Ever imagined what a Starwars hot rod would look like as a speeder? Well, they’ve made one for us... It’s time to take Han Solo’s landspeeder out for a spin. Let’s hope this bucket of bolts can hold it together for one last hurrah.
Han Solo’s landspeeder is an odd looking contraption. From one side it looks sleek and stylish, curved and slick... then from the other it’s a striped back industrial hunk of junk held together by spit wads, Sellotape and hope.
If you spent a long long time ago gawking mystified at the asymmetry of the Millennium Falcon, you’ll find this speeder design equally complexing. Lego has faithfully recreated the movie's design, now all that’s left is for us OCD Lego types to somehow embrace the oddity of the original concept... or give it to our kids and let them figure out what happened.
The building experience is equally interesting and scenic. The model is crafted in a satisfying multi-directional Rubix-like experience. Lego lets you dig into the bones of the speeder, building up the cockpit, engine bay, motor and panelling like a true ABS mechanic. Each section reveals itself from side-along as well as ground-up. When you plug in what you imagine is a power source you feel a sense of achievement that this little beaut' has almost been custom made. Throw the wrench into its tool box and slam down the bonnet, you’re ready to go.
Han and Qi'ra hoik themselves up and into the speeder and slam down the ignition switch in their surprisingly detailed interior cockpit. Will Han's speeder start in time to allude the trailing Imperial battle patrol or Molochʼs Landspeeder? Of course, it will... what are the odds of Han's speeder being better than either of those two complimentary sets? ... Never tell me the odds.
Hans speeder glides away in the nick of time on expertly hidden tiny rim wheels which I much prefer to the levitating clear rounded pads that Luke's speeder rode upon. The wheels provide an engine sound that rubber tires would not have done. Despite the perplexing asymmetrical design the speeder is balanced well. The ride experience is satisfying as the speeder launches into a corner drift leaving the Corellian Hound yapping at your heels.
There’s plenty of fantasy built in for play. A rear hatch pops open to reveal a fuel source, the under carriage has dual spring-loaded shooters for defence, but all the real action is under the hood with an engine compartment full of things to tinker with. It’s well priced for what you can do with what you get. The navy colour scheme lined with white pleasantly echoes Han’s Hot outfit.
All in all, this is one cool ‘scruffy-lookin’ speeder."
"Tongue-tied to find better words to describe this beautiful model.
Sleek, strong, swish-able, stable, this model hits the sweet spot between gorgeous display model and tough playset. I guess you could say that it’s ruggedly handsome.
Enjoyable to build, you’re taken through a playful angular juggle as you construct the cockpit around various angles. Assembling the twin bow-tie solar arrays are also enjoyable for a first-time experience whilst not becoming tedious to reproduce on the other side. They attach with a satisfying click and you’re good to go!
Inserting the pilot is much easier to do than previous Tie variations as the cockpit opens from the front and top. Also, the clip on the steering yoke holds the pilot in much more securely than previous models. You can feel your enthusiasm mounting just like a trainee pilot fresh out of the imperial academy.
Off you go and the first thing you notice is how well balanced the model is. Tie’s were meant to be light and manoeuvrable and this model holds up to the specifications. You can fly this eyeball with one hand tied behind your back; spinning is an ease and the ship makes a pleasing silhouette and framing when flown.
The model sits very securely on its wings and is easily able to navigate being perched up high on wobbly shelves. I found the first order tie rather bulky compared to this slightly lighter version. The classic black colour scheme makes the wings feel less bulky. Lego have done a great job in bringing out many of the classical design elements of a 40-year-old spaceship design.
I found the price a bit steep, but on a slight store discount you’ll get great satisfaction for your purchase. This one will stay out on display so even though the box might not contain a trove of parts or volume to the model itself, this tie is a definite keeper.