Review: 40558 Clone Trooper Command Station
Posted by CapnRex101,
40558 Clone Trooper Command Station should certainly prove enjoyable, featuring minifigures which provide excellent army-building potential. Clone Troopers remain continually popular and the associated Clone Commander returns from 75309 Republic Gunship.
The accompanying models look reasonable too, while the generous selection of accessories represents a satisfying change from comparable Battle Packs. However, the presence of only three minifigures seems relatively disappointing.
Minifigures
75309 Republic Gunship introduced an updated Clone Trooper Commander, distinguished from standard Clone Troopers by their flame yellowish orange armour highlights. This design closely resembles the onscreen character and features accurate spots on the torso, while the visor is surrounded by matching decoration.
However, the equivalent minifigure from 75019 AT-TE included a metallic silver visor, which appears more faithful to the movie. I would also question supplying a commander rather than another officer, since collecting several of these minifigures is perhaps less useful than a Clone Trooper sergeant or captain, which populate the Grand Army of the Republic in much greater numbers.
Two standard Clone Troopers are also provided. These inevitably lack the yellow accents of their commander, but are otherwise completely identical. The decorated legs are undoubtedly welcome and the torso features intricate detailing. Unfortunately, this design was developed for animated Phase II Clone Troopers, so features an enlarged flexible section.
Some alterations were therefore necessary in my opinion, although I understand LEGO's wish to maintain a single design. Regardless, the printed legs look excellent and I am beginning to become accustomed to Clone Troopers with white hips, following fifteen years when the hips were nearly always black.
Removing their helmets reveals the Clone Trooper heads introduced last year, as anticipated. Moreover, these minifigures are equipped with blaster rifles rather than stud shooters, which should please those who dislike the formerly-ubiquitous weapons. Black candles are mounted on two rifles, extending their barrels.
The Completed Model
Bigger blaster rifles are also provided on a storage rack, which features dark red accents and accordingly matches other Galactic Republic hardware. The printed console also looks great, although this design originates from NINJAGO and therefore appears unsuited to Star Wars. Such details enhance the simple rifle rack though, in my opinion.
Forward command centres are deployed during various battles throughout the Clone Wars, most famously on Geonosis. While the onscreen structure contains several Clone Troopers directing their comrades, this rendition only accommodates a single minifigure. Nevertheless, the shape is immediately recognisable, making effective use of 3x3 arch bricks across the front.
The command centre has previously appeared in 75000 Clone Troopers vs. Droidekas and the newer example is even smaller than its predecessor, as demonstrated below. However, the aforementioned shape is arguably improved and the play value remains consistent as well, since the design from 2013 also provided room for one minifigure.
Liberal use of control consoles further distinguishes this creation from its predecessor, as two additional 1x2 slopes are placed alongside two printed 1x2 tiles inside. Once again, I think the green-tinted consoles seem out of place, but few alternatives are available. The communication equipment looks perfect though, while the access ramps are adjustable for different terrains.
Overall
Clone Troopers provide inherent army-building potential and 40558 Clone Trooper Command Station satisfies that potential to some extent, although perhaps not completely. An opportunity to collect standard Clone Troopers is fantastic and the minifigures are appealing, but introducing a more accurate torso would have elevated their charm further.
Furthermore, the price of £13.49, $14.99 or €14.99 feels quite expensive for three minifigures and 66 pieces in total. After all, Battle Packs released during 2020 included another minifigure with more pieces for the same price. Despite certain problems, I am pleased with this set, even though there was scope for LEGO to produce something even more appealing.
This set was provided for review by The LEGO Group but the review represents an expression of my own opinions.
121 likes
48 comments on this article
Totally getting two of these day one, I love P1 Clones and Ponds! (I'd also buy more but I'll leave some for others)
I am glad to see a set like this and look forward to buying it some time in the near future
With some imagination, the Clone Commander can double as a phase 1 Bly or 327th trooper.
I might get one for Geonosis Ponds. Can't really see getting more at that price (and since it's store exclusive, good luck getting it below RRP).
I don't know much about the Clones. I saw the movie when it came out in theaters and haven't watched the series.
But I'll likely pick this up for a small army builder. An extra figure for the price would be nice, but that's the way of the world. Everything will go up and you'll get less for it and we can grin and bear it I guess.
Price point it is a little high considering this was almost the price of a battle pack, my only complaint is the lack of printing on the waits that LEGO has been doing for SW figures lately. This is going back wards as previous figures had it and gives the figures a 1970's high waisted pants look. The main guns are way too big and look ridiculous.
The only reason I'd pay that price for a set like this is to get the (falsely rumored) updated Phase I Rex and Cody.
CLONES. Phase I armor remains my favorite, and getting more shiny Troopers is fantastic. And this pack is more massable than the last "battle pack" with Phase I Clones, since it had the two named Jedi. I'll definitely be getting two or three right off the bat!
We're all the point where inflation is exceeding a reasonable brick count. This is unavoidable. Expect even fewer bricks and/or higher prices until we agree that a price nudge is just going to happen.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Advent Calendars bump to $50 next year.
No stud shooters. A+ battle pack.
Shrinkflation!
@CapnRex101 and what about packaking?
Had these been Phase 2 you can be assured I would be crazy about these, I hope we get StormTrooper Accessory packs as well.
It's 15$ because its not a boxed battlepack. Its the accesory pack they have been making for a while now. They have always been 15$ for 3 figs and build.
Pretty sure this is the same commander minifig that comes with 75309, correct?
@lordofdragonss said:
"It's 15$ because its not a boxed battlepack. Its the accesory pack they have been making for a while now. They have always been 15$ for 3 figs and build."
Seconded, directly comparing these to battlepacks is a bit disingenuous. It's like comparing regular sets to the builds that come included in DK books
Also, the characters on the control pads could totally fit in with Aurebesh!
Candles look great on the longer rifle but weird on the blaster.
@lordofdragonss said:
"It's 15$ because its not a boxed battlepack. Its the accesory pack they have been making for a while now. They have always been 15$ for 3 figs and build."
3 out of 5 accessory packs released in 2021 had 4 minifigs.
@fakespacesquid said:
"Seconded, directly comparing these to battlepacks is a bit disingenuous."
Comparisons come from the fact that both work as army builders and battle packs had the same cost not that long ago.
I really like this set, but I have a few doubts.
1. It’s exclusive to LEGO, which is frustrating.
2. The price, but we’ve been over this.
3. The build... I own 75000 and it’s a very nice build (also, it very easily fits two minifigures). This one is smaller and meh... I like the concept but it’s small and the black and red pieces across the front look weird.
I really like everything else though. I’m not sure how to feel.
@fakespacesquid said:
"Seconded, directly comparing these to battlepacks is a bit disingenuous. It's like comparing regular sets to the builds that come included in DK books."
I think comparing these to Battle Packs is completely legitimate because they are extremely similar and fulfil the same role. Comparing their prices is therefore equally fair, in my view.
In fact, this set probably shares more with Battle Packs than it does with earlier minifigure packs. Those rarely contain minifigures intended for army building, instead focusing upon desirable named characters and almost always including at least one completely exclusive minifigure. These two standard Clone Troopers are exclusive, of course, but not indefinitely should LEGO choose to release anything else from Attack of the Clones during 2022.
Again, I'm disappointed they chose to keep the animated style for the torsos. It was the reason why I didn't buy the 501st battle pack in the first place as the distorted armour print unfortunately didn't allow for screen-accurate markings.
New fairground set? It'll need more the one bumper car.
I appreciate the inclusion of a Sargent! I was worried he would be only in the UCS Gunship, so it’s nice that there is a cheaper way to get him. More shinies is also always nice!
Although, I don’t like the direction LEGO is going with the battle packs. This is the same price point as the old packs which included 4 minifigures and sometimes more than one side build. Meanwhile, they keep trying to bump the price of normal battle packs up to $20+.
I always liked BPs because they give someone a chance to get a taste of what bigger sets are like, while also enhancing the value of said sets by giving you more characters to play with. $15 for four mini figures and a vehicle is as high as it needs to go. Anything above that feels like price gouging at worst. I dislike the 501st battle pack because they could have easily made that $15, but made it more than double the price due to the oversized vehicles.
Have you noticed these are coming out alongside the more “traditional” Imperial battle pack that costs $20? Meanwhile, the rebels don’t get their own pack. They just get a blister pack. Not exactly great for of you want to buy two packs so both armies can have a somewhat even amount of forces, is it?
Cool, more OT minifigs. ;) Plus that Clone Trooper Commander can double as a pilot for the Republic Gunship cause all people remember from the movies is a clone trooper with yellow markings.
Guess diversity was not important for prequel trilogy any more. So together with the Batman minifigure packs this is another example of overpricing when all the other licensed packs (Marvel, HP, Minions) contained 4 figs for the same 15$.
@sjr60 said:
"New fairground set? It'll need more the one bumper car."
True, and the strongman game is missing a bell at the top.
I'm low key mad about the direction Lego is going with battle packs/minifigure packs. One of the great things about Lego Star Wars was the mainstay of 2-4 battle packs being released annually, despite their varying quality. Sure, the price went up a bit, but £12 or £13 for four decent figs and 80ish pieces was usually worth it. I wasn't mad at Lego for capitalising on the disproportionate hype surrounding the 501st 'battle pack' and boosting the price to £25 in return for an extra build, but now they're trying to sell us these packs with one less figure for 50p more. It's like how Nature Valley bars used to come in packs of 6 but now they come in packs of 5 for the same price, despite the box being the same size. And meanwhile they're selling 75320 Snowtrooper battle pack, which is directly equivalent to the battle packs of old, for £18.
I'll probably grab a couple of these but i can't help but feel this should have been $12 at most. Sadly it's a LEGO store exclusive so I doubt we'll see the usual 20% discount at walmart or target.
I'm pleased with it. First time we've managed more than two Phase I clones in a battle pack, barring the weird clone wars ones. And the extra black candles are welcome because that means more long rifles for my clones!
Now I'm just hoping for a cheap captain and lieutenant and I'll be pleased as punch.
It's nice to get a PT set at all, but both minifigures look so much less accurate than the 2013-2018 ones that I don't really have a use for it.
Comparing this set to 75000 is fair enough I think, and the former is arguably a better set. While it also didn't use stud shooters and only had 2 clones, it did have a flick-fire hidden mechanism and 2 droidekas. Additionally, the command center *did* fit 2 minifigures, albeit side-by-side, and only 1 if posed at the central console.
It should be worth noting that the previous set did include a sergeant (who did have the silver on his visor) so picking this up for the commander is nice and exactly what I may end up doing (although I would've preferred bright yellow over flame yellowish orange).
The black candle piece for the extended blaster rifle is a terrific, simple, and effective parts usage, and gives you 4 of those in a cheap set (which is more than most of the other sets which include this useful part in black, and most are large and expensive!)
Everything will be going up in price in 2022. I have a feeling the same conversation happening in this comments section will be happening in many, many more comments sections to come.
The control panels look great to me, very fitting to the look of Republic tech.
@illennium said:
"Everything will be going up in price in 2022. I have a feeling the same conversation happening in this comments section will be happening in many, many more comments sections to come."
I’ve gotten to the point where I find LEGO is rarely worth it anymore. I hate how they act more like a luxury brand than a toy.
I assume that these are Lego.com/Lego Store exclusives, but I haven’t seen any official statement about it. Do you happen to know CapnRex101?
@unclghost said:
"The control panels look great to me, very fitting to the look of Republic tech."
Yeah I thought they looked good too! They look a bit more "Clone Wars" than the usual Imperial looking one we usually get.
@PixelTheDragon said:
" @illennium said:
"Everything will be going up in price in 2022. I have a feeling the same conversation happening in this comments section will be happening in many, many more comments sections to come."
I’ve gotten to the point where I find LEGO is rarely worth it anymore. I hate how they act more like a luxury brand than a toy.
"
It's kind of always been that way though, right? Growing up in the 80s, we couldn't afford much LEGO. I had a few small sets and maybe one "big" (250+ piece) one. Whereas my "friend" (I never really liked him, heh) whose mom was a doctor and whose dad was a lawyer had a room full of LEGO sets. It's always been sort of an upper-middle class status brand, at least in my experience.
@illennium said:
" @PixelTheDragon said:
" @illennium said:
"Everything will be going up in price in 2022. I have a feeling the same conversation happening in this comments section will be happening in many, many more comments sections to come."
I’ve gotten to the point where I find LEGO is rarely worth it anymore. I hate how they act more like a luxury brand than a toy.
"
It's kind of always been that way though, right? Growing up in the 80s, we couldn't afford much LEGO. I had a few small sets and maybe one "big" (250+ piece) one. Whereas my "friend" (I never really liked him, heh) whose mom was a doctor and whose dad was a lawyer had a room full of LEGO sets. It's always been sort of an upper-middle class status brand, at least in my experience."
I don't think LEGO has ever been cheap, but I remember there was a time where it didn't feel like LEGO wanted to draw attention to the fact that it wasn't cheap. Like it was expensive, sure, but the price was more nature of the business rather than like someone calculated how to squeeze as much from a customer as possible.
I'm referring to think like sets over $600 that really don't need to be, unrelated products like the partnerships with all these fancy clothing lines, that wooden minifigure, the wooden furniture that just looks like LEGO, and to a degree the Adults Welcome sets. I bring up the UCS/Adult sets specifically with how it seems to be a race to see just how expensive they can make one of their toys. It's silly. To me, the company just feels like it has gotten snobbish and greedy.
And these battlepacks kinda are just a small part of a larger issue I have with the LEGO company right now. I do not appreciate the upcoming Snowtrooper battlepack costing more for not much extra. You get some more detailed builds and such, but is that really worth the extra five bucks?
Then the $15 sets suddenly have less content with an entire minifigure missing. What was wrong with the way battlepacks were?
One clone short of perfection in my opinion
These guys look like they are just standing around waiting for something to happen, whereas 75320 look like they have somewhere to go, especially the one on the snow speeder, and something worth defending making a far more fun play experience for a litte extra money!
Very nice set. However, needs another mini figure to justify the price hike.
I can understand price complaints but if you consider 853676 : Accessory Set or 853677 : Stone Monsters Accessory Set which had 0 builds and 3 figures for €12,99. 5 years of inflation + licensed theme only upped the price by €2, pretty much in line with CMF price hikes.
Things getting more expensive isn't fun, but it's the reality, LEGO City had Starter sets with 4 figures, build, animals like 60184 : Mining Team, for €10 not that long ago, which turned into smaller minfiig packs for €12,99. 40372 : Police MF Accessory Set
However for 2022 60326 : Picnic in the Park is €14,99 as well, but then cost $20 in US, which the Euro price is a great deal still.
I remember buying a Ninjago blister pack for 4 Minifigures and no builds for $13 back around 2017-18, so this isn't as bad as you guys are making it out
Ripoff, they shouldn’t have raised the price of Battle Packs and made these the $15 sets. I’m probably gonna get this regardless, though, at least when it’s on discount. I already have so many Clone Wars Troopers that P1 Clones are covered, the commander and black candle pieces for the blasters are the main appeal for me.
it got even smaller, wow. Great mini figs though.
Would have liked a picture of the packaging. I suppose it will remain a mystery for now.
@BPK2300 said:
"Would have liked a picture of the packaging. I suppose it will remain a mystery for now. "
Usual blister pack for accessory sets, you can find some pictures of this and the Hoth rebels pack through google and in youtube reviews.
15 bucks?
Does any one else on LEGO see this still as “coming soon?”(Same with Hoth Rebel Troopers.)