75397 - UCS Jabb's Sail Barge

[cardensb]

There is plenty out on the web for pricing, content, value, etc... so I am on to focus on build and display.

There are lots of bags, about 33 so part management is reasonable.  The manual is also split between two books.

The instructions were clear and developers made good use of the space if one was going to play with it while balancing appearances.  Some love to see lots of studs, others like clean flat surfaces, this build places some studs on decks and flooring while the sides are largely covered in studs despite flat panels attached. 

As for play factors, developers built out areas in spaces we did not really see in ROTJ, examples include the pilot area, the jail cell, and the kitchen. Ladders are plenty, hatches open and close.  Both sides open up for access and improved lighting and the deck is removable.

The barge is heavy but feels sturdy when lifted to move around (lift between the built-in stands). It's long and wide too.  It feels the entire space on my display bookshelf so the desert skiff and sarlacc pit won't fit on the same level.  I guess that's a good thing.

The sails are somewhat adjustable so they can be left in place and still see what is happening on the deck.

Critics:

#1 Leia's legs, the shorts.  Not sure if it was deliberate to make a lego figure less sexual (has that been a problem) but I went to ebay am bought an old versions legs.

#2 The deck cannon does not elevate so you cannot point it at the deck.

#3 need more henchmen.  Luke and Leia fought several.  We got about four.

#4 Max Rebo's space is very crowded, it was hard to fit him into his organ and then he is basically not visible due to the pillars. But they pillars look nice.

#5 Salacious Crumb has no leg to hold him to the throne so he falls over easily.

Recommendations:  I am going to figure out how many clear pieces are needed to raise the deck up enough that one can see inside like an expanded view.