Review: 40362 Battle of Endor
Posted by CapnRex101,
Star Wars features numerous decisive conflicts and 40362 Battle of Endor portrays an integral example. The model seems beautifully detailed and follows the attractive precedent which was previously established by 40333 Battle of Hoth - 20th Anniversary Edition.
Corresponding with its predecessor, this Endor environment is currently available with qualifying purchases at LEGO.com or LEGO brand retail stores. The earlier model was rather enjoyable, hence my considerable interest in the latest addition to this distinctive collection of pivotal locations from the Star Wars universe.
Box and Contents
40333 Battle of Hoth - 20th Anniversary Edition was packaged in an impressive box with an opening flap and 40362 Battle of Endor features similar premium packaging. However, this example lacks any twentieth anniversary branding on its exterior. Three bags are found inside with the instruction manual but no stickers are required, fortunately.
The Completed Model
Endor's renowned Forest Moon features dense foliage which larger renditions of this location have struggled to replicate. This model looks rather attractive though, including multiple substantial trees alongside the shield bunker and two miniature AT-STs. I like the uneven surface and the dark green colour scheme looks perfect, creating an attractive contrast with the brighter green plants.
This model is designed to accompany 40333 Battle of Hoth - 20th Anniversary Edition and therefore employs similar building techniques. The entire structure is assembled sideways, although the bricks are laid in opposing directions which is interesting. Nevertheless, they look lovely on display together and their scale is reasonably consistent, particularly between the AT-STs and the AT-AT.
Enormous trees dominate the Forest Moon of Endor and several are included here. This example is unique, featuring two 1x3x3 arch bricks with large leaves. The resultant design differs from any trees that appear onscreen during Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi but the surrounding plant stem elements look marvellous.
Dark green slopes represent mounds on the surface and the vital shield generator bunker is nestled between two such slopes. Its angled shape appears accurate and I love the hollow area surrounding the door which corresponds precisely with the movie. However, this building would have looked more appealing if the nearby dark bluish grey 2x2 inverted slopes had been dark green instead.
Numerous tiny characters populate Endor, including Han Solo and Chewbacca who stand beside the shield bunker entrance. These figures are both constructed using two 1x1 round plates but I am even more satisfied with the Stormtroopers. They are formed using 1x1 round plates with hollow studs and 1x1 round tiles with vertical shafts, thereby presenting an appropriate combination of black and white.
Despite lacking the appropriate branding on its box, this model does incorporate the LEGO Star Wars twentieth anniversary emblem on a printed tile. An identical tile appears in 40333 Battle of Hoth - 20th Anniversary Edition so its presence here is not entirely surprising and I think it looks good, particularly since this 2x4 tile has been integrated neatly.
Furthermore, two AT-ST walkers patrol the forest. Only twelve pieces are required to construct each vehicle but these are immediately recognisable and include some articulation around the ankles and legs. They are only attached to the surface beneath using one stud, although this provides adequate support. Unfortunately, no miniature speeder bikes are included, contrary to the set description.
Redwood trees surround the AT-STs and they appear remarkably authentic when compared with the source material. The proportions between the reddish brown trunks and the leaves look perfect and I like how further plant stem components represent drooping branches. Bright Tree Village would have been an excellent addition here but I think the model looks superb, even without the Ewoks' home.
Overall
LEGO has produced some outstanding promotional items during 2019 and 40362 Battle of Endor is another wonderful example. The forested environment of Endor looks great and I like the characters which were missing from 40333 Battle of Hoth - 20th Anniversary Edition. Moreover, the AT-STs look exceptionally accurate, considering their small scale.
Additional details could certainly have been included though. The deflector shield focusing dish might have replaced the largest tree, for example. Nevertheless, I am pleased with this model and would be interested in further designs which depict other important battles from throughout the entire Star Wars saga, should LEGO decide to produce more.
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 below.
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16 comments on this article
Also available in stores while, y’know, supplies last.
Looks cool I think that it would look good on display next to the battle of Hoth but considering how much money that you have to spend through LEGO to get them I think I’ll
Try to get the new A-wing instead.
Printed microfigs would have been a nice alternative to the the studs, even if they aren’t perfectly to scale.
I ordered my order first thing to guarantee me getting this and my sets I brought.
I got all the 20th Anniversary sets apart from the Slave 1
Spent £88 for it all not bad tbh.
Those micro scout-walkers look so funny, I really like that design, and yet I just can't get excited about this set.
Would I be happy to get it if I was planning on buying something anyway? Sure I would, but as an incentive to entice me to go and buy something now, not really.
Alas I just can’t afford to buy anything, I shall have to try and piece this together from my spares to go next to Hoth.
Well, today the planets aligned and made buying direct from Lego an advantage. In a previous post (only a day or 2 ago) I mentioned giving up on aspiring to the (overpriced) £649.99 sets and decided to stick with getting myself a UCS Y-Wing when it was on offer. Low and behold, it was sat there this morning with £34 off, so it had to be done. More excited about £34 off than the Endor set, but I’ll take it and be grateful. Thankyou TLG.
@CCC I think the white studs are suppose to represent stormtroopers and the brown stud by the bunker chewbacca
I really liked 40333 Battle of Hoth but this set just doesn't do it for me. The AT-ATs are great though.
It says it comes with a speeder bike on the LEGO website.
I'm starting to like this style for GWP, I hope there will be more of this in the future.
Oh I am so making a purchase later.
I bought the reduced UCS Y-Wing at our local store yesterday and got this set. Unfortunately they were already out of stock on the Podracer GWP. After less than half a day!
I was at the LEGO Store yesterday staring at the SW offerings and I couldn't pull the trigger. Even at 20% off I knew I could buy the few sets I was considering at 30-40% off elsewhere.
I hope we get a microscale for A New Hope, like a trench run or something! Can't just have 2 of the 3 originals!
Nice review. Perhaps one day I’ll build it.