LEGO 75347 TIE Bomber: Star Wars Set Review
Hey Star Wars fans and LEGO builders! Today, we're diving deep into a seriously cool set that just dropped: the LEGO 75347 TIE Bomber from the iconic Star Wars universe. If you're anything like me, the sight of a TIE Bomber always brings a thrill, and this LEGO version is no exception. This set, guys, is a fantastic addition to any collection, whether you're a seasoned LEGO master builder or just dipping your toes into the galaxy far, far away. We're going to break down everything you need to know about this build, from the minifigures to the play features, and see if it's worth adding to your hangar. So grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let's explore the mighty TIE Bomber!
A Blast from the Past: The Iconic TIE Bomber
First off, let's talk about the star of the show: the TIE Bomber itself. This isn't just any spaceship; it's a pivotal piece of Imperial hardware that played a crucial role in many Star Wars battles. For those who might not be familiar, the TIE Bomber is distinguishable by its unique hexagonal cockpit and the two large cylindrical pods attached to the sides, which typically house proton bombs or missiles. Unlike its more common TIE Fighter cousins, the Bomber was designed for attack runs, delivering devastating payloads. Its distinctive silhouette has made it a fan favorite for decades, appearing in classic films like The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, as well as in numerous video games and expanded universe stories. The LEGO Group has given us TIE Bombers before, but each iteration brings something new to the table, and the 75347 set aims to capture the essence of this legendary craft with modern building techniques and LEGO’s ever-evolving design philosophy. It’s more than just a toy; it’s a piece of Star Wars history brought to life in brick form, ready for display or action-packed play. The challenge for LEGO designers is always to translate the sleek, often complex, designs of starships into sturdy, recognizable, and playable models, and the 75347 TIE Bomber certainly seems to hit the mark.
What's Inside the Box? Unboxing and Minifigures
Alright, let's get down to business and see what treasures await inside the box of the LEGO 75347 TIE Bomber. Opening up a new LEGO set is always an exciting moment, right? You get that satisfying crack of the seal, the scent of new plastic, and the promise of hours of creative fun. This set comes with a decent number of pieces, offering a good building experience without being overwhelmingly large. But the real excitement for many collectors lies in the minifigures. This set includes a total of three minifigures, and they are absolutely brilliant! We get an Imperial TIE Bomber Pilot, which is a fantastic new design – the detailing on the helmet and torso is top-notch, really capturing that classic Imperial pilot look with a fresh twist. Alongside the pilot, there's an Imperial ground crew member, complete with tools and a little display stand, adding a nice touch of realism and playability for ground operations. But the absolute showstopper is the inclusion of Darth Vader! Yes, you heard that right, the Dark Lord himself is here, sporting a brand-new cape design that looks absolutely menacing. Having Vader in a TIE Bomber set is a significant draw, as he often commanded these ships or was involved in key missions where they were deployed. The minifigures alone make this set a compelling purchase for many fans, offering great display value and opportunities for imaginative storytelling. These aren't just simple figures; they're mini works of art that bring the Star Wars universe to life on your desk.
Building the Beast: The Construction Process
Now, let's talk about the actual building process for the LEGO 75347 TIE Bomber. LEGO sets are known for their engaging construction, and this one is no different. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, typical of modern LEGO sets, with numbered bags corresponding to different stages of the build. What's really neat about this set is how LEGO has managed to translate the iconic shape of the TIE Bomber into bricks. You start by building the central cockpit, which is a surprisingly sturdy structure. Then, you move on to constructing the two distinctive engine pods and the bomb-dropping mechanism. The way the hexagonal cockpit is assembled using various plates and slopes is quite ingenious, giving it that authentic look. The engine pods, with their detailing and the iconic solar panels (represented by printed tiles, which is a nice touch), are built separately and then attached to the main body. One of the coolest features during the build is the inclusion of a bomb-dropping function. LEGO has integrated a clever mechanism that allows you to load the included torpedoes (or 'bombs') and then release them with the push of a lever or a simple mechanism. This adds a fantastic element of playability that really brings the ship to life. The build itself is moderately challenging, making it enjoyable for both younger builders (with a bit of help perhaps) and adult fans. It’s not overly complex, but there are enough interesting building techniques to keep you engaged. You’ll be using a variety of SNOT (Studs Not On Top) techniques and clever part usage to achieve the smooth curves and angles of the real ship. It’s a rewarding process that culminates in a visually impressive model that feels solid and well-constructed, ready for whatever your imagination throws at it.
Features and Playability: Bringing the TIE Bomber to Life
Once you've finished building the LEGO 75347 TIE Bomber, the real fun begins: playing with it! LEGO isn't just about static displays; it's about imaginative play, and this set offers some excellent features to facilitate that. The most prominent play feature, as mentioned, is the bomb-dropping mechanism. The set comes with two torpedoes that can be loaded into the underside of the bomber. With a simple flick of a lever, you can launch these torpedoes, simulating attacks on Rebel targets (or whatever your imagination conjures up!). This is incredibly satisfying and adds a dynamic element to the play experience. The cockpit, while not huge, is designed to seat the included TIE Bomber Pilot minifigure. The canopy opens smoothly, allowing for easy placement and removal of the pilot, and once closed, it fits snugly, maintaining the ship's aerodynamic profile. Inside the cockpit, you can often find control panels represented by printed tiles, adding to the immersion. Another great aspect is the ship's overall sturdiness. It’s built to withstand the rigors of play, meaning you can swoop it around the room without worrying about parts falling off constantly. The scale of the ship is also well-balanced – it’s large enough to feel substantial and impressive, but not so big that it becomes unwieldy. For those who love recreating iconic scenes from the movies, this TIE Bomber is perfect for staging attack runs on Rebel blockades or defending Imperial installations. And of course, with Darth Vader included, you can imagine him taking command of the Bomber for a special mission, adding an extra layer of epicness to your play sessions. The combination of the detailed build, the cool minifigures, and the functional bomb-dropping mechanism makes this set a joy to play with and a fantastic centerpiece for any Star Wars LEGO battle.
Display Worthiness: A Handsome Addition to Your Collection
Beyond the play features, let's consider how the LEGO 75347 TIE Bomber stacks up as a display piece. For many adult fans and serious collectors, the display value of a LEGO set is just as important, if not more so, than its playability. And I have to say, this TIE Bomber looks sharp. The designers have done an excellent job capturing the distinctive silhouette of the original ship. The hexagonal cockpit, the twin engine pods, and the overall proportions are all spot on. The use of grey and black bricks effectively mimics the utilitarian, menacing look of Imperial craft. The printed tiles for the solar panels and cockpit details add a premium feel, elevating it beyond a simple toy. When placed on a shelf, it has a commanding presence. You can position it in flight, perhaps with a stand (though a dedicated display stand isn't included, the ship is balanced well enough to be posed dynamically on its own or on a custom stand). The inclusion of Darth Vader and the pilot makes it even more appealing for display, as you can pose them alongside or even inside the ship, creating a little vignette. It’s the kind of set that garners attention and sparks conversation among fellow fans. Whether you’re building a larger Star Wars display featuring various ships and scenes, or you just want a standalone impressive model, the 75347 TIE Bomber fits the bill perfectly. It’s a solid build, looks fantastic from multiple angles, and represents a beloved ship from the Star Wars saga in a well-executed LEGO form. It’s definitely a piece that will make your collection look even more awesome.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?
So, the big question: Is the LEGO 75347 TIE Bomber worth your hard-earned credits? In my honest opinion, absolutely! This set is a fantastic package that delivers on multiple fronts. You get a highly recognizable and iconic Star Wars vehicle, meticulously recreated in LEGO bricks with excellent attention to detail. The building experience is engaging and satisfying, utilizing clever techniques that result in a sturdy and visually appealing model. The play features, particularly the bomb-dropping mechanism, add a fun and dynamic element that appeals to both kids and adults. And let's not forget the minifigures – a brand-new TIE Bomber Pilot, an Imperial ground crew, and the legendary Darth Vader! These figures alone are a huge draw and significantly increase the set's value. For display, it’s a stunner, looking every bit the part of a menacing Imperial warship. Whether you're a die-hard Star Wars enthusiast, a dedicated LEGO collector, or just someone looking for a fun and rewarding building experience, the 75347 TIE Bomber is a winner. It strikes a great balance between build quality, playability, minifigure selection, and display aesthetics. It’s a brilliant homage to a classic Star Wars ship and a testament to LEGO’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality Star Wars sets. Don't miss out on adding this awesome piece to your galaxy!
