Imperial Shuttle

Description

The shuttle Tydirium

Return of the Jedi gives the Imperial shuttle two very different roles. Darth Vader and the Emperor use such shuttles to arrive at the second Death Star, while the Rebels steal one, the Tydirium, to slip past the Imperial fleet and land a strike team on the forest moon of Endor. The tense scene in which the stolen shuttle waits for clearance is one of the film's most memorable moments. The craft's shape, with a fixed upper fin and two side wings that fold upwards for landing, is unmistakable at any scale. It is also one of the few Imperial designs that looks graceful rather than menacing.

A tidy little build

The 70 pieces are made up of 35 unique elements, an even split that keeps the build varied while still repeating for the mirrored wings. There are no minifigures, as the scale is too small for a pilot. The finished model is best suited to display, sitting neatly on a desk or shelf, although it is sturdy enough for gentle play. For younger builders it is a gentle introduction to Star Wars sets, because the distinctive silhouette appears quickly and rewards them after only a short session with the instructions. Adults will find it a pleasant way to spend a few quiet minutes.

White pieces worth having

White tops the colour list, followed by light bluish grey, dark bluish grey and black. That light palette matches the shuttle on screen and sets it apart from the Empire's darker warships. White pieces are often in short supply in a parts collection, so they are handy for your own spacecraft or buildings. Since the set dates from 2010, many copies are now second-hand; the parts list on this page shows every element with its colour and quantity, and What can I build? suggests which other sets you could complete with the pieces you own, and which are only a few parts short.

FAQ

Who uses the Imperial shuttle in Return of the Jedi?

Darth Vader and the Emperor travel in Imperial shuttles. The Rebels also steal one, the Tydirium, to reach Endor.

How many pieces are in set 20016?

There are 70 pieces, including 35 unique elements.

Is the set suitable for display?

Yes, its small size and recognisable shape make it a good desk or shelf model.