Let's Talk About Lego

I have recently become reacquainted with the wonderful world of Lego. While 90% of Lego's catalog does not really interest me, it turns out that they do offer some toys for big kids, and we seem to have spent quite a large portion of our allowance on these things lately.

The interest started when we acquired a Mindstorms NXT set for my girlfriend. For those not familiar, the Mindstorms line allows you to build Lego robots, complete with functioning sensors (such as touch, light, and sound) and a programmable "Intelligent Brick" (your robot's brain) to control them. The silly thing can even communicate via Bluetooth.

I haven't spent much time with the Mindstorms, myself. Rather, while perusing the Lego online store for Mindstorms accessories, I came across the Star Wars Ultimate Collector's series and immediately fell in love. Unbeknownst to me, this series has been around for several years, with several sets already having been retired. Current sets of interest include an AT-ST, Y-Wing, TIE Advanced, the ever-popular Star Destroyer, and the Death Star II. There are a couple more sets included in this category in the Lego shop, but they are of nowhere near the same caliber as the ones named here.

So what makes these so cool? Unlike most Lego sets, these are built more like models than playthings. They do not include any mini-figures, and are not built to that scale. They feature (based on what I've seen of the catalogue) a minimum of 1,000 pieces, with the Star Destroyer and Death Star II breaking the 3,000-piece mark. They have a ridiculous amount of detail for something that is constructed using Lego bricks, including some interior details that you will probably never see once completed. And, best of all, they are appreciably huge. Of course, they do end up being a bit pricey, but I think they're worthwhile.

So it was that I began my new Lego collection on my birthday this year with the receipt of the AT-ST (the only one readily available at retail) from my girlfriend. I'm not going to tell you that it is all kinds of awesome (and it is), as I have pictures to do that for me. Click for big.

The AT-ST includes 1,068 pieces and took a good eight hours to complete. He stands 16.5" tall and kicks approximately thirty-eight variations of ass. And, of course, there is no way that he's going be the last.