Despite the controversy on its category, this set is another large, impressive "play set" priced as a UCS set. Regardless, it's an impressive display with a load of figures and a wide footprint AND also a fun and sturdy play set.

Here's the bags and books:

3 large instruction manuals and thankfully only a couple stickers.

15 numbered bags, 2 unnumbered bags, and 1 loose baseplate.

I've been looking at this set for awhile now, it looks really nice but the price per part, ouch. I've heard the build uses some really interesting techniques, for example the rope bridge, the trees and the automatic Scout trooper head destroyer. Hope you enjoy the build.

Also, can you confirm for me that the R2 included in the set has a metallic silver head with the lighter blue printing?

I want this one pretty badly but the price is a killer.

First up is a couple biker scouts, a single speeder bike (which one's walking?), an ewok and his catapult.

I love the scouts (my favorite of all the clones) and the bike has a clear dish 'stand' that helps it display nicely. The catapult is ho-hum but adds to the final value as we'll see later.

Next up - we build the large "tree trunks." It's actually repetitive, but LEGO breaks it up with little diverse tricks to make each part a little different. First one is the stand alone tree which has a trap door where a figure can slide down and thru the tree and a rope bridge that will attach to the main part:

The next 3 trunks are nearly identical and will make up the base for the large platform. Notice each trunk is color coded on top to differentiate their placement. Each bag also contains a figure or two to keep the excitement coming. (There are a lot of figures!!)

The last trunk includes a secret compartment.

Next up, comes the large platform and a couple more figs. (Did I mention there are a lot?)

The platform attaches to the tree trunks to form the village. Here's where it gets fun. The throne, the drum set (clone helmets!), BBQ pit (where you can attach Han), and C3PO's chair which really can "elevate." Also notice the added greenery underneath the platform to add to the display value.

Next, it gets repetitive again with the finishing of the trees. Lots of great tree pieces! A cool feature is that the trees can each rotate.

The 2nd tree has a crane and net to capture unsuspecting wookiees:

After all the final touches, we have a very impressive display, LOADS of figures, and plenty of play features:

The whole build took me around 3 hours I believe. It definitely was repetitive in places, but each tree section has a little surprise feature that makes it fun. It's also great to see the model grow as you attach each section.

My boys spent plenty of time playing with this set after it was set up. It's so large, it offers plenty of room for both of them, and it's sturdy, except for some of the tree branches and leaf parts, but those are easily fixed.

For investment, I would have to say this set is a winner despite it's "less than UCS appeal" because:

1) high price tag item

2) original trilogy, iconic

3) 17 minifigures!!! Some exclusive

4) Ewoks!!!

5) large display

6) great set for MOCers?

7) possibly under the radar set? I don't really see a lot of talk about this one.

Also, can you confirm for me that the R2 included in the set has a metallic silver head with the lighter blue printing?

I want this one pretty badly but the price is a killer.

My strategy for this set, since it was for my personal collection, was to save enough VIP points to get it at a "discount." Haha - made me feel better paying only $150 for it!

More close ups of figs:

Very nice! I guess combining 3 sets would be cool ^.^

 

I don't think that it is under the radar of investors, it's just expensive and not that close to EOL.

It looks like I miscounted the bags - there's another small #10 bag there it looks like. So 16 numbered bags + 2 unnumbered....

I am in the process of building this myself. About to start on instruction manual 3.

Even though I am not a huge Star Wars fan I have to say I like the set. Have to agree on the pricepoint though and especially in Europe. RRP of

I grabbed a pair of these when amazon had them for $215 last year. Even at that price I am kind of regretting tying up the money. 

The high price per piece must account for all the minifigs because there's really not a lot of large or specialty pieces. That's my best guess anyways...

I grabbed a pair of these when amazon had them for $215 last year. Even at that price I am kind of regretting tying up the money.

Yes, I wonder of this set has "Death Star" life cycle planned?

I haven't bought any for pure investment yet...

Done!

Who can tell me what is out of place here?

Done!

Who can tell me what is out of place here?

ImageUploadedByBrickpicker Forum1411214941.263651.jpg

Simple...

You opened the box.

Okay fine, R2 is where Han should be.

Nope, keep looking.

Oh my I see it, I love it.

Done!

Who can tell me what is out of place here?

ImageUploadedByBrickpicker Forum1411214941.263651.jpg

I spot an Ent!

This is a great post! Makes me want to get one and build!     

Done!

Who can tell me what is out of place here?

ImageUploadedByBrickpicker Forum1411214941.263651.jpg

Out of place compared to what? The movie, pic on the box...? My first guess would be all the troopers shouldn't be there, but I know they are part if the set.

Out of place compared to what? The movie, pic on the box...? My first guess would be all the troopers shouldn't be there, but I know they are part if the set.

The answer is in one of the earlier posts, but it shouldn't be too difficult to see.

Had it not been answered, I would have never seen it.  Clever.

 

As for lifespan, I doubt it will have Death Star life.  It is not even close to as memorable and recognizable as DS.  It will run it's 2-3 year life and be gone IMO.  One can only hope that a Cloud City playset will take the place of either DS or Ewok Village.