Review: 75220 Sandcrawler
Posted by CapnRex101,
LEGO Star Wars models have generally become larger and more detailed over the last nineteen years, reflecting the introduction of new pieces and building techniques. 75220 Sandcrawler is therefore an interesting set as it contains 1239 pieces, significantly fewer than its 3296-piece predecessor, 75059 Sandcrawler.
However, drawing a direct comparison between these sets is not entirely fair as they have been created for entirely different markets. While 75059 Sandcrawler offers an exceptional building experience and looks fantastic on display, the new 75220 Sandcrawler includes greater interior detail and should be more suitable for play. Nevertheless, I am hopeful that certain aspects of the Ultimate Collector Series design will remain intact here, albeit at a smaller scale.
Minifigures
Luke Skywalker is introduced as the Sandcrawler arrives at the Lars' Homestead so it seems fitting that he is included here. This minifigure has appeared on a couple of other occasions and looks great, sporting a white tunic and a reddish brown belt around his waist. This design continues onto the back of Luke's torso and the legs are decorated with some wrapping to keep the sand out of his boots.
The double-sided head features a lovely smile on one side and a frown on the other. Both expressions are perfectly adequate, although this component has become quite common in recent years and a little more variation would be welcome. His hair piece, on the other hand, looks wonderful in its current form. Luke comes with a pair of dark bluish grey macrobinoculars.
Past renditions of the Sandcrawler have included three or four Jawas but this set only comes with two. That is somewhat disappointing, although the availability of 75198 Tatooine Battle Pack ensures that you can expand the group quite easily. Nevertheless, both minifigures look brilliant, wearing the same reddish brown and dark orange attire as those from the Battle Pack. I am especially impressed by the sandy residue on their bandoliers.
The bright yellow eyes look brilliant too, peaking out from beneath reddish brown hoods. Unfortunately, the figures do not wear fabric capes. These only appeared in 10144 Sandcrawler but I would welcome their return as the hoods like odd without capes in my opinion. The two Jawas are armed with slightly different ion blasters, reflecting the variation between these weapons in the films and video games.
A couple of scavenged droids are also included, the first of which is an RA-7 Protocol Droid. These unusual droids have only appeared twice before and this figure is unique, featuring a pearl dark grey colour scheme. The wear on the torso and legs looks marvellous but I am surprised that grey was chosen as a golden RA-7 droid, known as 3B6-RA-7 in Legends material, appears on board the Sandcrawler in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.
This 2-1B Medical Droid, on the other hand, does not take inspiration from anything specific in the film. Nevertheless, it is a welcome presence as this 2-1B unit, like its RA-7 companion, is new. I like the tan head and torso element which features some intricate moulded detail, yellow eyes and a few areas of printed rust.
LEGO has produced more than forty different Astromech Droids since 1999, many of whom are rather obscure. R5-A2 is one such character, trundling through Mos Eisley as Luke, Obi-Wan and the droids arrive. The white and flame yellowish orange colour scheme is attractive and distinguishes this droid from others. Furthermore, I like how the front of its body is encrusted with sand, reflecting Tatooine's dusty environment.
The Completed Model
This model shares numerous aspects of its design with 75059 Sandcrawler, the most fundamental of which are the layered plates which form the hull. These are fitted at many different angles, accurately replicating the vehicle's shape in the film. Moreover, I think the colour scheme is reasonably attractive, consisting primarily of reddish brown but including a few splashes of dark tan and dark orange towards the front.
However, the difference in size between 75220 Sandcrawler and its predecessor is remarkable. While the Ultimate Collector Series set measures 48cm in length, the 2018 model measures just 31cm long. This is not at all surprising given the enormous difference in their piece count and prices, although it does make the new set feel extremely small by comparison.
On the other hand, the relatively small size of this model might also be considered a strength. Driving the Sandcrawler around is easy and there are few panels to be removed when accessing the interior. Unfortunately, not all of those hull panels are attached securely, instead resting on a simple Technic frame, so you must carry the vehicle from underneath rather than gripping the sides.
The exterior is decorated with impressive mechanical detail and this is particularly focused towards the rear, as demonstrated in the image below. The reddish brown pipes across the top of the Sandcrawler look brilliant too and I like the combination of tiles and studded surfaces on either flank. However, the roof above the cockpit could certainly have been improved and some blue Technic pins remain visible which is rather disappointing.
A black gear controls the steering mechanism. Every rendition of this vehicle has included steering but 75220 Sandcrawler is the first where all four tread units rotate. This is interesting as only the forward treads steer in the movie, although being able to move them all does improve the turning circle. In addition, the treads roll properly on smooth surfaces as a rubber tyre is hidden inside each tread unit and the reddish brown armour which protects the wheels looks great.
The cockpit is surrounded by a series of trans-yellow tiles. Functioning windows would have been ideal but the interior of the cockpit looks good, featuring a large control console with two levers and a couple of printed 1x2 slopes. In fact, this set does not include any stickers! The red mug in the corner is a fun detail and there is still plenty of space for minifigures to stand inside, despite the size of the controls.
Lowering the forward ramp reveals a small cargo vehicle. Its design is incredibly simple, consisting of two black Technic liftarms that represent treads and a pair of trans-yellow headlights. You can place a Jawa at the front but there are no controls, unfortunately. The yellow cylinders look good though and I am glad the cargo sled was included.
75198 Tatooine Battle Pack contains a slightly larger transport vehicle which also fits inside this model. The ramp must be lowered manually and is attached using two click hinges so there is enough friction to keep the ramp at any level. Moreover, the internal surface is fairly smooth, allowing vehicles to exit the Sandcrawler with ease. Orienting the studs outwards means that you cannot pose figures on the ramp but I think it looks more attractive from the exterior.
This model includes far greater interior detail than either of its predecessors and these internal spaces are easily accessible which is perfect for play. There is enough room for all three droids to stand in the maintenance bay and you could place a few more figures inside, if you wish. The yellow containers fit inside the Sandcrawler as well, just below the roof panel.
The rooms are separated by a single wall panel, adequately enclosing each space without obstructing access. I like the navigational computer on this side of the wall, featuring a lovely printed console from 75144 Snowspeeder and a trans-clear display screen which has only appeared once before in 75202 Defence of Crait. The tan platform at the centre of the model provides more room for minifigures and lines up with the loading hatches on either side.
It seems a shame that those loading hatches do not actually open on hinges, although there is a plate to cover one while the other remains open. A yellow crane is also found inside the Sandcrawler and it can lower Astromech Droids, such as R5-A2, to the ground. This crane folds up neatly and can even extend through the rearmost hinged panel, without the need to remove the larger hull section further forward.
Overall
75059 Sandcrawler was released in 2014 and remains the definitive version of this popular vehicle, as one might expect given its large size. Nevertheless, I am very impressed with 75220 Sandcrawler. Not only does the model look superb when compared with the source material but its interior represents a significant improvement over the Ultimate Collector Series set, providing plenty of room for figures.
The minifigure selection, on the other hand, is disappointing. R2-D2 and C-3PO are vital characters in this scene so should certainly have been included alongside Owen Lars. This may also have been an opportunity to produce a Beru Lars minifigure. However, this is an excellent set on the whole and its price of £109.99 or $139.99 seems reasonable so I would recommend it to those who do not own 75059 Sandcrawler.
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.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review is an expression of my own opinions.
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35 comments on this article
I like it, but at $140 it's off my wish list for what at the end of the day is a brown box on treads. Would rather spend the money on the Sanctum Sanctorum, the Wizarding World Theme, the new X-Wing, and the 'train heist' series of sets from Solo.
Love that RA-7 though!
I like it but I really wish they had a better solution to exposed blue technic pins. These ugly up so many sets.
I have the UCS version so will not be adding this to my collection but i hope to BL those droids.
Great review as ever Capn
I'm not a fan of this set. After the previous one its just far too simplistic and small. As a display peice, it looks more like something bashed together from spare bit then an actual fully designed piece. The only really good bit for me is the tread system. ''Flat brown box' is not visually appealing to me.
You'd think they'd recast the blue technic pins in black to stop them from standing out so much in so many models.
It’s a solid set all things considered but where is everyone’s favorite force-sensitive droid, hero of the rebellion R5-D4? His new canon story is my favorite in From a Certain Point of View.
@Grizbe: The longer friction pins used to be in black. They were deliberately changed to blue back around 2003-ish to make them easier to tell apart from the smaller friction pins. I personally prefer the color coding—for me the ease of building and sorting is well worth it.
I'm quite impressed by the way this set uses both treads and wheels with tires to roll effectively on any surface. Will have to keep that technique in mind in the future.
I am tempted to buy this but I have a question: can both of the Tatooine Battle Pack and the smaller vehicle fit inside at the same time?
Fully agree with this review. I'm very satisfied by this set which has cleraly been designed for play purposes.
“I like how the front of its body is encrusted with sand, reflecting Tatooine's dusty environment.“
This kind of detail actually spoils figures to my mind. It limits their utility in other environments / MOCs
Even though I already own both of the bigger ones, I will probably end up getting this one too. Not just for the minifigs. I was thinking it could be in the background if I ever get around to setting up a Tatooine...its smaller size will make it appear that much further away.
Thanks Captain for this review I was waiting for! 2 things I got from this set to ameliorate my 75059:
- the indoor cockpit looks definitely nicer and will change it easily
- since a long time, I was thinking to modify the inside of the other large sandcrawler and I really like the display from this set
So, thanks for sharing info and soon will modify my beloved 75059 inspired by this new one.
Thanks again!
I'm okay with the figure selection actually. R2 and 3PO are important to the scene but they're also very common, or at least R2 is. I prefer having the new droids to flesh out the interior a bit. Aunt Beru would have been nice to get though, especially if they found a way to give her blue milk!
This is a lovely set but I'm just going to have to give it a miss. There's too many other must buys this year
That comparison picture looks like a mummy sandcrawler going along with its baby..
^ maybe it’s his love of blue milk that drives Luke to the Green stuff in the last Jedi...
I'm very glad LEGO made this more affordable model, as the UCS one is way out of my price range.
Even the selection of included minifigures isn't that bad. I would have hated getting another R2-D2 or C-3PO. All 3 droids are great.
What attracts me the most in this set is the available interior space. There's a lot of room for playing and customization. Just like Jabba's Sail Barge, the Millennium Falcon and Imperial Shuttle Tyderium. I love vehicles that have enough room in them to add additional minifigures and cargo for new adventures. Unlike, for example, Grievous' Starfighter from 2010 that couldn't even fit a regular minifig.
I got rid of the blue pegs at the rear by adding 4 connector pegs with knobs and two 1x4 red-brown flat tiles.
I have to admit that I had to suppress a laugh when I first saw this set. I have the UCS Sandcrawler and this one seemed comical to my eyes at first. However, it has grown on me immensely and if not for the largely forgettable cast of minifigures, I would have gotten this one to go alongside the UCS one.
For a first and the very short moment I thought, that you posted this photo: https://flic.kr/p/29k1T9r
And later, when I scrolled the page down, disappointment has come...
Thanks for the review, especially the comparision picture. I'm really indifferent about this. I collect LSW since 1999 but never owned a Sandcrawler. I felt the first one had some old school building, even for that time. 2nd one was surely nicer but way too big to fit with my System scale collection. And now this is a bit disappointing as well. I don't feel like I'm getting something back for my 130€ here. The droids are nice, but this set really misses the chance of finally giving us Aunt Beru, just something new..
Way too many studs on the sides
@someguy827 I totally respect your opinion, but I have to disagree. I think if they reduced the amount of studs visible on the sides it would have too smooth a look to it. The studs help to give it a weathered look as it should have.
I love this set and it's high on my wishlist. Will be picking this up soon.
@someguy827 It's Lego, what do you expect? Studs are supposed to be visible unlike all those slick Moc's where everybody covers their builds with flat plates. I like it this way.
I love the Sandcrawler and never picked up previous versions so this would be a nice maybe, but the price still feels a bit steep even for a solid playset version.
I don't like sand. It's coarse, it's rough, it's irritating, and it gets everywhere.
I DO like this set, however. Is it a downgrade of the 2005 and 2014 ones? Yes. Is it still a good set? Also yes.
^Trigger_, Anakin approves of your comment. ;)
The Grey RA-7 protocol droid is in the set because it's actually on the Sandcrawler in A New Hope. It makes more sense to include a droid from the movie than one from Legends.
@Lordmoral - You can only place vehicle inside at a time.
@ewokwithbricks - That RA-7 protocol droid from the Sandcrawler is 3B6-RA-7, although the droid is only identified by name in Legends material. Its coverings are gold but they appear grey in some shots based upon the lighting.
A few people have queried why I believe that R2-D2 and C-3PO should be included as both minifigures are fairly common. While that is certainly true, I think most LEGO sets should be designed on the assumption that the buyer owns no others. R2-D2 and C-3PO are therefore a necessity in my opinion, although I hope the existing minifigure selection would remain intact as well. However, if a set like 75136 Droid Escape Pod were still widely available then I would not feel as strongly about including them here.
I want to get this set but somehow the outside looks so bland to me. Perhaps some detailing would help.
Good review, although a few more size comparison shots between the two would be welcome.
Lordmoral, you cannot fit both at a time in this new version which is far too small for this. The slid in the battle back is even too large to fit in alone I guess. I have this new Sandcrawler and, if I like it eventually, I have been a bit disappointed when having built it it proved that small, and for this price point. I knew it would not be as big as an UCS of course, but even though I was somehow deceived. But overall the shape is there, and even on display it works as you instantly recognize the model. But clearly designed for small hands and play.
I love both versions of the sand Crawler, its in my top 5 of starwars vehicles.. And you can never have enough jawas minifigs.
Looks like Pumbaa.
I have the original original UCS, so I am looking forward to a side by side comparison between this new model and 10144 which is certainly a different animal altogether.
I thought/hoped they'd do another Sandcrawler sooner or later. This looks like it'll have decent play/display value, and I like that they chose to leave the studs on show. I always liked that aesthetic for Star Wars; it fits in with the battered, lived-in feel of the films, and this will go well with my 1999 collection.
Sandcrawler's are not really my cup of tea but I do think this version and the previous UCS version are both nice. Not on my "to get" list but I wouldn't complain if I got one as a gift or at a clearance price.
Congrats Lego you've made your first Noah's ark.
At £109 er, no thanks, but yesterday I got 40% off RRP on amazon and paid no VAT as I don't live in UK so that is another 20% off the discounted price so I checked out for £55. Also got latest X-wing for £44 instead of £89. Pretty happy with those deals I must say.