The X-34 Landspeeder may not have helped the rebellion take down the Death Star-like an X-wing or enforce Imperial might like the TIE Fighter or even complete the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs like the Millenium Falcon. But if you need to get some power converters, boy-oh-boy are you in luck. It’s fair to say the Landspeeder isn’t the most exciting craft to be found in the Star Wars universe but it’s still quite iconic. We first experience this hoover transporter on the desert planet of Tatooine, where Luke uses it to go in search of his wayward new Droids and as he and old Ben visit the wretched hive of scum and villainy that is Mos Eisley. Now it’s the latest addition to the LEGO® Star Wars Ultimate Collectors Series range. Here’s a closer look at the Landspeeder ahead of its VIP release this Sunday.
Product Details
Be transported to the desert planet of Tatooine as you build the first-ever LEGO® Star Wars™ Ultimate Collector Series version of Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder (75341). Use new building techniques and custom-made LEGO elements to recreate this iconic vehicle in intricate detail. From the cockpit windscreen to the turbine engine missing its cover, it has everything you remember from Star Wars: A New Hope.
Build and display
The buildable vehicle measures over 49 cm (19 in.) long and comes with a display stand for the hover effect. It is complemented by a plaque showing X-34 Landspeeder technical data, and 2 LEGO minifigures: Luke Skywalker with a lightsaber and electrobinoculars, and C-3PO with a new-for-May-2022 decoration.
- Set Name: Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder
- Set Number: 75341
- Pieces: 1890
- RRP: £174.99/$79.99/79.99€
- Number of Bags: Bags x 11 + loose elements + cockpit screen (Total 16)
- Stickers: Sheet x 1
- Minifigures: Luke Skywalker & C-3PO (exclusive)
- Instructions: Booklet x 1 + LEGO Building Instructions App
- Availability: LEGO Stores & LEGO Online from May 1st (VIP Early Access) May 4th (General Release)
As with most of the UCS sets, the experience begins with the instructions. These feature a brief introduction from members of the LEGO Star Wars Design Team as well as some behind the scenes material from A New Hope. I always enjoy this but wish it was a little more in-depth. Stuff like concept sketch models are really interesting and would make a fine addition to the overall feel of providing an ultimate build experience. There’s also a sheet of stickers, these add a few minor details to the Landspeeder as well as the face of the information plaque. Thankfully none of the stickers are too difficult to apply, although the larger sticker on the plaque can be tricky to get straight.
The shape of the Landspeeder is fairly simple but you’d be wrong to assume the build process is as such. Sure the body of the vehicle is quite simplistic but there is still plenty of variety in the build to make it surprisingly interesting. One thing that surprised me as I was building was how different each side of the Landspeeder is. You get so used to LEGO sets having a high level of symmetry, especially those with simple shapes. This sometimes makes sets feel a little tiresome but I never felt that building the Landspeeder.
The core of the Landspeeder features plenty of jazzy coloured elements. These help to make certain sections easier to see as well as being more readily available and thus allowing the use of new or rarer pieces. There are a few recoloured pieces found in the set but the most obvious and interesting piece has been created especially for this set. The bubble-like dome which sits over the cockpit area is a new element. Although there are similarly shaped elements, they wouldn’t provide the same finish as this new piece. It perfectly finishes off the Landspeeder and in fact, elevates it. A special mention must go to the new process of wrapping loose transparent pieces in a protective film. A simple mark on such a prominent piece would blight the set. So I’m pleased to see steps have been taken to elevate this previous issue.
The makeup of the Landspeeder has three main sections. The largest is the body of the vehicle, with the rounded front being a separate wedge and the three turbine engines, each of which connects to the sides and fin of the Landspeeder. This is another example of how the build is varied despite sections seeming quite similar in appearance. The exposed engine features a clever mix of upside-down elements and various pieces used to create wires. There’s also a clever use of a steering wheel element, which partly helps to keep those wire-like pieces in place. The other engines are complete with the outer shells intact, these also feature a series of stickers to add a little extra detail. Each engine is secured to the rear of the Landspeeder in a different way. So the broken engine connects with two Technic pins, and so does the central engine. The opposite side engine is connected by three rod elements. This doesn’t offer a very tight connection, especially compared to the other engines.
There are a couple of clever techniques used in different parts of the build. As well as the broken engine detailed above, there’s a simple hinged plate on each of the short-winged sections leading to the engines. This provides a great line against the flat top half of the wing. I was also impressed with the tubed trim which runs along the side and front of the Landspeeder. A series of 5 long grey strips of tubing slot into either side of the Landspeeder and feed through a ladder element. It’s not physically clipped in anywhere but they sit nicely in the gap between the top and bottom of the speeder.
Every one of the Ultimate Collectors Series sets includes an information plaque. These provide a level of consistency across all the UCS sets as well as adding to the displayable nature of the set. The plaque is connected to a simple stand, on which the Landspeeder can be mounted. Thankfully, the stand aspect of the set is very sturdy and does a nice job of elevating the Landspeeder as if it was actually hovering.
As well as holding the Landspeeder and plaque, the stand is also home to two minifigures. Both are connected to the Landspeeder in particular the moment we are first introduced to it in A New Hope when Luke and Threepio go in search of Artoo and get attacked by Tusken Raiders.
The main focus of a UCS set is the actual vehicle but they often feature a couple of minifigures and this set features two characters. With this being Luke Skywalker’s Landspeeder, he’s obviously featured in the set. It’s the ‘farmboy’ version of the character and doesn’t offer anything unique. Oddly, he’s got a Lightsaber, a blaster rifle would have made more sense. Yes, he’s a Jedi but not really when he’s still on Tatooine. Thankfully, C-3PO does offer something unique, this exclusive version of the character includes a different coloured left leg. This uses a dual-moulded leg to great effect and adds to the overall visual upgrade given to Threepio, which also includes print detail on the side of the legs and arms.
Review Round-up
The last couple of UCS sets have been based on iconic Star Wars vehicles, the Landspeeder isn’t on the same level as those. However, it’s a surprisingly excellent set. There are many jokes about LEGO Landspeeders, I even remember someone creating a UCS style MOC many years ago as a joke. But this really does fall into the camp of being a good UCS. I enjoyed building it and although it doesn’t have any crazy use of parts, there are a few clever techniques. I can certainly see how such a set will split fans. It’s not as ‘sexy’ as the Millenium Falcom or an AT-AT but it’s still a great set.
For
+ Really fun to build
+ Detailing really adds to the visual of the set
+ New cockpit canopy is excellent
+ Best version of C-3PO yet
Against
– Luke didn’t need his lightsaber
– Quite an obscure vehicle to get the UCS treatment
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This set was provided to BricksFanz 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 or Disney. Providing a set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.
