Hoth Rebel Trooper (Tan Uniform, White Goggles)
sw0259 · Star Wars
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back · 2009
Figure ID
sw0259
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2009
Rarity
Uncommon; it was produced for a specific era and appeared in multiple sets but is now discontinued.
Head
Light Flesh head with a determined expression, featuring brown eyebrows and subtle lines; topped with a Tan Rebel Hoth Helmet and separate White Goggles.
Torso
Tan torso with Hoth Rebel pattern: features a quilted jacket design with dark brown stitching, Rank Insignia (two silver pips on a dark patch), and a printed light bluish gray collar.
Legs
Dark Tan legs without printing, representing the rugged fatigues worn in the Echo Base environments.
Accessories
Typically paired with a black medium blaster (DC-15S style) or a long blaster rifle. This specific figure wears the iconic White Goggles (part 30648).
Color Scheme
A monochromatic palette of Tan and Dark Tan with white accents, designed for camouflage on the ice planet of Hoth.
Printing Details
Pad-printed torso with sharp detail on the quilting and rank insignia; head printing is limited to a single side with standard 2009 face styling.
Variants
Variants include versions with different head prints (sw0258), different goggle colors (orange), and the modern 2016-2020 redesigns (sw0714) which have much higher detail.
Condition Notes
The tan color is susceptible to UV discoloration. Common wear points include the neck area from the goggles and potential cracking on the sides of the torso.
Estimated Value
Used: $4.00 - $7.00; New/Mint: $10.00 - $14.00. Value fluctuates based on goggle condition and torso cracks.
Price (New)
Originally available in sets ranging from $10.00 (Battle Packs) up to $90.00 (Echo Base sets).
Compatible Sets
Set 8083 (Rebel Trooper Battle Pack), 7749 (Echo Base), and 8089 (Hoth Wampa Cave).
Character Background
Infantry soldiers of the Alliance to Restore the Republic stationed at Echo Base on Hoth during the opening act of The Empire Strikes Back.
Design Notes
This version introduced the move toward more realistic flesh-toned skin but retained the simplified 'classic' torso aesthetic before the transition to heavy detailing in 2014.
Similar Minifigures
Hoth Rebel Trooper (sw0524), Rebel Trooper (Tan Vest) (sw0187), and Hoth Rebel Trooper (sw0714).
Collectibility
High for army builders who want to create large-scale Echo Base dioramas; moderate for general collectors as it is a foundational Star Wars figure.
History
First appearing in the 2009/2010 wave, this figure marked the standard for Rebel infantry for several years during the 'Blue Box' era of LEGO Star Wars packaging.
Interesting Facts
The white goggles are often lost or swapped by collectors for the rarer orange-tinted goggles found on pilots, making a complete 'white goggle' trooper surprisingly distinct.
Display Suggestions
Display in groups of 4-8 on a white/snow-covered baseplate, preferably with a 75009 Snowspeeder or adjacent to a Tauntaun.
Modification Potential
Excellent for military MOCs or custom wasteland survivors due to the neutral desert/tan color scheme.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential 'Army Builder' minifigure. Though lacking the back printing of modern figures, its iconic silhouette and nostalgic 2000s charm make it a staple for any Star Wars collection.