Battle Droid Security (Tan with Red Torso)
sw0004 · Star Wars
Episode I: The Phantom Menace · Released in 1999, debuting in the Naboo Swamp set (7121). This was part of the inaugural wave of LEGO Star Wars sets.
Figure ID
sw0004
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
Released in 1999, debuting in the Naboo Swamp set (7121). This was part of the inaugural wave of LEGO Star Wars sets.
Rarity
Uncommon. While mass-produced in the early 2000s, this specific variant with the red torso is less common than the standard tan droid.
Head
Standard tan Battle Droid head mold. It features no printing and uses the classic mechanical clip-style neck attachment.
Torso
Dark red Battle Droid torso section. Unlike standard tan droids, this denotes the Security rank. It features the standard two-arm clip points and a single back-tab.
Legs
Standard tan Battle Droid legs. This consists of a single-piece molded leg unit with two feet that lacks articulation at the knees or ankles.
Accessories
Missing in image. Originally supplied with a standard black megaphone-style blaster (early years) or a black DC-15S blaster (later versions).
Color Scheme
Primary color is Tan with a distinctive Dark Red torso. The Dark Red serves as the insignia for Trade Federation security droids.
Printing Details
None. This minifigure relies entirely on colored plastic molds (Tan and Dark Red) for character identification without any pad printing.
Variants
Variants include sw0001 (Standard Tan), sw0001c (One Straight Arm), sw0151 (Commander with Yellow markings), and modernized versions with better head molds.
Condition Notes
Common wear points include loose arm clips that can crack, 'limp' arms that won't hold a pose, and stress marks on the leg-to-torso connection pin.
Estimated Value
Used complete: $2.50 - $4.00 USD. New/Mint: $6.00 - $9.00 USD. Value is kept low by high production volume despite its age.
Price (New)
Original sets like 7121 (Naboo Swamp) retailed for approximately $10.00 USD in 1999, containing two of these droids and two Gungans.
Compatible Sets
7121 Naboo Swamp (1999), 7126 Battle Droid Carrier (2001), 4478 Geonosian Fighter (2003).
Character Background
OOM-series security battle droids were used by the Trade Federation and CIS to guard starships and high-value installations, identified by their red chassis.
Design Notes
This represents the earliest stage of LEGO droid design. The head mold was slightly thinner than contemporary versions, and the plastic was sometimes more brittle.
Similar Minifigures
sw0001 Battle Droid Tan, sw0151 Battle Droid Commander, sw0096 Battle Droid Pilot (Blue Torso).
Collectibility
Medium. Essential for army builders and completionists of the early 'Yellow-skin' era LEGO Star Wars collection.
History
This figure marks the beginning of the LEGO Star Wars line. Its design has remained remarkably consistent for over 20 years, with only minor mold reinforcements.
Interesting Facts
The 'Security' droid was often used to fill out sets because the red torso added a splash of color to otherwise monochrome droid armies.
Display Suggestions
Ideal for Trade Federation dioramas, MOC droid carriers, or displayed in ranks to showcase the 'Security' division of a CIS army.
Modification Potential
Commonly modified by switching the standard curved arms for 'straight' arms to allow the droid to hold a blaster pointing forward.
Overall Assessment
A classic piece of LEGO Star Wars history. While simple in design, it is a sturdy and iconic representation of the Prequel Era droids.