Building a Galaxy Far, Far Away: The First Ever Lego Star Wars Sets

In 1999, the worlds of Star Wars (Lucas Film) and Lego collided with the release of the first Lego Star Wars sets. This partnership proved to be a great success for the Lego Group, some argue that it even saved the company.

In this post, we will look back at the first sets and minifigures of Lego Star Wars:

In 1999, the worlds of Star Wars (Lucas Film) and Lego collided with the release of the first Lego Star Wars sets. This partnership proved to be a great success for the Lego Group, some argue that it even saved the company.

 In this post, we will look back at the first sets and minifigures of Lego Star Wars.

 

Light Saber Duel 7101

The first Lego Star Wars set released is the Lightsaber Duel 7101

 

Lightsaber Duel from 1999 is a LEGO Star Wars set that features two one-movie wonders, Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul, and their respective rides.

Despite being a cheap set, it has good minifigures, a decently-designed model of Darth Maul's speeder, and a bonus moisture vaporator for Tatooine scenery.

 

It is a good way to get Darth Maul and Qui-Gon, but as many reviewers concur, the set is not particularly impressive overall.

This set came with two minifigures:

• Darth Maul - SW003
• Qui-Gon Jinn (Yellow Head) - sw0027

 

Landspeeder 7110

The LEGO Star Wars X34 Landspeeder set from 1999 was part of the first wave of LEGO Star Wars sets, featuring two minifigures, Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, and 49 pieces.

Despite its low price tag, a lot of reviews feel the set was rushed and lacked features, such as wheels, R2-D2, and C-3PO, and the parts were not accurate to the movie. However, it was successful in capturing the basic shape of the iconic vehicle. The 2010 version was much better, with twice the piece count and improved accuracy.

 

Droid Fighter 7111

After the Lightsaber duel, the  Droid Fighter 7111 was released, clocking in at a 62 pieces but no minifigures. 

 

One reviewer said the set is considered good for its time and was originally priced at $5.99. However, some dislike the design because of the lack of moving parts. Newer vulture droids have movable heads and wings.  

Some reviews criticize the set for being unimpressive and lacking innovation and inspiration.

They describe the set as bland, with a generic and clunky speeder bike, simple desert utility, and Maul without a second blade for his lightsaber, and outdated compared to newer iterations, deeming it unimpressive. But remember, it was a $5.99 set.

 

Naboo Swamp 7121 

The Naboo Swamp is praised for its high-quality minifigures and vehicles, which offer plenty of playability with the included stands. The only downside mentioned is that the swamp design is somewhat basic. 

Speeder Bikes 7128

This set from 1999 includes two speeder bikes, two Scout Troopers, Luke Skywalker, and a tree to create a scene from Endor. It's a great value for money, with 93 pieces and three minifigures for only $10.  

 

Snowspeeder 7130

This LEGO snowspeeder set is an easy build with no stickers, and comes with three minifigs, a turret that swivels 360°, blaster cannons, and cockpit screens featuring AT-AT walkers.

 

It also features a storage area for Luke Skywalker's lightsaber handle.

 

Anakin's Podracer 7131 

Anakin's Podracer set clocks in at 112 pieces and 3 minifigures.

 The 7111 Droid Starfighter set is still today considered a good value at today's prices, even though it was originally released in 1999. 

 

Despite a minor complaint about the design of the energy field or force field between the two engines being a bit plain, this set is still praised for its playability and great minifigures.

Additionally, the mechanical droid included in the set is specifically mentioned as a highlight and adds to the fun of the playability. 

The three minifigs in this set are:

• Anakin Skywalker (Light Gray Aviator Cap) - sw0008
• Padme Naberrie (Amidala) (Yellow) - sw0025
• Pit Droid (Anakin's) - sw0037

 

X-wing Fighter 7140

LEGO Star Wars set 7140 X-Wing Fighter, released in 1999, is a classic, iconic set featuring an unusual light grey color scheme, 266 pieces, and minifigures including Biggs Darklighter, Luke Skywalker, a Rebel Engineer, and R2-D2.

 

 

The set has been praised for its design, playability, and value for money, although some have noted that the wings can fall down and there is no shooting function.

  

Naboo Fighter 7141

The first Naboo Starfighter produced by Lego, it was released at $19.99. It has 174 pieces and a total of 4 minifigures. 

The set depicts a scene from Episode I. It comes with minifigures of R2-D2, two Battle Droids, and Anakin Skywalker (the boy).

 

The Starfighter cockpit can be adjusted to fit a minifigure and a small slot for R2-D2. It was the first set to include a Utility Vehicle. 

The Anakin minifigure lacks hair but comes with a brown helmet and push-down goggles that may cover his face.

 

Minifigures in this Naboo Fighter:

• Anakin Skywalker (Brown Aviator Cap) - sw0007
• Astromech Droid, R2-D2 - sw0028
• Battle Droid Tan without Back Plate - sw0001b

 

TIE Fighter & Y-wing 7150

This set includes two iconic Star Wars ships, the X-Wing and TIE Advanced, with Darth Vader minifigure, and is great for nostalgic fans or those looking to complete an old-school Lego SW collection.

 

It has good playability and fun builds, but lacks in accuracy, detail, and features compared to more recent models.

Reviewers comment that it falls short compared to newer versions in terms of accuracy, design, and features. It is still a great set for nostalgia and completing an old-school Lego Star Wars collection, but not for those looking for a movie-like set with lots of features.

 

Sith Infiltrator - 7151

The Sith Infiltrator 7151 Lego Star Wars set depicts Darth Maul's arrival and landing on Tatooine on a mission to capture Queen Amidala and her Jedi protectors. 

 

The set includes Darth Maul (sw003), a Sith Speeder, and three Sith Probes, which Darth Maul uses to track his quarry. 

This set is a classic from 1999, but falls short compared to newer versions. It includes two ships, Darth Vader, and other minifigures, but the design is blocky and lacks detail. It is nostalgic and has some charm, but not recommended for those looking for movie-like accuracy and features.

 

Gungan Sub 7161

The Gungan Sub Lego Star Wars set is considered a good set overall, despite some inaccuracies with the design compared to the movie (cockpit design). 

 

It's still a fun and unique set among the Episode 1 sets due to the well thought-out design and solid construction. 

The set still holds up well today due to its sturdy design and pleasing blue coloration. 

 

Minifigures included in Gungan Sub:

• Jar Jar Binks - sw0017
• Obi-Wan Kenobi (Young with Hood and Cape) - sw0024
• Qui-Gon Jinn (Yellow Head) - sw0027

 

Mos Espa Podrace 7171

The Episode I's Podracer set is considered iconic and stands out due to its unique parts in new colors and printings and a good selection of minifigures.

The part total is 831 and was released at $89.99.

 

The completed set accurately represents the podrace and has hidden features and weapons for increased playability.

However, it's reported to be hard to play with due to its massive size, and it would have been better with a better method of holding the Podracers together. 

 

Minifigures included in Mos Espa Podrase:

1. Anakin Skywalker (Light Gray Aviator Cap) -sw0008
2. Astromech Droid, R2-D2 - sw0028
3. Gasgano - sw0043
4. Jar Jar Binks - sw0017
5. Padme Naberrie (Amidala) (Yellow) - sw0025
6. Pit Droid (Anakin's) - sw0037
7. Pit Droid (Gasgano's) - sw0039
8. Pit Droid (Sebulba's) - sw0064
9. Qui-Gon Jinn (Yellow Head) - sw0027
10. Sebulba - sw0980

 

The Impact of the Lego and Lucasfilm Licensing 

The release of the first Lego Star Wars sets in 1999 marked a turning point and revived Lego financially. The success of the Star Wars sets helped re-established Lego as a major player in the toy industry and brought a new generation of fans to the world of LEGO building. 

Additionally, the success of the LEGO Star Wars line also inspired other popular franchise collaborations, like the release of LEGO Harry Potter sets, Disney, Minecraft, DC, Marvel Superheroes, etc.

 

Closing Thoughts

The partnership between Star Wars and Lego captured Star Wars fans' attention and introduced a whole new generation to the galaxy of Lego building. 

Whether you're a Star Wars fan or a Lego fan, or both, these sets are a nostalgic trip down memory lane that still holds up today.