For LEGO Star Wars enthusiasts, the allure of Battle Packs is undeniable, and my own history of reviewing them proves my dedication. From Republic Troopers to Death Star Troopers, and even Utapau Troopers and Kashyyyk Troopers, I’ve collected them all, often in multiples. The whisper of a new Imperial Troop Transport set sparked both excitement and a touch of apprehension. Previous attempts at Imperial troop carriers have been a mixed bag, with the Imperial Dropship being a highlight and the Imperial Landing Craft… well, less so. However, the first glimpse of the 75078 set revealed a focus on Stormtroopers, rekindling dreams of recreating scenes like the Emperor’s arrival on the Death Star II without breaking the bank.
It had been years since we last saw a dedicated Stormtrooper Battle Pack in 2008, and while they occasionally appear as extra figures, a cost-effective way to amass Stormtroopers for your Imperial legions was long overdue. The Imperial Troop Transport set addresses this need head-on, delivering four Stormtroopers at an affordable price point. The only caveat? These are the “Rebels” style Stormtroopers, featuring a more detailed and stylized design. Despite this departure from the classic look, the sheer value of army building at $13 makes this set incredibly appealing.
LEGO Star Wars Imperial Troop Transport 75078 Minifigures featuring detailed Rebels Stormtrooper designs
Recent Battle Packs have sometimes missed the mark for army builders by splitting factions or offering specialized units. While appreciated for variety, these packs often required multiple purchases to build a cohesive army. The Imperial Troop Transport rectifies this by providing a straightforward solution: four identical Stormtroopers ready to bolster your Imperial forces.
These aren’t your classic Stormtroopers, however. The new design boasts enhanced helmet details and more intricate face printing. Each trooper has a flesh-toned face beneath the helmet, a detail that some may find detracts from the uniform armor aesthetic, eliminating the black neck guard. Interestingly, there are two distinct face prints, with two of each included in the set, adding a touch of variety within the trooper squad.
The helmets, while detailed, might be considered a bit busy, with blue accents that stand out more prominently than on their Original Trilogy counterparts. Whether this starkness accurately reflects the “Rebels” aesthetic is debatable, but they will certainly appear different when placed alongside classic Stormtroopers. The printed legs, however, are a welcome addition, even with their asymmetrical design. The torso and back printing are well-executed, although the black gaps on the arms might suggest a more budget-conscious approach to armor design.
LEGO Star Wars 75078 Imperial Troop Transport Vehicle side view showcasing stud shooters and transport bay
The Imperial Troop Transport vehicle itself is a sturdy build, a significant improvement over the somewhat fragile 2008 Imperial Dropship. While the Dropship had a memorable blue color scheme and useful Imperial logo stickers, this transport prioritizes solidity over elaborate design.
LEGO 75078 Imperial Troop Transport front angle displaying pin-mounted cannons and cockpit area
This transport is a robust little vehicle, albeit somewhat simplistic in its design. The pin-mounted front cannons are a nice touch, but the overall aesthetic leans more towards the Clone Wars era, perhaps better suited for transporting Super Battle Droids or MagnaGuards. For carrying troops, the interior space feels a bit cramped and awkward.
LEGO Star Wars Imperial Troop Transport 75078 Carrier side view highlighting troop bay access and weapon storage
Part of the troop placement challenge stems from the bulky nature of the new stud shooters. Positioning the troopers with their weapons proves difficult within the transport’s confines. However, a clever feature is the removable bin designed to store extra stud shooter ammunition, a practical addition for play and display. For reviewers and photographers, this storage is particularly helpful in managing the small 1×1 studs during setup and shooting.
LEGO 75078 Imperial Troop Transport rear view featuring cargo access and engine details
From a parts perspective, the Imperial Troop Transport offers several useful elements. Notable are the tall slopes, corner bricks, slotted 1×4 bricks, plain light-stone flags, and 2×1 cheese slopes. While not groundbreaking individually, these parts collectively enhance the set’s value, particularly for builders looking to expand their LEGO collections for custom creations (MOCs). The transport itself is a solid, basic vehicle that can be readily incorporated into battlefield MOCs or disassembled for parts. Its straightforward design also suggests potential for alternative builds, given its collection of versatile pieces.
Ultimately, the 75078 Imperial Troop Transport embodies the essence of a great Battle Pack. It provides a simple vehicle and generic figures ideal for army building. While the Stormtroopers sport the “Rebels” design, a departure from the classic aesthetic, this reflects the evolving LEGO Star Wars design landscape. For adult fans of LEGO (AFOLs), this might mark a shift to becoming the “I remember when…” generation regarding minifigure designs. However, for those seeking to amass Stormtroopers, this set remains the most accessible and economical option.
The combination of four generic figures and useful parts at the standard Battle Pack price point solidifies the Imperial Troop Transport as a five out of five set, becoming an even greater value when found on sale. While some may critique the “Rebels” Stormtrooper design, it’s a matter of personal preference and reflects current Star Wars media. Future designs, like those for Episode VII troopers, will likely also spark debate, but the set itself delivers on its core purpose.
What I Liked:
- Excellent for army building with generic Stormtrooper figures.
- Focus on a single faction maximizes value for army builders.
- Good selection of generic and sloped parts enhances versatility for MOCs.
What I Didn’t Like:
- “Rebels” Stormtrooper design deviates from the classic Original Trilogy look (though this is subjective).
- Vehicle design feels more geared towards droids than troops and lacks ideal weapon storage.
- Creates a desire to purchase numerous sets for army building (a potential downside for the wallet!).
Verdict: If building a Stormtrooper army is your goal, the Imperial Troop Transport (75078) is the definitive way to achieve it. Acquire your set now from LEGO Shop@Home!
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