Hoth Speeder Bike Patrol - TLC - Battle Packs

In 1999, around the time that Episode I was released, Lucasfilm, Ltd. published a book entitled Star Wars: Incredible Cross-Sections. It was the first time fans saw in-depth looks at so many of the vehicles we loved in the Original Trilogy. Providing collectors with a whole new level of perspective (and imagination for that matter), Star Wars vehicles were to never be looked at the same again. The massive AT-AT vehicle was perhaps one of the most impressive in the book, because it was really the first time we realized that this vehicle has as many compartments and levels as it did. And you really were made aware just how huge this vehicle is. But Star Wars: Incredible Cross-Sections also bridged a few things as well. Take for example the Hoth Speeder Bike Patrol Battle Packs set. The Speeder Bike and Scout Trooper from Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi is bred with the AT-AT and Snowtrooper from Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back and the product is this Battle Packs set. Hasbro knows how powerful “concept art� inspired figures are to collectors and they took a risk and delved into “fictional� concept art books like this one [Incredible Cross-Sections in not a true concept art book] and created a Battle Packs set that you may initially deride but soon realize that it is indeed a fairly cool idea and that maybe you shouldn't scoff at it.

The Hoth Speeder Bike Patrol Battle Packs set gives collectors two Hoth scout troopers and two Hoth speeder bikes. The speeder bikes are repaints of the one included in 2007 TAC San Diego Comic Con exclusive Shadow Scout with Speeder Bike set. This time around they have been cast in white and have lots a battle-damage and extra scuff marks. The paint job on these bikes is simply perfect. The two Scout Troopers that come on the bikes are interesting to say the least. They are 50% composed of the 2006 VTSC Biker Scout figure (the head and body) and 50% composed of the 2007 VTSC Imperial Stormtrooper (Hoth Battle Gear) figure (the arms and legs). The different body parts combine pretty good to make a “new� figure, but we thing the point at which the arms plug into the shoulders looks the slightest bit too bulky. But because the Hoth Scout Troopers are compiled from two very well made and super-articulated figures, the final product is not too shabby at all. In the Star Wars: Incredible Cross-Sections book, the AT-AT houses speeder bikes in its posterior and the jettison out of its rear as needed to defeat the impending enemies. While that last sentence may sound humorous, that is exactly what is depicted in the book. This information would never fly with the current scaled AT-AT vehicles in the Hasbro toy line because the vehicles are way too small. But it is a cool concept nonetheless. (Editor’s Note: This has all changed. The new and exciting super-deluxe AT-AT vehicle that is being released in August 2010 will indeed take into account this functionality and is big enough to house a speeder bike now.)

When the Hoth Speeder Bike Patrol Battle Packs set was first shown, it was quite a “what the heck� moment with collectors. But this set sold through very quickly when released on opening day in July 2008. And it is basically no where to be found today. If you’re looking for yet another new Imperial soldier, then this is definitely the set for you. And what makes the Scout Troopers even more unique is that they are painted differently than the figures from where their parts came. They also come with the standard Biker Scout blaster in addition to the more common Imperial issued blaster. You may be thrilled to get a newly colored pair of speeder bikes, but this appears to be a common approach Hasbro is decidedly taking for the Battle Packs line. The Hoth Speeder Bike Patrol Battle Packs set is not just a Hasbro concept and there is source material that exists to back it up (just see the reference photo below). So at worst, this set should make Expanded Universe collectors quite happy. It may also be too “light� of a set for you too. Getting only two figures in a set that costs at or above $20 not matter what else is included with it seems a little steep. But whatever you take is on it, the Hoth Speeder Bike Patrol set will definitely give you two more Imperials for your ranks. And that is always second to none for Star Wars collectors. We just love our Imperial soldiers, don’t we?