Y-wing Starfighter

For better or for worse, the LEGO Group appears to be applying the same approach to UCS sets that it did to the System scale versions over the last 15 years. Take a ship and incorporate improvements that dramatically improve it from one release to another. The initial model looks good until the successor comes out and then suddenly the previous version looks inferior by comparison. First the UCS X-Wing, then the Death Star, then the Snowspeeder and finally the Falcon have all followed that pattern. This makes models such as 75181 Y-wing Starfighter must haves both for collectors who have the previous version and those who don't alike. more less

This is an excellent rendition of the Y-Wing, good value, and a great addition to the collection. I wouldn't say it's a must-have, though sadly that's the problem with the Y-Wing herself - not perhaps the most sought-after of Star Wars ships. more less

There are a lot of things to love about the Y-Wing, but having built and marveled over it in the flesh, the greebling really lifts the entire model up a whole other level. The massive ion jet engines and impeccable proportions are some of the most visible standout features of the Y-Wing, but the greebling and amazing level of detail across its entire exterior is what makes this an exceptional Star Wars UCS set. By paying attention to the ultra-detailed fuselage, the Y-Wing succeeds in presenting itself as a mature, highly detailed and complex LEGO model that is in my opinion, one of the most well-executed LEGO UCS sets of all time. Whether you own the original, or are leaping to finally add a Y-Wing to your UCS collection, 75181 UCS Y-Wing Starfighter will not let you down in any way. I highly recommend this set, especially if you're a Star Wars fan. more less

The BTL-A4 Y-wing starfighter is one of the most immediately recognisable vehicles from across the entire Star Wars saga and 75181 Y-wing Starfighter is undoubtedly the best rendition of the craft yet. Not only does it include tremendous detail but the model is remarkably sturdy and feels very tactile, despite using a plethora of small pieces. The set therefore offers reasonable play value as well as looking fantastic on display. more less

I'm pleased to say that 75181 Y-wing Starfighter exceeds all expectations, with great color selection, amazing greebles, and a shocking sturdiness that had me swooshing it around the room — something you certainly can't do with the monstrous UCS Falcon or the awkwardly shaped UCS Slave I (both excellent LEGO sets, but much less swooshable). $200 for about 2,000 pieces is also a pretty solid deal for a licensed set, though I can't imagine parting out such an excellent display model just for the pieces. While on our book tour for Ultimate LEGO Star Wars, a frequent question from audience members was which LEGO Star Wars set was our favorite. Both Chris and I agreed then that the Slave I was our favorite, but speaking personally, I think I might have a new favorite LEGO Star Wars set of all time. more less