bjorn77 Posted April 11, 2013 Posted April 11, 2013 Hi, I'm thinking of buying the 8129 AT-AT Walker as an addition to my (quite recent) collection of SW OT vehicles. The price for a new, sealed set is around ~USD 280 which is about three times the retail price when it was released. I've looked at the various discussions in this forum as well as reviews and it seems like a decent set. I like the looks of it better than the previous two Lego AT-AT's. Now if this would have been released in 2007 or if it was the only AT-AT so far, I would probably be cool and wait for the next version. But seeing that this is the third incarnation and released as late as 2010, I have a feeling I could be waiting for a long time. So what do you think, is it worth spedning the $280 on this 800 pcs set? How fun is the build? It's a classic vehicle and I'd love to have it my small collection. So far I have 7965 MF, 9493 X-Wing and 9492 Tie Fighter. All classics. Quote
Werlu Ulcur Posted April 11, 2013 Posted April 11, 2013 For a SW fan, specially of the OT, I would say an AT-AT is a must have. Compared to the other versions I think this one is the best, and I had a great time building mine. It's not perfect (what Lego set is?), but I think it's "good enough" in terms of a stock set. But is it worth $280? Only you can say. I bought mine when it was cheaper, but if I didn't have an AT-AT yet, I would be very tempted to get one now even at 280 bucks. Probably the price will only go up, and I doubt Lego will release a new version. Quote
inquisitor88 Posted April 11, 2013 Posted April 11, 2013 I have one, it's must have for fan's collection, but not for this money. $280 is too much for this set, search bricklink for best price. Quote
HJR-Holland Posted April 12, 2013 Posted April 12, 2013 Prices for a 4483 have dropped considerably in the last two years; I'd go for that one instead, especially if you won't re-use the parts (the 4483 is in old-grey) Quote
bjorn77 Posted April 12, 2013 Author Posted April 12, 2013 Prices for a 4483 have dropped considerably in the last two years; I'd go for that one instead, especially if you won't re-use the parts (the 4483 is in old-grey) For what reasons do you prefer 4483 over 8129? Although 8129 looks a bit cheaper than 4483, it also seems to be the most accurate of all the Lego AT-AT's... Quote
HJR-Holland Posted April 12, 2013 Posted April 12, 2013 For what reasons do you prefer 4483 over 8129? Although 8129 looks a bit cheaper than 4483, it also seems to be the most accurate of all the Lego AT-AT's... Errr... sentimental reasons? For me the 8129 is great, but the 4483 is epic. It was LEGO's first proper Walker, a huge set when it came out, came totally unexpected, and was the granddaddy of all the LEGO walkers you see these days. It's a set so nice, I bought it twice! (I do have all the other variants as well) Quote
bjorn77 Posted April 12, 2013 Author Posted April 12, 2013 Errr... sentimental reasons? For me the 8129 is great, but the 4483 is epic. It was LEGO's first proper Walker, a huge set when it came out, came totally unexpected, and was the granddaddy of all the LEGO walkers you see these days. It's a set so nice, I bought it twice! (I do have all the other variants as well) Yeah, but if I don't have sentimental leanings towards any of the two, which one should I go for? Is there any other reason to choose 4483? Quote
jmagaletta Posted April 12, 2013 Posted April 12, 2013 I have it and I love it. The build is fun and enjoyable besides having the do the legs 4 times. Comes with a great set a Minifigs also. I also bought mine after it had run its course. I dont't know how attached you are on getting a NIB or 100% complete. But i got mine 100% complete with no box for half of what you are saying. Now i am not too attached with having the box. But i would say look for that route. Here is an example http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lego-Star-Wars-AT-AT-Walker-8129-COMPLETE-/281090950729?pt=Building_Toys_US&hash=item4172538649 You can sometimes get good prices for best offers on ebay. Quote
mutley777 Posted April 12, 2013 Posted April 12, 2013 This picture should show you just how much better the old 4483 AT-AT is compared to the latest one. I own all of the minifig AT-AT's and 4483 is by far the best and most movie accurate. http://www.flickr.co.../in/photostream Quote
Lobot Posted April 13, 2013 Posted April 13, 2013 I'm probably in the minority here, but I don't really like the 8129 version. I ordered one just as it was discontinued and was very dissapointed when I built it; it just looked like it was an 'economy' version and could have done with another 200 parts to finish it!! It had a nice selection of minifigures, but was seriously overpriced and I quickly sold it on. 4483 is more accurate but I still prefer 10178...it might not be that pretty but it walks!! :wub: Quote
Brickadeer Posted April 13, 2013 Posted April 13, 2013 (edited) I don't like the model, and I wouldn't spend that much money on the set. I'm very, very sure that Lego will release an AT-AT rather sooner than later. Edited April 13, 2013 by Brickadeer Quote
bjorn77 Posted April 13, 2013 Author Posted April 13, 2013 I don't like the model, and I wouldn't spend that much money on the set. I'm very, very sure that Lego will release an AT-AT rather sooner than later. I doubt Lego will release a new AT-AT before the new movie is out. 2010 is only three years ago, and that was the third version. Maybe in a couple of years, if we're lucky. And in the meantime, 8129 is better than nothing. I realized I can actually get a new sealed for < $200 from bricklink. I will add a few mod parts, like printed discs for the legs, and then I have something I can live with until the ultimate Lego AT-AT is released :) Quote
Phoib Posted April 13, 2013 Posted April 13, 2013 4483 is more accurate but I still prefer 10178...it might not be that pretty but it walks!! :wub: Just to echo, that not much is more awesome than a walking AT-AT, scaring your cat away Quote
TheDarkness Posted April 14, 2013 Posted April 14, 2013 I was very disappointed when I saw it. It isn't up to the level of quality as the two previous ones IMO I'm probably in the minority here, but I don't really like the 8129 version. I ordered one just as it was discontinued and was very dissapointed when I built it; it just looked like it was an 'economy' version and could have done with another 200 parts to finish it!! It had a nice selection of minifigures, but was seriously overpriced and I quickly sold it on. 4483 is more accurate but I still prefer 10178...it might not be that pretty but it walks!! :wub: Quote
bjorn77 Posted April 14, 2013 Author Posted April 14, 2013 (edited) In the end I got what I consider a nice deal on a new 8129 for 1300 SEK, which is only 200 SEK more than it was retailed for here in Sweden (and the same price as the 7965 Millennium Falcon). While the 4483 has more detail and wow factor, I prefer the new colors of 8129 and I also feel the proportions are spot on. The 4483's head looks a bit too bulky and the legs are too short compared to the body size. The 8129 minifigs also won me over. Additionally, I ordered the printed discs for the knee and hip joints used in 4483 (but in bley) as well as few other parts that I think will make it look less cheap. Will post a picture once it's built and modded. Edited April 14, 2013 by bjorn77 Quote
TheLegoDr Posted April 15, 2013 Posted April 15, 2013 I have never seen the earlier versions before, so that was interesting seeing how much bigger the original set was compared to the latest one. I was considering just bricklinking/building the latest one instead of trying to buy one. But now I almost want the original in the new colors... Good job finding the set you want. I'm sure they will release another one in the future. Iconic SW vehicles are what sells the theme and new fans keeping buying into it all the time so they want to have important sets readily available. I can't predict when a new one will come out, but I'm sure they will eventually. I may wait for that also since I'm only a casual SW fan. Quote
Flipz Posted April 15, 2013 Posted April 15, 2013 I have never seen the earlier versions before, so that was interesting seeing how much bigger the original set was compared to the latest one. I was considering just bricklinking/building the latest one instead of trying to buy one. But now I almost want the original in the new colors... Same here. Perhaps this would make an interesting "Progress" build, sort of like how some people have done the UCS Falcon? *hint hint* Quote
coffeeandcake Posted April 15, 2013 Posted April 15, 2013 i own the original 4483, and i must say it is an amazing model and looks really good. it is bigger, and looks bulkier and more armoured than the 8129. it also has printed pieces rather than stickers, and comes with the bonus snow speeder bike. the build was fun, but at times tedious, especially the 4 legs. that said, the downside is the range of movement for the legs is more limited compared to the 8129, and of course, the biggest disappointment with it is the fragility, especially the head. it came apart quite a few times during the build process and is quite fragile even to pose and move. i don't have the 8129 to compare build-wise, so i cant tell you its strengths or weaknesses, but i always thought the 8129 looked like the 4483 on a diet. Quote
ISDAvenger Posted April 15, 2013 Posted April 15, 2013 I have three....one built and the other two still MIB. I think it is a worthy buy. I think the 10178 is a lot better.....I had a huge grin watching it walk for the first time. Quote
bjorn77 Posted April 15, 2013 Author Posted April 15, 2013 A walking UCS AT-AT - that would probably be the ultimate lego set, all categories. I probably wouldn't need any other set if that ever happened. Quote
SpacySmoke Posted April 16, 2013 Posted April 16, 2013 If you're going for accuracy, 4483 is the one to get. After getting 8129, I was a bit let down that it doesn't look as good and the non-printed leg joints make it look a bit plainer than it should. However, 8129 is still a great set and they did improve the build so that it is much sturdier than 4483. If I had the choice though, I'd buy more 4483's every time. Quote
mutley777 Posted April 16, 2013 Posted April 16, 2013 I think I took this picture back in 2004-2005. The knee joint on the latest AT-AT are to far up compared to the movie version it is higher than middle of the leg! The main body is to small and head...well just looks awful! In this picture you can surely see how much better the old one was guys! http://www.flickr.co...in/photostream/ Quote
Galaxy Explorer Posted April 16, 2013 Posted April 16, 2013 Nice display, mutley! I love seeing sets from the same "era" together. It reminds me of the store displays from the LEGO Imagination Center at the Mall of America. Regarding the 2010 AT-AT, I must say that to me it looked a little off- the non-printed dishes were a big disappointment, and it was generally lacking any Wow Factor. When I first saw pictures of 4483 ten years ago I was stunned. It was huge! Over a thousand pieces! New Snowtrooper figures! And a speeder bike as well! I had wanted an AT-AT since 1999 and LEGO really delivered. This set became my favorite Star Wars set of all, and still is. The 2007 version, although visually inaccurate, walked, and that was good enough for me. It's a real treat showing it off to friends, too. For whatever reason I never picked up the 2010 set, which is strange because AT-AT Walkers are my favorite vehicle in Star Wars. I guess it just didn't impress me enough to jump right on it. I would imagine if I actually had one and built it my opinion might change. I would welcome a new, updated System-scale AT-AT in 2014. Something closer to 4483 in design and piece count, with a 6-8 minifigs and a Rebel Turret. The Snowspeeder in Battle of Hoth needs an opponent! Quote
bjorn77 Posted April 30, 2013 Author Posted April 30, 2013 I just gotta add that I am very pleased with buying the 8129 walker. Definetely my favorite SW set so far. Works very well with the 75014 Battle of Hoth. I did a few minor modifications like adding printed discs for knee and hip joints, making the hips a little wider, decreasing the back slope by one stud (visible in the 2nd photo) and adding round grey 1x1 bricks as bolts on the lower end of the legs (to hide the blue technic pegs). The model is very sturdy, which I really like like. The only slightly fragile spot is the armor plates on the lower mid-section body. But that was very easy to fix by adding round 2x2 bricks on the backside. I'm super happy :) http://s12.postimg.org/l98br8kz1/DSC00916.jpg http://s21.postimg.org/by5gyy407/DSC00918.jpg Quote
rubberninja Posted May 4, 2013 Posted May 4, 2013 (edited) I would love a re-release of this set Edited May 4, 2013 by rubberninja Quote
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