LEGO Star Wars 2009 Sets and Rumours

[ADHO15]

Despite the fact that it has it's own eyes and moves on it's own, for some reason, I think in Battlefront II it was, the NR-N99 was feat7ured as an available tank for you to hop in if you were playing as a battle droid. I think it was the third Nintendo DS rendering in which that was featured.

So blame the video game designers.

Battlefront I and II also featured 'hop in and drive' IG-227 Hailfire-class Tank Droids and OG-9 Homing Spider Droids, so that's nothing to go by as those are also automated.

If you've ever read The Revenge of the Sith visual dictionary, there is a section on large CIS droids. That is my source.

Ah, yes. I see that now.

The quote is:

'The circular-bodied automatons utilized early in the war were replaced by droid-piloted models, featuring superior firepower and targeting.'

Edited April 22, 2009 by ADHO15

[CopMike]

Famous words by KimT:

Stay On Target!!!!

CopMike

[Oky]

I hope that the CIS tank droid is able to be pulled back and let go to move or what ever its called. Because over here in little New Zealand it will cost so much!!

Yeah I doubt it. But there's a major typo there. I think he meant he hopes that the Tank is not a pull-back, because it would cost so much.

No, you read quite right. He wants it to have that feature so that he gets more for his money, and quite frankly I agree with him. It would be cool seeing it roll on its own, but I guess it's very unlikely that it will have this feature since treads don't have a lot of grip and nothing indicates that you are supposed to pull it back.

[KimT]

And now that the question of treads and pull back engines is out of the loop, let's get back to discussing the upcoming Star Wars sets and the rumors about them.

"Stay on Target!"

[slimninj4]

This new Midi MF looks great for me. For 50$ I know I would pick up two of them. One will go on my desk at work. As long as it is about 8x8 inches that would be perfect for my desk. I would like to have a midi ATAT too. I do not care much for mini figs in particular as I trade them off but this is great.

[ILikePi]

I would like to have a midi ATAT too.

I don't think that a Midi-scale AT-AT Walker set is going to be made, since the price of the AT-AT is $130 compared to the only currently availiable UCS Millenium Falcon, which costs $500 USD. But we can always hope!

By the way, what does "midi" even mean? Why not just use "mid"?

[The Who]

I don't think that a Midi-scale AT-AT Walker set is going to be made, since the price of the AT-AT is $130 compared to the only currently availiable UCS Millenium Falcon, which costs $500 USD. But we can always hope!

By the way, what does "midi" even mean? Why not just use "mid"?

I think they mean basically ''Mini,'' but with a 'D' rather than the 'N.'

As far as the Mid-Scale AT-AT, this isn't really the topic for discussing that, as it isn't a rumor or confirmed.

[fujikuro]

Ah, man. This is an absolute must buy, along with the Seperatist Shuttle, and Echo Base. The Home One set is something I'd probably avoid unless the price came down. I really don't need the A wing, as cool as it is.

Ewoks that are painted, a proper AT-ST, and the bunker... all so cool. The only wish I had would be for a real driver for the AT-ST, and an Imperial officer.

[starstreak]

http://www.starwars.com/vault/collecting/20090416.html

There's more info there, I hope this isn't a repeat. Here is a cut from it. August 1st and a Walmart only!

Fans of the galaxy's fastest "hunk of junk" can look forward to an all-new Midi-scale edition of Han Solo's legendary Millennium Falcon from The LEGO Group this summer, and only Walmart's getting them!

The 356-piece set includes rotating guns both top and bottom, and rotating radar dish. Of course, savvy LEGO builders can add their own "special modifications" to the hull -- this is LEGO building after all!

Jens Kronvold Frederiksen, a LEGO Design Manager working out of Billund, Denmark, is the artist behind the new Midi-scale Falcon, and answered a few of our questions about the upcoming kit:

What are the challenges of designing in the "Midi-Scale"? Did paring back the detail make it easier or more difficult to come up with a compelling design for the Falcon?

In general Midi-scale is good for building bigger vehicles. But some of the smaller details can be a challenge.

Are you restricted to a certain number of newly-tooled parts for these kits?

We are always restricted on new tooled elements on all sets! But here, as there are no minifigures with the model, there was no need for new tooled elements.

The pared-back "Midi" aesthetic feels fun and lends itself well to desktop display for grown-ups. Are these just for kids, or do you have the adult fan in mind as well?

The model is for both kids AND older collectors. The model has a good size for display, but it is also constructed so that it will not fall apart when playing. You might lose a brick or two if you reach point-five past lightspeed, though...

Look for the LEGO® all-new Midi-scale Millennium Falcon exclusively at Walmart starting August 1, and be sure to check out Walmart's LEGO shop here!

[Legoman]

Here's the article, thanks to Clone Commander Assassin:

Fans of the galaxy's fastest "hunk of junk" can look forward to an all-new Midi-scale edition of Han Solo's legendary Millennium Falcon from The LEGO Group this summer, and only Walmart's getting them!

The 356-piece set includes rotating guns both top and bottom, and rotating radar dish. Of course, savvy LEGO builders can add their own "special modifications" to the hull -- this is LEGO building after all!

Jens Kronvold Frederiksen, a LEGO Design Manager working out of Billund, Denmark, is the artist behind the new Midi-scale Falcon, and answered a few of our questions about the upcoming kit:

What are the challenges of designing in the "Midi-Scale"? Did paring back the detail make it easier or more difficult to come up with a compelling design for the Falcon?

In general Midi-scale is good for building bigger vehicles. But some of the smaller details can be a challenge.

Are you restricted to a certain number of newly-tooled parts for these kits?

We are always restricted on new tooled elements on all sets! But here, as there are no minifigures with the model, there was no need for new tooled elements.

The pared-back "Midi" aesthetic feels fun and lends itself well to desktop display for grown-ups. Are these just for kids, or do you have the adult fan in mind as well?

The model is for both kids AND older collectors. The model has a good size for display, but it is also constructed so that it will not fall apart when playing. You might lose a brick or two if you reach point-five past lightspeed, though...

Look for the LEGO® all-new Midi-scale Millennium Falcon exclusively at Walmart starting July 1!

LEGO®, the LEGO® logo, the Minifigure, and the Brick and Knob configurations are trademarks of the LEGO Group of Companies. © 2009 The LEGO Group. All rights reserved.

Looks pretty good IMO.

I also have no idea why the box art is CW style...

http://www.starwars.com/vault/collecting/20090416.html

There's more info there, I hope this isn't a repeat. Here is a cut from it. August 1st and a Walmart only!

Fans of the galaxy's fastest "hunk of junk" can look forward to an all-new Midi-scale edition of Han Solo's legendary Millennium Falcon from The LEGO Group this summer, and only Walmart's getting them!

The 356-piece set includes rotating guns both top and bottom, and rotating radar dish. Of course, savvy LEGO builders can add their own "special modifications" to the hull -- this is LEGO building after all!

Jens Kronvold Frederiksen, a LEGO Design Manager working out of Billund, Denmark, is the artist behind the new Midi-scale Falcon, and answered a few of our questions about the upcoming kit:

What are the challenges of designing in the "Midi-Scale"? Did paring back the detail make it easier or more difficult to come up with a compelling design for the Falcon?

In general Midi-scale is good for building bigger vehicles. But some of the smaller details can be a challenge.

Are you restricted to a certain number of newly-tooled parts for these kits?

We are always restricted on new tooled elements on all sets! But here, as there are no minifigures with the model, there was no need for new tooled elements.

The pared-back "Midi" aesthetic feels fun and lends itself well to desktop display for grown-ups. Are these just for kids, or do you have the adult fan in mind as well?

The model is for both kids AND older collectors. The model has a good size for display, but it is also constructed so that it will not fall apart when playing. You might lose a brick or two if you reach point-five past lightspeed, though...

Look for the LEGO® all-new Midi-scale Millennium Falcon exclusively at Walmart starting August 1, and be sure to check out Walmart's LEGO shop here!

That article has changed

[starstreak]

Sorry, as I mentioned, I didn't see any post about article. Sorry for the repost.

Looks pretty good IMO.

I also have no idea why the box art is CW style...

That article has changed

[Legoman]

Sorry, as I mentioned, I didn't see any post about article. Sorry for the repost.

No probs, the fact you did brought the fact that the release date has changed to my attention!

[Legoman]

I Decided this is worthy of a double post.

New pics/info on 7754 Mon Calamari Star Cruiser

2009 marks the 10th anniversary of LEGO® Star Wars sets, and to celebrate, Toys R Us is releasing an exclusive new set consisting of the control room and repair hangar from Admiral Ackbar's Rebel flagship, Home One!

Included in the set will be an A-wing fighter and six mini-figures: Admiral Ackbar, Mon Calamari, Mon Mothma, General Lando Calrissian, General Madine and A-wing Pilot.

Moving features also abound: On the command bridge, Admiral Ackbar can move and rotate on his seat controlled by a stick; in the hangar, the crane can lift out the engine from the A-wing fighter, tools can be hidden in the floor compartments, and the fighter can be moved and rotated with a long stick. The A-wing fighter sports opening cockpit, fold-up front landing gear, and opening rear doors that access the engine and two flick missiles. Whew!

We asked the set's designer, Jens Kronvold Frederiksen, a few questions about the exclusive Mon Calamari Star Cruiser:

The packaging states this is a "fan's choice" edition. Can you elaborate?

Very early in the development process we decided to ask our consumers what model we should make to celebrate LEGO Star Wars' 10th anniversary. TRU was our partner in that process. We prepared three concept visuals representing three very different and very iconic Star Wars models and scenes. TRU posted those concept visuals on their web site and consumers in the US and Germany voted for their favorite.

After the voting process, we asked LEGO fans for more specific input -- i.e. what functions and characters should be included in the ideal model? With this quantitative and qualitative input, the Mon Calamari set has been created. It's exclusive and available only at TRU. This was a very new and very interesting process for us. Something we might do again in the future.

It appears many of these mini-figures are new -- I don't think I've seen most of these expressed in LEGO form before.

Actually all the mini-figures except the A-wing pilot are brand new!

Combining the control room and hangar into a single set really seems to enhance the play value here. Was the set always to include the two, or did it evolve to include one or the other?

The idea was to include the most exciting areas from the Home One, therefore we planned to include command room, briefing room and the hangar from the beginning.

It looks like there's quite a few newly-tooled pieces made specifically for this set -- can you share specifics for those LEGO enthusiasts who like to keep track of new pieces?

There are some existing LEGO pieces molded in new colors, but the new molded element in the set is the Mon Calamari head used for Ackbar and the crew member.

Can you share your favorite features of this set?

I like it all! I think the A-wing in new colors and especially the control room with Ackbar's turning chair are cool!

Is there any chance we can get a special edition Ackbar figure with a sound chip that says "It's a trap!"?

Well I doubt that it is possible to put a sound chip inside a mini-figure! And to be honest, I would prefer a lot of LEGO bricks instead of an expensive sound chip. I prefer to say "It's a trap" myself.

Look for the LEGO Star Wars Mon Calamari Star Cruiser exclusively at Toys R Us this August, and be sure to check out the Toys R Us LEGO page here!

LEGO®, the LEGO® logo, the Minifigure, and the Brick and Knob configurations are trademarks of the LEGO Group of Companies. © 2009 The LEGO Group. All rights reserved.

Edited April 23, 2009 by legoman

[Clone OPatra]

Three words: That. Is. Awesome.

However, I still have a few quibbles with this set. First, is the Death Star really a Tridax pod? It looks ok, but I feel like they could have afforded to make a special Death Star piece for this set. Second, I think the use of CW Anakin's hair for Mon Mothma is not so great. I mean, it works ok, but the very "plastic" style of the CW hair pieces does not fit in with the rest of the non-CW characters, if you know what I mean.

I also noticed that Lando has a gun in the second picture. Why would he need a gun here? That doesn't actually bother me though, just a question.

EDIT: Oh my gosh! I just saw again that it comes with a white cape! I have been waiting so long for that!

Edited April 23, 2009 by Clone O'Patra

[Millacol88]

Three words: That. Is. Awesome.

However, I still have a few quibbles with this set. First, is the Death Star really a Tridax pod? It looks ok, but I feel like they could have afforded to make a special Death Star piece for this set. Second, I think the use of CW Anakin's hair for Mon Mothma is not so great. I mean, it works ok, but the very "plastic" style of the CW hair pieces does not fit in with the rest of the non-CW characters, if you know what I mean.

I also noticed that Lando has a gun in the second picture. Why would he need a gun here? That doesn't actually bother me though, just a question.

EDIT: Oh my gosh! I just saw again that it comes with a white cape! I have been waiting so long for that!

Agreed there. Definitely all of this years OT sets are must-haves. I hope they can keep in up into 2010.

[daxflame680]

$110 for 798 pieces. I really hope they change that.

[diabloiij]

$110 for 798 pieces. I really hope they change that.

hey, consider the price for one chrome mini fig can reach the high $80, $110 is not so bad after all.

[ILikePi]

Whoa, thanks for finding those pictures of the Home One set. The box art looks amazing IMO.

The minifigures also look amazing and highly detailed, and it's not a CW set!

The bad thing for me is that I'm probably not going to get it, unless I don't get the Venator or something...but that probably won't happen. The Home One set just seems (and is) too small, and I would rather pay $10 more for a set with around 400 more pieces.

EDIT: Starstreak and legoman, thanks for posting the change in date for the Millenium Falcon/the article, even though I posted the article here first.

Time to save these pictures to my computer...

Link to the article, thanks to FBTB.net:

http://www.starwars.com/vault/collecting/20090416b.html

Edited April 24, 2009 by ILikePi

[soc399]

$110 for 798 pieces. I really hope they change that.

Is it definitely going to cost $110? I was hoping it would be $100 at TRU and $90 from S@H.

[ILikePi]

Is it definitely going to cost $110? I was hoping it would be $100 at TRU and $90 from S@H.

TRU is probably even going to increase the price beyond the MSRP price...like they always do. So, in the words of Admiral Ackbar:

It's a trap!

Edited April 24, 2009 by ILikePi

[daxflame680]

hey, consider the price for one chrome mini fig can reach the high $80, $110 is not so bad after all.

Ummm, I wasn't talking about the Chrome Vader. I don't even understand your comment.

Is it definitely going to cost $110? I was hoping it would be $100 at TRU and $90 from S@H.

It said $110 at the Toy Fair

[Erdbeereis]

Thanks for the new pics!

I believe that it will be 110 at TRU, and 100 at S@H... Not a great price, but I think it's still worth it.

[ILikePi]

Ummm, I wasn't talking about the Chrome Vader. I don't even understand your comment.

His comment meant something like this:

Considering that the price for a chrome Vader minifigure can go to around $80, $110 isn't really a bad deal.

I agree with diabloij.

EDIT: I also agree with Erdbeereis; the price isn't that good, but still worth it for the new (!) minfigures and stuff.

Edited April 24, 2009 by ILikePi

[Legoman]

EDIT: And starstreak, thanks for posting the change in date for the Millenium Falcon, even though I posted the article here first.

Time to save these pictures to my computer...

Hey! I was the one that found the difference

EDIT II: Here's the article for those lazy people... :

2009 marks the 10th anniversary of LEGO® Star Wars sets, and to celebrate, Toys R Us is releasing an exclusive new set consisting of the control room and repair hangar from Admiral Ackbar's Rebel flagship, Home One!

Included in the set will be an A-wing fighter and six mini-figures: Admiral Ackbar, Mon Calamari, Mon Mothma, General Lando Calrissian, General Madine and A-wing Pilot.

Moving features also abound: On the command bridge, Admiral Ackbar can move and rotate on his seat controlled by a stick; in the hangar, the crane can lift out the engine from the A-wing fighter, tools can be hidden in the floor compartments, and the fighter can be moved and rotated with a long stick. The A-wing fighter sports opening cockpit, fold-up front landing gear, and opening rear doors that access the engine and two flick missiles. Whew!

We asked the set's designer, Jens Kronvold Frederiksen, a few questions about the exclusive Mon Calamari Star Cruiser:

The packaging states this is a "fan's choice" edition. Can you elaborate?

Very early in the development process we decided to ask our consumers what model we should make to celebrate LEGO Star Wars' 10th anniversary. TRU was our partner in that process. We prepared three concept visuals representing three very different and very iconic Star Wars models and scenes. TRU posted those concept visuals on their web site and consumers in the US and Germany voted for their favorite.

After the voting process, we asked LEGO fans for more specific input -- i.e. what functions and characters should be included in the ideal model? With this quantitative and qualitative input, the Mon Calamari set has been created. It's exclusive and available only at TRU. This was a very new and very interesting process for us. Something we might do again in the future.

It appears many of these mini-figures are new -- I don't think I've seen most of these expressed in LEGO form before.

Actually all the mini-figures except the A-wing pilot are brand new!

Combining the control room and hangar into a single set really seems to enhance the play value here. Was the set always to include the two, or did it evolve to include one or the other?

The idea was to include the most exciting areas from the Home One, therefore we planned to include command room, briefing room and the hangar from the beginning.

It looks like there's quite a few newly-tooled pieces made specifically for this set -- can you share specifics for those LEGO enthusiasts who like to keep track of new pieces?

There are some existing LEGO pieces molded in new colors, but the new molded element in the set is the Mon Calamari head used for Ackbar and the crew member.

Can you share your favorite features of this set?

I like it all! I think the A-wing in new colors and especially the control room with Ackbar's turning chair are cool!

Is there any chance we can get a special edition Ackbar figure with a sound chip that says "It's a trap!"?

Well I doubt that it is possible to put a sound chip inside a mini-figure! And to be honest, I would prefer a lot of LEGO bricks instead of an expensive sound chip. I prefer to say "It's a trap" myself.

Look for the LEGO Star Wars Mon Calamari Star Cruiser exclusively at Toys R Us this August, and be sure to check out the Toys R Us LEGO page here!

LEGO®, the LEGO® logo, the Minifigure, and the Brick and Knob configurations are trademarks of the LEGO Group of Companies. © 2009 The LEGO Group. All rights reserved.

Ummm, I already posted that just a few posts up the page

Edited April 24, 2009 by legoman

[RileyC]

i cant wait for the Mon Calamari Set!! 5 new Minifigs thats awesome and a white cape. I like the Mon Calamari's and Admiral Ackbar's heads and their torsos. I like the box art with the second death star and yavin 4 in the background!