Lego Star Wars Review Set 8039 Venator-Class Republic Attack Cruiser

The Star Wars Lego set 8039, Venator-Classhelmet design to reflect the different appearance
Republic Attack Cruiser is a model of theof this elite Galactic Senate guard. The final figure
precursor to the imposing Imperial Star Destroyeris the exclusive Chancellor Palpatine minifig, and
so prominently featured in the opening momentsthis figure represents Palpatine before he reveals
of Star Wars A New Hope. This ship washimself as the Sith Lord. 
designed as Grand Chancellor Palpatine's personalThere are a number of playable features on the
flagship during the Clone Wars and is prominent inship including an opening area at the front where
the opening salvo of Episode Three Revenge OfPalpatine's office is located. Inside there is a simple
the Sith when Anakin and Obi-Wan crash land partchair and table set up with a few of Palpatine's
of a Venator onto Coruscant.trademark maroon colored flags and rugs. It
The Lego Venator is not to minifigure scale butseems cramped but it is obvious that Lego has
does a great job of replicating the design of thedone this to reduce the size of the overall set yet
ship. It is 20 inches (50.8cm) long, 12 inchesretain the sleek shape of the ship.  At the rear
(30.5cm) wide and 7 inches (17.8cm) high, makingthere is a removable command module and
it a pretty impressive model. For extra playabilityopening gunner areas on the side.  Weapons
the constructed set has a handle at the top whichinclude various flick fire missiles and a bombing
can be used to lift the vehicle safely without fearmechanism on the bottom that can be removed
of breaking off plates. It is very effective additionand then refilled.
and while aficionados will no doubt lament that itOverall the ship is beautiful representation of the
reduces the set to a "kid's toy" the handleoriginal, instantly recognizable and highly playable.
retracts quite nicely and does little to detractUnlike earlier models of this size, like the Star
from overall feel of the set.Destroyer model 6211, kids can play with the
The Venator comes with a clone pilot and a cloneVenator using the retractable handle and have no
gunner both of which have appeared in setsconcern about breaking it apart. The added
previously. The new figures for this set includeexclusive minifigures make this set a must buy
two Senate Commandos. The bodies of thesebefore it sells out and demands high prices on the
figures have the same body as a regular clone,secondary market.
just painted blue instead of white and a new