Armored Scout Tank With Battle Droid - TCW [R] - Deluxe

Armored scout tanks (ASTs) are light reconnaissance vehicles driven by pilot droids. Specially programmed battle droids operate the vehicles and fire upon the enemy with twin laser cannons. These repulsorcrafts are deployed in small units for hit-and-run missions or used to support larger military campaigns during the Clone Wars.

When Hasbro decided to reintroduce the Deluxe line (actually, they have yet to call it that – it’s been referred to as the “Vehicle With Figure” line), it was inevitable that they would gather some of their best previous efforts and get them out again. What we probably didn’t expect was for them to choose so many that never appeared in anywhere in the film or television show. The very first wave that was part of the line look re-launch had many collectors scratching their heads. Yet, there was something oddly fascinating about them. One of these said “off-screen” concepts was the Armored Scout Tank With Battle Droid Deluxe set. Despite not appearing in any scene (to date) in The Clone Wars, admittedly, it looks like something pulled right out of the Battle of Christophsis. Hasbro knew that with all the clone trooper based Deluxe sets being released, our clones were in need of some antagonists. So they released a great Separatist set while helping kids and collectors to army build as well.

In true Hasbro fashion, they have lightly strummed our heartstrings and created something in the animated line that is very reminiscent of how it came to us originally in the Episode I line. And that's because 50% of this set is actually from the Episode I line. This revisited vehicle is obviously nothing new, but it’s been update to be fresh and new and for that reason alone we really like this set. As mentioned, the Armored Scout Tank was originally released in the 2000 Episode I Invasion Force line. Back then, Deluxe figures were on a different platform. While most have play features, the original Episode I figures were essentially action figures that plugged into a lightsaber that manipulated them. So Hasbro created the Invasion Force line to fulfill the lower end vehicle line. They were quite popular and it makes perfect sense why we’re seeing them still even after a decade later. Essentially a micro sized version of the AAT, the Armored Scout Tank fits wonderfully into The Clone Wars Deluxe line.

Interestingly, Hasbro also painted the Battle Droid uniquely and it matches the Battle Droid that came with the 2000 Episode I version. This means that the Battle Droid is a “pilot” of sorts and designated as such by the shoulders and abdomen of the droid colored in blue. So we like the throwback given to this Battle Droid. Unfortunately, the Battle Droid is a rework of the original 2008 TCW [B] Battle Droid (No. 7) figure. This means that the legs don’t have any articulation except for the rigid hips and makes posing and balancing it quite a task. The figure does have a nice wash on it and the droid looks dirty as it should. The natural bend in the droids knee (there isn’t any articulation but it is slightly bent) allows for a very natural riding position on the Armored Scout Tank. In fact, the Battle Droid looks fantastic on it. And the paint job that Hasbro gave this miniature vehicle is also something that should impress you. Overall, it’s hard to dislike this set. It just works and we’re unable to pinpoint exactly why this is. (Editor's Note: This Deluxe set was released in packaging that was titled as Battle Droid And Armored Scout Tank until it was corrected to Armored Scout Tank With Battle Droid.)