Lobot

Whilst I appreciate this has some limitations, I really can't wait to order it on the 5th Jan It's the first UCS set that I've seen for several years that I'll happily pay the full RRP for. All of the UCS sets have some faults if you look close enough; for example the cockpit of the Falcon looks quite odd and the back top plates don't fit very well. In addition, the Imperial Shuttle doesn't have a landing ramp, and the landing gear has to be bolted onto the model. And, Beckmesser, I think that you're being totally unfair about Anio's Slave 1. To call it a 'beefed-up version of a LEGO retail set' is ridiculous; the latest model (8097) had 549 parts, but Anio's had 1260! Personally, I think it's in a totally different league.

Hi, the link I provided is to the parts list for the SSD (all 3124 of them!) I own the original model, and I don't think that you'd have a problem sourcing any of them via Bricklink etc, it just depends how much it would cost you to source them. However, given the increase in the aftermarket price of a MISB one, I'd guess you could potentially make a reasonable saving.

Well remembered, I did a quick search for it last night but couldn't remember what it was called! There's quite a few 'funnies' in this thread as well, so I'll keep them here

Hi, the parts are all fairly common, so I doubt you'd have any problems finding them all. There's a full list on Bricklink: http://www.bricklink...v.asp?S=10221-1 If you haven't tried this sort of thing before, I strongly recommend that you do a fair amount of research first to find the cheapest way of sourcing it. It's likely that a combination of Bricklink, Lego's 'Pick a Brick' and their 'replacement' service will be needed! I hope that this helps

Hi BrickSev, for future reference there's already a 'Star Wars LEGO Photography' thread, I'll merge this with it in a bit ....and done

I found a couple of Bricklink sellers recently who had a decent sale on and managed to get about 1700 parts (including some of the larger plates etc) for about £110. I was determined not to build another 10179, but I have a real weakness for them, especially when I see a total bargain! Actually, it's quite interesting to see how the prices have changed since I built one nearly two years ago; some are becoming really prohibitive, but others haven't increased at all. If I carry on at that level I should be able to build it for around £575-£600 with all new parts (and a few substitutions! )

Hi, I've updated the title for you

Have you finally decided to build a Star Destroyer or Nebulon B? I tried working on the latter but got totally frustrated with LDD, I just couldn't get any of technic beams to align when I used the 'flex' tool (or whatever it's called)...it's all very frustrating, I don't know why it doesn't want to work Are there any decent tutorials available? I did a quick web-search but couldn't find anything useful.

The parts list is available via Rebrickable (direct link below), or alternatively you should be able to import it directly into your Bricklink wanted list http://rebrickable.com/mocs/anio/venator-star-destroyer#parts_list

Thanks for the comments guys, really appreciated nerdsforprez - Your modifications are really impressive and take the original model to another level. I particularly like the additional greebling on the underside of the wings.

Official description Take on the Empire in the ultimate collector series B-wing Starfighter™! Now you can experience the ultimate B-wing Starfighter from the Star Wars galaxy like never before. This fantastic model features everything you would expect from our premium collector range, including rotating, self-levelling cockpit and realistic wing configurations for landing and flight. And when you're finished battling in the skies above Endor or helping to restore freedom in the galaxy, place this highly detailed B-wing Starfighter on its own dedicated display stand and fact plaque. Measures 26” (66cm) wide and 15” (38cm) high in flight configuration, and 17” (43cm) high on display stand. •Ultimate Collector Series B-wing Starfighter! •Rotating, self-levelling cockpit! •Landing and flight wing configurations! •Highly detailed model! •Includes display stand and fact plaque! •Model can be detached from display stand! •Measures 26” (66cm) wide and 15” (38cm) high in flight configuration, and 17” (43cm) high when mounted on display stand! Details Total boxed weight: 2,798g Dimensions: 48cm wide x 58cm long x 12 cm deep Parts: 1,487 parts Age range: 16+ UK RRP: £169.99 Introduction I’m a great fan of most UCS sets, but to be honest I was a little underwhelmed when I first saw the B-wing Starfighter, and I don’t think that I was alone. According to Brickset, it was only available in the UK from 1st October 2012 – 23rd November 2013 and I get the impression that it wasn’t a commercial success. I eventually ordered it during the 2013 ‘Brick Friday’ sale at about 30% off and it’s been sat in its delivery box ever since, which probably gives you an indication of my general level of enthusiasm for it However, I thought it was time to do a decent review of it, and to find out if my initial impressions were fair, or not. Apologies for the quality of the photos, but we’re currently in the depths of a particularly dark winter! First impressions The box is pretty large, and at 2.8kg it feels like it should be worth the RRP. It’s one of the nicer designs that we’ve had in the last few years, and I particularly like the background which includes the partially constructed Death Star and the Forest Moon of Endor. It also has a couple of random blaster bolts which are mandatory for any SW set, and typically they aren’t connecting with anything! It’s a shame about the Darth Maul banner, but you can’t have everything. The reverse isn’t quite as impressive, but it’s still quite well done. The box The contents On opening the box it's approximately two-thirds full, and includes 15 main bags (14 numbered between 1-10), 3 instruction booklets and a dreaded DSS. In defence of the latter, it only has the standard display plaque, plus three orange markings, so it could have been worse. The decision by TLG to protect the instructions by keeping them together with a cardboard insert has been a great move, and mine were in perfect condition. The build I’ve taken photos at the end of each of the numbered bag(s), and added a few of my thoughts. Bag(s) 1: The engines are constructed in two identical sections, which are joined together using small Technic axles. There’s a lot of colour in it, but it’s gradually hidden as the plates are added. First irritation is the use of two back ‘Bionicle’(?) fists near to the engines. I’m not sure if this intended to be a clever feature, as a ‘nod’ of respect to the inclusion of a toy soldier in the original Executor model, but it’s just wrong! Oh, and you also get two brick separators... I’ll add them to my ever growing pile Bag 2: Generally very straightforward to build, but quite a nice design. One thing I noticed is that there’s quite a noticeable colour difference in some of the Light-Bluish Grey parts. The bright yellow 4 x 8 plate was a bit of a shock, but is quickly buried. Bag 3: This is basically a mirror-image of the previous stage, but includes extra parts that joint both together. The combined section is then attached to the main engine block using a series of Technic pins and two axles. Note the odd use of 1 x 1 brown studs which are scattered across the build. Bag(s) 4: These build the top section of the main wing. The vast array of different colours used is really distracting (blue, green, yellow, brown, red, beige, tan, white & black), in addition to the required greys. Whilst I appreciate that a few colour markers are helpful, this is far too much for me! Bag(s) 5: Predictably, this is a mirror image of the previous stage; these are joined together and attached to the engine block. Apart from my issues with the colours, it’s well designed and uses a mixture of plates and curved slopes to create a robust, yet streamlined, shape. Bag 6: This builds the main cannon, and is the most enjoyable part of the build so far. The end result looks really impressive, although I’m not totally convinced about the flexible ‘whip’ part which looks a bit out of place. Bag 7: This takes the lead from the previous bag, and is my favourite section of the build. It includes lots of small parts, including a couple I hadn’t seen before. I particularly like the use of the tracks, which I first used in 1984! However, it's a bit reluctant to rotate, so it needs a bit of encouragement. It uses some interesting techniques, and the rear section is a beautiful shape, if a little fiddly! However, I’ll leave the ‘Elephant in the room’ to the end.... Bag 8: Yet another techicolour experience, but thankfully short-lived. The canon has a couple of interesting details, but otherwise it’s fairly standard stuff. Bag 9: This is identical to the previous bag, apart from being a mirror-image. Bag 10: This builds the stand, it’s reasonably strong and a nice design but I really don’t like part 48002a, they just look cheap! A standard Technic beam, covered in tiles would have looked far better in my opinion. The end result Overall, I’m quite impressed by it and it’s a shame that the availability was so limited. I’ve always had a soft-spot for the B-wing, despite its limited screen time; it’s one of the ships which has function above style, where everything is there for a reason. It’s a good size and would make a nice addition to any collection. It feels very solid and is very swoosh-able! However, the major flaw is the cockpit canopy which is truly awful. I appreciate that there will always be compromises, but for me it totally ruins what would otherwise be a very good UCS set. I’m not too sure where to start; it’s too small, the wrong shape and the printed areas aren’t anything like the original model According to Bricklink, the part (50986pb004) only appears in one other set which was released after this one so, logically, it was designed for it. If that’s correct, I really don’t understand how it could be so bad, just take a look at the original model from ROTJ to see what I mean! In addition, the design prevents the canopy from being opened, which seems a bit of an oversight, and a considerable problem in the event of a battle. And finally, if you look closely some of the more colourful internal parts are visible, but that’s also a problem with the SSD. Perhaps I’m a bit too picky, but it really irritates me! If you can live with the limitations of the canopy it’s a good model, and worthy of the UCS label. It’s a relaxing build, and kept me occupied for several hours. It has a nice mix of parts, and I don’t regret purchasing it. The aftermarket price for the set has gradually increased in the last year, but it’s still very affordable if you’re tempted. I hope you enjoyed my review, C&C welcome

Hi Anio, I've reported both of these for you. Hopefully they'll remove the listings shortly. Cheers, Robin

The double VIP points on 5th January are only available if you made a purchase on 22nd November (pre-Brick Friday sales). As far as I'm aware it covers most of Europe, but I'm not sure about the US.....

Hi smkaemp, I haven't seen anything yet. However, I received an email from TLG yesterday offering double VIP points on the 5th Jan so I'm going to wait until then. I guess they're totally overwhelmed with orders anyway, considering their current stock levels, so they probably don't want any more orders before Christmas!

I'm quietly hoping for a slightly modified 10179, with a partial interior, possibly up to about 6000 parts. Now that the SSD has been retired, there's a void in the SW line-up that needs filling with something really big! With Episode VII out next year it's a great opportunity for TLG to attract lots of OT fans, and if it was limited to 20-25,000 units it's bound to do well. Time will tell.....

It's great fun if you want a challenge, but it's very time-consuming. Hopefully the rumour of a new/updated version in 2015 is true as it would help to bring the current aftermarket prices down to a more sensible level

I really can't wait to buy this, especially as I've just received an email from Lego offering double VIP points on the 5th January

The new Slave 1 looks amazing, I'm really looking forward to building it! :wub: I'm quietly hoping that TLG might do a special promo polybag on 1st Jan, that would make the full RRP more tolerable. I normally try to wait for some sort of discount, but I've almost convinced myself this to get this one as soon as it's available.

Great work BEAVeR, and a worthy addition to the Empire's forces!

Hi, there's a general SW Q&A thread pinned at the top of the forum, I'll merge this with it in a bit Regarding your question, I'd guess that 10221 will do better in the after-market that 10188. Although 10188 is a great set, it's been available since 2008 and there's a lot of them around! As with most things, it will be a case of supply and demand, and time will tell.

Hi, there’s a general Q&A thread at the top of the forum, I’ll merge this thread with it in a bit To answer your question, although I haven’t personally handled the set, it’s an absolute steal if you can get it at that price!

I don't know what you mean, it looks fine to me

Personally I think that cavegod's AT-AT is more than worthy of the 'UCS' title, it's the biggest and most accurate renditon that I've ever seen. And, I'm pretty confident that if it was limited to 10,000 sets as a pre-order, it would sell-out very quickly. There are lots of OT fans in their late 30s that would add this to their collection, even if it was in the £7-800 bracket (me included! ).

I've updated the title to something more appropriate - if anyone can remember what the original was please let me know!

Great work, now that's what you call a Cantina!