a bridge that is nicely sunken in and hidden.

LEGO LEGO

After all that, it’s not to say I don’t like it, or I don’t appreciate it, as a massive prequel fan (that happened to vote for the Nebulon B FYI) I do, but it’s so frustrating to see what I consider to be major issues like the doors when it was so… avoidable. On this model however they are included and they look decent, although it still bothers me that they pivot from the underside of the pod rather than from the centre. The Bomber has never seen a UCS release, only has one minifig release, and mostly exists in mini form (including its first iteration, which was split between four other sets). The same complaint might be leveled against the latest X-wing seeing as there's a lack of texture to the latest batch of mainstay models. In addition, stickers form accurate armour panels beneath the distinctive yellow designs which appear onscreen.I'll have to take some more precise measurements to be sure, but I think it can easily be fudged into minifigure scale, even if it is slightly large. It is one of the most iconic ships from the prequel trilogy and it's clearly wanted by a lot of people. This is why I didn’t think the gunship was a good choice for UCS - we already had EXTREMELY passable, minifig scale versions of the craft. And Im absolutely disgusted at Legos obvious lack of care or knowledge of the Prequels, to result in them replacing the Republic logo for an Imperial one! The minifigure selection is wonderful and includes some very desirable characters which are either brand new or perfect for army building.

Republic Gunship Star Wars LEGO (R) Building Toys Republic Gunship Star Wars LEGO (R) Building Toys

As one of the most prevalent and iconic vehicles from the Prequel Trilogy, previous editions of the Republic Gunship have proved to be very popular indeed, and I would imagine that this set will continue in this vein as it only improves on the earlier models in my opinion. I must admit however, I am struggling to think of a hairpiece which would suit his unique haircut from Episode II. Construction of Ultimate Collector Series models traditionally concludes with the display stand and this process is no exception. I favour opaque stickers which are reasonably forgiving of mistakes during application, although these clear-backed stickers are less inclined to peel over time.

The troop compartment is now completely open inside unlike the last model and has plenty of space for as many as twenty Clone Troopers (at least that is as many as I could fit with them all being attached to at least one stud). While complete accuracy would be wonderful, disguising this structural support using the onboard terminal and cargo netting is ingenious! In addition, the connection between the Republic Gunship and this display stand feels secure, incorporating simple tabs which slot underneath the vehicle. Of course, the lower section of the composite-beam laser turret is also visible underneath the wing. These designs invariably divide opinion and I think this example seems quite bland, especially given the potential for an interesting Geonosian backdrop.

LEGO 75021 Star Wars Republic Gunship | BrickEconomy LEGO 75021 Star Wars Republic Gunship | BrickEconomy

Additionally, the white streaks between the cockpit module and the light bluish grey armour are completely accurate and such subtle detailing is impressive. I'm (slightly) puzzled by people complaining about a lack of minifigures when the model is not minifgure scale. We could have had the amazing blue shark Gunship from Tartakovsky's Clone Wars rather than another one in the same colour scheme - but bigger! did have mostly unique minifigs when it launched, but they quickly filtered through the various Ep4 retail sets that followed.What I don't understand is why did Lego ask what minifigure fans would want included if they didn't intend to follow through. Ultimate Collector Series models invariably provoke excitement, but 75309 Republic Gunship was chosen by LEGO Star Wars fans and has therefore inspired particular anticipation.