The 212th Clone Trooper: A LEGO minifigure work-in-progress
With the imminent arrival of
comes the latest iteration of the 212th Clone Trooper minifigure, but is it the most accurate to date?
As well as a much-anticipated and updated version of Commander Cody, next month’s
also features the
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Making their debut during the Battle of Geonosis in Attack of the Clones, this specific regiment has also appeared in numerous episodes of The Clone Wars animated series, plus many Star Wars comic books and video games. In the Star Wars universe, the 212th Attack Battalion (as the regiment is formally known) serves directly under the command of both General Kenobi and Commander Cody.
The first
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Printed details on the minifigure’s armour were fairly basic, giving it a more fresh off the Kaminoan production line appearance, as if the character had never seen any action. Beneath a basic Phase 2 helmet design was a nondescript face, reflecting the look of all of the clones created from the genetic template of bounty hunter Jango Fett.
The character next appeared in a much more improved form in 75036 Utupau Troopers in 2014. Two 212th Clone Troopers were included with this set, armed with stud launcher blasters instead of standard moulded weapons. This time around the LEGO Star Wars theme’s designers added fine details to the minifigure’s helmet and armour, including scuffs, marks, and battlefield wear and tear. The printing on the character’s legs also extended much further than on the previous version and the minifigure’s scowling face at least showed some signs of emotion.
Most importantly, the 212th Clone Troopers now boasted the correct orange colouring on their armour and arms, accurately matching their appearance in Revenge of
. The same helmet mould used in 75013 Umbaran MHC (Mobile Heavy Cannon) may have been repeated in this set, but the extra level of detail and spot-on colouring was certainly what LEGO Star Wars fans had been long been hoping for.
With the upcoming 75337 AT-TE Walker, we now have 212th Clone Trooper minifigures that feature an even more refined design. Boasting a new helmet mould that also echoes the look of Commander Cody, the set includes three 212th Clone Troopers, one armed with a short blaster and two with longer blasters. The revised helmets include holes on each side for attaching visors, rangefinders and other accessories, offering some slight customisation options for fans.
As well as the updated helmet piece, additional weathering and printed details have been added, which extends to the feet of the minifigures. In addition, the 212th Clone Troopers also now have white arms instead of the previous orange, which certainly helps them stand out when placed next to Commander Cody. Interestingly, it’s this version of the 212th Clone Trooper that also appears in LEGO Star Wars:
as a playable character, suggesting the long-delayed video game and 75337 AT-TE Walker could well have have had similar conception and design schedules.
With the latest iteration of the 212th Clone Trooper, the LEGO Group has finally succeeded in evolving the look of the character over multiple sets, managing to continually refine and improve its appearance and finally deliver to fans and builders the most accurate version to date.
75337 AT-TE Walker will be released on August 1 for £119.99 / $139.99 / €139.99 and you can read our full review of the set right here.
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