Pointblank

I personally prefer the SNOT look of the blast doors of the 7666, although this verson is a lot wider (bigger). The redeeming factor for this set is for AFOLS who have not had any previous HOTH sets before, although it is a fairly weak reason to be honest. I prefer if this set is a much improved version of all the previous versions, although it is looking on par with previous sets (to be kind). The K3PO is updated, although Tauntaun and Wampa are exactly the same, no bacta tank, no Leia. The good points are the ION cannon and the generators (although it is inaccurate). :)

I don't know. So far, I have not come across one that expects a AT-AT to be in this set. AT-ST I have seen, but not AT-AT. For system scale sets, a number of people do care about minifigs. For UCS, not so much, but they do care about stickers though. I think it's fair to comment that the opinion of this set is mostly negative, and these are not comments from one day old forum goers. While it is true that some may still acquire it, a more than usual number wouldn't. You will surprise to see pricing, while often as a point of discussion, are not the biggest inhibitors to acquiring a UCS set. Look at the aftermarket of a UCS set vs a regular set, the evidence is there. Hence the term " wishes " in pricing, just a hope that things will be more managable. The biggest issues like so many have point out, is that it is essentially several older and current sets combined into one. Yes, sure if you start collecting 2015, you wouldn't mind that. But a lot of the long stayers have several similar and different iterations of hoth sets, and Hoth is regarded as one of the better scenes, and ESB is one the better OT movies (IMO). So when a UCS set comes out for the first time of Hoth, expectations ran high, but were greeted with " lolwut?" And many of the long stayers are not just collecting, they build them too, and forseeably if they go about building this set, that special feeling of something new is going to go away real fast. And the final product is likely not worth displaying too, sitting beside the other UCS greats. I hope that the pictures and videos are wrong and deceiving, but it's looking less and less so. Without the UCS badge, it is simply a glorified and larger Hoth playset, and by that, mark it down by another USD20, remove the badge, it will likely sell tons better. By the way, yes this means we can save buying this for a future UCS Set, but we all know its just self-consolation. It's like when you break up, someone tells you a better one will come along... thanks eh Hopefully some changes can be tweaked (there is still time TLG!). Anyway, the Alderaan set is really funny. maybe that certain someone could bring in a shot of 7666, 7749, 75014 and the 8089 all in one, and compare it with this set

I don't know about that. In Australia, for the larger sets (12/14+), I tend to see more adults (30+) buying it. Once a kid hits teenage years, often they do not want to be seen by their friends owning or getting a Lego set (they're too cool for that). And that usually prevails through 20s. Kids (<12) often do not have the patience to complete a 1000+ pieces set on their own, let alone a 2000 pieces and mighty expensive one.

While the math suggests so, we are forgetting a lot of residual effect of UCS loving AFOLs. For many AFOLs who buy UCS, I believe a majority of them 1) Buy other Lego Star Wars sets as well. A UCS is more display, the system scale are just bolts on (or the occassional swoosh). Lego Star Wars is probably the most profitable theme in TLG. 2) Returned from the dark ages, and can be attributed to having children of Lego playing age. The children will be influenced to buy more, and buying decisions will be easier if the parents are AFOLs themselves. AFOLs tend to be more affluent, which also implies they have the ability to acquire for their kids as well. 3) Use UCS as an excuse to collect/build lego, display "toys" or relive a childhood. If the UCS name detoriates to nothing more of a playset, I am inclined to believe that AFOLs will simply lose interest because it is not as displayable to standards. UCS displays have a soft marketing ability for Lego. I am not saying because of this set, I am going to stop getting UCS, hell no, but criticisms must be given when its due, and not giving excuses to what appears to be a very average set. Constructive criticism must be given for TLG to lift or maintain their game. It is the passion for UCS that a lot of us are criticizing TLG. I am not going at them with pitch forks. End of the day, they will get the idea if it doesn't sell nearly as well, but till then, it in the hope of many AFOLs and fear(of not) that the next UCS will be of a standard of yesteryears. Yes, its up to TLG. Agreed :) AFOLs believe in the collectable more than the complex IMO. There are several UCS sets that are not really complex, but can be tedious to build, but the results have been mostly amazing. In the case of UCS vehicles, there was always the size and detail. In other sets, its always the build technique, unique printed parts and how it captures the scenes (like EV and Death Star 10188, which are incidentally not official UCS :P ). In this set, it has not much of either. If I were to put some of the older system scale sets together, and do a quick DIY on the generator and ion cannon, it will be fairly hard to tell them apart from a distance. The naboo starfighter, I don't have it, is one of the poorer UCS, but has fairly unique parts that have not been repeated since. At that time, there was only one Naboo Starfighter previously made, and TLG hasn't really caught on yet with Star Wars. Granted as well, PT sets generally have less appeal as well, hence the aftermarket demand is less, which I suppose the criticisms have been less. Since then, 10030 (and then 10179 )made all the rage happen. :)

Doesn't really change anything. UCS has never been a point about piece count, or minifigures. Some may argue minifigs do not belong in a UCS set. UCS is a matter of expert and enjoyable build, beautiful and iconic display, and a level of awe and uniqueness. This Hoth set has none of that. Throwing in a large number of minifigs, piece count or big figs do not make a set UCS. Compared to Ewok Village, which is unique from any other sets that preceded it, this UCS hoth set is a combination of all things before, with the exception of the ion cannon and generators. I would much prefer it with some depth or interior design, take out the wampa, tantuan, snowspeeder and the dreadful stud shooter. The ewok village when displayed has presence, this looks just like my 7666 plus 2 x 7749. Sad to see this, as Hoth is without a doubt a favourite scene of mine in Star Wars, and I have all the previous hoth sets, including 3 AT-ATs and 5 snowspeeders. This is a very very undeserving UCS set.

Ikea Kallax series. Sorry for delayed reply.

This is simply amazing. This is so much better than getting a UCS ISD for whats its asking today. How many pieces in total? And would like more pictures for techniques used (especially the angled underside, and foundational support)

To bump this up and also share an update of my collection. There are more to this (represents 40%?), but have been really busy to keep those displayed tidy and neat for a nice shot.

Great Contest!

We have Cody, Wolffe and Fox before. Gree and Rex as well. Only a few others like Bly are missing.

Has anyone give a thought that it might be a (world of)warcraft theme? Not sure if megabloks has ended that license. Will gel well with the movie release date. Dwarfs and Trolls might blend well :)

Thanks for this. The sets dont look all that inspiring. The shuttle looks ok, dimensions a tad off and a strange plate at the side of the cockpit, but overall recognisable. Looks to be a usd 90 set at least. The speeder looks tad better and i think the main draw is the 2 naboo guards. The final duel set is not mostly what i expected. Might be the scale isnt what i was expecting. Feels more palpatine arrest than cantina in terms of look and scalability. You cant get 2 or more to make it better. Still nice but not great great. Naboo fighter easily the worst of the lot. Hope that isnt the final.

Such violent tendencies... tsk.. tsk.... The Empire is a loving and peaceful organisation, which believes in universal equality - that is, equal subjugation of everyone in the galaxy... and we are coolz Yes, we all love to stroke Darth Vader, cos he haz cookies ...

Hmm.. I am surprised UCS Helicarrier is not being announced officially yet, given its mid way through January, and rumoured to be a Feb VIP release. Anyone at Alabama Brickfair seen or reported any sighting of it yet?

Well done Empire!

Awesome looking build, very nice angles and SNOT techniques used. A master at work !

Thank you Beaver for the honest and constructive comments , i appreciate the detailed review. based on what you said and on hindsight, I totally agree that there are still loads of room for improvement, too many open areas, too much symmetry, too plain, and I need to think build and still photography, rather than playset :) . I need to be bolder on builds, and play with more challenging angles. As in a post before, I do regret not able to improve my last minutes due to too many things at work for end of year, which was really unexpected. Yes.. overaged working adults do have RL problems too I try to do the SONE Builds when I have time rather than when the deadline is nearing up, contrary to what I have been noticing here.. everyone puts them up last minute ... lol.. not sure why. The next one, I would have some challenges due to myself buying and moving to a new place, but I would see what I can do. Depends on the episode and time given. ( i will have a more dedicated lego building and display area though, so that's good I suppose... ) Once again, I thank everyone for their feedback.

[ SoNE Episode VII ] - Dark Secrets - The CODE After a recent promotion to the ISB, Pointblank sat up on his bed in his new quarters, rudely awoken by 2 shadow troopers of the ISB. "Get up Newbie, its time for your training with a melee weapon if you truly want to be a shadow trooper" Pointblank could feel their menacing scowl piercing through their dark helmets, in disdain of their new to-be recruit. News of Pointblanks' recent accolades have reached the shadow trooper corp and Pointblank has been earmarked to be the next rising star. However, he dislikes the un-neccessary attention the success of the past missions has drawn upon him. "Just because the High Inquisitor favours you, don't you dare think that you have the luxury of skipping training. We'll make it hard for you and wish you will never step foot in the shadow trooper corp" - the troopers railed. The troopers left hastily, mumbling in their breath as they depart. Pointblank got up, reached for a secret switch and flipped it. The bed spun to reveal a melee weapon - the hilt of a Vibroblade. He picked the hilt up from the ray-shielded container, and scrutinised the polished but battle-scarred surface. Firing it up, he admired the shadowy glow and its silent but addictive humming. The blade, belonging to his ancestors, has been passed down from generation to generation, abruptly ending in the generation before his. It has seen a lot of action, and long fabled to have downed almighty jedi and sith warriors. " This blade brings a lot of memories ... " Pointblank recalls the origin of the blade and the CODE he lives by ==================================== 20BBY - Concordia, Moon of Mandalore It was a time where Pointblank was a callous young adolesecent and the galaxy was rife with conflict and disorder. Borned into the Mandalorian culture, he couldn't understand the obsession of the fight and the CODE. In front of an altar, the towering shrine of the Mandalorian Insignia, and a backdrop of the blood red banner, day and night, combatants duel in the arena to better themselves, in a bid to regain Mandalore and restore the honour that Mandalorians once hold. From a safe high perch of the stadium, the Droid commentator announces every winner and loser, faithfully keeping score, whilst Death Watch Commandos cheered on. The Droid arenamaster in the arena assigns weapons from the weapons rack and lets new combatants in behind a caged gate, the moment the previous battle ends. Usually, it's the plain wearing death watch commando. Meanwhile, 10 year old Pointblank flies his mini drone in the background, with one eye kept on the battle, observing the combatants every move. =========================================== Note: The following shots were taken at night, for an enhanced arena/stadium effect The view of the Arena through the entry passage. 2 Death Watch Combatants fighting it out The Bird's Eye view of the Arena Young Pointblank, impervious to whats happening around him, continues to pilot his mini drone fighter. Overall Build, Summary and Conclusion The overall build is of 2 parts to provide a wrapped around atmosphere. Taken apart, they are the arena and the stadium. The main part, the arena, provides most of the action and depicts fights of the Death Watch mandolorian group. It features minifgs Pre-Vizla, 2 Death Watch Commandos and a TC-14. As a compedium, there is the unmistakable and imposing Mandalorian Inisgnia against a blood red backdrop, which also has a hilt holder at the bottom (to be referenced again in future freebuild project), a weapons rack which has a spear, hammer, nunchuck and a halberd, and a blood red banner on a flag staff. The overall stage of the arena has a rocky side which sets the stage of mining planet Concordia, the black and red striking surfaced side to depict a violent but strict heritage, and a side where there is a cargo net and combatants' caged entrance (along with weapons rack) to the arena to signify the warlike properties of the battle. Pre-Vizla is posed taking down a combatant, whilst the TC-14 observes and controls the weapon rack and entrance for the next combatant awaiting behind the caged door. The 2nd part, the stadium, provides the emphasis on Pointblank looking away off screen and seemingly non-interest in the battle, and him playing with a drone to portray his age then. It also allows for a better showing of other spectating commandos and the great respect and encouragement of battles, and the scoreboard of the battles. Notice the white fangs insignia beside the scoreboard (to be referenced again in future freebuild project). The Droid, a TC-4 Minifig, plays the role of the commentator and scorekeeper. Mandalorians have always left the menial non-combat stuff to droids while they relish in the honour of combat. The towering cauldrons of fire also adds to the sporting atmosphere of the arena. The curved walkway aka entrance to the arena also allows for a good view into the arena, and makes for very good photo-taking. The build for current timeline is done on a 16x16 plate. It depicts Pointblanks's quarters. It serves to hold a number of Pointblanks' war trophies, gear and weapon array. Besides crevices created for Lego LED insert, it also has a rotating bed on a technic pin, to reveal the blade on the other side. While it is thought to be spacious, I didn't find it quite at all. I wanted to put in more custom equipment, but couldn't. I had also wanted to include a holographic projector for secret communications. One of the challenges of both builds was the use of black surfaces which reflects a lot of lights and surfaces, making it seem more cluttered and messy(dirty). Enjoyable build overall. ============ Comments and Criticisms welcomed as always. Thanks to those who posted. They are all taken in with good intentions. Editted to reduce clutter of pictures, reduce formatting and improve consistency of story.

Strange that the imperial assault carrier is filed under classic and not under rebels.

Question is what UCS set we will be getting besides the known tie fighter? :P I am glad for the final battle but a little skeptic on the carrier, given the fact that it also carries 4 at-dp, which we are also getting in 2015, it will feel tad weird since for 130, it will not be likely to so. Tyderium shuttle is good and ideally sit well beside the EV.

Sorry guys. I doubt I have time to rebuild this, and I was hoping to do in my downtime, but this end of year has been crazy for business and between getting a new place and a planned family trip overseas in the next few days, that its chewed up all my time.

That looks great, especially the junkyard !

Yes,,,, hehe,,, whatever MkJosha builds henceforth s for the Empire.... just kidding Rebel scums are my friends too, especially when they are locked up.

Love the snot pathway, farm and tree scene. Great story with the warm and fuzzy vibe. Although that last bit is all lies, we are do gooders - the masses just dont realise whats good for them :p. Tractor is nice but feels a little sci fi than star wars due to the size and similarity to a real world tractor perhaps. The ooc bit is a :( .

Yay! Just on the fact that it's extended and have more participate is excellent reason enough! It does impacts number of episodes that we can all do in a year, but it gives me and everyone else more time to improve on build Perhaps as a suggestion, so as to assist with everyone's time, fix 4 episodes in a year (e.g. End March, June, Sept and Dec - I prefer end Feb, May, Aug, Nov myself) with bonus OPTIONAL sub-episode between the major ones. And scoring and new episode details to take place 2-4 weeks after the end of the previous one, giving about an ample 2-2.5 months to build for the new episode. If 4 is too much, 3 is also good with a spread of 4 months each, but personally I think 4 is ideal to keep everyone interested and checking back in. Again, purely suggestion