LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter - A Collector's Dream
For anyone who has ever felt the pull of the dark side, or just loves a really cool spaceship, the LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter is, in a way, a truly iconic piece. It’s not just a toy; it’s a little slice of movie history you can hold in your hands, bringing to life one of the most recognizable starships from a galaxy far, far away.
This particular set, you know, it captures the menacing presence of Darth Vader's personal starfighter, the one that zipped through space in Episode IV. Fans and collectors often talk about how much they enjoy building these models, seeing the details come together. It's a rather special feeling, putting together something that looks so much like the real thing from the films.
Whether you are someone who collects these sets or just enjoys putting together a model on a quiet afternoon, there's quite a bit to appreciate about this specific LEGO creation. We're going to talk a little bit about what makes it stand out, what it might be worth these days, and, for instance, how it fits into the broader world of Star Wars building sets.
Table of Contents
- What Makes the LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter So Special?
- Is the LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter a Good Investment?
- Beyond the 8017 - Other LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter Models?
- How Does the LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter Fit into Games?
What Makes the LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter So Special?
When we think about classic LEGO Star Wars sets, the Darth Vader TIE Fighter, especially model 8017, often comes up. This particular model, released a while back, had a special place in the hearts of many fans. It wasn't just another spaceship; it was Vader's own, with its unique wing design and, you know, that really dark, imposing look. People seem to appreciate how well it captured the spirit of the original movie vehicle.
The attention to what the movie version looked like was a big deal for this set. It came with, for instance, some sleek firing missiles, which added a fun, interactive element. Measuring around six inches long and seven inches wide, it was a good size for display or for swooshing around the living room. It was, apparently, meant to be quicker and more agile than other regular TIE fighters, which is a neat detail for fans of the story.
The Original LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter: Set 8017's Story
The LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter set number 8017 first appeared on December 28, 2008. It was, at the time, available for about $30. This set was a special part of the 10-year celebration of LEGO Star Wars, which is kind of a big deal for collectors. It actually came with 251 building pieces and, of course, a Darth Vader minifigure, complete with his lightsaber. The instructions booklet for this one was quite a read, with 65 pages to guide you through the build. This model was a fresh take on Vader's personal starship, the TIE Advanced X1, as seen in the very first Star Wars movie, Episode IV: A New Hope.
Interestingly, because it was part of that anniversary, LEGO did something pretty cool. They randomly placed 10,000 special chrome Darth Vader figures into some of these sets. So, you know, finding one of those was a real treat for anyone who picked up a box. The set didn't stay on shelves for very long, retiring in February 2009 after about 16 months. This short time on the market has, in some respects, made it a bit of a sought-after item today.
Is the LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter a Good Investment?
For those who look at LEGO sets as more than just fun builds, the question of value often comes up. The 8017 LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter, having been off the market for quite a while, has certainly seen its worth go up. What it sold for back in 2008 is quite different from what it goes for now. This is pretty typical for retired sets, especially popular ones that people really want.
Today, a brand-new, sealed version of Vader's TIE Advanced, the 8017, could be worth a significant amount, sometimes estimated around $1,313. It's been showing a steady increase in value, gaining about 7.0% each year, though that might level off to around 6.2% in the future. Used sets, the ones that have been built and enjoyed, also hold their value, selling anywhere from about $47 to $220, depending on their condition and whether they come with all their pieces and instructions. So, it's pretty clear, this particular LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter can be a valuable item.
Finding Your Own LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter
If you're thinking about getting one of these, there are a few places to look. Online marketplaces are, naturally, a common spot where people sell used sets. You might see listings for a complete used LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter 8017, sometimes even with extra gifts, for prices around $95. Prices you see online are often based on what similar sets have sold for in the past, with some sites using their own special ways to figure out the current worth.
Retailers like Target might have newer TIE Fighter models, though perhaps not the exact 8017, but you can often find a LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter related item that you might like. They often offer options like same-day delivery or order pickup, which is quite convenient. Just remember that if you buy something and need to send it back, most places have a return policy you'll need to follow, though many offer at least one free return option.
Beyond the 8017 - Other LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter Models?
The 8017 isn't the only TIE Fighter model out there from LEGO. Over the years, there have been other cool sets that feature TIE fighters, sometimes even with Darth Vader himself. For example, there's the Imperial TIE Fighter set 75300, which comes with Stormtrooper and pilot minifigures and is usually for kids eight years and older. Then there's the TIE Bomber model, set 75347, which includes a Gonk Droid and a Darth Vader minifigure, which is, well, a rather interesting choice for that particular set.
The year 2023 was a big one for LEGO Star Wars TIE models, with the TIE Bomber making a comeback after two decades and the TIE Interceptor returning after 17 years. These are, apparently, considered great models to add to a collection. Some fans, you know, might have been looking for a TIE Advanced to go along with their 2018 Solo TIE Fighter, showing how these different sets can connect for collectors.
Building Your Own LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter
If you happen to get your hands on a LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter, putting it together is part of the fun. If you don't have the original paper instructions, you can usually find them online. The official LEGO website, for instance, often has building guides for older sets like the 8017 available for free download. This can be really helpful for making sure you have all the pieces and for putting everything in its right place.
Beyond just building the official sets, some people like to get creative. There are communities online where you can find instructions for building your own unique creations, called MOCs (My Own Creations), using the LEGO pieces you already have. This lets you, arguably, expand your collection and create something truly one-of-a-kind with your LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter parts, or even combine them with other sets, like a lighting kit for a TIE Fighter and X-Wing mashup.
How Does the LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter Fit into Games?
The appeal of the LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter isn't just limited to physical models. These iconic vehicles also pop up in video games, adding another layer of fun for fans. In some LEGO Star Wars games, you might even need to solve a puzzle to get your hands on Vader's TIE Fighter. For example, there's a planetary alignment puzzle on Yavin 4, usually on the top inside part of the Great Temple, that can unlock this starship for you to use in the game's free play mode.
This means that the experience of the LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter extends beyond just building. You can actually fly it, too, in a virtual world, which is pretty neat. It shows how deeply integrated these models are into the broader Star Wars universe, giving fans more ways to interact with their favorite ships and characters.
The Legacy of the LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter
The LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter, particularly the 8017 set, truly holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and fans. It represents a moment in LEGO Star Wars history, celebrating a big anniversary and offering something unique, like those rare chrome Vader figures. The fact that it has continued to hold and even gain value over the years really speaks to its lasting appeal and how much people appreciate this specific model.
From its movie-accurate look to the fun of building it, and even its presence in video games, this particular LEGO Star Wars Darth Vader TIE Fighter has, you know, left a significant mark. It's a fantastic example of how LEGO can capture the spirit of a beloved film series and create something that brings joy to people of all ages, whether they're displaying it, playing with it, or just enjoying the hunt for a rare piece.
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