[REVIEW] 40451 Tatooine Homestead

[makoy]

George Lucas founded Lucasfirms in 1971 and it had created one of the most beloved franchise in the history of entertainment and toys. Fast-forward, and it is the year 2021 -- the year Lucasfilms celebrates its 50th anniversary. So naturally, there has to be a 50th anniversary Star Wars products. This is a nice little gift that would come along with it...

Thanks for TLG and Jim to making this review possible. 

Now let's jump into my 34th RA review, 40451 Tatooine Homestead.

 

 

Overview

Name: 40451 - Tatooine Homestead
Theme: Star Wars / Promotional
Year: 2021 (1H)
Pieces: 234 pieces
Minifigures: 0
Price: FREE Gift with Purchase (GWP) -- Qualifying purchase: $85 / €85 / £85 threshold for all Star Wars purchases

The promotion would run from 1st May to 5th May 2021. Do check with your local shops for details.

 

Introduction

So right off the bat, this is not a set for sale. It is a gift with purchase which you can get from qualifying amount of Star Wars sets purchase as written in the overview section above.

Its packaging looks about the same as the other vignette promotional sets released so far. Let's check the details.

Front view 

Front side of the box pretty much over everything it has to show, including the sand of Tatooine, which is coarse and rough, and irritating ...and we all know how the line goes on as Anakin complains. 

This is the first time that we actually see Luke's childhood home in microscale. 

If you revisit what was released back in 1999, most of the Tatooine references are just vehicles. There's Landspeeder, Podracers, Desert Skiff, Droid Escape Pod, Watto's Junkyard and so on.

There is nothing about Owen and Beru until the Sandcrawler came out in 2014 (actually 2005 as pointed in later in the comments) -- but only with special appearance of Owen Lars trading with the Jawas. Unfortunately, aunt Beru is still missing in action.

 

Back view 

At the back of the box, we can see how the memorable scene is depicted as it is in the set, with stills from the movie as reference.

Those round studs are representing the characters present in that scene.

Let's see if you can figure out who is who later

 

 Side view

Pretty standard side view with that single piece for 1:1 ratio picture. Perhaps that done is chosen to remind us that it represent the actual homestead in Tatooine.

 

Now let's slowly see what's inside. I really like the way this opens like IDEAS set even if it is only a promotional set. Don't you wish all sets open this way?

 

What's inside the box?

 

We get 4 clear plastics bags without any number and an instruction booklet.

 

Build

I enjoyed arranging the parts this way... simply because I have nothing else better to do.

Right?

Right.
 

Just want to appreciate the tan colour this way... there are really great parts included here. Slopes, slopes.... SLOPES!

 

Putting them together..

So, when you build this set, it appears that you are building it sideways. Then, as I complete sections of the build, indeed, I am building sideways. You can see how the SNOT techniques are used to squeeze the centre piece in between the left and right side of the vignette.

And as you put the sub-assemblies together, they fit nicely together.
   

 

And so, it looks like this at the end --

 

So from this view, let me try discerning who is who. From left to right. The single piece brown studs are obviously the Jawas, so...

1. white stud on top and dark tan bottom - Luke. 
2. two-layer gold studs - C-3PO (obviously)
3. silver stud - R2-D2
4. tan top and dark brown bottom - Lars 

Then, at the centre of the build you'll see a medium azure stud on top of a dark orange stud. Guess who is it...

That is aunt Beru!

Aunt Beru appeared in this microbuild set... but only as 2 studs.... 

 

Next to them is the cute build of Sandcrawler which is very "playable" on its own because it sports 4 black roller skates as continuous track wheels.

Apart from the skates, one of the notable part usage in this microscale is the use of white lipstick as one of the towering moisture vapourators.

Also, not forgetting that this set includes a 2x4 black tile with "Star Wars 2021" printed on it. 

 

This side is the not so camera-friendly side of the build.

 

Here is another angle to appreciate the smoothness of this build.

 

 

 

Now for the extra pieces, this is what you are left with after completing the entire build... and it's pretty generous for the amount of small pieces here. 

 

 

Conclusion

Pros:

• Very iconic scene preserved in a vignette display set.
• Tan parts!
• Printed 2x4 tile "Star Wars 2021"

Cons:

• Generally not for sale, unless you get this "ala carte" somewhere else.
• Aunt Beru only appeared as 2 studs!

 

So as I ponder on who this set is for, it is hard not to think who this set is NOT for. You see, this is the first scene where Luke, C-3PO and R2-D2 actually bumped into each other, and they stuck to each other for a really long time. Not only it is an iconic scene, it is also very nostalgic. So, for what it is -- every Star Wars fan should be able to appreciate this in one way or another. I can't think of anything negative for this set except the silly reasons I have written as "cons". 

But then again, we do not have Aunt Beru minifigure yet, so we may have to wait for quite sometime before we finally get a system scale Lars homestead with those "missing minifigures".  For now, enjoy this microbuild.

 

Review summary

Playability: 5/10 - This little vignette isn't meant to be played but the Sandcrawler is so cute to play with!
Design / Building Experience: 7/10 - Very satisfactory build for what it is supposed to be. Slopes are everywhere and it's tan so it's insta-like for me.
Price / Value for money: 10/10 - If you get this as a gift with purchase, this is naturally a perfect 10. 
Overall: 7/10 - It is a cute small vignette that all Star Wars fans should be able to appreciate.

 

 

[caiman0637]

Great review! I was very excited when images were leaked, and this set doesn't disappoint! I've heard a lot of people complaining about these little vignettes, but I'm a fan. That Sandcrawler looks excellent, as does Luke's landspeeder.

[MAB]

Finally an official Aunt Beru!

 

[Kit Figsto]

5 hours ago, makoy said:

If you revisit what was released back in 1999, most of the Tatooine references are just vehicles. There's Landspeeder, Podracers, Desert Skiff, Droid Escape Pod, Watto's Junkyard and so on.

There is nothing about Owen and Beru until the Sandcrawler came out in 2014 -- but only with special appearance of Owen Lars trading with the Jawas.

Being extremely pedantic, I believe we got an Owen in the 2005 Sandcrawler, though I do agree that we still need Beru for sure!

Great review, I've been considering the Razor Crest or a few extra 501st sets, so I might grab them to get this promo.  It does look like quite a nice little set!

[caiman0637]

2 hours ago, Kit Figsto said:

Being extremely pedantic, I believe we got an Owen in the 2005 Sandcrawler, though I do agree that we still need Beru for sure!

Yep. Not only does Bricklink confirm this, but I own the set. Definitely worth buying!

[makoy]

9 hours ago, caiman0637 said:

Great review! I was very excited when images were leaked, and this set doesn't disappoint! I've heard a lot of people complaining about these little vignettes, but I'm a fan. That Sandcrawler looks excellent, as does Luke's landspeeder.

For the small amount of parts used, I agree. 

 

6 hours ago, MAB said:

Finally an official Aunt Beru!

You can build one now, from your collection of 1x1 round plates and make an army of Aunt Beru   

 

3 hours ago, Kit Figsto said:

Being extremely pedantic, I believe we got an Owen in the 2005 Sandcrawler, though I do agree that we still need Beru for sure!

 Great review, I've been considering the Razor Crest or a few extra 501st sets, so I might grab them to get this promo.  It does look like quite a nice little set!

Hahaha.. I knew I am going to get something wrong somewhere. 

 

[Clone OPatra]

Fun review @makoy! I've been waiting a long time for them to do Aunt Beru in the Star Wars line, and what with the extra parts, this set generously includes two copies of her!

In more seriousness, this is a cute scene nicely pulled off. Everything is instantly recognisable, and it looks like a polished little display. This is what a gift with purchase should be in my opinion: not a super desirable that necessitates a purchase to get it, but a pleasing gift like this, with your purchase.

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

Very nice! The landspeeder is cool and the sandcrawler is fantastic too!

[MKJoshA]

I got really excited for a moment when I saw your picture of all the parts and thought it included a 2x6 printed tile with aurabesh letters on it. Then I realized that was just your watermark! Great review and I'm looking forward to getting my copy in a week!

[Tariq j]

Very good review! As much as I do miss the exclusive minifigures we used to get, I’ve really come to like these micro scale dioramas they’ve been doing recently. Looking forward to getting more of these.

[makoy]

On 4/22/2021 at 8:06 AM, Clone OPatra said:

Fun review @makoy! I've been waiting a long time for them to do Aunt Beru in the Star Wars line, and what with the extra parts, this set generously includes two copies of her!

In more seriousness, this is a cute scene nicely pulled off. Everything is instantly recognisable, and it looks like a polished little display. This is what a gift with purchase should be in my opinion: not a super desirable that necessitates a purchase to get it, but a pleasing gift like this, with your purchase.

:) you put it so eloquently... and I agree!

7 hours ago, LEGO Train 12 Volts said:

Very nice! The landspeeder is cool and the sandcrawler is fantastic too!

One thing to note about the landspeeder is that you can't lift and play like that, as there is no connection between the two piece. On the otherhand, you can totally remove the Sandcrawler and swoosh it around. 

36 minutes ago, MKJoshA said:

I got really excited for a moment when I saw your picture of all the parts and thought it included a 2x6 printed tile with aurabesh letters on it. Then I realized that was just your watermark! Great review and I'm looking forward to getting my copy in a week!

Ooops... not my watermark's fault. The tile got in the way. 

Thanks and bless you for getting a copy soon!

17 minutes ago, Tariq j said:

Very good review! As much as I do miss the exclusive minifigures we used to get, I’ve really come to like these micro scale dioramas they’ve been doing recently. Looking forward to getting more of these.

The design has been pretty consistent since the  one released in 2019. Indeed, a good micro scale diorama to collect and display.

[Blondie-Wan]

Holy smokes - I’d seen photos of the set before, but somehow hadn’t noticed until just now that the Sandcrawler uses a couple printed 2x2 tiles. I’m amazed you didn’t focus on that in the review; it looks great with them!

That omission aside, this is a fine review - nicely done!  - of a lovely set, and I’m looking forward to adding it to my collection.

[makoy]

7 hours ago, Blondie-Wan said:

Holy smokes - I’d seen photos of the set before, but somehow hadn’t noticed until just now that the Sandcrawler uses a couple printed 2x2 tiles. I’m amazed you didn’t focus on that in the review; it looks great with them!

That omission aside, this is a fine review - nicely done!  - of a lovely set, and I’m looking forward to adding it to my collection.

It's because I thought I praised this cute Sandcrawler enough that people will look more into it... And glad that you noticed them from my photos. It means you're paying close attention. 

Thanks for sharing here, and welcome too! 🍻

[MAB]

On 4/22/2021 at 12:36 AM, makoy said:

You can build one now, from your collection of 1x1 round plates and make an army of Aunt Beru  

It is also simple to add the burnt versions too, if that is what you are into.

[jimmynick]

39 minutes ago, MAB said:

It is also simple to add the burnt versions too, if that is what you are into.

Thanks for the review, Makoy! I really enjoyed building the Hoth set that came with the promotion 2 years ago, but this one's even better considering the sunken courtyard and more complicated topography. Not sure I can justify breaking the bank on Star Wars LEGO at the moment though, so I'll just enjoy this one vicariously

[MatrixD]

2 hours ago, MAB said:

It is also simple to add the burnt versions too, if that is what you are into.

Hahaha, I read this suggestion on another group and was going to share but you beat me to it! A simple little MOC with two little black studs

A really good review and has helped me decide whether to go for the instore GWP or Online GWP. Thanks

Edited April 26, 2021 by MatrixD
Double text

[makoy]

On 4/26/2021 at 5:21 PM, MAB said:

It is also simple to add the burnt versions too, if that is what you are into.

Ooof! That's a mod anyone can easily do. Paints a different picture on this rather 'a day in life' vignette.

On 4/26/2021 at 6:03 PM, jimmynick said:

Thanks for the review, Makoy! I really enjoyed building the Hoth set that came with the promotion 2 years ago, but this one's even better considering the sunken courtyard and more complicated topography. Not sure I can justify breaking the bank on Star Wars LEGO at the moment though, so I'll just enjoy this one vicariously

This vignette is really a good way to learn uncommon slope techniques and for its size, it has assortment of parts that you can repurpose for MOC. If you can't get one now, later on you can easily get the instruction online and rebrick it, less the printed parts.

On 4/26/2021 at 7:24 PM, MatrixD said:

Hahaha, I read this suggestion on another group and was going to share but you beat me to it! A simple little MOC with two little black studs

A really good review and has helped me decide whether to go for the instore GWP or Online GWP. Thanks

Thanks for sharing. You're welcome. Glad that this review is useful and helped someone like you.