LEGO REVIEW: Star Wars Slave I UCS #75060

[Roy vd M.]

Is it really that good? is the question I intend to answer from my point of view in this blog. Lego set 75060 depicting Slave I in UCS style has been jubilated on every Lego related forum, in every review. So, conscious of these reviews and opinions, is the build still going to be great? Can we believe the hype? If you're like me, you already know my answer because the first thing you did when clicking on this blog is scroll down to read my conclusion. For those who are not like me and want to read the whole article, I tried to write down my thoughts and feelings (immediately) after each step of the build. I won't tell all surprises and advanced building methods I encountered, as that would ruin the fun for you. This way I had to actively think about the build along the way. Some aspects of this blog will transcend the nature of a review, such as using an alternative to the set's stickers and my thoughts on future demand of this Lego set and its parts.

REVIEW: SET DETAILS
Lego set: 75060
Name: Slave I
Theme: Star Wars
Parts: 1996
Price: $199.99

Looking at the value of this set, at first glance it feels better priced than the 75095 Tie Fighter, a comparable Ultimate Collector Series model. But let's have a closer look, first at the pricing in the Netherlands. Here the Tie Fighter is priced €229.99 while the Slave I's MSRP is €199.99. While the Tie Fighter is 30 euros more expensive, it has 311 parts less than the Slave I. So unless you're a great Tie Fighter fan, if you live in the Netherlands and had to choose between these two UCS's, from a cost per piece-perspective the choice is easy: Slave I. But you shouldn't just look at piece count, other factors are also important (e.g. the Tie Fighter has lots of large plates). 

In the US, both UCS sets cost $199.99. The cost per piece for the Slave I is $0.10. With quite a few large and special pieces (which will be discussed later), this price is in principle good for a licensed set. And don't forget that there are 4 minifigures in this set. 

 

BOX CONTENTS

There are 13 build sections, some consisting of more than one bag. Within the larger bags you'll find smaller bags containing small parts. The beautiful canopy and black info plate do not come bagged. 

Instruction manual plus sticker sheet:

The instruction book contains some nice info on the 'real' ship, its design, its history and the Lego design. In that it resembles the booklets the Lego Architecture fans have gotten used to. There's even an interview with designer Hans Burkhard Schlömer about developing the model. Due to copyright reasons (and to give you a taste for more) I'll only show you a glimpse. 

THE BUILD 

STICKER SHEET
The first thing you'll have to decide is what to do with the stickers (no less than 23! Didn't expect they were so many just by looking at the sheet). You have at least four options:

1. Don't use the stickers.
2. Apply them. Your set will look great but it will depreciate. If you want to sell it in the future, it's better to sell it with an intact sticker sheet. Furthermore, because of the lack of quality of these modern paper-stickers Lego produces, before too long the stickers will peel and/or crumble. This process cannot be undone, the stickers cannot be restored.   
3. Buy an original sticker sheet, e.g. on Bricklink. I usually do this when building larger / rarer sets, but 75060 sticker sheets are too expensive (for my taste) already. In Europe I can find a few for 12 euros a piece + shipping. In the US there's a Bricklinker who offers them for 10 bucks + shipping. 
4. Buy a reproduction sheet, keep the original. There are specialized companies who make these sheets in rather good quality. Make sure you have the reproduction sheet at home when starting the build.
5. Reproduce the stickers yourself.

I chose 5. Just copy the sticker sheet on a A4 or letter format white sticker sheet. You can buy those in office stores. After printing, you can 'laminate' the newly made sheet by applying a transparent glossy plastic sticky sheet. Forgot that step myself, unfortunately, so on the pics you'll see matte stickers. 'Laminating' serves to give the same glossy shine as the original stickers, as well as to protect the pigments. Anyway, after (optional) 'laminating' you can simply cut out the stickers using a ruler, sharp knife and hard cutting base (cutting mat or board). For curved cuts, try to use a cup as template. The result: Not perfect, but to me it's a good alternative to using the valuable sticker sheet.

Here is the result (left: Original sticker sheet, right: The plate with reproduction sticker attached):

Bag 1: Opening bag 1 I thought to myself "will it be really that good?" Everyone seems to be full of praise as to building this set. Is everyone simply repeating what others say? Let's find out if the build is as good as the end result looks. The start (Slave I's base) doesn’t contain too many surprises. I take note that several 2-wide-plates only rest on 1-wide plates or bricks. The result isn’t flimsy though. On the following pictures you'll see the build status after each step, plus the bags used, plus spare parts, plus a minifig completely unnecessarily posing in a completely random manner. I included that for those who are to any extent sensitive to this obscure playfulness used in all Lego reviews. 

 Bag 2: Building the contents of (small) bag #2 brings a smile to my face. Diagonally extended… extended still… verticality brought horizontal, horizontality connected sideways... this is what advanced Lego building is all about! The second half of this sub-build is symmetrical to the first half, so I let my girlfriend have a go… she was equally amused.

Bag 3: This nicely shows the techniques to get the smooth sloped red base in its designated form. The build stays enjoyable.

Bag 4: This deals with the ‘top’ or ‘back’ side of the base. Great ‘ah!’-moment here. Some stickers have to be applied in this step. 

Bags 5: Starting these, the nature of the build changes dramatically. All you’ll see is technic bricks, pins, connectors, linkages, plates etc.: Building the connection section between aft and for bases.  

As with a good film script, the build process never loses pace, never gets boring. Some interesting building techniques are demonstrated while the underside is polished and finalized.

Bag 6: Continuing the Lego Technic exercise, bag 6 introduces us to (two-faced) Han Solo (including a beautifully moulded carbonite block). Work is started on the interior construction, ending with another ‘aha’-moment. Lovely. And.. this thing is getting heavy.

Bags 7: This is really 4 plastic bags and 1 small thick paper box. I recommend using a sharp knife to cut the tapes of the box if you're super-tidy and want to keep it in good shape. This step #7 brings us a very detailed Boba Fett-figure as well as both wings. If Lego wanted to make a set like this even better than it is now, one thing to mind would be the build order. Building two symmetrical wings in a row makes for a slightly repetitive experience. Why not begin the build (bag 1) with one wing and build the other (bag 7) now? Less logical but more fun. Anyway, the wings add to the surface of this vehicle. It's starting to look massive. To continue the fanboy-speech, the gravitation-driven automatic wing repositioning is very nicely done. Not sure what all the spare parts are for though (4x part 17-01, not used in the build). 

Boba Fett:

Bag 13: For me now was the time to build the stand. Probably the least exciting part of set 75060, I like to save the best part till the end. Building the stand wasn't all too bad I guess... plus you get a storm trooper in this bag (probably as a surprise for those builders who thought they only had the stand to put together). 

Bag 8: To summarize this part of the build: stacking up. The 'inner walls' are constructed here. Meanwhile the nicely detailed cockpit is added. Ok I'll admit, to me this build can't go wrong anymore; I'm just loving every minute of it. Even this simple 'stacking up' has its charm, as I'm constantly thinking what all the side studs are going to be used for.  

Bag 9: Simply great... what can I say... you just have to build this thing yourself. My favorite part of the build so far. And what a great way to use part 4278756 (gear shifter)... at one point the designer is just showing off:

But the result is lovely:

Bags 10: The 'tail' structure and the top (including canopy) of Slave I are built together. The full size is now shown, quite impressive. 

Bag 11: Port side plating is made. These are three larger subassemblies which come together at the very end.

Again, a very interesting and enjoyable build. Suddenly I realize I'm in the middle of having the best Lego build experience ever. Or not exactly in the middle... only one bag to go... unfortunately! The model is becoming very heavy by the way (1,68 kg now).   

Bag 12: Starboard side plating. As both sides are not symmetrical, the fractions of repetitiveness aren't at all annoying. The build is rounded off by the weaponry in Slave 1's tail.

 

OPINION

THE BUILD
This experience has been a treat. A great looking Star Wars ship model has been converted into a highly realistic, fun to build, awe-inspiring Lego sculpture. If this wasn't the best build I ever experienced (including several modulars and the astounding Technic Mercedes-Benz Arocs) it is certainly in my top 3. While in my opinion this set does not have any real flaws (except perhaps the weakly manufactured sticker sheet), if the build order was amended and if there were less stickers to attend to, that would make it even better.  To optimize your build experience I recommend starting with bags 11 and 13, then moving to bag 1 and from there keep to the designated build order.

THE MODEL
As everyone and their droid have already made clear, this model is a stunner. Have a look:

 

Although this is not really a playset (try playing with it for 5 minutes without breaking off something), the Slave I has some nice play-like features. The side guns are retractable, the 'cargo door' can be opened and Han Solo can be attached on its inside. If you accidentally lose grip and Han is dropped inside, you don't have to take the ship apart or shake it. There's a hidden hatch on the bottom; if you open it Han is released. Furthermore, the wings are gravitationally actuated. If built with care, the wing movements are very smooth. The tail guns are positionable, as are the wing flaps. The cockpit canopy can be detached rather easily and Boba Fett's cockpit seat can be turned to either horizontal (land mode) or vertical (flight mode) position. 

Many people have already pointed out that this set is huge. It's always a bit difficult to assess a model's size from pictures alone. To give you an impression I photographed Slave I together with a train, a classic Lego city truck and Architecture's Lincoln Memorial. The latter can easily be shoved underneath the ship if put on the stand. Both train and truck are tiny in comparison to Slave I. 

The minifigures are nicely done. Han (the only minifigure with two face prints) comes with his sleeping bag; as said Boba Fett is well detailed and there's a Bespin Guard as well as a Stormtrooper. Boba and the guard are unique to this set. Boba's two guns can be stored on clips inside the cockpit. 

The stand is made in such way that the ship can be showcased either seen from the front or from the side (this is done by simply repositioning two 2x1 plates). I prefer the side view because that way the UCS information tile is better visible. Perhaps the front view is more impressive though. 

PARTS VALUE
As discussed in the introduction I think this set has a good parts / price ratio. The current Bricklink part out value (incl. box and instructions) is $498.54 and there is little hope this number will ever go down. There are several special / rare parts in the set, such as:

• UNIQUE PARTS
• 4 dark green round corner bricks #95118.
• 6 dark red round corner bricks #95188.
• 2 dark red other round corner bricks #87559.
• 2 dark red yet other round corner bricks #58846.
• 1 sand green wedge 3x4x3/4 triple curved #93604.
• 2 sand green wedge plates 4x6 cut corners #32059.
• 1 transparent canopy #16477.
• The sticker set #75060stk01.
   
• RARE PARTS
• 4 dark green other round corner bricks #87559 (1 other set).
• 2 dark red wedge corner slopes #43708 (1 other set).
• 4 dark red 3x3x1 slopes #4161 (2 other sets).
• 2 dark red 10x1x1 slopes #85970 (2 other sets).
• 1 light bluish grey 10x10 inverted dish #50990b (2 other sets).
• 2 dark red 4x2x1 slopes #30363 (3 other sets).
• 1 carbonite box #87561pb01 (3 other sets).
• 15 sand green curved slopes without studs #15068 (3 other sets).
• 1 dark red 8x3x2 wedge open left #43708 (4 other sets).
• 1 dark red 8x3x2 wedge open right #41749 (4 other sets).
• 6 light bluish grey round corner plates #30565 (4 other sets).
• 4 yellow liftarm pieces #60484 (4 other sets). 
• 2 dark red round corner plates #30565 (5 other sets).
• 2 dark bluish grey round corner bricks #88293 (5 other sets).
• 18 dark red 4x1x1 slopes #60477 (5 other sets).
• 2 light bluish grey mudguards #62361 (5 other sets).

Probably I forgot a few. Also don't forget about what I mentioned about the minifigures. So if you are a collector and if you wanted to gather this set roaming the vaults of Bricklink in a few years from now I'd have to wish you luck. There are many unique and rare pieces around this set. Unless Lego will reuse these pieces in other sets (I don't see an extensive market for the enormous and very specific canopy part, to name an example) I think the parts value of this set will only go up. If you want this ship, buy it while it hasn't been retired. 

DESIRABILITY
To me it is beyond any doubt that this set will be cherished by Lego collectors who own it, longed for by those who don't. Chances of a remake are thin I think. Would any designer dare to tackle remaking / improving a set this good? And even if it was to be remade, why not first do an updated Tie Interceptor (7181), Rebel Blockade Runner (10019), Naboo Starfighter (10026), Snowspeeder (10129), Imperial Star Destroyer (10030), Y-Wing (10134), Death Star II (10143), AT-ST (10174), Advanced Tie Fighter (10175), AT-AT (10178), Millennium Falcon (10179), Dropship / AT-OT (10195), Imperial Shuttle (10212), Obi-Wan's Starfighter (10215), Super Star Destroyer (10221) or B-Wing (10227)? My point is, so many UCS vehicles have been made during the last 15 years and Slave I was ignored until now; I don't see a swift remake coming. The only UCS-remake thus far is the X-Wing and it took Lego 13 years before it was executed. What are the chances of Lego wanting to remake an already almost perfectly modeled Slave I in 2028? 

When it will retire I have no idea. Could be swiftly (on Lego Shop at Home I saw quite a few 'out of stock' / 'available' changes the last couple of weeks) or it could take some time. Rumors about Slave I featuring in the upcoming Star Wars Rogue One movie (first anthology, 2016) and even a full Star Wars movie dedicated to Boba Fett (second anthology, presumably coming out 2018) may be reason for The Lego Group to keep this set around longer. Let's just say that If I were in charge of Lego I'd find it hard to retire a set this great and relevant to a feature film even if that film will be coming out in two years from now. I see two things possibly standing in the way of late (e.g. 2018) retirement: 1) license agreement ending; and/or 2) Boba Fett movie not being effectuated. According to some sources Disney has experienced difficulties in assigning a heroic role for the villain-like character Boba Fett actually is. 

In case set 75060 is retired before the Boba Fett movie comes out and if that movie will actually come out, these sets are bound to become even more desirable than they already will be otherwise.

FINAL THOUGHTS
Welcome, fast-scrolling reader, to this review! To give you the swift answer: yes the build is definitely that good. And the model looks great. Asymmetry makes it look more interesting. The finished Slave I is huge. And the box art is beautiful as well. The instructions contain interesting info and history sections. After its retirement this set will most probably become highly sought-after and its price will rise. In all, designer Hans Burkhard Schlömer did such a wonderful job that the creation of his disappointing newest model (UCS Hoth Base) is easily forgiven. Clearly as a designer you'll have to do what you can within the company's instructions and fortunately it seems that  for the Slave I project Mr Burkhard Schlömer had carte blanche. I'll keep my conclusion simple. This set is a must-have for any Lego fan and any Star Wars fan. Get it while you can!

Find it here on Amazon.

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[Jeff Mack]

Wow, another fantastic review Roy, really enjoyed reviewing this.  You are making me eye up my box of this and build it for my office.  "oh the torture"   Maybe I will just grab one of Ed's, he will never know. AHAHAHAHAHA 

[thoroakenfelder]

Great job on the article. It really sounds like a very solid set.

[randrace]

Thanks for the detailed review and the great build pics!

[markhan]

Well done!

[getitaway]

Thanks for the great review! I've been hearing mixed reviews on this set (most have been positive,) and this review is making me want it. I'll most likely pick it up in March during double VIP points.

[Deadfraggle]

I really love detailed breakdowns/builds like this, and your's certainly doesn't disappoint. Thanks for the time you spent on this project and the job well done!

[HandyHand]

Thanks for this excellent review and all the efforts you put into taking nice photos and writing the text that was pleasant and interesting to read!

I had already looked at the Slave-1 as the first Star Wars UCS set I want to build for myself, and this review convinced me completely that the Slave-1 is the best currently available UCS set and simply a must-have for any Lego collector.

Devoting my spare funds to acquiring more Slave-1 boxes will be a priority for me!  

[lukiepete]

I put this together a few months ago. This might be the first set that I have put together and find myself wanting to take it apart... just to put it back together again. The build was THAT enjoyable for me! 

[Brenner]

Fantastic review Roy, a great read....absolutely magnificent. Very nice pictures as well. Thanks for sharing! And I must say...Boba Fett looks so cool!

[Chillreign]

Now I need that thing more than ever... thank for that my dear Roy

A real good review! Enjoyed it!

[citymorgue]

I can confirm what most everyone has said.  This set is absolutely just beyond fantastic.  I took it into work not too long after finishing it to display it, and it got so many compliments and just curiosity as to how it's Lego.  It really is a big heavy set, and it hits the proportions and details so well.

Like I've said in another thread, this along with the Imperial Shuttle, are among the top sets I've ever owned from Lego.  Absolutely buy this set, and I have no doubt, that even if heavily hoarded, this set will be a set that can command high prices.  There are/will be enough rabid Boba Fett fans that will want this.

[Calli]

I love it.

[rmendol1]

Bought it the other day... Had purchased R5 right after XMAS knowing it was EOL and was going to wait on Slave 1 but couldn't wait any longer as it just looks awesome in every picture and review I've seen. 

Thanks for the review, very thorough! 

[loki221978]

awesome review, im sure that this will be in even more demand if it appears in rogue-1

[binici]

Nice! I have three and debating to build one. After reading the conclusion and some comments, I feel that I can afford to build one!

[CollectorOfLegos]

This makes me almost want to open mine up.

[ISO8T0]

Excellent review. Thanks for writing it up.

My 6 yr old has had his eye on this set since day 1 and I've said its not for little boys. ;-) That doesn't mean daddy can't have one.

I too favor this set over the Tie Fighter.

[Roy vd M.]

3 hours ago, Calli said:

I love it.

 

3 hours ago, loki221978 said:

awesome review, im sure that this will be in even more demand if it appears in rogue-1

 

2 hours ago, binici said:

Nice! I have three and debating to build one. After reading the conclusion and some comments, I feel that I can afford to build one!

 

1 hour ago, crimson773 said:

This makes me almost want to open mine up.

 

19 hours ago, thoroakenfelder said:

Great job on the article. It really sounds like a very solid set.

 

18 hours ago, randrace said:

Thanks for the detailed review and the great build pics!

 

16 hours ago, markhan said:

Well done!

 

7 hours ago, Chillreign said:

Now I need that thing more than ever... thank for that my dear Roy

A real good review! Enjoyed it!

Thank you guys for taking the time, if only a few seconds, to comment on this blog. I know it took me a lot of time to write it (much longer than I anticipated) and it's really nice to read your enthusiasm. 
 

19 hours ago, Jeff Mack said:

Wow, another fantastic review Roy, really enjoyed reviewing this.  You are making me eye up my box of this and build it for my office.  "oh the torture"   Maybe I will just grab one of Ed's, he will never know. AHAHAHAHAHA 

It's a good idea to take one of Ed's. Even if he did find out, he'd probably forgive you if you offered him that you take it apart and have Ed do a rebuilt. Question is, which sticker option will you choose?

(By the way I added a fifth option (simply don't apply the stickers) following up a comment on Reddit.)

16 hours ago, getitaway said:

Thanks for the great review! I've been hearing mixed reviews on this set (most have been positive,) and this review is making me want it. I'll most likely pick it up in March during double VIP points.

Double VIP points would be an excellent opportunity to get one. Even if it's out of stock then (it has been moving in and out of stock during the last couple of weeks, see this availability overview) you'll be able to order one and it will be shipped later. 

15 hours ago, Deadfraggle said:

I really love detailed breakdowns/builds like this, and your's certainly doesn't disappoint. Thanks for the time you spent on this project and the job well done!

Thanks I always try to be less specific, detailed and elaborate but just can't do that somehow. I was somehow a bit anxious few people would read the blog because it has so many pictures and a lot of text, but fortunately there roam some long-readers on this board. 

8 hours ago, Haay said:

Thanks for this excellent review and all the efforts you put into taking nice photos and writing the text that was pleasant and interesting to read!

I had already looked at the Slave-1 as the first Star Wars UCS set I want to build for myself, and this review convinced me completely that the Slave-1 is the best currently available UCS set and simply a must-have for any Lego collector.

Devoting my spare funds to acquiring more Slave-1 boxes will be a priority for me!  

Blog mission accomplished! Very nice to get this feedback. 

8 hours ago, lukiepete said:

I put this together a few months ago. This might be the first set that I have put together and find myself wanting to take it apart... just to put it back together again. The build was THAT enjoyable for me! 

I recognize that sensation. Probably I'll do the same in a few months.  

8 hours ago, Brenner said:

Fantastic review Roy, a great read....absolutely magnificent. Very nice pictures as well. Thanks for sharing! And I must say...Boba Fett looks so cool!

Thanks Brenner. I forgot to mention that the review format was borrowed from @thoroakenfelder. Also he gave me some useful advice on the contents of this blog. I'm proud to have written a review in the Star Wars series. To all who read this: don't forget to take a look at these Star Wars review blogs:

• #75060 Slave I (click here)
• #75078 Imperial Troop Transport (click here)
• #75085 Hailfire Droid (click here)
• #75087 Anakin's Starfighter (click here)
• #75092 Naboo Starfighter (click here)
• #75094 Shuttle Tyderium (click here)
• #75100 Snowspeeder (click here)
• #75101 Tie Fighter (click here)
• #75102 Poe's X-Wing Fighter (click here)
• #75103 First Order Transporter (click here)
• #75109 Obi-Wan Kenobi action figure (click here)
• #75131 Resistance Trooper Battle Pack (click here)
• #75132 First Order Battle Back (click here)
• #75139 Battle on Takodana (click here)
• #75141 Resistance Troop Transporter (click here)

Loads of information available, including opinions from an investment point of view. 

Regarding the Boba Fett figure, I agree it was very impressively done with prints on arms and all. 

6 hours ago, citymorgue said:

I can confirm what most everyone has said.  This set is absolutely just beyond fantastic.  I took it into work not too long after finishing it to display it, and it got so many compliments and just curiosity as to how it's Lego.  It really is a big heavy set, and it hits the proportions and details so well.

Like I've said in another thread, this along with the Imperial Shuttle, are among the top sets I've ever owned from Lego.  Absolutely buy this set, and I have no doubt, that even if heavily hoarded, this set will be a set that can command high prices.  There are/will be enough rabid Boba Fett fans that will want this.

Thanks for writing down your experience and opinion. I fully agree! 

3 hours ago, rmendol1 said:

Bought it the other day... Had purchased R5 right after XMAS knowing it was EOL and was going to wait on Slave 1 but couldn't wait any longer as it just looks awesome in every picture and review I've seen. 

Thanks for the review, very thorough! 

Lol can imagine you couldn't wait. Same here... at one point I just thought "I'll just get this thing". 

53 minutes ago, pstebbing said:

Excellent review. Thanks for writing it up.

My 6 yr old has had his eye on this set since day 1 and I've said its not for little boys. ;-) That doesn't mean daddy can't have one.

I too favor this set over the Tie Fighter.

Actually you can do what I did (ok not a 6 year old but my girlfriend). I built one half of the base sidewalls, admired what just happened, then let my girlfriend do the other half. Saved myself some repetitive building and got to see her reaction. ("huh? where does this now go?") priceless You can do the same with one wing and one side plating part. 

[siddji]

Beautifully written article!! I like the walk through of the contents and step by step pictures of the progress.

[TCSBGDADY]

I can't wait to build mine!  Now, more than ever!  Thanks!

 

[arc94]

i want to print my own stickers as well. can you tell me, where you did find the file for the stickers ? google gave me only bad files

 

ps : perfect review. couldnt be any better.

[Redbricklayer]

Great review 

[Brian92007]

I just Order mine from lego shop. I use 95 dollars from my VIP points so paying 105 is not to bad.