Like many iconic Star Wars vessels, the Imperial Shuttle has a rich history in LEGO® form. Since the earliest brick-built version debuted in 2001, fans have seen a steady stream of these Imperial transporters. Despite sharing the same source material, the sets have varied wildly in scale and appearance—ranging from standalone models to the unique, scaled-down version found inside the massive Death Star playset. The latest iteration arrives on July 1st. Inspired by the hit Disney+ series The Mandalorian, this upcoming release offers a fresh take on a classic ship. Here is a closer look at the new Imperial Lambda-Class Shuttle.
Product Details
Set Name: Imperial Lambda-Class Shuttle | Set Number: 75459 | Pieces: 961 | Theme: Star Wars
Instructions: Paper booklet + Builder App | Sticker: N/A | Minifigures: The Mandalorian, Moff Gideon, an Imperial Shuttle Pilot, a Stormtrooper & Dr Pershing
RRP: £139.99/149.99€/$139.99/249.99AUD/199.99CAD
Availability: LEGO Stores, LEGO Online & LEGO retailers
The Build
With current Star Wars storytelling firmly focused on The Mandalorian era, this upcoming set draws inspiration from the hit Disney+ series rather than the feature films. The Imperial Shuttle plays a pivotal role in the show’s second season, where it is chased down by Boba Fett’s starship, captured with Clone Engineer Dr Pershing on board, and later used to infiltrate Moff Gideon’s Imperial Light Cruiser. Despite the newer source material, the ship’s classic design remains virtually unchanged. However, this new LEGO version is on a larger size than some of its predecessors, which grants it a decent level of detail.
Imperial Shuttles are famous for their distinct folding wings, which drop down during flight to create an iconic triangular silhouette. Unfortunately, capturing this look on display can be a challenge. To showcase the wings in their downward position, you will need a custom display stand, a specialised case, or a secure way to hang it—though you should be warned that this is a weighty model. Additionally, due to the mechanical nature of the folding hinges, the undersides of the wings do look a bit unfinished.
The set is packed with functional interior space and play features. Lift-up panels on either side of the large central fin reveal hidden compartments that can seat two minifigures per side. For the pilot, the nose section hinges downward to grant easy access to the main cockpit.
The build also includes two integrated flick-fire missiles in each wing and a functional, fold-out landing gear underneath. While the use of exposed Technic elements makes the landing gear look a little out of place against the sleek hull, it effectively does the job of lifting the heavy ship off the ground.
The Minifigures
The set includes five minifigures, with two of them being of more interest than the others. They include the first Dr Pershing minifigure. The character was introduced in The Mandalorian and is a Scientific Engineer who specialises in cloning. The character is shown in his earlier outfit, which is an Imperial Medical uniform. The minifigure almost replicates it, but lacks the black strips which run over the shoulders. It does, however, feature the insignia on one of the arms. Imperial Pilots are normally represented by Imperial Officers. But in The Mandalorian, Dr Pershing is aboard a shuttle with two pilots who wear skullcap-type flight helmets. I really like the detail on the pilot’s torso, and it’s nice not to have yet another random Imperial Officer minifigure. In fact, the set should have included two pilots instead of a random Stormtrooper.
I guess you can’t have a set inspired by The Mandalorian without the title character being featured. To be fair, Mando does appear in the scene, which is the assume inspiraion for the set. The version of the character is not unique and has appeared in many other sets; one difference is the use of a proper head and not a blank one like earlier sets based on the Disney+ series. Moff Gideon has only appeared in one other set, and although this version appears to be the same as that featured in set 75315, there’s a slight tweak in the design of the torso, making this version unique. The Stormtrooper seems an unnecessary inclusion, and there are many other characters which could have taken its spot in the set.
The Verdict
It’s one of the better takes on the Imperial Shuttle; it does have a couple of issues, such as the ‘exposed’ underside of the wings. However, it doesn’t use any stickers and other details are achieved with the use of elements. The minifigure line-up includes a couple of great minifigures, but I cannot see the point of the Stormtrooper. The Mandalorian could also have been left out in favour of another character, but as the hero of the series the set is inspired by, it’s a given he’s been featured in the set. I would like to see the Star Wars sets expand beyond the usual source material. But it’s a tricky balance between offering something new, something unique, but also something fans of the IP will be interested in.
Apologies for the questionable photography of this set. White sets are awkward to snap well, and it’s been too hot to keep retaking them. But hopefully, they showcase the set well enough. The Imperial Lambda-Class Shuttle set takes flight on July 1st.
The LEGO Group provided this set to BricksFanz.com for review purposes. The thoughts in this review are those of BricksFanz.com and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group or Disney. Providing the set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of it
