LEGO Star Wars UCS TIE Interceptors have one important detail in common

LEGO Star Wars’ first and latest Ultimate Collector Series sets have one detail in common that shows just how much LEGO Star Wars has changed.

The first look at 75382 TIE Interceptor surfaced online shortly following the Ultimate Collector Series (UCS) set’s official reveal yesterday. The early review shows off much of the massive model but it’s a peek at the instructions that holds the most notable reveal.

It turns out that much like 7181 TIE Interceptor from 2000, 75382 TIE Interceptor is designed by Henrik Andersen 24 years later. 2000 was the first year for the Ultimate Collector Series, where 7181 TIE Interceptor launched at the same time as 7191 X-wing Fighter.

Even without considering that 2024 is the 25th anniversary of LEGO Star Wars, this is a huge moment for the theme and design master Henrik Andersen. It also serves to demonstrate just how much LEGO Star Wars models and building techniques have evolved.

While 7181 TIE Interceptor’s shape relied heavily on a large moulded element for the windshield, much of the spherical design of the ship is depicted using individual pieces in 75382 TIE Interceptor for a more accurate appearance.

Similarly, the blue pieces in 7181 TIE Interceptor are a sign of the times for LEGO Star Wars in its early days and the theme has since foregone this colour in Empire vehicles. The 2024 set has also added an expansion to the original display stand, now featuring a minifigure, MSE droid and a piece for the 25th anniversary of the theme.

It’s interesting to be able to compare these two LEGO Star Wars sets 24 years apart, but it’s even more interesting to know that they have been designed by the same person with over two decades of experience added on to 75382 TIE Interceptor.

75382 TIE Interceptor is the highlight of the LEGO Star Wars May the 4th offerings for 2024 and you can find out more about what to expect next month by clicking here.

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