We review the new LEGO Star Wars Imperial Probe Droid which was released in April 2021.
Vital Statistics
Theme: Star Wars
Name: Imperial Probe Droid
Item: 75306
Price: £59.99 UK/$59.99 USA
Ages: 18+
Pieces: 683
LEGO Website Description
Recall epic Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back action on the ice planet Hoth as you build the Imperial Probe Droid (75306). The droid has posable legs and comes with a transparent, brick-built pole to ‘suspend’ it above a buildable snowy scene.
Striking centrepiece
An information plaque completes a highly collectible display piece that looks impressive on an office desk or a mantelpiece at home.Top gift
Part of a premium-quality collection of LEGO® Star Wars™ sets for adults, this complex, construction kit offers an immersive and fun building experience as you recreate every distinctive detail in LEGO style. It makes a delightful treat for yourself and a fun gift for a Star Wars fan or experienced LEGO lover in your life.• Be transported to the frozen planet of Hoth and spark memories of classic Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back scenes with this detailed Imperial Probe Droid (75306) build-and-display model.
• The buildable droid LEGO® figure features posable legs and comes with transparent, brick-built pole to ‘suspend’ it above a buildable snowy scene. The set also includes an information plaque.
• This premium-quality set is part of a series of collectible LEGO® Star Wars™ build-to-display models for adults.
• Offering a complex, rewarding build, this 683-piece set makes a terrific birthday, holiday or surprise gift for any Star Wars™ connoisseur or experienced LEGO® builder.
• Measuring over 10.5 in. (27 cm) high, 9 in. (24 cm) wide and 4 in. (11 cm) deep, this buildable model does not need much space for display, but it is sure to grab people’s attention.
• Thinking of buying this set for a Star Wars™ memorabilia collector who is new to LEGO® building? Don’t worry. It comes with step-by-step instructions so they can build with confidence.
• Collectible LEGO® Star Wars™ sets are designed for discerning adults who enjoy mindful, creative projects in their spare time to relax and have fun.
• LEGO® components meet demanding industry standards to ensure a simple, strong connection every time.
• LEGO® bricks and pieces are dropped, heated, crushed, twisted and analysed to make sure that they satisfy strict global safety standards.
Review
The LEGO Star Wars Imperial Probe Droid is available at the end of April 2021 alongside new helmets of Darth Vader (#75304) and the Scout Trooper (#75305). It comes packed in a very similar sized box to the helmets, all released under the new adult orientated 18+ theming, introduced by LEGO in 2020, in an attempt to lure more adults to the premium brand.
The packaging consists of a black portrait box, featuring the Probe Droid’s name and affiliation at the top, followed by a highlighted picture of the completed set and the LEGO Star Wars branding. Running along the base of the box, a strip identifies the set’s target age, product number and piece count.
Inside the Box
The set is comprised of 683 pieces and these are broken down into 6 numbered bags, each corresponding to different stages of the build. The 100 page manual starts with a brief introduction by LEGO Star Wars Creative Director Jens Kronvold Frederiksen, and is followed by a picture of an Imperial Probe Droid on Hoth from The Empire Strikes Back. There is also a sticker sheet which includes the small plaque and 4 control panel stickers.
The Build
The build starts off by creating a snow like base, very reminiscent of Hoth, and built from predominantly white elements and finished by attaching the plaque to the base. The plaque measure 6 studs high by 12 studs wide, and matches the plaques previously seen with BB-8 (#75187), Yoda (#75255), D-0 (#75278) and The Child (#75318).
Bags 2 and 3 continue with building the main body of the droid, which employs some really novel techniques. It is here that the 4 control panel stickers are applied, and at the end of bag 3 the body is connected to a transparent pole made up of 11 2×2 round transparent bricks. These are strengthened by pushing a large black 16 axle all the way through the middle of the bricks which then attaches to the body, the other end to the base build in bag 1.
The fourth and fifth bags adds the 4 legs/appendages to the droid, and whilst these seem a little flimsy, there is really no other way of creating them. Be sure to double check how these connect to the underside of the body. The final bag builds the head of the droid, using some of the same techniques used to build the body, albeit creating a smaller structure. The head is then added to the body, and finally we add the two antenna competing the set.
Overall
This is the first time we have got a product like this, featuring a droid effectively hovering on it’s base. Even though it includes a plaque, and fits in with other sets like BB-8 (#75187) and D-0 (#75278), although not to scale. Also, just because this has a plaque it should not to be considered a UCS set.
The finished Probe Droid looks splendid and closely reassembles the droid we see on screen, right down to the appendages that hang from the body representing a sampling claw, high-torque arm and manipulator limbs. Building round structures out of LEGO often result in unsightly gaps, and whilst these are unfortunately present as can be seen on the main body of the droid, LEGO have done a good job at trying to minimize them. The numerous different techniques used to enhance this set go on to provide a remarkable level of detail. The price of £59.99 UK/$59.99 USA seems reasonable and I would have no hesitation in recommending this set to all, it really is a pleasure to build.
We thank LEGO for proving this set for review. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
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