STAP

Description

Patrols over Naboo

The Single Trooper Aerial Platform is one of the smaller vehicles in The Phantom Menace, but it gets a memorable moment. Early in the film, battle droids on STAPs chase through the Naboo forest, where Qui-Gon Jinn first runs into Jar Jar Binks. The droid stands upright on a slim frame, grips two control handles and fires the blasters mounted at the front. The platforms turn up again in The Clone Wars, still flown by the Separatist droid army.

Building a slim vehicle

Thirteen distinct elements make up the 24 pieces, so more than half of what you pick up is unique within the set. A vehicle this narrow needs a separate part for almost every job, from the frame and handles to the engine and guns. The build is quick and the finished model is easy to hold, with the minifigure ready to climb aboard. That makes it much more of a play set than a display model, and a handy one to keep in a bag.

A practical colour mix

The main colours are dark bluish grey, light bluish grey, reddish brown and trans-clear. Two greys make up most of the palette, which suits the functional look of Trade Federation machinery. Reddish brown adds the only warm tone, and trans-clear is the single transparent colour. Greys like these are among the most useful colours to have in a parts collection, because they fit into ships, vehicles and buildings of every kind once the model is taken apart.

More than one STAP

One platform is a nice extra; several make a patrol. The parts list on this page gives each of the 13 elements with colour and quantity, so you can check a used copy or build extra STAPs from your own bricks. With your collection in Bricoria, What can I build? shows which other sets are already within reach. The STAP fits naturally next to other Naboo and Trade Federation sets from the prequel era.

FAQ

What does STAP stand for?

It stands for Single Trooper Aerial Platform, a flying platform for one battle droid.

Does set 30058 include a minifigure?

Yes, the catalogue lists one minifigure alongside the 24 pieces.

Is the STAP also in The Clone Wars?

Yes, the Separatist droid army uses STAPs in the animated series as well.