Review: 75275 A-wing Starfighter
Posted by CapnRex101,
Vehicles associated with the Rebel Alliance have appeared within the Ultimate Collector Series since its inception, although the prominent RZ-1 A-wing Interceptor has previously been omitted from this extraordinary selection. 75275 A-wing Starfighter therefore seems exciting.
The starfighter looks excellent in official images and compares quite favourably with its onscreen counterpart, replicating the smooth design features which dominate the A-wing. Furthermore, some interesting building techniques are integrated here, deviating fairly substantially from previous Ultimate Collector Series models.
Box and Contents
The packaging for Ultimate Collector Series sets has remained relatively consistent since 75192 Millennium Falcon was released during 2017. However, the design has been altered again here, displaying the A-wing against a simple black background. I think this artwork looks splendid and appreciate its uniformity with the Helmet Collection sets which share an age recommendation of 18+.
Eleven numbered bags are found inside, along with the instruction manual and sticker sheets. The manual offers helpful information about the RZ-1 A-wing beside interviews with both Jens Kronvold Frederiksen and Hans Burkhard Schlömer, the creative director for LEGO Star Wars and the designer of this model, respectively. Such interviews are always enjoyable, although a few development photos would be welcome.
These interviews also make reference to the inclusion of spare sticker sheets, giving another opportunity to apply the stickers accurately should errors occur. Unfortunately, I only received the larger sheet in duplicate, even though the canopy stickers are more challenging to apply. I appreciate this addition but would prefer printed elements, particularly when the designers are aware that certain stickers are difficult to situate correctly.
Minifigure
Ultimate Collector Series sets typically contain minifigures and this model therefore includes an A-wing Pilot, based upon Arvel Crynyd from Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. Several similar minifigures have been produced before and this figure seems particularly reminiscent of the pilot from 75003 A-wing Fighter, although the modern example is slightly more detailed and looks excellent.
Dark green was definitely the most appropriate colour choice for the flight fatigues, improving upon the recent minifigure from 75247 Rebel A-wing Starfighter which appeared brighter. The white ejection harness and tubes seem similarly authentic, along with the dark bluish grey flak vest which has previously been depicted in dark tan.
The double-sided head is somewhat disappointing as this element has appeared on multiple earlier occasions and scarcely resembles Crynyd, despite its frightened expression. However, the helmet component looks marvellous, featuring metallic dark grey highlights beside intricate communication equipment and attractive dark blue decoration. A blaster pistol is also supplied.
Construction
Technic elements are frequently required to support Ultimate Collector Series models and this example is interesting. The structure is relatively simple but feels absolutely rigid and the focal mechanism is integrated nicely, fitting between the vertical supports. However, the instructions could be improved here as they suggest the laser cannon mounts should be perfectly level but that cannot actually be achieved.
Another layer of Technic bricks is then positioned above the original structure, completing the core of the fuselage. Assembling the seat is enjoyable because smaller details rarely become visible during the early stages of assembly and this offers welcome respite from Technic. That swiftly resumes though as the angled nose is designed around Technic supports.
Construction of the prow is ingenious, comprising two substantial panels that are joined behind the nose. Despite its hollow interior, this structure is extremely robust and the curved pods that connect on each flank feel equally strong. Each section is attached using several Technic pins before plates and tiles are laid across the top, ensuring complete security.
The engines, conversely, feel remarkably insecure. These cylindrical nacelles comprise two sections, the first of which is attached using two Technic pins while the second links to an axle and slots into the first segment. The resulting structure is weak, contrasting dramatically with the robust fuselage. Maybe they were designed for easy removal, although I am unsure why.
Fortunately, the next phase of assembly is potentially the most impressive. Small ball joints connect angled segments of the fuselage to the central structure and they are anchored using 3L bars which slide through the red 1x1 Technic bricks shown in the image below. Wedge plates along the edge combine neatly with the rounded sections that were situated previously, creating an elegant shape.
While much of the fuselage is covered with plates and tiles, a narrow gap remains along the centre of the fuselage. These exposed studs are required to connect the cockpit canopy and adjoining bodywork. Curved slopes faithfully replicate this appealing shape and the design is simple so feels sturdy. The new canopy component is also effectively integrated.
Before connecting the ventral stabilising fins, the model must be elevated on its display stand. These stands have remained very consistent during recent years and the new design certainly conforms to tradition, consisting primarily of Technic bricks to achieve the utmost stability. After finishing the display stand, the aforementioned fins and the swivelling laser cannons are finally positioned.
The Completed Model
Ultimate Collector Series models traditionally include much greater detail than standard sets, facilitated by their increased scale. 75275 A-wing Starfighter therefore looks outstanding and closely resembles its onscreen counterpart. The aerodynamic shaping is excellent and I love how this model is displayed, corresponding with earlier Ultimate Collector Series craft.
The vehicle measures 42cm in length, narrowly exceeding 75144 Snowspeeder that became available during 2017. On that basis, the model is not accurately scaled beside other Ultimate Collector Series sets, although I think they look brilliant when displayed together as their sizes are relatively consistent. That is particularly notable between the various starfighters belonging to the Rebel Alliance.
Display stands have accompanied numerous Ultimate Collector Series models and their style remains harmonious. In fact, this design looks nearly identical to the stand from 75181 Y-wing Starfighter! There is enough room to display one minifigure beside the information plaque and the stand can be adjusted for creating different angles. I favour the banked position.
Unfortunately, there are several errors on the information plaque, although they are relatively minor and the design looks wonderful. The blue highlights seem especially attractive as these stand out against the dark sticker and the surrounding elements. Of course, I would rather this plaque was printed but stickers have been used since 2000 and that seems unlikely to change.
While the streamlined shape and colour scheme have been replicated beautifully, comparing this model with its onscreen counterpart reveals a notable shortcoming. The cockpit has been situated too far forwards, thereby shortening the prow slightly. This resembles some reference images but viewing the original shooting miniature suggests that the prow section should have been lengthened. The variation between different sources must be acknowledged though.
The distinctive towing slot which appears on the RZ-1 A-wing Interceptor is absent from many smaller depictions of this vessel, or represented by a sticker. However, increasing the size has enabled the designer to include this distinctive feature here and it looks lovely. The pentagonal maintenance panels behind the towing slot are also present, accentuated by two stickers, but they cannot open.
Concussion missile launchers are situated on either flank of the starfighter, recessed into the fuselage. They seem authentic when compared with the movie and the neighbouring stickers demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, displaying small arrows which also appear on the original model that was created for filming! Narrow gaps are visible around the missile launch tubes though, unfortunately.
Further to the aforementioned concussion missile launchers, the A-wing is equipped with two laser cannons. Despite appearing fragile, these weapons are remarkably robust and they look magnificent. I love the slender targeting laser which is mounted above each cannon barrel and the colour combination of black, white and dark red is absolutely perfect.
The laser cannons are connected through the centre of the model so can swivel together, as demonstrated below. This function is simple but has been integrated nicely, reflecting several sources beyond the movies. The weapons may not be positioned in parallel with the fuselage though so tilt upwards slightly, unless you reverse the internal mechanism in which case they will point downwards. I am disappointed about this and intend to introduce modifications.
Unique canopies are frequently required for Ultimate Collector Series models and the A-wing maintains that standard. However, this element looks notably versatile, matching the shape of the existing 3x6x6 curved panel which is useful. Ideally, the front of the canopy would be more pointed and applying the central sticker is challenging, although printing this component would reduce its possible uses.
Removing the canopy reveals some interior detail, albeit less than certain comparable models. The seat includes appealing texture and I like the printed console that returns from 75273 Poe Dameron's X-wing Fighter, although a unique design to reflect the original controls would have been even better. Moreover, the visible Technic elements that should surround the seat should have been concealed in my opinion.
The underside appears comparatively bland but there are no mismatched colours or unsightly gaps. Landing gear is not included which is unfortunate, especially since the ventral stabilising fins extend below the craft. However, little canonical source material exists for the landing gear and three stacked bricks can elevate the fighter sufficiently, should you wish.
White and dark red armour enshrouds most of the A-wing, including behind the cockpit where the conspicuous shield projector is found. Nevertheless, various mechanical details are visible towards the stern. These correspond exactly with the source material and I am also impressed with the accurate colour differentiation between panels. Dark red and light bluish grey sections are scattered across this model, faithfully recreating Arvel Crynyd's starfighter.
Mechanical detail continues across the back where further light bluish grey elements remain exposed, surrounding the reactor exhaust. The structure around the four exhausts should be more delicate in its appearance and the exhausts might be enlarged for accuracy, although it would be difficult to improve upon this design without necessitating new parts.
The cylindrical engines on the A-wing Starfighter are deceptively complicated as they narrow towards the front, albeit only subtly. The designer has replicated that using curved slopes and 3x6x6 curved panels which achieves an excellent result. Moreover, the stabilisers look superb and they are adjustable. That corresponds with the original vessel, although its dorsal fins can easily become dislodged.
Even so, the external combination of studs and smooth tiles across the exterior of each fin is effective and I love the colour combination too. Trans-yellow elements create the engine glow which looks marvellous and the thrust vectral rings are relatively accurate too. Spoked wheels depict the same feature on 75181 Y-wing Starfighter and they seem quite wide here, although any alternative solutions would probably have been impractically fragile.
Overall
Accurately capturing the aerodynamic aesthetic of the RZ-1 A-wing Interceptor is undoubtedly the most important aspect of 75275 A-wing Starfighter and the designer has succeeded. I love the shaping of the fuselage and the exterior appears appropriately smooth, despite comprising multiple sections which are attached at varying angles. The sides seem particularly impressive, curving in multiple directions.
However, compromises are apparent. The nose has been truncated when compared with the movie and gaps do become visible when viewing this model from certain angles. Furthermore, the exposed Technic elements inside the cockpit are disappointing and the A-wing Pilot seems unexceptional, although minifigures are not usually the focus of Ultimate Collector Series sets.
While the aforementioned issues are notable, I remain extremely satisfied with this rendition of the A-wing. The price of £179.99 or $199.99 seems expensive compared with 75181 Y-wing Starfighter, for example, but this model is relatively heavy and looks suitably appealing when displayed with other Rebel Alliance vehicles from the Ultimate Collector Series range.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
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35 comments on this article
Congragulations to everyone who got a load of great sets including the three GWP that were being offered a few weeks ago, I had a bad luck (for a second time) but you know, maybe next time.
@CapnRex101 the line that separates the statics from the statistics subtitles is now blue, when it was a grey in the article about the mistakes.
Other than that, which I'm sure is not your fault, a very good review, as always!
I don't really get this 18+ thing. I get it, it is a label so adults won't feel guilty about purchasing toys for themselves. :-) On the other hand, I am 99 % sure most 14 yr teenagers (Star Wars fans, there are loads out there) are wanting to build it and able to build it, it is like Lego is trying to suggest they are not worthy (?). Why would you distract some of your potential customers?
@alberci said:
"I don't really get this 18+ thing. I get it, it is a label so adults won't feel guilty about purchasing toys for themselves. :-) On the other hand, I am 99 % sure most 14 yr teenagers (Star Wars fans, there are loads out there) are wanting to build it and able to build it, it is like Lego is trying to suggest they are not worthy (?). Why would you distract some of your potential customers?"
I don’t think this will be discouraging at all. LEGO has been labeling many “expert” level sets, such as the Modular series, as 16+ for over a decade now. I got my first 2 modulars when I was 12 and 13, respectively. It’s not like there’s a restriction on the 18+ sets, like when buying an R-Rated movie. I don’t think you’ll see much of a shift, if any, from the lower end. The movie is clearly meant to sway older consumers rather than deter younger fans.
I am not going to comment about the 18+ label here, but the packaging is really beautiful. Actually to me the packaging is the only enticing thing about the set.
Even as a Star Wars fan I have never been interested in the A-Wing. To me it's just not a very interesting design or particularly noteworthy ship in the saga.
Coupled with the fact that the price is ridiculous, it's a very easy pass for me.
I love this ship. The only complaint I share is the lack of landing gear, but I'm sure I can make my own if I need to.
I was worried about the cockpit stickers, but I was careful and did my best application job ever.
If you're not an A-wing fan, I understand why you might be disappointed with some elements. If you're like me, this is everything you wanted from Lego.
2020 marks the last season of the Clone Wars, it would have been a great time to release refresh designs of the AT-TE, Republic Gunship and UCS Dropship AT-OT, of which I used to own and sold in 2016?$ , a release for the younger crowd and older like me, I am 50, but instead they release the A-Wing as UCS. They could have released it without the UCS label, like the Obi-Wan's Starfighter, of which received very harsh comments then. Too bad, I don't know why they make these decisions.
@alberci said:
"I don't really get this 18+ thing. I get it, it is a label so adults won't feel guilty about purchasing toys for themselves. :-) On the other hand, I am 99 % sure most 14 yr teenagers (Star Wars fans, there are loads out there) are wanting to build it and able to build it, it is like Lego is trying to suggest they are not worthy (?). Why would you distract some of your potential customers?"
My response to both this comment and the general topic of LEGO changing the Creator Expert to 18+: "That's a suggestion. They have to put that on there."
The fact that the laser cannons can't point perfectly level is inexcuseable. They should have just made them fixed. It looks like removing one red 1x1 round tile on each side would let them line up correctly, or maybe aim down just a bit. The gears seem to exist just to provide friction so the guns stay where you put them, so I don't understand why it was designed the way it was.
I am not into Star Wars but I was reading your review with great pleasure. I feel sorry for die hard SW people for paying ridiculous 200 euros for 1600 parts, just to own this set.
Shame that the underside looks unfinished compared to the top, but some added tiles could fix that.
Any word on LEGO Sesame Street?
"The weapons may not be positioned in parallel with the fuselage though so tilt upwards slightly, unless you reverse the internal mechanism in which case they will point downwards."
I had the same problem. What I did was remove one cannon and get the other to it's max position: up, down straight, whatever. Then, I placed the other cannon level with the fuselage. I removed the cannon that I positioned earlier, and now both canons are level. They can't swivel down, but they point up and return to a level resting position.
I do love the look of it, and it's long overdue.
Bit disappointed though by the fairly large gaps between the fins and the rings of the engines, as that's how they're supposed to be supported! And it should have had landing gear...
I really don't understand how Lego can call this "Ulimate Collector Series", and charge the crazy price markup, but have stickered canopy and some of the other flaws.
I like the UCS sets for the most part, but when I can buy 2-3x more without the UCS label, pass.
I can't put my finger on why, but I've generally lost interest in Star Wars UCS sets. I had them all up to (but not including) the Millenium Falcon a few years ago, and all on display, but over the last year I've sold some and broken down the rest into my parts supply. A few years ago I would have been desperate to buy this straight away, but now.... I'm just not interested, and I don't really know why. Anyone else experiencing this?
As for the packaging, I like it. And on the 18+ marking, it occurred to me that perhaps The Lego Company are preparing the way for some more adult oriented themes or licenses? If so that could be exciting!
It looks a solid build, a good density of parts giving this fighter a nice “chunky” aesthetic. I like the fighter a great deal when viewed from the front, but the tail end is not to my personal taste. Although I’m sure its canon, I don’t like the colour combination of the trans yellow and the white fuselage. To my eye, the use of large trans yellow parts emphasises the problem, making the rear feel crude and unfinished compared to the front end.
But, to end on a positive note, I love the transition in the body of the fighter where the angle changes forward of the guns. Its not a seemless taper, but it seems purposeful and lends a strong styling to the front of the craft.
I really wish they had put the recessed area into the bottom. Not sure why that is th3 only thing that bothers me but it is.
The model looks great and the more I see and read the more I feel like getting it.
However the stickers are a real issue, especially at that price.
Ive just rebuilt Slave 1 which has 4 minifigs. I think TLG could have included a couple more here to make it more appealing
What a crazy complicated core it has! Fascinating build makes it look so accurate. Great set I think, and great review. In depth with nice photography as always!
@brewemj said:
"I can't put my finger on why, but I've generally lost interest in Star Wars UCS sets. I had them all up to (but not including) the Millenium Falcon a few years ago, and all on display, but over the last year I've sold some and broken down the rest into my parts supply. A few years ago I would have been desperate to buy this straight away, but now.... I'm just not interested, and I don't really know why. Anyone else experiencing this?
As for the packaging, I like it. And on the 18+ marking, it occurred to me that perhaps The Lego Company are preparing the way for some more adult oriented themes or licenses? If so that could be exciting!"
I buy a lot of LEGO all of the time, especially larger sets, but you probably wouldn't call me a collector because I also sell my LEGO all of the time. I buy for the build of the set, but whenever I get bored with one I will just sell it, and then that money goes towards a new LEGO set. I used to have all of the modulars (until a few years ago) but I eventually got bored them and they take up too much room in my opinion. I have also lost interest in minifigures (collectables and sets with them in) - sold them all. Only in the past few years have I been buying UCS Star Wars so that is my current craze. Architecture too, but even those I have been selling over the years. A LEGO set typically lasts a few years with me, although two sets I did sell within a week after purchase because I just didn't find the build as enjoyable as I thought I would (21109 Exo Suit and 21023 Flatiron Building).
Regarding the A-wing - I loved it. Although that top canopy sticker was tricky and I had to reapply it twice to get it right. They supply two sets of stickers, but not the difficult ones.
"I appreciate this addition but would prefer printed elements [...]."
So would many people, I imagine, but from a standpoint of new and single-use parts, it's just never going to happen.
@brewemj
It is funny how in the same comment you say you lost interest and not buy anymore UCS despite the fact that you were a longtime buyer, and you are also excited that probably 18+ on the box will attract more adults.
Any sales or marketing strategy that upset the longtime passionate buyer just to attract some more clients is a funny thing.
This is more of a completionists model-For people who already have a sizeable UCS collection. The ship only has a tiny part in the movies, and isn’t as iconic as the XWing, YWing or tie fighters. Furthermore, it’s a slightly boring design. One of the great things about the original trilogy is the unique design of the vehicles. Even the BWing is good, because it’s so unusual and distinctive (and makes for an excellent UCS model). The AWing is not a bad ship design, just in comparison to the other models it lacks a bit of flair.
I can’t see this tempting newcomers to the UCS line.
I had a few issues during this build, and my critiques might be tiny but...
The back half of the model is a boring and simple build, and lazy. They could have done so much more with the engine process and the exhaust, as others have stated.
The fins. They are supposed to have a slight tilt to them, and while you can tilt them, there is no mechanism to keep them on plane. I like the fins slightly angled in, and I made a temporary mod by adding a cheese on the exposed stud at the front of the fin that keeps it from moving back to fully upright. Maybe it's just me, but it looks better that way.
I found the stickers to be fine... I mean, there were only what... 6?
@CapnRex101 To elaborate on the suggestion posted above it is possible to get the laser cannons perfectly horizontal without any modding or disassembly (though not so easily when the full assembly is already complete without removing the pilot’s seat).
At the end of Bag 1 when you connect the last technic axle in so that the 2 differently sized gears meet in the middle, there is a good point at which the 2 sets of teeth align whilst keeping the axle horizontal, but you have to manually spin the large central gear slightly to get this connection right.
The instructions tell you to flip over the axles so the red 1x1 round plates with holes meet the 1x1 round tiles perfectly before progressing. It’s not possible to do this by simply flipping the axles over because you end up with the small discrepancy due to the tension in the gears that pulls the axles up slightly. However, what I thought was a simple fix is this - you can still manually rotate the central large gear - when enough rotation pressure is applied the axles will sit in perfect alignment due to the small tan gear moving an extra increment.
I also found attaching the exhaust subassemblies to the main model becomes more secure and less wobbly if you reach in with a finger from the top and prevent the 5L axle with a stopping ring from pushing the other technic parts out of alignment as you push the exhausts in. That way you can get the exhausts right up close to the other areas without warping the technic parts inside.
The Capn might have already tried these methods, particularly the latter, but I thought it might help with other perfectionists assembling the A-Wing ;)
That technic structure is way more complicated than I was expecting.
Wow that box is gorgeous.
I’m disappointed there’s no landing gear, but I’m still excited to build this. I’m not sure why anyone cares about canon anymore in Star Wars, given the lore master just said canon doesn’t matter and we can just believe whatever we want.
So I want everyone to know: in MY Star Wars canon, Boba Fett dies of starvation in the Sarlacc.
Great review, thank you. Looking forward to building mine soon. My set box came with a torn side which is annoying when direct from Lego and particularly since it's such a good looking box.
The slight upward angle of the guns is intentional, to offer a way to fix/prevent drooping over time. The guns can easily be pushed down a little to point straight forward on a fresh model.
Thanks for the clarification Hans ;)
I didn't get a duplicate of either sticker sheet, so quality control on that seems to be lacking, which is a shame considering they explicitly acknowledge the helpfulness of having a spare. I understand the use of stickers instead of printed pieces, and am content with the tradeoff, but one thing I've always struggled with is how close to the edge to begin application, which is sometimes not apparent until after the sticker is too far applied to be safely removed. Having spares would *always* be welcome, but especially in a $200 UCS set.
Great review as always! I’ll likely buy it when the price drops to $180.
I think the rear exhaust presented an opportunity to introduce a new design: a 2x2 curved piece with an outer “wall.” Think 30987 but cut it down to one brick tall. Replace some of the other bricks with 1x4x1 wall elements and you’ve got a much more accurate build.
It's not the best UCS, but it's not bad. I didn't like the gaps at the U where the guns connect to the body, and it does feel a little stubby and the nose could stand to be a bit longer, but other than that it's fine. That canopy has a lot of potential--it'd work great for a larger scale N-1 Naboo fighter (though I doubt they'd ever make true chromed parts again).
I also did not get a duplicate of either sticker sheet. Applying those canopy stickers to a curved surface at the edge of a part without going over the edge was not easy. Most of your other critiques were spot on, too. The mounting of the engines was odd. I didn't have an issue with the angle of the guns since, from most viewing angles, I can't even tell they're aimed very slightly upward.
I really don't like the engine nacelle connection. It's extremely weak (as noted in the review) compared to the rest of the model. I don't like when things wiggle around after it has been assembled.