Droid Gunship (#75042)

This is the second version of the Droid Gunship (#7678 was the first). We got to see it in action during Episode III and the battle on Kashyyyk. Since then, it has been featured in the Clone Wars series a few times.

The set comes with four minifigs, A new Chewbacca (sporting two-toned hair and printed legs), a Kashyyyk scout (same as you'll find in the battle pack), a super battle droid, and a standard battle droid. I like the new Chewie, and the Kashyyyk clones are my favorite.

Not sure why they didn't include a blue pilot droid with this set like they did last time, but we only get a standard droid. There's room for him to lie down, and there's even a targeting display... if only his feet were equipped with optical sensors. I feel that important displays like that should be placed where they can be useful...

A view from the rear. As you'll see in the comparison photos below, this one is much more streamlined than the prior version. Yes, there are supposed to be the new spring-loaded missiles on each "wing" but I took them off.

Turn it over for access to the bombs...

Pull the levers on the back to release the bombs, or load them up again.

Here's the newer 75042 on the left and the old 7678 on the right. The new one is much more in-line with the movie version with the lower profile.

The two pilot compartments. According to the tech specs, these gunships were technically droids and didn't use pilots, just like the Vulture Droids.

The underside is where the biggest difference is between the two. The Bomb deployment system is much better on the new model. It's also easier to grab this one, where the old one always felt a bit delicate if you didn't pick it up just right.

So, here's how I would rate the set:

• Features: 8/10. While there aren't really a lot of features with this model, it's not like there's a lot of wasted space that could be doing something if it had been designed better. The construction is solid, although slightly front-heavy. 
• Design: 8/10. Even though other reviews have called the underside "lazy", I think it works very well with the improved sleek look of the model. However, I do think they could've used the light grey pieces instead of the blue.
• Price: 7/10. SRP on this is $50 USD. I get the licensing fee, but it seems like there could've been a little more included for the price. Or take out a droid and knock a couple bucks off the price tag.
• Minifigs: 6/10. The new Chewie is great, but it felt like the droids were just fillers. If Lego feels they need to add in a standard battle droid as a pilot for extra play value, go ahead. But the super battle droid seemed a bit out of place. There aren't really any Jedi to add to the set, we have enough Yodas already. Another clone would've been cool, or maybe a generic Wookie warrior. 
• Overall score: 7.25/10. Far better than the original version and although not without a shortcoming or two, this is a good model.