Review: 30680 AAT
Posted by CapnRex101,
LEGO obviously considers the AAT an interesting subject for microscale models. After all, the tank has already appeared in three Advent Calendars and two polybags. 30680 AAT is the third.
The vehicle looks remarkably detailed for its size and its release is fitting, for the 25th anniversary of The Phantom Menace.
Summary
30680 AAT, 75 pieces.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Despite its small scale, this AAT is quite detailed and its shape nears perfection
- Accurate proportions and shape, overall
- Fully articulated turret
- Good colour scheme
- Turret can look awkward when rotated
The Completed Model
LEGO has sometimes struggled to capture the proportions of AATs properly, even at minifigure-scale. However, the relative sizes of the primary laser cannon and the 'foot' section are broadly accurate here, which is essential. Furthermore, this model is quite substantial for a polybag and measures almost 10cm in length, including the laser cannon.
3x3 quarter dish elements form the forward armour and their shape is perfect for the AAT. Also, the combination of tan and dark tan looks good, particularly given the bands of dark tan behind those quarter dishes. The crew hatch is effective and I like the laser cannons mounted on either side, which can rotate if you wish.
The angled power converters look superb too, although the bodywork behind those weapons extends too far. The tank also requires additional support at the rear because the turret would otherwise cause the vehicle to lean backwards. Although this is not ideal, the only other solution would be to add weight towards the front, which is not realistically possible at this scale.
As expected, the turret rotates on a 2x2 turntable and the barrel can be raised and lowered. I appreciate the articulation, but the turntable is located near the front of the turret, instead of in the centre, so it sometimes looks odd when turned backwards. Also, the turret is slightly bigger than it should be, although I can excuse this because it allows for a suitable curved shape.
Overall
Polybags have generally improved over time and the development between 30052 AAT from 2011 and 30680 AAT today exemplifies the change. The shape of this vehicle is accurate and the necessary details are all included, while the awkward support towards the rear was hard to avoid, unfortunately.
Considering the experience of recent years, one would expect to see a larger rendition of the AAT at some point in 2024. I would welcome such a model, but this polybag should suffice for now!
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24 comments on this article
Not a Star Wars fan, but it looks really good for a polybag size!
It looks more like a mini model of the last blue AAT they made, the turret and cannon still look way too big compared to the body.
I like the use of pieces on the "skirt" and the color scheme, but the front hatch is also positioned too low and binocular pieces would have been better for the side cannons.
You've convinced me. If I happen to see this, I'll pick it up because it wouldn't be bad for a distant one in my Battle of Naboo display.
It's a pretty good model, but the "foot" really needs an extra plate or two of thickness . Looks a little thin and wimpy as it is.
@CapnRex101 did you have an issues with the cone? for some reason i could not get the cone to stay on, so mine is on with the bottom facing forward. I am not sure if its suppose to grip on the tip of both bar and cone or the bottom, where the bar is wider, but mine was having none of it.
The main cannon is too long - again.
And once again I wish polybags were available from Lego.com. There are so many on my wanted list (including this one), but when you can't get out much, you miss a good proportion of them.
I'm not much of a Star Wars guy, so I don't recognise this at all - but I do see just a cool little unmanned defensive turret that might be placed in just about any futuristic setting (and a few modern ones).
Pew pew pew.
It's okay, but the flimsy turret is annoying. I'd also second the comments regarding the thickness of the hover pad and length of the gun barrel. also, since they make such a fuss about 25 years of EP on the bag, they could at least have included a special edition drone minifigure or something.
It's weird how the same size of dish is used for both this AAT's top hatch and the minifigure-scale AAT's top hatch
I have two problems with this set, which admittedly are nitpicking. I agree with a previous comment that the front hatch is too low. Looks easy enough to raise it up by a plate, though I don’t like to modify my sets.
I also think the slot behind the 2x2 curved slope above the hatch looks awkward.
Not a bad set, but could have been better.
Why does the Summary box have a "Buy at LEGO.com" link...?
Imagine living in a world where one can just buy any polybag at LEGO.com...
This is easily the best Lego star wars polybag, IMO. It's a shame i probably won't be able to get it, because in NZ they are very hard to find. They are exclusive to Lego sores and there are only two in NZ, both of which are far away from me! but hopefully i can get this one!
There's also the Midi-scale AAT in the Build Your Own Adventure book. Bigger than a polybag, smaller than a play vehicle.
@Graupensuppe said:
"The main cannon is too long - again."
No! the size is perfect.
@bananaworld said:
"
Why does the Summary box have a "Buy at LEGO.com" link...?
Imagine living in a world where one can just buy any polybag at LEGO.com..."
Oh, to live in such a world... But the link is automatically added. Even reviews of GWPs have it.
I wouldn't get it but it looks really good!
@Maxbricks14 said:
" @Graupensuppe said:
"The main cannon is too long - again."
No! the size is perfect."
Wayyyyy too long. The barrel should not protrude beyond the "foot" part, heck, it should barely be longer than the main hull/crew compartment.
@Rob42 said:
" @Maxbricks14 said:
" @Graupensuppe said:
"The main cannon is too long - again."
No! the size is perfect."
Wayyyyy too long. The barrel should not protrude beyond the "foot" part, heck, it should barely be longer than the main hull/crew compartment. "
It's so long you had to repeat it three times!
I still don't get it why LEGO refuses to sell these polybags in their own stores or online. They would be perfect as filler sets to reach the GWP thresholds or just as nice little gifts when the kids are unhappy.
The AAT is one of my favorite Star Wars vehicles (especially in its Episode 1 color scheme—I blame the original two Star Wars Battlefront games for my love of the vehicle). I'm glad to see such a great polybag rendition of it! Shame I haven't been able to find it in stock anywhere yet.
@Maxbricks14 said:
"This is easily the best Lego star wars polybag, IMO. It's a shame i probably won't be able to get it, because in NZ they are very hard to find. They are exclusive to Lego sores and there are only two in NZ, both of which are far away from me! but hopefully i can get this one!"
Three in NZ now. Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. I considered getting this when I was at the Auckland store earlier this month. I went with 30666 instead.
@Miyakan said:
" @Maxbricks14 said:
"This is easily the best Lego star wars polybag, IMO. It's a shame i probably won't be able to get it, because in NZ they are very hard to find. They are exclusive to Lego sores and there are only two in NZ, both of which are far away from me! but hopefully i can get this one!"
Three in NZ now. Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. I considered getting this when I was at the Auckland store earlier this month. I went with 30666 instead."
Oh i didn't know one in Wellington opened! Unfortunately, I live in the Bay of Plenty which is still a few hours drive from the nearest one. but i'm planning on going to Auckland soon, so hopefully i can make a stop there and get this, 30663 and parts from the pick-a-brick wall.
I own 2 of these already.. great build and looks nice on display ????