Those who have seen the Phantom Menace from the Star Wars series may know of the podracers. Being familiar with podracers is crucial to understanding and liking this set. Taken out of context, this set doesn’t look like much, though it has an interesting design.
Building Anakin’s Podracer, a LEGO Star Wars Set
Since the podracer needs to float above the ground and be connected through electrical connections, LEGO based the entire build around a specialized clear piece. This provides for an excellent frame for the model. However something feels missing.
Since this vehicle is already small, many of its distinct characteristics were abandoned. The end result is that you have something that looks very complex and interesting, but is ultimately unfinished in some way.
Building Technique Learned from Anakin’s Podracer, a LEGO Star Wars Set
This model looks fragile in all kinds of ways. You’d think that a slight breeze would knock it apart. However, LEGO has selected the perfect elements for the job. This model is actually much more stable than many of its mini counterparts.
This model leans toward Technic pieces to use as decorations and as points of stability. It also uses bars to provide core stabilization on the engines. This is a perfect example of stabilizing techniques used on the smallest scale imaginable.
Interesting Elements in Anakin’s Podracer, a LEGO Star Wars Set
Ultimately the piece to look for is the clear modified brick with bar. It is the rarest piece in the set and makes the entire creation work. The rest of the elements are nice, but fairly common. However, it would be hard to use this single piece as justification for buying this set.
Ratings for Anakin’s Podracer, a LEGO Star Wars Set
Originality: 2 out of 5 Studs. This is not the first mini Anakin’s podracer. In addition, there is little to no change between the different sets.
Design: 4 out of 5 Studs. The crafting of the model is excellent. Its major draw back is the recognizability of the vehicle.
Unique Parts: 2.5 out of 5 Studs. A single unique element is rather a low count even for a mini set.
Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 Studs. This set is best suited for those collecting the mini ships. It is not a terribly good play model.
Recommendations
This set is currently found in Toys “R” Us stores. It is not terribly expensive, but may be priced high for those who already have a version of this set. There is little to recommend it other than it being a mini Star Wars vehicle.
List of Star Wars Mini Sets for 2012
The following sets are organized by set number. Many of these sets are sold as promotional items so may be difficult to find. This list may not be complete for the same reason.
- Star Destroyer, set #30056
- Anakin’s Podracer, set #30057, MSRP $4.99
- STAP, set #30058
- MTT, set #30059
William Reed - With a B.A. in Communications and an intense love of LEGO, Will journeys forth to share and educate others about LEGO.
