I got the Mos Espa Podrace set many years after it's original release, and immiediately enjoyed the set.

Box/Instructions

The set is pacakged very interestingly. Like most sets, it has a large outer box with a picture of the set, etc. Inside the box are 3 smaller boxes, each with a picture of one of the podracers on them. Each vechicle is built from a separate box of pieces. The instructions are divided into sections to match the boxes.

Parts

The set has an amazing assortment of unique parts in new colors and with new printings, many of which are unique to this set.

Minifigures

Not a bad selection of minifigures. We get the very common Qui-Gon, Jar Jar Binks, Padme Amidala, R2-D2, 3 brick built pit droids in colors corresponding to each podracer, Anakin(Podracer), Sebulba(who is a one piece mold figure), and a brick built Gasgano.

The build

The build of the set is very enjoyable, and uses several techniques I've never seen before. The effect of the podracer is achieved in several very interestign ways, and I enjoyed the build.

The completed model

The completed set is an accurate representation of the podrace, with each pod's size and colors differing correctly. All of the pod's (particularly Sebulba's) have hidden features and weapons to increase playability. I find it a bit hard to play with the set, only because of it's massive size. I would have liked to see a better method of holding the podracers together than what is seen in this set, but it isn't all that bad.

Summary

Overall, one of my favorite Episode I sets, recreating an incredible scene in the movie. It is a must have for an Episode I fan, but these days can be a bit hard to get. I'd suggest the new podracer if you are just looking for an Anakin and Sebulba, but personally, I feel the older version of this set far outshines the new one.

This is one of the icons of episode I, a set that stands out amongst others. It was also one of my first Star Wars sets, and even though it has long since been demolished, I might just have to build it again sometime in the future.

This set has some parts that i've only seen in this set, especially some of the rare colors and printed bricks. There is an infinite amount of playability in this set, along with some building techniques that were probably a little advanced for 1999. I liked how the podracers were individually boxed, too, so you could build them one at a time.

Pros:
-minifigs(only gasgano, sebulba, pit droids, and padme)
-special pieces

Cons:
-could've had more variated figs
-grandstand(even small) would have made more sense than
the repair stands

This is so cool. The pods are so realistic and so are the people. The padme minifig is one of the only ever released. The pit droids also look like the movie. The only thing is that it should have the big arch that there was in the movie and the platform should be raised.

Episode I '99 and 2000 sets (Lightsaber Duel, Naboo Swamp, Mos Espa Podrace) are cool in my opinion.

Good:
Young Anakin
Gasgano
Sebulba
Their Podracers
Young Padmé
Qui-Gon
Jar-Jar
Podracer Helper Droids x3
1 chromed curved pipe piece (on Sebulba's podracer)
R2-D2

Bad:
No Obi-Wan (Again!)

Overall:
4.9/5
OR
9.9/10

this was also one of the first LEGO star wars sets, i think.now it's very well made, from the details on the pod rracers to the minifigures, th only real dwon side i can think of are those big tan bricks! now LEGO pur them there ro hold the pod racer together, made them tan to match Tatooine's sands, but they look horribale. but two minutes and a few transllucent bricks will change that!now this, and Anikan's Podracer, are the only two sets to come with dear Pad'mae (did i spell that right?), and, sadly, she has classic, vintage skin... as does everyone in this set. now Gas Ganno looks like a droid, and i sick of telling poeple who look at him "he's NOT a robot!". now all of the pod racers are covered in little bits a gadgets making them so great.Sebolba's pod has the flame thrower,Anikan's yellow flaps move up and down,and Gas Ganno's pod has lots of moving flaps! LEGO must've realy did their research!it even comes with some pit drods (the likness isn't too great) and small tool rack things i didn't see in the movie... this is definatly a great set for your LEGO Tatooine, and almost a must have for your LEGO star wars colletion! just wish it had more pod racers...