Review: 75259 Snowspeeder - 20th Anniversary Edition
Posted by CapnRex101,
Snowspeeders have provided inspiration for an enormous selection of LEGO Star Wars sets and it seems appropriate that another rendition has been released for the anniversary range. 75259 Snowspeeder - 20th Anniversary Edition looks a lot like past models in official images, featuring numerous familiar design components.
Nevertheless, earlier Snowspeeders have been impressive so I understand why many features remain intact on this example. Furthermore, this set contains a superb P-Tower weapon emplacement and an exclusive Lando Calrissian minifigure, taking inspiration from his original appearance in 10123 Cloud City during 2003.
Minifigures
LEGO Snowspeeders are generally piloted by Luke Skywalker and this example is no exception. He wears a helmet with decorative Rebel Alliance emblems and stripes which looks marvellous, although the dual-moulded element introduced last year might have been preferable. Unfortunately, that helmet cannot fit beneath the cockpit canopy but I appreciate the original design too.
Dak Ralter includes a similar white helmet with blue Rebel insignia while his double-sided head offers smiling and frightened expressions. The orange visor looks brilliant and I like the detailed flight uniform as well, consisting of a light bluish grey harness and a flak vest which are worn over orange attire. Unfortunately, these were designed for X-wing pilots so include inaccurate black gloves along with printed flares.
7130 Snowspeeder contains a Hoth Rebel Trooper and another appears here, wearing an interesting dark tan helmet. Dark fabric is wrapped around some helmets during the film so I understand why dark tan was selected on this occasion, although the white element is more suitable in my opinion. However, these goggles look perfect and the minifigure includes a lovely white backpack.
The torso appears extremely similar to previous designs, albeit now featuring dark tan padding on the reverse and more intricate detail. I am particularly pleased with the small communication badge which is attached to the jacket and corresponds precisely with the source material. This minifigure carries an unusual blaster rifle, represented by a video camera and therefore matching the original Rebel trooper from 1999!
Lando Calrissian first appeared in 10123 Cloud City and that minifigure has become extraordinarily popular. Its return for the twentieth anniversary is pleasing and the Baron Administrator of Cloud City looks wonderful, wearing a beautiful cape with yellow and pale blue surfaces. This closely resembles the original figure and I am equally impressed with the hair piece and head which both look superb.
Furthermore, the minifigure features some creasing on its torso that corresponds with the version from 2003. This design appears relatively simple when compared with the character from 75222 Betrayal at Cloud City but represents a great tribute to a renowned Star Wars minifigure, distinguished only be the addition of the twentieth anniversary emblem on Lando's back. He wields a classic megaphone blaster.
The Completed Model
Five classic minifigures have been distributed across the LEGO Star Wars twentieth anniversary range and they are accompanied by black display stands. These feature the name of each character and the twentieth anniversary branding, forming an attractive base for the figure. Moreover, the stands can be connected using 2x4 plates so you can display the five minifigures together with ease.
P-tower anti-vehicle turrets have appeared in many sets, varying considerably in detail and design but always capturing the integral dish shape of their source material. This example is excellent. It appears accurate when compared with Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and features significant articulation, enabling the turret to rotate or angle upwards when targeting its stud shooter.
Such functionality is satisfying, although I think it has compromised the appearance of the weapon to some degree. The base seems very narrow while the controls at the rear are rather small. The model from 75014 Battle of Hoth was more accurate in those respects and remains my favourite rendition of the P-tower turret, despite the superior manoeuvrability and play value offered by this design.
Snowspeeder models have undergone comparatively few alterations during the last two decades and this rendition appears extremely similar to its numerous predecessors. The vehicle measures 18cm in length and replicates the sleek profile shape of the original Snowspeeder, featuring angular wings that are fixed to the fuselage using click hinges.
Orange is frequently associated with Snowspeeders but Luke Skywalker's craft actually features grey highlights during the film and that is reflected here. The sticker on the nose is highly detailed and I like the colour combination of white with light and dark bluish grey that dominates the model. However, the vehicle is not absolutely free from orange highlights, incorporating a narrow stripe around the targeting sensor.
Moreover, the cabin air intake includes an orange 1x2 plate underneath while further orange streaks appear towards the rear. These really stand out against the white armour plating and seem faithful to the source material. The stickers along either flank are similarly impressive and I love the mechanical details found beneath the dorsal air braking flaps. Unfortunately, no ventral flaps are included.
The same cockpit component has appeared on every minifigure-scale Snowspeeder since 1999 and this resembles the onscreen vehicle, although there is definitely room for improvement. The twentieth anniversary would have been a perfect opportunity to introduce a new piece so I am disappointed that the designers chose to use the existing element again. On the other hand, the printed design has been updated and looks great.
Opening the cockpit reveals two seats and a storage area for some accessories. This interior space is restricted and the minifigures must lean back quite dramatically to fit beneath the canopy, further indicating that this canopy should be replaced. Nevertheless, the available area has been used quite efficiently in my opinion and I appreciate the storage space behind the gunner.
The harpoon launcher is formed using a rotating stud shooter but its pitch is fixed. This looks good but you cannot actually connect the dark bluish grey harpoon and the launcher. Instead, the cable must be deployed manually while the stud shooter fires a standard 1x1 round plate. Both functions are effective and I like the black radiator cooling fins, although the exposed cable reel is unattractive.
Additional weaponry is hidden on the underside. These spring-loaded shooters are fairly powerful and do not interfere with the appearance of the model so I appreciate their inclusion. In addition, the colour scheme underneath is consistent and the Snowspeeder lands on three 1x3 inverted slopes, stabilising the craft without spoiling its narrow profile.
Overall
More than twenty different renditions of the Snowspeeder have been created since 1999, as one may expect given its exceptional popularity. 75259 Snowspeeder - 20th Anniversary Edition is an excellent addition to the range, although its outward design is similar to 75049 Snowspeeder that was produced during 2014. That is slightly disappointing as there is definite room for improvement around the cockpit.
However, this remains an accurate model. It includes brilliant detail and closely resembles the vehicle from the movie, despite sharing many design features with past sets. The revised P-tower turret looks great too while the exclusive Lando Calrissian minifigure is outstanding so I would recommend the set to those who do not already own a LEGO Snowspeeder, particularly following a discount.
I hope you have found this review informative. Let us know by liking this article and share your opinion of the set in the comments.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review is an expression of my own opinions.
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30 comments on this article
good review. i like hidden spring-loaded shooters.
i also heard there will be a 20th Anniversary Obi-wan Kenobi polybagged (30624)
I know that this is not relevant to the actual review (which I found to be quite thorough and informative), but does anyone know when the summer 2019 Harry Potter sets will become available in the United States?
I'd be more than happy if Lego had decided to stick with these helmets.
The link in this sentence is pointing to the set Betrayal at Cloud City and not the Battle of Hoth:
"The model from 75014 Battle of Hoth was more accurate in those respects and remains my favourite rendition of the P-tower turret"
There are a lot of things good for this set: reducing the price, adding Lando, the P-tower, all good
But then someone has to explain to me, they have a seriously old design based on 4500 with a canopy from the 90s that doesn't fit the actual model, the whole construction doesn't fit mini figures with the new helmets, so Lego has 2 choices: redesigning and using the new helmets, or going all back in time and giving us a 5 year old set. I cannot believe they went for the 2nd option.
This and not even giving the minifigures white hands does seem like a quick money grab without any heart. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad set, but it had the opportunity to be great: redesigned cockpit, new helmets, white gloves, printed trousers for the rebel soldier.
also you can remove stud shooter from anti-vehicle turret and replace with 1x1 slope piece from spare parts if you don't like the look :)
The main Snowspeeder doesn’t just take inspiration from previous versions - it’s almost a carbon copy of the one in Assault On Hoth from 2016. Laziness, or just perfection in set design shown in subsequent releases? You decide. I would actually say the latter but Snowspeeders have been done to death as much as, or more than X-Wings at this point. I can understand why people have often desired more Dagobah, Millennium Falcon chase or Cloud City sets instead. I think there’s only about 6-8 sets based directly on all those scenes when there’s 20 Snowspeeders alone!
@Star Wars Trumpet- It’s right after spring, but before autumn/fall this year.
Great review! Thank you...
How many more nearly identical snowspeeders before we finally get an accurate canopy piece?
The review criticizes the canopy requiring the minfigs to lean back. That’s totally accurate to the movie.
Let me first say that I acknowledge the minifigures and weapons have improved drastically and the updates have been great. My question points to the value we're getting.
The 7130: Snowspeeder from twenty years ago had 215 pieces and included 3 minifigures along with a P-tower anti-vehicle turret. It retailed for $20 and had NO stickers. This newest installment has 309 pieces and includes 4 minifigures (with a 20th anniversary printed stand for Lando) along with a P-tower anti-vehicle turret. It retails for $40 and has a sheet of 9 stickers.
How could they 20 years ago give us these printed pieces:
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=3039px11&idColor=10
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=30363px1&idColor=9
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=3068bps1&idColor=2
And this in chrome silver:
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=64567&idColor=22
But now we're presented 50% more pieces for 100% more cost (with a lower quality solution to screen accurate detailing = stickers)?
I have bought at least 8 different Snowspeeders including https://brickset.com/sets/75009-1/Snowspeeder-Hoth & https://brickset.com/sets/75074-1/Snowspeeder and can't see how these have printed noses but the $40 version doesn't.
My brother Octopus.Boy and I are both a bit put off by the fact that LEGO started using Dak's head for other Rebel pilots, such as the Y-Wing pilot from the Rogue One wave. It really takes some of the uniqueness out of it :(
Sorry, but you can't ignore 20 *years* of inflation. Taking it into account it's more like 50% more pieces for 33% more cost.
Also, Over 20 different iterations of the Snowspeeder -- And one Sandspeeder (which is similar to both this and the 2014 Snowspeeder, but in a different color scheme so mine is still different from Octopus.Boy's Snowspeeder.
Oh cool, the same Snowspeeder they've been selling for 15 years...
@Star Wars Trumpet - I believe most of the new Harry Potter sets are being released in June. That is certainly the case for Europe and will presumably be the same elsewhere.
@Khanivor - Characters in the movie must lean back slightly but these minifigures lean back much further in their seats.
@jditoro3 - Inflation explains cost but not replacing printed parts with stickers.
If the cost for making the parts has increased, so be it
(as long as that price allows us to receive the same quality of product).
Apples to Apples comparison from this year and the same theme:
https://brickset.com/sets/75229-1/Death-Star-Escape
329 pieces / 3 minifigs /$30 (printed parts) / 9.1 cents per piece
https://brickset.com/sets/75259-1/Snowspeeder-%E2%80%93-20th-Anniversary-Edition
309 pieces / 4 minifigs / $40 (stickers) / 12.9 cents per piece
The only added value in the Snowspeeder (besides an updated P-tower anti-vehicle turret and the anniversary packaging) would be Lando and his printed stand. I don't see that as worth $10 extra.
Inflation doesn't look like the answer based on this.
Seeing as how I have recently started collecting Star Wars, and I don't have a Snowspeeder yet (almost impossible, I know), this definitely on my list to buy. Right after everything else I want.
These look great, I love those old helmets more than the new ones but I'll get used to them, LEGO should have given these figures accurate suits and hands however.
I'm pretty sure we get black hands here since the snowspeeder pilots all had them in the earlier versions, including the very first version which this set is supposed to commemorate. Same helmet prints too which is a nice throwback.
Great review! This is a little off topic, but will you be able to review the larger 2 endgame sets (particularly the quinjet)?
^ you could always watch Jang’s review of it on the set’s page.
This is a perfectly serviceable Snowspeeder, but having purchased the 2013-14 edition there's no real reason to consider picking it up, especially with the price increase. Yikes!
I'm rather shocked LEGO continues to release the Luke Skywalker/Dak Ralter Snowspeeder with every iteration; I mean, the X-Wing Starfighter is prominent to Luke's character arc as a signature vehicle, but I don't feel like the retail numbers would be impacted much if LEGO decided to do, say, Wedge's Snowspeeder (yes, I know it was included in Assault on Hoth) or one with orange highlights. You could still throw in Luke as a bonus figure, even, if you really need the main character to sell it. Three minifigs.
And I'm intensely confused about the new Rebel Soldier here! It feels as if LEGO is constantly switching between a brown and white look for the Hoth Rebel Soldiers, and I understand some of them look different during the film, not all in uniform, but it seems as if LEGO is changing the standard design. I remember having two of the 2009 versions, and then four of the 2010 versions, and they switched back for the 2014 sets, and for a while they were white, and now brown? They could always compromise like Endor and release two with unique designs at once.
Since I already own the superior dual molded Pilot Luke from the last X-Wing set, I ended up skipping this and bought the Sandspeeder instead.
@Twenty-Three: The original Snowspeeder set had nine new-for-1999 printed pieces including minifig parts. This set has eight, counting the minifigures and 20 years told, and nine counting the sticker sheet. Printing every stickered element in this set would have raised the number of printed elements to 16.
Additionally, many of the printed elements in the 1999 version like the 1x2 and 2x2 tiles were decidedly NOT screen accurate, so that they could be used as generic greebling and control panels in eight to fifteen other sets, often of different ships entirely. If it had eight vehicle-specific printed elements per set, as printing this set’s stickered bricks would require, would have resulted in the number of printed elements for the Star Wars theme as a whole ballooning out of control.
The Death Star Escape set is a poor example of printed elements being used
in place of stickers, because it has only two new decorated elements AT ALL, and they are both minifigure elements shared with other sets (Leia’s face and the stormtrooper’s helmet). Both the old and new Snowspeeder sets have at least four times as many printed elements. If your benchmark for quality is just “no stickers” whether or not they are replaced with prints, why not just buy this set and throw out the stickers without applying them?
Needless to say, LEGO COULD go back to the number of printed non-minifigure elements from the classic sets at no extra expense. But it would require reverting to less screen-accurate decoration and fewer newly or uniquely printed minifigure elements per year. And since a lot of older KFOLs enjoy stickers and don’t see them as any inconvenience, I’m not seeing LEGO making that trade-off in the immediate future.
@Aanchir - I see your points.
It would be ridiculous to expect 16 printed pieces. Also, it would balloon out of control if LEGO kept making new prints in every set. I'd imagine, since 1999 was the first year of the license, many of the printed elements and minifig parts from the first version were reused in other sets which made up for any initial costs.
As you isolated, my real issue is with stickers. I acknowledge not having to use them if they are unwanted. Since these are intended for children, stickers shouldn't be left out simply because adults don't like them. In a set like this though, https://brickset.com/sets/76023-1/The-Tumbler it isn't justified. i mean seriously? https://images.brickset.com/sets/AdditionalImages/76023-1/76023_alt5.jpg $200 and they can't print the cockpit? But this gets printing? https://images.brickset.com/sets/AdditionalImages/76061-1/76061_alt2.jpg (I love that it does and wish LEGO was more consistent).
Now, explain the $40 for just over 300 pieces in the newest Snowspeeder please.
Yet another Snowspeeder almost identical to the previous ones and yet again they used this inaccurate canopy. We were really lucky that Lego changed the X-Wing canopy at least...
Given that LEGO has released a special canopy piece for the X-wings, I think they could follow that trend and make some more canopies for those ships that have partly/ completely inaccurate use of the old piece.
The biker gang style "20 years" jackets are reason alone not to buy the anniversary sets. At least not at full price. But with the inflation of mediocre Star Wars sets we also have a welcome inflation of discounts.