Review: 30380 Kylo Ren's Shuttle
Posted by CapnRex101,
Kylo Ren's Upsilon-class Shuttle is one of the most distinctive craft from the Sequel Trilogy and has already been depicted four times in LEGO form. The first two were designed using concept artwork so suffered from a number of inaccuracies but every subsequent version has improved upon its predecessor.
30380 Kylo Ren's Shuttle may therefore be the best rendition yet, despite containing just 33 pieces. Its black and trans-red colour scheme looks superb and the folding wings work very well in relation to the movies, allowing you to alter its flight configuration.
The Completed Model
The Upsilon-class Shuttle measures just under 10cm in height so is a similar size to previous miniature renditions of the vehicle but its black colour scheme represents a significant improvement over the dark bluish grey 30279 Kylo Ren's Command Shuttle. Furthermore, the proportions of this craft are far more accurate than those of SW911831 Kylo Ren's Shuttle, a magazine gift released earlier this year.
Each wing is constructed around a 4x9 wedge plate, the shape of which looks perfect when compared with the source material. I like the dark bluish grey grille tiles on the exterior surface but the dark bluish grey plates inside appear out of place to me. The 2x2 inverted curved slopes look brilliant though and it is good to see a couple of them in this polybag as they are only found in six other sets.
The wings are mounted on hinges so can fold outwards for flight, just as they do in the Sequel Trilogy. I think the model looks equally impressive in either configuration and dark bluish grey is a good choice of colour for the hinges, helping to break up the black silhouette. The twin heavy laser cannons look great too and their angles are adjustable, although the weapons should probably be positioned a little further down each wing.
Kylo Ren's shuttle is distinguished by a red-tinted viewport which looks very intimidating and I am glad to see that feature here alongside a pair of glowing engines at the rear. The vehicle rests on two hinge plates underneath and also includes a black 1x1 rounded plate with a clip which adds some welcome texture to the top of the fuselage.
Overall
Past models of the Upsilon-class Shuttle have been disappointing but this is a superb little model. I am satisfied with the shape of the vessel and its folding wings look marvellous, matching the films almost exactly. It would have been wonderful to see an extending wing function too, although there is probably no room for that at such a small scale. Hopefully we will soon see a larger version of the shuttle that matches the high quality of this polybag.
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.
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17 comments on this article
When a little polybag does better than an expensive set... I sure hope we get an updated shuttle in Minifigure scale for Episode IX, since The Force Awakens shuttle had so many issues.
Is it really Upsilon-class and not Epsilon-class? Epsilon sounds like it would make more sense.
'....s one of the most distinctive craft from the Sequel Trilogy'
Says more about the ST than about this particular craft, I'm afraid. And even then, how much screen time did it get? All of two minutes? LEGO really should get crackin' on a full set of the shuttle to get flight mode right this time, but I doubt there would be enough interest to make it commercially viable.
@Golem25: by your screentime logic Lego should stop making B-wings too. Kylo Rens shuttle is definitely recognizable enough to justify an updated set.
"...may therefore be the best rendition yet, despite containing just 33 pieces."
Kinda sad?
@TheLegoMaster35 - This is an Upsilon-class Command Shuttle. Both epsilon and upsilon are ancient Greek letters but there has yet to be an Epsilon-class craft in Star Wars.
@Teriyaqi don't be a dip mate, there's more problems with the Upsilon and the ST than just the screen time. Why you even decided to only pick out the latter is beyond me
New batwing looks meh.
Two Thursdays ago i went to tne legoland descovery centre store in the Trafford Centre manchester, and this star wars one along with the Marvel Talon fighter and Batman in the phantom zone sets were £1 each, i picked up the Talon fighter and the batman one, both awesome builds..
So if anyones interested in 3 bargains get down there quick.
Looks nice, but I don't care for the shuttle design enough to chase after this polybag if it's not easily available
These have been at Target for a good while. Not worth $4 to me.
I bought several upon release. This little guy as a GREAT parts selection!!
Looks better than I thought it would. And I have to admit it’s nice to see the polybag microbuilds having moveavle features. Certainly ups the play quality for my boys.
Looks great but I won't die if I don't own it.
This set is way overpriced for the parts in the set. I think the ship looks terrible, but that's just my opinion.
I would prefer reviews of sets easily available at retail stores...polybags are not frequent in spanish market ( I still do not know the reason why...)
Anyway, great review Captain!! :-)
Teriyaqi, you hit the nail on the head! Can't agree more.