The latest in the LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series, the #75181 LEGO Star Wars UCS Y-Wing Starfighter was officially released just a few days ago to coincide with the celebration of Star Wars Day. We discussed the set at the beginning of April, when the official press-release became available (see: LEGO Star Wars UCS Y-Wing Coming!). Since then, LEGO also shared the designer-video, which gives us a glimpse of the design process, as well some interesting insights from LEGO Senior Designer Jordan Scott, and LEGO Graphic Designer Maddy O’Neil. In addition, JANGBRiCKS released his own detailed review of the set, so I thought it would be a good idea to discuss all this new information in one place. 🙂
Both LEGO designers are passionate Star Wars fans, so for them working on the #75181 LEGO Star Wars UCS Y-Wing Starfighter was a dream come true. Their enthusiasm for the Star Wars saga is evident in the attention to detail in all parts of the set. Besides talking about the model, they also share a bit about themselves and what it takes to become a LEGO designer. You can watch the designer-video below.
A question that repeatedly comes up from LEGO Star Wars fans is whether it’s worth getting the #75181 LEGO Star Wars UCS Y-Wing Starfighter (1,967 pieces, price: $199.99), when the also currently available and much cheaper #75172 LEGO Star Wars Y-Wing Starfighter (691 pieces, price: $59.99), looks almost as good.
This is not the first time LEGO offered both a standard retail version and a large exclusive version of the same Star Wars vehicle at the same time. It’s usually pretty easy to tell even from pictures why the Ultimate Collector Series version is a superior model. However, because the two Y-Wings use the same windshield piece, and have such similar cockpits, the differences are not so obvious here. Even when you put the two models side-by-side – although the #75172 LEGO Star Wars Y-Wing Starfighter is clearly shorter and stockier – they look very similar. So where do those extra 1,276 pieces go in the larger #75181 LEGO Star Wars UCS Y-Wing Starfighter?
This is one of the main questions/concerns JANGBRiCKS addresses in his video-review, where he carefully compares the two ships next to each other, as well as looking at all aspects of the #75181 LEGO Star Wars UCS Y-Wing Starfighter individually, including all the greebling details, the minifigures, the display stand and plaque, and various play-features. You can watch both the full review (about 25 minutes), and the speed-build of the set (less than 10 minutes) in the player below.
In summary, I would say that the #75181 LEGO Star Wars UCS Y-Wing Starfighter is clearly a well-designed set. The greebling at the back especially looks fantastic. However, the timing to release this set is somewhat unfortunate. I suspect many Star Wars fans will go for the cheaper alternative due to the two ships looking so similar to most casual observers. The smaller Y-Wing is also more true to minifig-scale than the larger version, which can be another deciding factor. However, LEGO Star Wars fans who appreciate the building process and all the interesting little details of a set, and not just the look of the finished model, may consider going for the Ultimate Collector Series version. Below, I have included the official description of both Y-wings so you can compare them further.
➡ #75181 LEGO STAR WARS UCS Y-WING STARFIGHTER: Own part of Star Wars history with the Y-Wing Starfighter. This LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series model has an amazing level of detail, including an opening minifigure cockpit for the included Gold Leader minifigure, wheel-activated rotating ion cannons on top, retractable landing skids and space for the R2-BHD astromech droid. This fantastic Star Wars toy also comes with a tilting display stand and informational fact plaque, making it the perfect centerpiece for your collection. Includes a Gold Leader minifigure and an R2-BHD droid. Measures over 2” (7cm) high, 24” (61cm) long and 11” (30cm) wide, and over 9” (24cm) high mounted on stand. 1,967 pieces. Price: $199.99 – BUY HERE
➡ #75172 LEGO STAR WARS Y-WING STARFIGHTER: Expand your Rebel fleet with the iconic Y-Wing Starfighter. The unmistakable workhorse of the Rebel Alliance has been faithfully reproduced with LEGO bricks and features many play starters, including retractable landing gear, an opening minifigure cockpit, rotating guns, dual spring-loaded shooters, and gearwheel-operated bomb-drop function. This great model also comes with a weapons loader with turning crane and extra ammo for even more immersive play. Includes Y-Wing Pilot, Admiral Raddus, Moroff and a Stormtrooper, plus Rebel Astromech Droid. Y-Wing Starfighter measures over 2″ high, 16″ long and 7″ wide. Weapons loader measures over 3″ high, 6″ long and 2″ wide. 691 pieces. Price: $59.99 – BUY HERE
What do you think? How do you like the LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series Y-Wing? Do you think it’s worth getting it, or would the smaller version be sufficient? Feel free to share your thoughts and discuss in the comment section below! 😉
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I think it was here that I mentioned before about how big of a fan of the Lego Star Wars UCS models I am, but I really do want to get this one despite having a smaller and older version of the Y-wing in my collection. I think the look and overall dimensions of the new UCS model compared to the one I have (or the one above) looks more natural and consistent with the movies they are in. I feel that the UCS feels more of AFOL compared to the smaller one that I think is more kid fan (and adult checking account) friendly. 😉
So as for me, I think the cost is worth it!
Really like the exposed interior of this ship. That’s where the real beauty is. All that greebling!
It’s an underrated ship, but very well done here. I agree that it wasn’t the best idea to release both at the same time.
The only Y- Wing I have is the one before the “Gold Leader ” one . It came with just the basic pilot( X- wang uniform) but, I upgraded this set to make it look up to date with the other fighter space ships. (2007 with Dutch Vander and R5 -d4 ).very cool sets ,no matter which one.