Review: 75003 A-Wing Starfighter

Set ID: 75003 A-Wing Starfighter

Number of Pieces: 177

Year of Release: 2013

Minifigs: 3

Purchased Price: About SGD45

Including this latest version, LEGO has released three versions of the A-Wing Starfighter since 2000 - Set 7134 in 2000, Set 6207 in 2006 and then this. Without the two earlier versions with me, I have to depend on the online pictures of these sets to be able to tell what exactly have been changed in the design of this small vehicle, and I have to say, quite a bit. It is quite difficult to tell the "A" shape of the wings (as the name implied) in the earlier versions but this latest edition has a much pointed nose to accentuate the pinnacle of the letter "A". Look wise, this is definitely a sleeker and streamlined improvement over its predecessors.

This year (2013), LEGO has revised the set codes from four to five digits. This is a sign that the company has produced too many themes and sets over the years and that warrant a longer set code, considering that all the sets in lego, regardless of theme and type, have their own unique codes. The box design (for Star Wars theme) has also been revised, with a green hue and a light saber wielding Yoda on the box. While I like the inclusion of Yoda, I cannot say the same for the green coloured theme. But I guess it goes well with the complexion of Yoda. Just my guess. Another subtle change to the box art is the way the minifigs are positioned - tilting a little to the side instead of the front facing posture in the previous versions. Any way, this A-Wing is officially my FIRST 2013 to be opened and built. Rancor Pit will follow soon ...

More "posey" minifigs design on the box

The A-Wing has evolved from a red-grey colour tone to the current red-white one. With these colours, it does remind me of the Jedi Starfighter, albeit being shorter and chunkier. As compared to the two earlier versions, this one has a much longer nose (around 10 studs long) to give it a more sleek looking profile.

The cockpit comes with a control panel (stickered!) and a sloping backrest that allows the pilot to recline slightly. Behind the cockpit is a removable "package" which I cannot determine the purpose. 

The front undercarriage can be retracted and tucked away seamlessly when the A-Wing is in flight. As a starfighter, the armoury include a pair of side-winding flick missiles on each of the wing. They certainly look more menacing than the missile designs seen in the earlier versions. 

"A" Sticker nightmare!

At 177 brick count, this A-wing should not take more than 30 minutes for an experienced builder. HOWEVER, if you factor in the time taken to apply the stickers, that could easily set you back by another 10 minutes or so.

For a small set, it is astonishing to find so many stickers in this set! Some of them are not easy to apply, especially those found on the tapering nose of the vehicle. The stickers are also not symmetrical, i.e. those on the right are not the same as those on the left, so extra attention will have to be given when applying them. To help identify the right stickers to apply, LEGO has designed the sticker sheet in such a way that all the stickers are printed relative to their positions on the vehicle. By doing this, it is easier for the builder (or paster ...) to remove the right stickers from the sticker sheet. Clever design, but still, I hate the stickers.

Godspeed!!

Minifigs

With every revision, the amount of details on the minifigs just get better and better. The improvement is epitomised by the new A-Wing pilot in this set. Nowadays, the printing on the minifigs are no longer limited to the torso piece. For the A-Wing pilot, the leg piece is also printed with dangling tubes and wire to reflect that of a real pilot suit. The helmet design is brand new and unique for this set and the amount of details on it are to die for! There is simply no contest if I pit it against the pilot helmets of the two earlier versions. The pilot head piece comes with two faces, one calm looking and the other a little flustered. Not sure what is he panicking about though?? He is also accessorised with a spanner, which is useful when he does his own A-Wing servicing upon return to base.

Admiral Ackbar first appeared in 2009 in the Home One set (7754), so no new surprises here. Not sure why does he have a beer mug in hand. Guess he is toasting to the safe return of the A-Wing?!? Hans Solo retains his smirk on the face and with more detailed torso and leg pieces. 

Conclusion

While I am pleased about the general improvements to this A-Wing, the downside to this set is undoubtedly, the stickers. With a more exciting summer coming up for collectors like me, this A-Wing will likely be relegated to a peripheral collection once the big players surface in a few months' time.