Star Wars Imperial Light Cruiser (75315)

Product Information

As expected for a set of this size, the box is pretty massive. It has a neat design of the Imperial Light Cruiser flying through space, accompanied by a couple of TIE fighters. The figure can be attached via a stud at the bottom, while the hands are bars so it has a couple attachment points. It’s still a decent figure, with good head, torso, and leg printing, but I wonder if another more interesting figure could have been included instead, since this minifigure already appears in another set. Without that issue, this is a model that would sit comfortably in the summer 2021 range of LEGO Star Wars sets, but for how remarkable the rest of them all are in comparative value, 75315 Imperial Light Cruiser runs the risk of being overshadowed and overlooked.

Ultimately, the sense of value can be best demonstrated in the surprise we felt when lifting up 75315 Imperial Light Cruiser when complete – it’s far heavier than we anticipated. That surprise, though, is a negative reflection of the how really it does not seem like 1,336 pieces of LEGO have gone into the set. It has the appearance of a set with closer to 800 pieces. Lots of Technic pins on the inside, lots of large grey panels on the outside. The decorated arms appear particularly outstanding on this minifigure, even featuring the tiny Mudhorn signet alongside accurate weaponry. However, the continued use of an undecorated head beneath the Mandalorian's helmet is disappointing, especially since this hero memorably removes his helmet and reveals his face to everybody aboard Moff Gideon's vessel. However, the detail along both flanks looks wonderful, potentially rivalling 75252 Imperial Star Destroyer! Numerous grilles and equivalent elements are employed to outstanding effect here, capturing the superb texture which appears on many command vessels. The pronounced dark bluish grey spoiler components near the centre demonstrate particular accuracy. While their shaping appears impressive, viewing these engines from behind reveals another significant issue. While the three primary nacelles are present, four auxiliary thrusters should appear between them. Instead, the vessel has seemingly taken inspiration from the Arquitens-class Cruiser which includes three engines. Inaccuracies which enhance play are reasonable, but instances like this one remain disappointing.

Minifigures

Fans of the Mandalorian ought to get this set, but I think waiting for a discount first would definitely be wise. Rating: And on both what’s on the outside and the inside, 75315 Imperial Light Cruiser delivers. The unique, striking shape of the cruiser is perfectly captured in proportions and detail around the exterior, thanks to a slight Technic-frame construct on the inside. The all-grey colour scheme works against highlighting the subtle angles that have been recreated in the model, but it all still comes together effectively at the end as the reason why your eye so easily accepts the authentic nature of what’s in front of you.

The engine pods are large cylinders built using round panel pieces. 4×4 trans light blue radar dishes are used for the thruster glow, while there are some small greebling details around. Heavier models typically include carrying handles and 75315 Imperial Light Cruiser maintains that convention, although the method is unique. Rather than including a Technic handle which folds away, the entire bridge superstructure is supported by an internal Technic frame, offering absolute rigidity. Gripping this vehicle from here is therefore recommended, but the whole rear section feels exceptionally strong.This Imperial Light Cruiser forms the base of operations for Moff Gideon during the second season of The Mandalorian. The minifigure selection in this set is based on that final confrontation between the Mandalorian and Moff Gideon, with several other supporting cast from the season also included. This review might contain some spoilers for the episode. Events aboard Moff Gideon's cruiser are centred around Grogu and this diminutive character has remained unchanged since 75292 The Razor Crest was released. The rubber head looks absolutely adorable, as expected, while the Child's heavy robe is represented by the standard baby component. This seems reasonable, but I think introducing another unique element here would have been worthwhile. Last but not least is Baby Yoda aka Grogu, who isn’t a new figure, but still looks absolutely adorable.

The front end of the cruiser opens up in much the same way many previous LEGO Star Destroyers have – this time in one large folding panel – to house a minifigure-scale interpretation of the ship’s bridge. It’s relatively sparse, with only four control panels, a couple of storage boxes and a central desk to populate the location, but that’s pretty similar to how it appeared in The Mandalorian, with plenty of space left over for the many characters that came together in the Season 2 finale. The side panels toward the front of the ship use studs-not-on-top techniques, which feature nice greebling. Two small cannons are mounted on either side, and the cannon barrels can be adjusted up and down. Keepability: 4/5 – this set is worth keeping, especially for fans of the Mandalorian or Star Wars ships in general. It certainly looks good on display.Innovation: 3.5/5 – nothing groundbreaking, but some good techniques for building the angles and reinforcing the bridge. Trouble on Tatooine introduced an updated Din Djarin minifigure, wearing his valuable beskar armour. The metallic silver panels covering the torso, legs and arms look excellent and stand out beautifully against the dark brown attire underneath. In addition, the various pouches and straps provide welcome detail, demonstrating fidelity to the onscreen character. In this range, there were 24 minifigures released – two identical figures of the Mandalorian – so 23 distinct characters. (add 2 more from 75296 = 25 in total) Both arms are printed with Beskar armour detail which looks excellent, and is what makes this figure really stand out. It’s always nice to see arm printing on a Star Wars minifigure. The aforementioned Technic structure occupies substantial space, leaving no opportunity for further interior which is disappointing. In addition, the proportions appear noticeably awkward here, particularly surrounding the bridge superstructure where the hull should be deeper. This section does integrate intricate texture though, complementing that towards the front.