Review: 75299 Trouble on Tatooine
Posted by CapnRex101,
The eponymous Mandalorian has appeared in several sets since the series was launched and that minifigure was excellent. However, 75299 Trouble on Tatooine yields another impressive minifigure, including printed arms and superb Beskar armour.
Remarkable anticipation has followed the new minifigure, even overshadowing the presence of The Child! Additionally, this rendition of the Mandalorian's ramshackle speeder bike includes lovely detail and the accompanying Tusken structures appear fairly unusual, differing from anything available in previous Star Wars sets.
This review contains no spoilers for The Mandalorian season two.
Minifigures
Following his acquisition of the mysterious Child, The Mandalorian dons magnificent Beskar armour which provides tremendous protection. This minifigure has been hotly anticipated and looks absolutely spectacular, featuring metallic silver decoration across both sides of the torso and the legs. I appreciate the consistency between these designs and those on the previous minifigure depicting Din Djarin.
Unfortunately, the pearl silver helmet does contrast with the metallic silver printing so seems slightly odd and I think the shaping of the visor could also have been improved. Nevertheless, the dark bluish grey cape matches the onscreen character and his most remarkable feature is probably the printed arms! These rarely appear within the Star Wars theme but were definitely appropriate here.
My favourite detail is undoubtedly the Mudhorn signet which was installed towards the end of season one. Other important features are present though, including the whipcord launcher on Din's right wrist and the whistling bird gauntlet on his left. This minifigure is also equipped with an Amban phase-pulse blaster and blaster pistol, although the Mandalorian's jetpack is absent.
The Child has appeared twice previously at minifigure scale and looks appropriately adorable. The head component is made from rubber and features two enormous ears alongside similarly large eyes. I think a unique element could approximate the Child's heavy robe more closely but the existing baby component works quite well, especially with some decoration on the front.
An intimidating Tusken Raider completes the minifigure selection which seems appropriate, given the Mandalorian's repeated interactions with these Tatooinian natives. This minifigure is identical to the version which appeared in two sets during 2020 and looks absolutely perfect in my opinion. The bandaged head features particular moulded detail, including dark bluish grey spines and a metallic silver breathing filter.
Furthermore, the torso decoration corresponds precisely with the source material, combining ragged cloth with reddish brown pouches across the torso. Naturally, another exclusive figure would have been great to provide additional variation between Tusken Raiders, although I am satisfied with this design. As usual, this minifigure carries a brutal gaderffii.
The Completed Model
Speeder bikes of varying design appear throughout the LEGO Star Wars range. This example measures nearly 13cm in length and takes inspiration from the Zephyr-J speeder bike which is featured on Tatooine during both seasons of The Mandalorian. The model includes remarkable detail, particularly towards the rear where fuel conduits and other mechanical structures remain exposed.
The angled outriggers seem appropriately narrow but feel robust and I like the steering vanes that correspond with the onscreen vehicle. Furthermore, the proportions between this forward assembly and the seating section look fantastic. I love the pivoting handgrips which are linked with the outriggers and the 2x2 dish element between them appears authentic too.
Accessories can be attached to the exposed clips flanking the seat and their tan colour looks excellent, contrasting against the predominant grey tones. The reddish brown and dark orange highlights are equally attractive, presumably representing rusted metal. There is ample room for Din Djarin to pilot the speeder while gripping the controls, although he must lean back slightly.
Additionally, the Child can be accommodated behind the Mandalorian, where a dark tan baby carrier is positioned. This component was introduced with 60202 People Pack - Outdoor Adventures during 2018 and can be worn by minifigures, although it looks equally appropriate when attached to the speeder bike. A reddish brown satchel occupies the opposite side and a couple more studs are available for storage behind the driver.
Tusken Raiders traditionally inhabit simple huts, consisting primarily of dried mud. This model therefore features dark tan elements across the exterior and its shape appears quite faithful to the source material. However, the structure is only partly enclosed. That configuration provides easy access to the interior and is good for play, although I think it could have been designed to unfold for that purpose.
Nevertheless, the interior does include reasonable detail. I like the simple fire which can be disconnected from the hut very easily and the Technic pillar at the centre of the model looks nice, despite only actually supporting a reddish brown 2x2 round plate with four vertical bars which is intended to resemble the uppermost tips of the internal frame.
Instead, the walls are supported using brackets and click hinges. The resulting design looks good from certain angles and the alternative studded and smooth textures work very nicely. Unfortunately, considerable gaps are visible between each segment which is disappointing because I think these could easily have been avoided. Previous sets, such as 4502 X-wing Fighter, have featured similar huts without such gaps. Admittedly, that hut did comprise more pieces.
Ballistae belonging to the Tusken Raiders appear during season two of The Mandalorian and this model closely resembles its onscreen counterpart. The twin bow arms on either side look fantastic and I appreciate how tan 1x2 grille tiles have been integrated to recreate rope that is wrapped around them. Moreover, the rope reel under the launcher is included but lacks proper texture when compared with the original weapon.
The ballista stands on three articulated legs which is faithful to the television series, although their arrangement looks slightly awkward. However, the trans-clear 2x2 brick at their centre is useful, ensuring that the legs will not collapse. Moreover, the light bluish grey bars which form the bowstring look marvellous and I like the simulated runners for the bowstring, matching the onscreen ballistae.
Spring-loaded shooters bolts have appeared in several colours but this pearl silver piece is brand new. Of course, the drawstring does not actually function but its position is absolutely perfect in relation to the missile and I am impressed with the rotating winch levers beside the handgrip too. This model does seem substantially bulkier than the original ballista but copious authentic details are included.
Overall
75299 Trouble on Tatooine inspired considerable excitement upon its announcement and was deserving of such attention in my opinion. Of course, the Mandalorian himself is definitely the outstanding feature of this set, featuring exhaustive detail that corresponds precisely with the onscreen character and even including printed arms! They rarely appear within the Star Wars theme and I appreciate their presence in a smaller set.
The accompanying models are also appealing, especially since the Tusken Raider's hut and ballista seem rather distinctive. Nevertheless, I do think the hut could have been improved by closing those gaps. The speeder bike includes wonderful detail though and the price of £27.99 or $29.99 represents good value in my opinion. Naturally, the inclusion of the Child is always welcome too!
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group and lent to Brickset by Jedi News, but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
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42 comments on this article
The first time I've ever seen a modern set compared to a classic set, And they say the classic set is better. What is going on!
I for one am glad we're getting Mando and the Child in a set that doesn't cost silly money. It's also nice to get some scenery for the Tusken Raiders to sit in for a change.
The ballista is nice, but I'm guessing a Krayt dragon won't be arriving any time soon; time to dig out 10204 in the meantime.
Going to be tough to make a krayt dragon.
I think it's OK to call The Child by his name now.
@fulcrumbop Ah yes, Baby Yoda ;)
I love the Mandalorian’s new armor.
Interesting that Mando's helmet was Beskar in the first episode, and Lego made it in Gunmetal for the non-beskar armor and changed it to pearl silver for the beskar armor -- the helmet itself never changed
As for the Tusken hut, I think they made it so that Anakin can kill not just the men, but the women and the children too.
@CapnRex101 Any chance we can get a photo of Din wearing the baby carrier?
I have Bought 75318 75292 75254 and I just cannot believe TLG could not have put this excellent Mandalorian minifig in the Razor Crest, or alongside Grogu in the Brickbuilt 'The Child' set!
I guess I am slowly amassing an army of Grogus, as I will surely buy this set too just for that Din Djarin minifig. Still don't understand why TLG didn't put a jetpack in, and proper blasters for the Mandolorian. How hard can it be? TLG has introduced plenty of uniquely molded pieces for just one set, now they forgo the opportunity to give him a proper pulse rifle. All they had to do was redesign the pirate musket rifle, so you can stick a lightsabre hilt and that 'stick with holder' piece on to its shortened barrel, in case they don't want to / cannot design it as one piece. And that nozzle shaft used as a pistol(blaster) always looks so Meh! to me.
The speederbike is nice, the rest of the set is merely an afterthought. This set is only about the updated Mando minifig. Granted, with all the elaborate printing it looks great!
Day one purchase for me :-)
@Snazzy_Bricks said:
"Interesting that Mando's helmet was Beskar in the first episode, and Lego made it in Gunmetal for the non-beskar armor and changed it to pearl silver for the beskar armor -- the helmet itself never changed
As for the Tusken hut, I think they made it so that Anakin can kill not just the men, but the women and the children too."
isn't all their armor beskar tho? his new suit is just, well, new and not painted.
@ahughwilliams said:
" @Snazzy_Bricks said:
"Interesting that Mando's helmet was Beskar in the first episode, and Lego made it in Gunmetal for the non-beskar armor and changed it to pearl silver for the beskar armor -- the helmet itself never changed
As for the Tusken hut, I think they made it so that Anakin can kill not just the men, but the women and the children too."
isn't all their armor beskar tho? his new suit is just, well, new and not painted."
The Mandalorian's armor in the first two episodes, with the exception of his helmet and one pauldron, was Durasteel, due to a lack of Beskar availability after the Empire retook Mandalore sometime after Rebels season 4
@fulcrumbop said:
"Going to be tough to make a krayt dragon.
I think it's OK to call The Child by his name now."
Baby Yoda it is, then.
@Mister_Jonny said:
"I for one am glad we're getting Mando and the Child in a set that doesn't cost silly money. It's also nice to get some scenery for the Tusken Raiders to sit in for a change.
The ballista is nice, but I'm guessing a Krayt dragon won't be arriving any time soon; time to dig out 10204 in the meantime."
I'm not surprised the Krayt dragon wasn't included. Everyone would complain about it being too small! I am a bit sad we didn't get Cobb Vanth's speeder in place of the hut. Lucasfilm probably wanted to keep his appearance a secret.
For me this set is 2 excellent minifigs, Grogu, and a speeder bike...and the rest is a parts pack. The hut and the crossbow do nothing for me but I'm still buying it ASAP.
Related: i wish Lego would produce an element that would allow minifigs to straddle a speeder instead of sit on it, the same way a minifig straddles a motorcycle or bike. Would also be useful on brick-built animals / creatures like a tauntaun.
The proportions on that speeder bother me a lot. The front is just way to wide, and it makes the whole thing look bulky and juniorized.
This set should have included Cobb Vanth and his speeder instead of that weird Tusken raider hut.
Great set! I only wish it could have included Cobb Vanth, but I get that it probably wasn't possible given the secrecy surrounding production.
I will get it for the minifigs & maybe the speeder!
I,ll build a better hut for our unfriendly Tusken raider,
The Next Mando set better have Cara dune and or Moff Gideon in it...
Must buy for me!
Ugh, I'm sorry, but that is just unsightly. The speeder is a cacophony of colors, the mud hut barely constitutes a "structure", and the ballista is... just meh. But it's got Beskar Mando and Grogu, so it'll sell like hot cakes.
Since I don't watch the show, this review was very enlightening.
For one, the set is a great deal more appealing now that I know that the additional build is a ballista. I had only taken a glance at the promotional pics, but for some reason I came to the conclusion that it was some sort of lame Tusken flying device dreamt up by Disney, possibly taking design inspiration from a dragonfly or biplane? Where on earth did I get that from, I really must pay more attention!!
Looking forward to TLG underestimating popularity, selling out before 9 AM on release day, and then having to wait 3 months to buy it all the while seeing it sold on Bricklink and Ebay for $75. ;)
All joking aside, I'm looking forwarding to picking this up...!
@CapnRex101
Thanks for the detailed review, and all the pictures, especially the ones of Din Djarin.
Totally missed out on that one line stating, this review is: 'spoiler free'.
I hope me mentioning the kid's name isn't a big deal.
ps.
I am wondering what else can be built with just all those Tusken Raider parts used for the ballista and hut from this set.
Mando in beskar is the figure of the year 2021. I have spoken.
Lego better use the great Imperial vehicles from both season 1 and 2 for sets when the season ends.
The Mando printing is excellent. Is LEGO holding out on his matching jetpack for an upcoming Mandalorian UCS set? The jetpack is such a key component of the character’s story arc. I wouldn’t mind as much if the Mandalorian battle pack had included a couple of jetpacks.
So good to finally see him in the full Beskar. With all that printing he almost looks like a custom figure, Star Wars figs don't usually get that kind of extra detail.
@PjtorXmos said:
"The proportions on that speeder bother me a lot. The front is just way to wide, and it makes the whole thing look bulky and juniorized. "
Could be a lot worse... 75141
@lamby750 said:
"Since I don't watch the show, this review was very enlightening.
For one, the set is a great deal more appealing now that I know that the additional build is a ballista. I had only taken a glance at the promotional pics, but for some reason I came to the conclusion that it was some sort of lame Tusken flying device dreamt up by Disney, possibly taking design inspiration from a dragonfly or biplane? Where on earth did I get that from, I really must pay more attention!! "
You are not alone. I, too thought this contraption was some sort of a flying Tusken vessel - which to me did not make sense at all since I believe they are not advanced enough to produce that. Now everything is clear. I also got to learn the child's name today. I have not watched this year season - I'll binge watch them when they are all released (next week). I might buy this set; would be my first Mandalorian set.
@CDM I second the motion for a special part where the minifig would be straddling over like he bicycle or motorcycle (2x3x1&1/3).
There’s no question I’ll buy this set, but the omission of Vanth is disappointing as it is doubtful we will ever see him again. It appears now that every episode of this show serves a specific purpose, and the tuskens, krayt dragon, and Cobb Vanth was simply a pod race to make the episode fun, but inconsequential in the grand scheme of things.
I am more disappointed however that this is only the 4th Lego set of the Mandalorian. I wish that Lego showed the same respect to this show as it did to Clone Wars. Although with Disney’s announcement yesterday, perhaps Lego will start taking TV shows much more seriously. It’s definitely a very exciting time to be a Star Wars fan!
The printing is nice except the helmet print is slightly misaligned. Just luck if you get one perfectly centered or not I guess. The print should be centered with the helmet mold seam.
Really hope Lego produce more Mandalorian sets, so we can get a full set of the scum and villany who populate the Galaxy :)
Spoilers incoming!
Given that Mando's Razor Crest was destroyed in season 2 I am thinking about getting this set, because it also has Mando, Grogu and even a Tusken Raider that I do not yet have
@PjtorXmos said:
"The proportions on that speeder bother me a lot. The front is just way to wide, and it makes the whole thing look bulky and juniorized. "
This is the most detailed speeder ever produced by lego and you say it looks juniorized? Sheesh..!
@thor96 said:
" @PjtorXmos said:
"The proportions on that speeder bother me a lot. The front is just way to wide, and it makes the whole thing look bulky and juniorized. "
This is the most detailed speeder ever produced by lego and you say it looks juniorized? Sheesh..!"
Don't get me wrong, the sides and the rear part look amazing, but the front is just on a whole new level of bad. It's waaaay to wide and drags the whole thing down so much.
@HOBBES said:
" @CDM I second the motion for a special part where the minifig would be straddling over like he bicycle or motorcycle (2x3x1&1/3)."
It could be really useful for Star Wars, Marvel, Ninjago...anything with a brick-built speeder or cycle. Similar-ish to the saddle pieces https://brickset.com/parts/6081404/horse-saddle
I think my xmas Jango Fett is gonna lose his jetpack.
Normally I would take my time and wait a while to get this or almost any other set. Day One purchases are rare for me. Though now, seeing the Out of Stock bar on nearly every product at LEGO.com I think I need to rethink that purchasing strategy.
Said the guy with a lot less LEGO this Christmas than he usually has...D’OH!
funny that the first comment mentions a comparison to an old set: this almost looks like a safe remake of set 7113
@Mister_Jonny:
I thought it was L’il Punty.
@CDM:
Early speeder bikes used the 3-wheeler body without the front forks or wheels, which did provide something that they could straddle. That part appears to be retired now, though. There are two different styles of motorcycle chassis that could maybe be cobbled into a speederbike, and there’s always the horse saddle. I don’t really see them making a dedicated speederbike seat, though they could get plenty of use out of it if they did.
@alfred_the_buttler:
Clone Wars was given a major push by Lucasfilm. They imposed a strict street date on _all_ merchandise, and pushed all of their partners to go big on the line of products they released. It was on basic cable and had a theatrical release to kick it off, with a massive ad campaign that none of the licensees has to finance.
Rebels had a more low-key launch, but it was again on basic cable, and had extensive advertising. It got a moderately large run of sets. This...isn’t even on TV. It’s paywalled, and if you want to watch it in anything bigger than a computer monitor, you need to buy additional hardware. Like many premium shows, it gets talked about a lot more than it gets watched, so it’s unlikely to be a major focus of the theme.
@Darth_Studhilus said:
"Spoilers incoming!
Given that Mando's Razor Crest was destroyed in season 2 I am thinking about getting this set, because it also has Mando, Grogu and even a Tusken Raider that I do not yet have"
Exactly my thoughts!
@legoavenger14 said:
"I will get it for the minifigs & maybe the speeder!
I,ll build a better hut for our unfriendly Tusken raider,
The Next Mando set better have Cara dune and or Moff Gideon in it..."
We've already had a Cara Dune minifig in the AT-ST Raider set!! We need a Greef Karga, Mayfeld, Fennic Shand & an updated Boba Fett!! Now that would be cool!!
@CDM said:
"For me this set is 2 excellent minifigs, Grogu, and a speeder bike...and the rest is a parts pack. The hut and the crossbow do nothing for me but I'm still buying it ASAP.
Related: i wish Lego would produce an element that would allow minifigs to straddle a speeder instead of sit on it, the same way a minifig straddles a motorcycle or bike. Would also be useful on brick-built animals / creatures like a tauntaun."
This piece exists already, and they have used it before. Not sure why they don't keep using it as I think it works pretty good. They would just need to recolor it in brown, grey or black.
https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?S=75014-1 T=S&O={%22iconly%22:0}