LEGO Star Wars 2001

2001 had one of the smallest release of LEGO Star Wars building sets. This is not surprising, since it had been two years since Episode 1:The Phantom Menace was out in theaters and Episode 2: Attack of the Clones would not be opening until the following year. These sets would focus on Episode 1 and the original trilogy.

Item #: 7126
Affiliation: Episode I
Ages: 7-12
Pieces: 133
Minifigures:

1. Pilot Battle Droid
2. Battle Droid (6)

Inspired from The Phantom Menace this vehicle and seven droids allows you to recreate the overwhelming numbers the trade federation relied upon because battle droids are the few things in the Star Wars universe that had worse aim than a Stormtrooper. When this set was released, the Pilot Battle Droid was an exclusive variation. However, the rack was the same one used for the Trade Federation MTT (7184) set released the previous year.

Item #: 7106
Affiliation: Episode IV
Ages: 6-12
Pieces: 45
Minifigures:

1. C-3PO
2. R2-D2

This set lets you build the escape pod C-3PO and R2-D2 used to flee Tantive IV, when the Empire boarded the vessel and captured Princess Leia. C-3PO and R2-D2 minifigures are included but the technical readouts to the Death Star are not. Luckily the assembly directions are enclosed inside. Just make sure you don’t leave any parts laying around for a Stormtrooper to find (or your mom).

Item #: 7127
Affiliation: Episode VI
Ages: 7-12
Pieces: 107
Minifigures:

1. Chewbacca

This box set recreates the scene where Chewbacca and the Ewoks commandeer an Imperial AT-ST Walker in the Battle of Endor. This would be the third set to include Chewbacca but the Ewoks would have to wait till next year before they would be included in a set. We will just have to pretend they are inside the walker.

Item #: 7166
Affiliation: Episode VI
Ages: 8-12
Pieces: 238
Minifigures:

1. Emperor Palpatine
2. Imperial Pilot
3. Royal Guards (2)

The imperial shuttle would make many appearance within the Star Wars Universe. However, this set comes from the first time audience members would meet the Emperor in person as he arrives on the Death Star II, escorted by his royal guards. Make sure to double your efforts and get this set built quickly. The Emperor is not as forgiving as Darth Vader. Gulp!

Item #: 7146
Affiliation: Episodes IV-VI
Ages: 7-12
Pieces: 171
Minifigures:

1. TIE Pilot
2. Stormtrooper

The TIE fighter is the main starfighter used in the Imperial Fleet and Stormtroopers are the backbone of the Imperial Army. Yet, this would be the first time LEGO would release the standard TIE Fighter or a Stormtrooper minifigure. Unlike the Kenner toys, this TIE fighter opens from the front to put the pilot in the cockpit. Considering all the weapons I lost in my TIE Fighter as a kid, this makes a lot of sense.

Item #: 7186
Affiliation: Episodes I
Ages: 8-12
Pieces: 446
Minifigures:

1. Watto
2. Aldar Beedo

Inspired by Watto’s scrap yard in which Qui-Gon Jinn goes searching for parts to a J-type 327 Nubian Starship and ends up finding Anakin Skywalker. There is no T-14 generator for a damaged hyperdrive but it does come with Aldar Beedo and Mawhonic’s podracers. It is important for LEGO to design as many podracers as possible since this race was such a pivotal and LONG part of The Phantom Menace.

With a name like ULTIMATE COLLECTOR’S SET you can expect something big and that is exactly what they are. These sets are larger, more detailed, and you guessed it more expensive than other LEGO building sets. Aimed at an older audience, they are designed with display rather than play in mind. However, you can do whatever you want with them. Typically they come with display stands, so all you have to do is find some empty space.

Item #: 10018
Affiliation: Episode I
Ages: 14+
Pieces: 1868
Minifigures: 0

At 1’5” tall, when fully assembled, this bust NOT butt of Darth Maul makes for an excellent LEGO display. With some great details you can tell your friends that this is what you picked up after Obi-Wan Kenobi sliced him in half. This set was only available until 2002.

Item #: 10019
Affiliation: Episode IV
Ages: 14+
Pieces: 1748
Minifigures: 0

Back in 1977, before the opening crawl, people had no idea what to expect. There had been plenty of science fiction films before but when the Tantive IV was being chased by an even larger Imperial Star Destroyer, audiences knew they were about to witness an epic space adventure. It is fitting that LEGO should release the Corellian Corvette as an Ultimate Collector’s Set. This massive model had to be assembled in three parts and needed two display stands to hold it up.

Designed for the expert builder, these LEGO sets are usually for older children/adults. Used to create mechanical toys and machines that can move, Technic sets use beams, connectors, axles, gears, and pegs.

Item #: 8007
Affiliation: All
Ages: 9+
Pieces: 341
Minifigures: 0

This set allows you to build the most famous protocol droid in the entire Star Wars Galaxy. There are lots of fun details from the movies included in this model. The right lower leg is grey and the head and arm can be detached from the body, just like when he was shot on Cloud City in The Empire Strikes Back. The Technic Stormtrooper, released the same year, launches a rocket that can activate the button to have him explode.

Item #: 8008
Affiliation: Episodes IV-VI
Ages: 9+
Pieces: 361
Minifigures: 0

Stormtroopers were an elite group of soldiers for the Galactic Empire, who couldn’t hit a stationary target. Luckily they were outfitted in an armor that is inadequate for protecting them from even the most primitive weapons made of sticks and stones. At least names will never hurt them.
The arms, legs, and head on this model are posable. Each set came with a rocket launcher and was armed with one missile. That is all an elite Stormtrooper needs (Before he is shot). The set also came with an orange plate that could be put on his shoulder, if you wanted to promote him to squad leader.

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Watching Star Wars way too many times.