LEGO and Star Wars: An Enduring Partnership
The collaboration between LEGO and Star Wars is a longstanding one, consistently delivering impressive sets that capture the essence of the beloved franchise. Among the captivating range of kits available, the Ultimate Collectors Series (UCS) stands out as the pinnacle of detail and craftsmanship. However, there are notable Star Wars vehicles that have yet to receive the UCS treatment.
The Galactic Republic Turbo Tank
The HAVw A6 Juggernaut, commonly referred to as the turbo tank, is a striking vehicle known for its massive size and formidable design, although it plays a minimal role in the Star Wars narrative. Famously seen during the Battle of Kashyyyk in "Revenge of the Sith," it has gained recognition both in the films and various video games, such as "Star Wars: Battlefront II." As one of the few wheel-based vehicles in the franchise, the turbo tank is capable of transporting up to 300 clone troopers while boasting an arsenal of weapons.
While LEGO has released a version of this vehicle, it has since been retired and now commands a hefty price on the secondary market. Despite the existence of an AT-AT UCS kit, the turbo tank’s absence from this esteemed series seems unjustified, especially considering the impressive level of detail a UCS version could achieve, alongside an array of minifigures.
The Naboo Royal Cruisers
It is surprising that neither UCS kits nor any official LEGO sets exist for the Naboo royal cruisers, which are present throughout the prequel trilogy. In contrast, other minor ships like the A-Wing and B-Wing, which appeared briefly in "Return of the Jedi," have their own UCS kits. Despite serving primarily to transport key characters, the Naboo cruisers’ elegant design could easily lend themselves to stunning model sets. Given their prominent screen time, the absence of any kits is both puzzling and disappointing for fans.
The Imperial TIE Defender
TIE fighters hold a special place in the hearts of many Star Wars enthusiasts, with their distinctive sound and design. The TIE Fighter, Interceptor, and Advanced X1 all boast UCS editions, yet the TIE Defender, a beloved variant, has not received similar recognition. An older and now-retired kit exists, but it is often expensive. Fans of the TIE Defender would relish a UCS version, given the character it possesses, and the significant detail that a new kit could provide.
The Rebellion’s Nebulon-B Frigate
While UCS sets have focused mostly on Star Destroyer variants, the Rebellion’s Nebulon-B frigate remains a notable omission. This uniquely shaped capital ship has previously appeared in a basic LEGO set, but its simplistic design falls short of what could be achieved with a UCS kit. The Nebulon-B’s unconventional aesthetics would allow for a visually engaging and intricate UCS model, enhancing the diversity of capital ships within the series.
The Gungan Tribubble Bongo
From "The Phantom Menace," the Gungan submarine, known as the Tribubble Bongo, is an underrated design that deserves recognition. Its quirky design and the nostalgia it invokes are appealing for many fans—including those who enjoyed childhood versions of the toy—which further underlines the call for an updated, detailed UCS kit. Within the Star Wars universe, aquatic vehicles are rare, making the Bongo a unique addition that would complement any collection, especially with accompanying minifigures of prominent characters from the film.
The Separatist Vulture Droid
Despite being overshadowed by TIE fighters, the Vulture Droid offers a unique design that allows it to transform from a starfighter into a walking mechanism. Its innovative engineering provides an opportunity for dynamic display options, supporting a detailed model. Current Vulture Droid kits lack the complexity needed to truly capture this fascinating vehicle’s attributes, and a UCS version could elevate its visual appeal, particularly in its original brown color scheme from "The Phantom Menace."
The Trade Federation Lucrehulk
The Trade Federation Lucrehulk is another substantial vehicle that has not seen an official LEGO kit. Prominently featured in "The Phantom Menace," this ship has also appeared across several video games. A UCS version would provide the opportunity to explore the ship’s intricate details, similar to the extensive design found in the UCS Death Star. While such a build would be a time-consuming project, it would undoubtedly be rewarding for LEGO enthusiasts.
The Ebon Hawk
When it comes to the Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU), LEGO has been somewhat hesitant. The Ebon Hawk from "Knights of the Old Republic" is a ship that many fans would gladly invest in, especially as it represents an iconic piece of the Star Wars legacy. While the chances of seeing a UCS version remain low, the Ebon Hawk’s unique charm would surely attract numerous buyers.
The Rebellion’s Hammerhead Corvette
Finally, the Hammerhead corvette, which originated in "Knights of the Old Republic" and was later introduced into canon in "Rogue One," is another ship fans are eager to see as a LEGO kit. With a unique design and a role in various important narratives, establishing a LEGO model of this ship could satisfy collectors’ desires for diversity in their collections.
In conclusion, many impressive Star Wars vehicles remain absent from the UCS lineup, despite their popularity and distinctiveness. The variety of designs within the franchise holds the promise of countless unique LEGO sets, and the community eagerly awaits further expansions of this iconic collaboration. Until then, LEGO enthusiasts may need to channel their creativity into personal projects to fill these gaps.
