Flieger

And we wondered why Lego is rehashing old designs... the phrase "creatively bankrupt" comes to mind.

Kids may not appreciate either of them, but AFOLs... yeah, I for one would love to get my hand on a Lego Werner Herzog. Also, he seems to be a Imperial civilian official, and we don't have many civilians in Lego Star Wars. I am sure we we will get Esposito's character, being somehow connected to the Death Troopers, and Lego would be stupid not to release more Death Troopers in one set or the other. While I am not a fan of the Mandalorians, there should be many, many interesting settings and characters for Lego to use.

Damn, seeing the speeder chase I think Lego wasted a battlepack opportunity: one treadspeeder, one speeder driver, three Jumptroopers. I would love such a BP, screen accurate and massable, attractive figures. Anyway, only one jumptrooper in the set and lots of stickers on an otherwise interesting vehicle... not sure.

If anything he renounced being a retailer exclusively selling Lego. But he is not renouncing Lego in that he does not sell Lego anymore or does not want any Lego in his life, and that is what I would call renouncing the brand. He repeatedly stated to like the brand (as opposed to the company). Depending on your definition of public I'd argue state TV and national newspaper had more to do with it than his YT-channel. What he did on his channel was announcing a restructuring of his business model, which he had to explain of course. Again, he could have done it 'quitely' but the only benefactor would have been Lego. And as a business owner, he benefits a lot from the attention. Once more we return to the key question of how to handle marketing. Maybe his ego had a role in that but I think his valid business interest is more important here. What irritates me is the judgemental attitude here, especially from those who have no clue what is actually going on in Germany. That is why the narratives in this thread shift so damn often, leading to a lot of - frankly - nonsense like ' he's reviewing knockoff sets alongside actual Lego sets while using a Lego-like logo'. This gross misjudgement of the situation however mirrors Lego's fundamentally flawed actions and initial reactions. When you have a head of marketing who does not understand the German language (and thus, more likely than not, German culture as a whole) it is quite easy to see how they underestimated the impact of their actions. Pretty much every kid here has played with Lego because there was no alternative, and because they learned it from their parents for generations. However nowadays Lego's standing is not based on quality or lack of alternatives anymore; it is based on childhood memories of parents and AFOLs entirely. Now Thomas Panke appeals to AFOLs who have either kids or a lot of money to spend on Lego. Either way, Lego benefits disproportionally from his videos, because he (re)activates childhood memories of the AFOLs. In other countries, there may be others reasons to buy Lego, but here it is just because it is part of our upbringing and culture. And he was essentially carrying that torch. Even if Lego had been right in their legal claim, which is debatable, their choice of communication was insanely stupid. It is attacking the very foundation of what makes Lego successful in Germany, i.e. nostalgia. No better way to kill it than with high-paid lawyers sitting in Mainhattan (sic). That is why it sent such shockwaves through the German Lego community, and beyond. That is why marketing guys in Germany, even if they are not AFOLs, shake their head in disbelieve. That is why this thread exists, because the German community is outraged this happened and wants to share. I mean, I will give credit to you if you have such a brand loyalty that you are willing to side with Lego even if they behave stupidly. But you also have to understand this letter of Lego lawyer army hit German AFOLs right in the heart, and not just them. Once they feel Lego no longer deserves its nostalgia-based monopoly in this country, the company faces serious trouble. Lego, however, understands so they are apologizing and seeking contact with him.

Yes, it was mentioned. In fact, it was mentioned a lot, including in an interview with the state TV (HR). And, as I said on p2 (which was apparently skipped over, too...), the legal claim in question is at best dubious. That is what sparked speculations about ulterior motives in the first place. The media coverage was surprisingly balanced. SPON, the most important German online news platform, even revised an article after they were informed about the trademark filing. No, he did not renouce the brand. And yes, better communication would have been useful. Better communication from Lego's part. Their CEO and head of marketing admitted as much. And actually, most marketing experts agree (just like most lawyers agree the claim is feeble). That how my friends who don't care about Lego heart of this. They are marketing guys, and Lego's poor decision making in this process is obvious to anyone who looks into the matter. Of course he could have handled it differently, too. But claiming it was all about his ego is just as onesided as the narrative of the poor shopowner who is harrased by an international corporation. Things are a lot more complex than that. Btw., it is rather curious that your wording went from "tempest in a teapot" to "overblown media firestorm". Again, it is neither one or the other.

News from the Nuremberg Toy Fair: the CEO of Lego Germany held a press conference and his first point was addressing the issue of Held der Steine. That is not overly surprising since it even got substantial news coverage, and was noticed beyond the Lego world. Quite a stormy teacup... Anyway, the CEO apologized for handling the issue poorly and admitted the mode of communication was wrong. Lego has reached out to Thomas Panke and they will talk. There is also a short English segment at the end. I was surprised and not-surprised at the same time: the head of marketing in Germany is apparently incapable of speaking German. Yes, I know, TLG is an international corporation, but there is no shortage of people who speak English and German. Fact is she does not know what is going on in this country unless somebody translates it for her (aka second hand information). And that explains a lot. After all, it was a communication problem in the first place.

In fact, the legal history of the 'critical' studs which (supposedly) caused Lego's reaction is rather convoluted. But to make a long story short, Thomas Panke would have good chances in a legal dispute. Lego's claim is rather weak in that case. And that makes their decision to go after him suspicious. It's heavy-handed for sure, but we are used to that when it comes to German laywers. They are not subtle. Perhaps they actually did not know what kind of impression their actions make. Of course now Thomas can easily tell a David vs Goliath story, the nice little store owner harrassed by a greedy corporation and their shady lawyers. Of course there is more to it but that's the lasting impression. Lego should have handled that with more care. You cannot just put legal pressure on the biggest national youtuber, who runs a little shop, and expect everyone to cheer for your high-paid lawyer army. As some articles (there many now, which indicates a not too small interest) pointed out correcly, that's basically how not to handle you social media relations.

Thanks for your reply. I am not sure... aren't the old AT-ST drivers' heads doubled-sided too? I am looking for a face with printed goggles that can be used with the standard Imperial cap. It might well be there is no such head...

Is there any one-sided head with printed goggles on it? ....something like Han Solo's head from the Conveyex, just without the second face-print on the back. I would like to do an Imperial officer in winter gear, but using a cap instead of a helmet, so printed goggles would be nice.

Having re-watched Solo I definitely want some Mimban stuff. Mimban-Battlepack: 2x Mudtrooper, 1x Mimban Stormtrooper, 1x Imperial Officer or: 1x Mudtrooper-Specialist AT-DT: 1x Pilot (who pilots these things?), 1x Korso, 2x Mimbanese The Pit: Chewie (muddy), Han (muddy), 2x Mimban Stormtrooper (new print with ammo pouches), Imperial Groundcrew; could be combined with a landing platform for the hauler I know the community does not like mixed battlepacks very much. But in case of Solo, I do. Very much so. The Imperial force on Mimban just screams for a mixed pack since they were mostly Mudtroopers with some officers, and some Stormtroopers. One could switch the officer for another Mudtrooper specialist (the medic e.g.), though.

See here: https://image.noelshack.com/fichiers/2018/22/2/1527550878-soloconcept2.jpg Either the concept art was never used or the scene was cut. Considering the reshoots both seems possible. However, keep in mind Lego often has to work with concept art and preliminary material. When discussing the Solo-line Lego designers said they were really afraid that their sets and figures would not show up, especially the patrol troopers. They did not criticise Disney openly but you could see they were not exactly happy.

I'd argue it has more to do with the fact that the vehicle was barely in the movie, and that the characters were not memorable at all. Also, there is Han's speeder, which admittedly has a sleeker look but also includes the main characters - and it's less expensive. It seems Lego anticipated that the chase scene would be more important. The whole entry line-up of the Solo-theme is based on it: the patrol trooper pack, Han's speeder, and Moloch's speeder. I remember the designers saying they were happy that Disney did not cut the patrol troopers completely, and that they were very afraid their efforts could have been in vain.

High value minifigs, inflation, increased costs? Don't know, but yes, some are insane. Just compare the Conveyex to 2014's AT-AP: Conveyex, 622 pieces, 5 minifigs - $89.99 AT-AP, 717 pieces, 5 minifigs - $59.99 Even though three of the AT-AP's minifigs are not really minifigs but droids, this is hard to understand. I mean, it's only four years. As I said, I guess the combination of high value minifigs like the Praetorians or the Range Troopers, inflation, and increased costs may explain some of it. Retailers will reduce the prices significantly, too. Anyway, it's a shame. I am on a budget right now, so I will have to wait for an even greater price drop.

The Range Troopers look nice even if they certainly would have benefitted from dual molded legs to represent their heavy boots... Overall the Conveyex set seems to a good one: minifig selection is excellent (despite the gunner not showing up in the movie), and the builds looks reasonable considering the lower part of the train would have made this set extremely expensive. Actually I am worried about the price as it is. Two key characters, two good and possibly unique troopers, and a unique gunner, plus a highly recognizable scene. People will buy it. I will. Also, does the gunner have some kind of neck piece? I cannot tell for sure...

Very nice idea and good execution! I have to agree that the pawns should all look the same and that the white square must be to the right of the player, but it is a pleasant moc nonetheless.

They are featured in the trailers, actually to the point that most of their screentime was seen in the trailers... e.g.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs4y56AnaUg (0:11-0:16) Just call it Corellia Highway Patrol set, and we are fine. Of course a Mimban battlepack would have made more sense but it is still a good set. Yes, Lego's "emigration officer" is clearly mislabelled. Perhaps there were some changes or communication problems; the actual emigration officer looks quite different. It's a bit sad that we did not get her since she had a somewhat notable role in that Corellia scene. Lego's armoured navy trooper is hardly in the movie but at least it's a nice figure. Other than that the Corellia part of the movie is reasonably well represented and we got most of what we need to moc it.

It's also a walker with relatively high play value (open top, cannon) that can be done on a good scale without being too expensive. Add some nice troopers and it should sell well. I would be surprised if Lego did not release this walker, even if it was not in the movie much.

Indeed. I think this supports my point about this set being more of a starter/suplementary set for the Solo-line rather than a classical army builder. In that case the Patrol Trooper and his bike were needed. I mean, this would be a really nice set too, but it would also be a more expensive and quite different set. The basic line-up as it is works for me: this battle pack and the two speeders. If anything it is a too great emphasis on a certain part of the movie. But then, I want another walker set with the new walker (seen in the trailers, so no spoiler) and some troopers. This would be a nice addition to the current line, and walkers always sell (unless they are incomplete...).

Nice, I like the picture&text review and this is an enjoyable example. I have a slightly different opinion on the set. I bought it because I wanted the officer figure with the new rank insignia plague. The speeder and the patrol troopers are fine, too, but how many of them does one need? Patrol troopers seem to be a rather minor branch of the ground forces, appearing in small numbers. (The movie might prove me wrong!). I do not need masses of them. (…yet). Thus I really do not consider it a classical army builder, I think it is more of a supplementary set for mocs or even a starter set from the Solo movie line. And as such I like it.

The Striker pilot who shoots down Antoc Merrick has those markings (as well as the TIE Fighter pilot who shoots down Red 5). They actually had quite some variations in the OT (credit to the 501st): Lego has recreated most of them faithfully.

I am not saying I believe the rumours are true, but the minifig selection for the Throne Room would make some sense and there are precedents: both Palpatine's Arrest and Final Duel came with all the necessary main characters (Palpatine, four Jedi, Anakin /// Palpatine, Vader, Luke, and some guards). Since Final Duel is discontinued, and since the throne room scene is so important to TLJ, and since we have seen similar sets with all the needed characters... well, it just makes sense. Of course that does not mean the rumour is valid.

Is there any way of upgrading the Shoretroopers with dual molded arms? I can see why the Captain got a full sandblue arm, but I'd prefer a dual mold of tan and sandblue. Also, perhaps, tan and red to represent the red part of the arm armour (rerebrace). I think a splash of red might look good with a mostly tan figure.

I still want a Republic Senate balcony set with Senators, Senate Guards (robes), and perhaps a Jedi. But what are the chances? The "civilian" senate is not a popular choice, neither are the Senate Guards, and PT/TCW-stuff is not exactly Disney's love. More realistically I too want Snoke's throne room with his Praetorians. Could be like Palpatine's Arrest or Final Duel with Rey, Kylo, Snoke, and two (or more) Preatorians. It's easy to imagine play features but I don't want to spoil.

Really nice! Thanks for sharing.

Ironically - unless my eyes deceive me - the set does come with wheels under its main body... The Scout Walker does look quite interesting though and I can't wait to see it in the movie. But the minifigs are bad; Hux does not even have a new body print, Stormtrooper and Resistance trooper are ok but bland, and I hate the technician (they really need to stop throwing them into random sets; I don't need a Stormtrooper-sized army of them). Re: Star Destroyer... ... the model looks nice enough from the outside, but folded out it looks a mess and has surprisingly limited space to play.