With LEGO 75357 Ghost & Phantom II launching to tie into Star Wars: Ahsoka, here’s a look at the four freighters that have been released in LEGO Star Wars so far…
The release of the Star Wars: Ahsoka series marks the reappearance of The Ghost, Hera Syndulla’s prized freighter and crew transport. From the early days of small insurgent cells in Star Wars: Rebels to the final battle of Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, The Ghost has trekked into the far reaches of space to fight the Empire and later the First Order. Of course, it’s not the only famed freighter in the galaxy – and the LEGO Group has capitalized on that.
Fans have built these beloved hero ships several times over, thanks to sets based on four named freighters in LEGO Star Wars media: the Millennium Falcon, the Ghost, the StarScavenger and the Twilight from Star Wars: The Clone Wars. On a side note, it’s understandable but still a shame that the LEGO Group hasn’t released the Ebon Hawk from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Blocks, the monthly LEGO magazine, is taking a deep dive into these famous sets – and with any luck, you’ll see why ‘the garbage will do’.
The Millennium Falcon – A smuggler’s favourite runner
Of the four sets on this list, the Millennium Falcon has had the most representations across 28 sets. That includes everything from Advent Calendar mini builds to the Ultimate Collector Series 10179 Millennium Falcon from 2007, predecessor to the adult wish list regular 75192 Millennium Falcon. This ship defies the odds as a flying saucer-like craft, with an external cockpit and a radar dish. It’s much faster than a hovering saucer, of course – it travelled the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs.
The Millennium Falcon first appeared in LEGO Star Wars as 7190 Millennium Falcon in the year 2000. That model’s defining feature is its use of round armour plating from the LEGO Group’s U.F.O. theme. It’s also identifiable by its use of primary-coloured bricks externally, something that would disappear by 2004 with 4504 Millennium Falcon and (arguably) reappear in 2018 with the white and blue 75212 Kessel Run Millennium Falcon. The former graciously included a Snowtrooper minifigure and an Imperial E-web cannon.
No matter your preference in freighters, the Millennium Falcon is easily the most iconic. Its first appearance in 1977 wowed audiences, something it continues to do today with its dazzling maneuvers and hidden weaponry. The LEGO models surprise fans all the same, too, with great play features and details for fans of all ages. Now for something more spectral…
The Ghost – The elusive freedom fighter
The Ghost, based on Ralph McQuarrie’s stunning designs, is a mystery. Joining the Rebellion before Han Solo ever intercepted Darth Vader during the Battle of Yavin, this chunky ship pioneered some amazing flips and spins and evaded the Empire at every turn. It’s a massive craft that’s been replicated by the LEGO Group eight times, as well as in a bundle with 75048 The Phantom.
These models are mostly in a smaller scale, save for two play scale sets. Starting out with the rare and expensive 75053 The Ghost is an easy choice. It features four minifigures and a beaten-up model of the now legendary craft. This set lacked a full interior and had middling external detail by today’s standards. In a split second, this model was here and gone, available for roughly one year. This 929-piece set was also the only one to include Garazeb ‘Zeb’ Orrelios, a vital member of the Ghost crew. Carabast.
It reappears in the Star Wars: Ahsoka range as 75357 Ghost & Phantom II, now containing 1,394 pieces. This time there’s a cramped yet finished interior, as well as five minifigures. The detail on this upcoming model is spectacular, blowing the nine-year-old model out of this galaxy. Both models include its signature pilot, Hera Syndulla.
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The Twilight – a Clone Wars-era hunk of junk
Star Wars: The Clone Wars enjoyed a lengthy, seven season-long run on television. This marvel of a show featured countless ship designs, some seen in the films, but many of which were created from scratch. Enter The Twilight, a jalopy ship that has a single LEGO model based on it. The Twilight was first seen in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars film, and last seen prior to the occupation of Mandalore in Season 5. It would be destroyed in this arc, courtesy of Death Watch’s skilled warriors.
7680 The Twilight is a massive model, measuring almost half a metre wide. It features a rotating laser turret, deployable landing gear, and a winch on string in the rear. This Clone-Wars era set is more utilitarian than anything, with some fans going as far as to call the ship ‘ugly’. That’s the idea though, isn’t it?
Within the model, you can place R2-D2, Anakin Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano and Jabba the Hutt’s son, Rotta, ready to travel to Tatooine and reunite the family. Dodging MagnaGuard warriors is all in a day’s work for its skilled plastic Jedi pilots. It’s an easily forgotten set, and obscure for newer fans, but deserves a place in your LEGO The Clone Wars collection.
StarScavenger – from the LEGO Group’s own original Star Wars content
If you thought the Twilight was an obscure ship, here’s one that might blow your mind. 75147 StarScavenger is a hunter of space junk that includes four minifigures – Rowan, Zander, Kordi, and R0-GR. If you haven’t heard of them, then you need to check out LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures (conveniently available on Disney+). Released in 2016, the StarScavenger was developed especially for the animated series, with input from Lucasfilm.