Review: 30388 Imperial Shuttle
Posted by CapnRex101,
LEGO has released an interesting collection of small Lambda-class Shuttles, including several polybags and Advent Calendar designs. 30388 Imperial Shuttle is the latest example, offering some appealing upgrades over earlier models throughout the last two decades.
The assembly techniques somewhat resemble 4494 Imperial Shuttle from 2004, while details across the fuselage have been considerably improved using modern elements. Furthermore, the size of this vehicle is pleasantly surprising, surpassing 30426 Imperial Shuttle from 2014.
The Completed Model
Smaller renditions of the Lambda-class Imperial Shuttle have employed reasonably consistent design techniques since 4494 Imperial Shuttle was produced during 2004. This model features an impressive wingspan of nearly 14cm when its wings are deployed and certainly captures the distinctive profile of these elegant shuttles, albeit lacking the angled wing segments which have proven impossible to recreate at this scale.
The cockpit is attached using hinges and can therefore be angled accurately, as shown here. Unfortunately, there is nothing on the underside to keep the cockpit from moving further while the wings are equally unrestricted. The cockpit does look reasonable though, featuring a trans-black 1x2 tile which represents the viewport and a 2x2 inverted curved slope that ensures this model can land without interfering with the cockpit.
4494 Imperial Shuttle and 20016 Imperial Shuttle each incorporated the 1x6x5 slope which is present on larger versions of this vessel, forming the dorsal wing. That technique returns here and the resulting design looks marvellous, particularly with the inclusion of more accurate light bluish grey markings on this occasion. The trans-yellow lights are splendid too, also appearing on the folding wings.
While the cockpit and wings look good, my favourite section is undoubtedly the fuselage. This makes outstanding use of the 1x1 bows which were introduced during 2019, creating accurate curvature at the edges of the fuselage. The stepped structure between these curves looks nice and I love the trans-light blue engine, although this should be divided. The rear laser cannon is missing but those pointing towards the front are included.
Of course, the hinged wings can fold into their landing configuration which is welcome, most notably because light bluish grey 1x3 jumper plates form basic landing gear underneath. The model looks quite appealing in this position, although the absent wing segments are relatively conspicuous when the displaying the Imperial Shuttle after landing.
Overall
30388 Imperial Shuttle definitely captures the important features of its source material and accordingly satisfies my expectations for a model of this scale. The shaping appears rather accurate and some marvellous details are included, most notably across the fuselage which represents a substantial improvement over previous designs.
The wings remain relatively familiar though, closely resembling other versions of the Lambda-class Shuttle. Replicating the characteristic angled wing segments around the fuselage would have been ideal, although I suspect that would risk compromising the structural integrity of the wings. Moving the hinges down may achieve the correct effect but would probably prevent the wings from folding. Taking that into consideration, I am pleased with this Imperial Shuttle.
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21 comments on this article
While the use of the 1x1 bows is a great addition, the cockpit of the older 20016 is more accurate in my opinion (both length and use of a black 1x2 tile rather than at trans-black 1x2 tile).
I can’t seem to find a way to want this.
This looks really good despite the lack of wing angle deviation at the hinge. I'd also like to see a beefier wing as the thickness is way off when compared to the vertical stabilizer. These are minor gripes and I'll definitely pick this up if I see it in my travels.
The PPP is impressive. Yet there are $10 sets with less pieces
The cockpit kind of ruins all of it.
This set could be fun to get and to place it on a diorama with regular sized sets and have it at a distance.
"Unfortunately, there is nothing on the underside to keep the cockpit from moving further while the wings are equally unrestricted."
Ugh. My biggest peeve about LEGO in general, to the point that it outright ruins models like this for me. I want to spend time enjoying the final product, not micro-adjusting it every time it gets bumped.
Who knew that there were a total of FOUR mini Imperial shuttles?
But how does one obtain this set besides from Meijer grocery stores?
@Nytmare said:
"But how does one obtain this set besides from Meijer grocery stores?" I’ve seen them at Walmart’s and Targets near the checkout aisle.
@Romans122 said:
"Who knew that there were a total of FOUR mini Imperial shuttles?"
All with callsign DeathForce One
I've been on the lookout for this polybag since seeing it on Instagram at Christmas but haven't seen it anywhere. The Target and Walmart websites don't list it.
@BrickworldYT said:
" @Nytmare said:
"But how does one obtain this set besides from Meijer grocery stores?" I’ve seen them at Walmart’s and Targets near the checkout aisle.
"
You'd think if Walmart or Target had them they'd also have them online but I have never seen this set available except from third party resellers.
I'm not a huge Star Wars fan, but this looks amazing for a polybag! I don't think you can expect too much at this scale.
This model is way better than 75302.
@NotProfessorWhymzi said:
"Slow week, i take it? I mean, it kinda says a lot that you gotta resort to reviewing a polybag. It’s basically the Brickset equivalent of a filler arc."
We review polybags quite frequently, although it is true that this week has been relatively quiet for news so far. Perhaps something exciting will be revealed shortly!
This is the only set I’ve actually marked as “owned”, and then only because I was the first person to do so. I think I found it late last year, but it’s been several months since I’ve seen any.
@Romans122 said:
"Who knew that there were a total of FOUR mini Imperial shuttles?"
But no micro-fighter version! Does that seem right to you?
Polybags: 4494 , 20016 , 30246 , 30388
Foil pack: 911833
SWAC: 7958 (row 2, column 2), 75056 (row 2, column 4)
You missed a couple.
@Brickmasterboy said:
"The PPP is impressive. Yet there are $10 sets with less pieces "
None of the $20 Vidiyo sets have as many parts as this...
@Somethingspotatoie57:
If you live near a Meijer store, they stock some to their seasonal sections for Christmas and Easter, as well as stocking others to a little bin in the LEGO section. Target still does the same for Christmas, but this Easter all they had in seasonal was small box sets that were already available in the regular LEGO aisle. For year-round stuff, they stock their polybags to the checkout lanes. Walmart also sells them, but I can't remember offhand where to find them. They do sell some for Christmas, but their seasonal section is usually right in one of the food aisles, and I don't remember non-food items being stocked there.