Hi all,

I'm looking to add one of my favourite Star Wars starships to my small Republic Army collection, the ARC-170, however, as the title alludes to, I am struggling to decide whether to pick up the first 7259 model, or the newer 8088.

Comparing pictures, and going through the review threads here, it doesn't seem like there's much in it aesthetically - however there are parts I like from both.

So what is the general consensus? What is the better model?

I'm looking at evaluating them on, aesthetics vs. screen accuracy, and general good design. I'm not worried about the Minifigs for comparison, as either way I'd get the newer type to go with it.

I'm even considering starting with 7259 and incorporating bits of 8088 I like (Or maybe the other way around!)

Thanks ^_^

Edited September 17, 201410 yr by MrLee

I'm a big fan of the 7259, especially due to the better portioned side engines. Take those away and there's not a lot of difference between the two...

The 7259 is the one I used for my variations of this vehicle. So my preference is clear

Mine is the 8088. It's nose seems better to me. But yeah, there isn't a lot of difference. Why don't you get LDD, and download both the LDD files for them, then have a look at it on there, maybe that'll help you decide better?

Thanks for the input guys.

@HJR-Holland Those variants look wicked.

@Fuppylodders That's not a bad idea, might do that later on.

I think I prefer the 7259 overall, but I'm being a bit put off by the S-Foil Mechanism, it just doesn't look as clean as 8088. I think that's what it's boiling down too at the moment. It's like Lego gave with one hand and took away with the other with 8088....

Edited September 17, 201410 yr by MrLee

honestly all the flaws in 7259 are fixed in 8088, but in place are new flaws. best version will be a modded one with the best elements of both combined. (canopies from 8088, engines from 7259, printed window from 7259, and which ever base chassis you like best)

I'm thinking of taking a punt on 7259, it doesn't look so bad with some really minor modifications. Mostly swapping those ghastly red technic ball joints, tweaking the canons, and tidying up the nose. 7259 is going at a much more reasonable price on the second hand market at the moment as well.

Thoughts? Was thinking of making some modifications to the rear portion of the engines as well (At the moment, I've only swapped the orange dishes for violet ones).

8088 without a doubt. Not as fragile, and all cockpits are hinged.

I'm for 8088 as well. The design looks far more streamlined, and you also get better figures.

8088 - no contest. Look at the awful nose on7259...

Having owned both within the span of my Lego collecting, I'd have to go with 8088 as well. While 7259 has printed parts and is a good throwback set, the newer 8088 is more streamlined and better for displaying purposes.

I liked 7259, with the printing and better engines Imo. I think those slight mods you made make it near perfect.

I have the latest version and i love it.maybe my top 3 set

Thanks for all of the feedback. Was not easy, but I picked up a used, but boxed 8088, 100% complete, for less than it retailed at launch, so all in all happy with my purchase. Also picked up another black helmet 8088 Clone Pilot for the third cockpit seat ^_^

Was the overwhelming majority in favour of 8088 that swung it in the end.