If you thought the upcoming Battle Pack was controversial, it appears to have nothing on this new LEGO® Star Wars set. The set in question is the latest take on the Juggernaut Turbo Tank. This large, multi-wheeled ground assault vehicle first appeared in Revenge of the Sith. But it was conceived for the Battle of Hoth scene in Empire Strikes Back, before being replaced by the much cooler-looking AT-ATs. There have been several LEGO versions of the Turbo Tank, with the most recent being released in 2016. The latest version includes two versions of the long-awaited Clone characters. But why is the set so controversial, and is it affected by the off-putting pricing? Here’s a look at set 75413: Republic Juggernaut.
Product Details
Set Name: Republic Juggernaut | Set Number: 75413 | Pieces: 813 | Theme: Star Wars
Number of Bags: Bags x 6 + loose elements | Instructions: Paper booklet + Builder App | Stickers: sheet x 1 | Characters: Ki-Adi-Mundi, Commander Bacara & 3 x Galactic Marines, plus 3 x Battle Droids
RRP: £139.99/149.99€/$159.99/249.99AUD/199.99CAD
Availability: LEGO Stores, LEGO Online & LEGO Retailers from August 1st
The Clone Wars introduced some great vehicles and starships. Many of them were precursors to iconic vessels from the original films. But the Juggernaut is a little more unique, which makes it all the more interesting. Having appeared in Episode III, it also made several appearances in the animated Clone Wars series. It’s certainly better suited to a battlefield than the snowy plains of Hoth. The heavily armoured vehicle can easily navigate most surfaces thanks to its 8 wheels.
This new version of the Juggernaut shares similar traits with past versions but is slightly smaller. It sits lower and has smaller wheels, but it still looks quite robust. The thicker panels on the larger section of the vehicle help to do this. The rest of the vehicle’s exterior is composed of several different panels. These clip onto various points around the Juggernaut and help capture its unique shape quite nicely.
The exterior is quite spacious and has room to place several minifigures. You can gain access to the inside of the vehicle by flipping down some of the exterior panels or the fully removable roof plate. You can also place a minifigure behind the rear gun turret and an odd observation post, which can be extended from within the vehicle. One of the vehicle’s best features is the wheels, which are mounted in such a way as to allow them a high amount of movement. Despite the wheel’s lack of tread, they can be moved over most surfaces with ease.
Other reviews of this set have suggested the set has stability issues. It’s not something I’m saying has been exaggerated, but I’ve picked it up in various ways and have given it a good old squeeze when doing so, and it didn’t instantly fall apart. I did find that the smaller sections dotted around the vehicle could fall off easily. They are hinged but aren’t as securely connected as they could be. I agree that the structure of the Juggernaut could have been slightly better implemented. The lack of Technic beams on the central inner columns can cause this section to come loose. But you have to be rather heavy-handed to do so, and similar rigorous play could cause it to become disassembled a little too easily. Just not as easy as others have suggested.
The set includes a nice spread of minifigures, including a couple of fan-favourite Clone characters making their debut. Pre Order 66, Jedi Ki-Adi-Mundi led the 21st Nova Corps. The unique-looking Jedi General has only appeared in two previous sets, with the last being released in 2018. The latest version uses a similar headpiece to replicate his Cerean head. The detail of which is continued on the rear of his head. His robes are nicely captured on the torso and legs. The Jedi General is joined by Commander Bacara, leader of the elite Clone Galactic Marines. As the Clone Wars rumbled on, the Clone Troopers became more unique, and Bacara highlights that with his unique helmet. This is a new piece and a decent representation of the helmet, whilst still feeling like a LEGO piece. Of course, some will say it’s the most dastardly thing the LEGO Group has ever done and should immediately shut down.
With their General and CO features in the set, it’s no surprise that the Galactic Marines are also found in the set. The 21st Nova Corp troopers have a similar appearance to the Snowtroopers. Instead of simply recolouring a Snowtrooper helmet (imagine the outrage that would cause), a brand new helmet has been created. This dual moulded piece features a dark red helmet section and a white face covering. The same colours are used for the torso and legs. All three Marines are the same and also feature a small backpack piece and a blaster.
If you hadn’t gathered an army’s worth of Battle Droids from the regular appearance in the LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendars, the set features three more. They remain the same and offer nothing different or unique. In all honesty, they feel a little out of place in the set as they don’t have any other battlements or vehicles to be paired with.
As mentioned, I didn’t have the same issues with the set’s stability. Before building it, I assumed it would fall apart merely by looking at it. I agree it could have had a slightly more stable internal structure, and some parts could have been connected a little better. But overall, it’s a good representation of the vehicle. The minifigures are also pretty decent. I think the Battle Droids feel a little out of place. But LEGO sets like to include conflicting forces to add to their playability. However, the most contentious point of the set is the pricing. Like the rest of the upcoming Star Wars sets, they are overpriced for what they offer. Admittedly, it does include a couple of new moulds for the minifigures, but that doesn’t warrant its RRP. The Republic Juggeranut launches on August 1st.
Coming Soon: UKIrelandUSCanadaMexicoGermanyFranceDenmarkAustraliaNew Zealand
The LEGO Group provided this set to BricksFanz.com for review purposes. The thoughts within 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 the set.
