The history of this particular Star Wars vehicle is rather interesting. Back in the early days of Star Wars, people couldn’t get enough of the galaxy, far, far away. The toys, many of which were made here in BricksFanz hometown of Leicester, were extremely popular. So much so it was difficult to keep up with demand. As more films were released more new characters and vehicles could be transformed into toys. But even that wouldn’t be enough as soon Kenner Toys would start creating their own additions to the Star Wars universe. The first of these was the Imperial Troop Transporter. It was a small shuttle-like vehicle that wasn’t featured in any of the original films. It soon passed into legend but would make a part of the Star Wars canon with an appearance in the animated show Rebels. It would then feature for real in the Disney+ Mandalorian show. For the second season of the Mandalorian, the original design was tweaked to create the Marauder. This similar shuttle-like craft has a little more firepower than its predecessor. How does the LEGO version compare? Here my review of the Imperial Armoured Marauder.
Product Description
Children will love recreating battle action from Star Wars: The Mandalorian Season 2 and making up their own adventures with this buildable Imperial Armored Marauder (75311) model. It’s packed with authentic features to inspire play, including 2 stud shooters at the front, a rotating rear turret with 2 stud shooters, LEGO® minifigure cockpit, easy-access cabin with space for 2 LEGO minifigures, lookout point and ammo compartments.
Dramatic conflicts
The set features 4 LEGO minifigures – Greef Karga, 2 Stormtroopers and a new-for-August-2021 Artillery Stormtrooper – with cool weapons and accessories for action play. Easy-to-follow instructions are included, so even LEGO beginners can enjoy the building experience.
- Set Name: Imperial Armored Marauder
- Set Number: 75311
- Theme: Star Wars
- Pieces: 478
- Minifigures: Greef Karga, 2 Stormtroopers and an Artillery Stormtrooper
- RRP: £34.99/$39.99/39.99€
- Measurements: measures over 3 in. (8 cm) high, 7.5 in. (19 cm) long and 4 in. (10 cm) wide
- Availability: LEGO.com, LEGO Stores & LEGO Retailers from August 1st
We get introduced to the Imperial Marauder in Chapter 12 of The Mandalorian. As Mando and his chums storm the Imperial facility on Nevarro, they need to escape and do so in a Marauder. As a LEGO set it does offer something different for the Star Wars theme. It’s basically a small rectangular tank. Of course, it favours the ability to hover in place of wheels or tracks. To help it glide in brick form, a series of curved tiles are dotted along the base.
Although the inside of the Marauder isn’t easily accessible, there are a number of flaps and hatches which can be dropped down to access the small area inside. These include one on the top of the vehicle, two on the side of the Marauder along with the front section. But the best is found on the rear. Here you’ll find a rotating gun-mount, with a pair of stud-shooters which can be twisted from side to side. With another pair mounted to the front of the vehicle.
These flaps are not just there to uncover spots to place Minifigures. A pair of smaller hatches houses a pair of printed Imperial crates. They were first featured in the Mos Eisley Cantina set. The various plates and tiles used on the outer shell of the Marauder, really help to recreate its heavily armoured look. I have to say it’s a great recreation of the source material. If you’ve watched the Mandalorian, you’ll instantly recognise the vehicle and its various functions.
Unfortunately, the source material seems to have been a little more loosely applied to the Minifigures. Merely for the fact of which are included with the Marauder, not the actual Minifigures themselves. In the Mandalorian, the Marauder’s main interaction comes on Nevarro as Mando, Cara Dune, Greef Karga and Mythrol, escape an Imperial Facility. Only Greef is included in the set and features his updated appearance as magistrate of Nevarro. This gives him a rather more ornate outfit and his grey beard. There is only one expression included, which is a shame as Greef has a cheeky side not represented here.
The other three Minifigures are part of the Imperial army, one of which is entirely new for 2021. Only thing is, this particular character isn’t introduced until a few episodes later. Still getting a new Imperial trooper is always fun. The Artillery Stormtrooper has yellow trim added to the OG Stormtrooper armour. This is accessorized by a yellow pauldron and mortar backpack. The trooper also includes a mortar rocket mount. The other two Minifigures are generic Stormtroopers, they look as expected but what isn’t expected is the faces under the helmets. We are so used to seeing generic heads under those buckets but by the time the Mandalorian takes place, the Empire has been defeated. With Clones fazed out, anyone can join the Empire which is clearly portrayed with these two Minifigures.
It’s a nice little set that offers something different for the Star Wars theme. Although I really like the Minifigures featured in the set, the choice of characters is a little odd compared to the source material. I would have preferred to swap out one of the Stormtroopers for Mythrol. But considering many LEGO Star Wars sets have to be tweaked to fit a certain scale, this one is just about perfect.
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This set was provided by the LEGO Group for purposes of review. The thoughts within this review are that of BricksFanz and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group. Providing the set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
