The LEGO Star Wars 8091 Republic Swamp Speeder set contains the Swamp Speeder vehicle and five LEGO Star Wars minifigures. The minifigures are Jedi Knight Barriss Offee, one Phase II Clone Trooper (the newer design), two Battle Droids and one Super Battle Droid. Released on January 4, 2010 as part of the LEGO Episode III Revenge of the Sith collection, this set features a redesign of the Clone Trooper vehicle from the 7260 Episode III Wookiee Catamaran set developed in 2005, with more realistic looking laser cannons and larger engines.
While the vehicle itself is quite small, seating only two LEGO mini figures with standing room for two to four more, it does have hidden wheels that appear to make it hover. These wheels can pivot, allowing the 5” by 5” vehicle to move easily in any direction. The four flick-firing blasters, pilot blast shields and the realistic rotating engine make this one formidable war machine.
This vehicle is also known as the Infantry Support Platform; the Swamp Speeder is a repulsorlift vehicle heavily used by the Grand Army of the Republic on swamp worlds. While gigantic wheeled or legged vehicles might have a problem traversing swamps or dealing with tight spaces, the Swamp Speeder’s tight design and heavy firepower made it an invaluable asset to the Republic, allowing it to travel and fight almost anywhere as necessary. A variant of the BARC speeder, this unit was used in the movie most notably during the battle for Kashyyyk. Piloted by two Clone troopers, or in this set by a trooper and Barriss Offee, this craft was used to quickly shuttle troops around and provide anti-personnel fire from its dual forward-mounted laser cannons. Though only developed towards the end of the Clone Wars, this light vehicle uniquely served the needs of the Clone army.
There are a few notable things about the set itself. The first of these is that this is the first set since the LEGO 7655 Clone Troopers Battle Pack in 2007 to feature the Phase II Clone Trooper, though the version in this set is slightly redesigned. The preliminary image for this set had the speeder appearing on a desert planet, inaccurate for the Swamp Speeder. There has also been some debate as to whether or not this set actually belongs in the Clone Wars or the Episode III distinction, because of the different faces for some of the characters. This is, however, the only LEGO Star Wars set to this point that contains the Barriss Offee minifigure, and that becomes the main reason for acquiring this limited edition set. The Clone Trooper and the two Battle droids also come with the newer model blasters.
Actual construction of this set is not terribly difficult, with the recommended age ranging from 7 to 12 years old. The instructions are, as with any Lego set, well defined and easy to follow, although the slight differences in grays might cause some of the younger builders some trouble, but should not bother older builders at all. All in all, the 8091 Republic Swamp Speeder makes a perfect addition to any fan's Lego collection.
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Lego Star Wars Republic Swamp Speeder 8091 New in Factory Sealed Box | US $16.49 |
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Lego Star Wars x2 8097 Slave I 8091 Republic Swamp Speeder Limited Ed NEW | US $109.00 |
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LEGO Star Wars Super Battle Droid Pearl Dark Gray 8091 Minifigure NEW | US $6.99 |
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LEGO Star Wars Republic Swamp Speeder 8091 Unopened NIB New in Box Limited | US $46.99 |
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4 New Star Wars Lego Swamp Speeder 8091Emporer Palpatines 8096 7868 7930 | US $159.99 |
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