Does 75301 Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Fighter Mark The Spot?

Since the earliest of days, Luke’s X-Wing Starfighter has filled an important roll in the LEGO Star Wars theme. First released as part of the original wave in March 1999, this distinctive starfighter maintained its position as one of the most popular LEGO sets, and over the course of its life, LEGO has released 29 different versions in five different scales.

The earliest version (7140 X-Wing Fighter) was, like most of the line in the beginning, both blocky and scant in detail – and with limitations on what building techniques and elements the first members of the proto-Star Wars design team could use, there was more left to the imagination than was included.

It was the creation of the Ultimate Collector Series subtheme in 2000 that delivered 7191 X-Wing Fighter, a set that made out collective draw drop. Progress, however, took a different direction in 2003 when LEGO devised the Mini-scale subtheme and released 4484 X-wing Fighter & TIE Advanced, a set that excited fans as much as its UCS brother did.

• 

• 

The following two years saw the release of improved X-Wings – 4502 X-wing Fighter took us to Dagobah and 6212 X-wing Fighter had two pilots and dual markings that let us chose between Wedge Antilles, piloting Red 3, or Luke’s Red 5 markings. A six-year gap, which was only filled in by Mini-scale and Planetary subtheme additions, followed before 9493 X-wing Starfighter was released in 2012, and since then there hasn’t been a year (with the exception of 2017) that a new X-wing – in one scale (including the Microfighter 75032 X-Wing Fighter) or another – hasn’t been released.

Because the ever-present “only the best is good enough” company motto necessitated constant improvements, development eventually outpaced affordability and so, at the start of 2021, LEGO performed a course correction and rolled back the piece count and detail level to something closer to the 1999 values.

75301 Luke Skywalker’s X-Wing Fighter

Children become heroes in their own epic stories with this cool LEGO® brick version of 75301 Luke Skywalker’s X-wing Fighter from the classic Star Wars™ trilogy. It’s packed with authentic details to delight fans, including an opening LEGO minifigure cockpit with space behind for R2-D2, wings that can be switched to attack position at the touch of a button, retractable landing gear and 2 spring-loaded shooters.

Play and display
This awesome building toy for kids features Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and General Dodonna LEGO minifigures, each with weapons, including Luke’s lightsaber, plus an R2-D2 LEGO droid figure.

The best buildable toys for kids
The LEGO Group has been recreating iconic starships, vehicles, locations and characters from the Star Wars universe since 1999. LEGO Star Wars is now its most successful theme with fun gift ideas for creative kids, and adults too.

• Recreate scenes from the classic Star Wars™ trilogy with this awesome building toy for kids, featuring a LEGO® brick-built version of Luke Skywalker’s iconic X-wing Fighter (75301).
• Includes Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and General Dodonna LEGO® minifigures, each with weapons including Luke’s lightsaber, plus an R2-D2 LEGO droid figure for role-play adventures.
• The X-wing features an opening LEGO® minifigure cockpit, space for R2-D2, wings that can be switched to attack position at the touch of a button, retractable landing gear and 2 spring-loaded shooters.
• Fun to build and play with solo or as a group activity, this building toy makes a super birthday present, holiday gift or surprise treat for creative kids and any Star Wars™ fan aged 9 and up.
• This starfighter construction model measures over 3 in. (8 cm) high, 12.5 in. (31 cm) long and 11 in. (28 cm) wide, and looks awesome displayed in a child’s bedroom between playtime missions.
• Buying for a big Star Wars™ fan who is a LEGO® beginner? Don’t worry. This set comes with step-by-step, illustrated instructions so they can build with Jedi-like confidence.
• LEGO® Star Wars™ sets are fabulous for kids (and adult fans) to recreate scenes from the saga, dream up original stories or just build and proudly display the construction models.
• Ever since 1958, LEGO® components have met stringent industry standards, meaning they are compatible and connect consistently – no need to use the Force!
• LEGO® components are tested in almost every way imaginable to ensure they meet rigorous safety standards.

Test your construction skills and recreate memories of epic Star Wars™ scenes as you build the Scout Trooper Helmet (75305). A complex LEGO® Star Wars building set offering a fun, creative way to unwind, every contour and detail of the helmet is beautifully recreated with LEGO bricks. This Star Wars collectible has a display stand with a nameplate to complete an eye-catching centerpiece for the home or office. And look out for the other new-for-May-2021 LEGO Star Wars build-to-display helmet: Darth Vader Helmet (75304). Part of an exciting collection of LEGO Star Wars building sets for adults, this premium-quality set makes a perfect gift for yourself, a Star Wars fan, experienced LEGO builder or any adult who enjoys a hands-on, DIY challenge.

• Take time out and challenge your building skills to create a wonderfully detailed LEGO® brick interpretation of a Star Wars™ Scout Trooper Helmet (75305).
• The distinctive look of a Scout Trooper’s helmet is recreated in LEGO® style, inspiring memories of Star Wars™ saga scenes, and the stand with a nameplate completes a cool display piece.
• This premium-quality set is part of a series of collectible LEGO® Star Wars™ build-to-display helmet models – check out the new-for-May-2021 Darth Vader Helmet (75304).
• Offering a challenging building experience, this 471-piece set makes a super birthday present, holiday gift or surprise treat for any Star Wars™ fan, experienced LEGO® builder or hobbyist.
• Measuring over 7 in. (18 cm) high, 4.5 in. (11 cm) wide and 4.5 in. (12 cm) deep, this buildable model doesn’t take up much space, but it is sure to catch the eye of every passerby.
• Buying this impressive set for a Star Wars™ memorabilia collector who is a LEGO® beginner? No worries. It comes with step-by-step instructions so they can take on the complex build with confidence.
• Collectible LEGO® Star Wars™ sets designed for adults like you who love Star Wars and enjoy the fun of a hands-on, creative project in your spare time.
• LEGO® components meet stringent industry standards to ensure that they are compatible for a simple, secure connection every time.
• LEGO® components are tested in almost every way imaginable to make sure that they satisfy rigorous global safety standards.

18+	471	325	75305	0	$0.11
Ages	Pieces	VIP Points	Item	Minifigures	Value

Build-wise, this new X-wing is an interesting combination of normal and advanced techniques that should provide enough challenge the younger builder, while not alienating the experienced LEGO fan.

Regardless of the reduced dimensions, the model is within proper proportions, and the new engine cowlings, stickers and subtly tapered nose makes it comparable to the original Kenner version from 1978.

• 

• 

• 

The biggest change is the S-foil mechanism, and now locking the wings in attack positions doesn’t rely on gears and rubber bands. It’s the complexity of this update that gives the set its 9+ age range.

Instead, a contraption that is neatly housed in the aft section of the ship uses counter-swing and the action of opening the wings into their famous crossed position is performed by simply pressing down on the top of a lift arm, a movement that vintage Kenner fans will feel comfortable with! Unfortunately, though, this leaves the R2-D2 figure raised – and exposed – above the fuselage.

• 

• 

Coming with this space vehicle are four minifigures – the prerequisite Luke Skywalker in an orange flight suit, his trusty astromech R2-D2, sister/commander Princess Leia and for the first time ever General Jan Dodonna, the strategist who planned the Rebel assault on the Death Star.

The balance of minimal detail and stickers helps to create a satisfying model, and the inclusion of four minifigures – with one being new for this set – and a smattering of brand new elements gives this 474 piece set, with is $49.99 MSRP, a dollars per brick value of 0.10, which is lower than this sets 1999 equivalent.

On the downside, the cutbacks have cut into this X-wing’s swooshability. The weak connections holding the thrusters on to the engine intakes mean that they fall off easily, as do the ends of the wing-tip laser cannons. The landing gear is not retractable and has to be removed by hand – and with nowhere to stash it or Luke’s lightsaber, it’s a good job that the Princess Leia and General Dodonna minifigures can keep an eye on them

Hanging over the general appeal of this set is the scaled-down size and detailing. To give LEGO the credit they deserve, this – and 75300 Imperial TIE Fighter – represents a correction in the ever-increasing cost of LEGO Star Wars sets.

This, no doubt will come as a relief to nearly everyone faced with buying them; however some collectors feel that the disparity in proportions makes these two 2021 sets an oddity when placed alongside other models, and a number of fans have eschewed purchasing them.

This set is available now from Target, Amazon.com, Walmart and LEGO.com (where it is currently on a 60 day back order).