Toys : LEGO Star Wars 7675: AT-TE Walker

Rating: - "Deploy grapples, we're going up!"
Lego kick off their 2008 releases from The Clone Wars movie with the amazing AT-TE Walker. These were also seen in Attack Of The Clones but this kit has been updated from the original #4482 AT-TE from 2003 with better construction, nicer detailing and a more accurate colour scheme. This is a great version of the All Terrain Tactical Enforcer and it comes loaded with features.
The cockpit opens at the front and the control seat slides out like the previous kit. The legs have been refined and the front and aft legs can move up and down easily - the middle legs swing through. The front four cannons rotate 360 degrees as well as across. Under the upper two front cannons you can lift the panel and the mechanism inside fires a large missile (like the ones in 2007's 7659 Imperial Landing Craft) which represent the AT-TE's grapple guns which you'll see put to good use in the film! There are also two of the rotating cannons on the aft hull.
The main mortar cannon on the roof has been scaled to the correct size and can move both up and down and rotate 360 degrees. Unlike the previous kit where the whole top lifted off, this one hinges up at the roof for forward section and aft section. This is because there is a long piece in the middle which can be lifted out and used as a carry handle. The forward section houses a small equipment locker and seats for two. The aft section houses a removable plate which has 4 seats and a weapons rack.
There is also a new blue S.T.A.P. on a stand as well - give the AT-TE something to shoot at! It has refinements over previous releases and is a little taller, has stabiliser wings and sports the new blue colour.
The great thing about Clone Wars kits are the new figures, with great facial detailing these ones are a cut about previous Star Wars characters. You get 6 figures in all, the only 2 reissues are the ubiquitous Battle Droid for the S.T.A.P. and Anakin Skywalker (from this year's 7669: Anakin's Jedi Starfighter) with his blue lightsabre.
The Clone Trooper has new detailing on the body and now has a removable helmet so you can see the clone's face underneath. The helmet has holes in the side into which you can attach rangefinders or visors. When he's not driving the AT-TE there are 2 of the black heavy assault rifles for him to use.
Captain Rex is a great clone figure. His helmet has holes in to attach a rangefinder or a visor. He has a grey waistcoat, grey shoulder pouldron and is armed with 2 grey DC-17P pistols.
Ashoka comes with her green lightsabre and Jabba the Hutt's son, Rotta.
The kit comprises 762 pieces (not including figures, weapons, accessories and missiles) and takes about 90 minutes to build. The AT-TE measures 46 cm long (from mortar cannon barrel to aft gun turret tip), 31 cm wide (at middle legs) and stands 22 cm tall. The S.T.A.P. is 11.5 cm tall on stand
A fantastic kit for kids and adults alike and a very welcome addition to any Republic ground force.