Stormtrooper (Light Gray Grille, Non-Cut-Out Short Blaster)
sw0036 · Star Wars
Star Wars Episode IV-VI · 2001 (First Appearance in 7146 TIE Fighter)
Figure ID
sw0036
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2001 (First Appearance in 7146 TIE Fighter)
Rarity
Uncommon/Classic. While mass-produced originally, finding one in mint condition with the specific 'Mark I' helmet mold is becoming more difficult for vintage collectors.
Head
Plain yellow stud head (early versions) or plain black stud head (transitional versions). The helmet is the iconic 2001 'low-detail' mold with a light gray grille print and no holes on the sides.
Torso
White torso with standard Episode IV-VI Stormtrooper armor print. Back is plain/unprinted, which was standard for the era. Black hands to represent glove seals.
Legs
White legs with black hips. Features basic leg printing depicting the lower armor plates and knee guards. No side or back printing.
Accessories
Equipped with the classic loudspeaker/megaphone-style blaster, which is notably used here without a transparent round plate (transitional phase before the modern blaster mold).
Color Scheme
White and Black primary colors with Light Gray accents in the helmet grille and torso details. No dual-molding or metallic finishes typical of modern eras.
Printing Details
Pad printed with thick, durable lines. Features minimal detail compared to modern versions, lacking the refined vent lines and back printing of post-2010 figures.
Variants
Several variants exist between 2001-2005, including sw0036a (darker grille) and sw0188 (shadow trooper). This specific one is the 'Original' light gray grille version.
Condition Notes
Susceptible to yellowing (UV damage) on white pieces. Common wear includes 'loose necks' and torso cracks on the sides. The helmet printing can rub off if stored in bulk bags.
Estimated Value
$10.00 - $18.00 USD for used complete; New/Mint examples can fetch $25.00+ USD depending on the tightness of joints and lack of yellowing.
Price (New)
Original sets ranged from $10.00 (7110 Landspeeder) to $100.00+ (7166 Imperial Shuttle). It was essentially the 'grunts' of the line.
Compatible Sets
7146 TIE Fighter, 7166 Imperial Shuttle, 7139 Ewok Attack, and 7201 Final Duel II.
Character Background
The backbone of the Galactic Empire's military. In the LEGO context, these figures helped define the 'Classic' aesthetic of the Star Wars line during the early Lucasfilm partnership.
Design Notes
Unique Helmet Mold: This era's helmet did not have the 'chin' cutout found on modern figures, making it look much bulkier. It represents the first evolution from the 'solid' prototype phase.
Similar Minifigures
sw0188 Shadow Trooper, sw0036a Stormtrooper (black grille), and the 1999 original sw0005 Scout Trooper.
Collectibility
High nostalgia factor. Collectors often army-build this specific 'yellow-head' era version to create 'retro' dioramas that match the early 2000s LEGO aesthetic.
History
First released in 2001, replacing the earliest 1999 version. It reigned until 2005 when the 'dot-eye' helmet prints began to transition into the modern era of detail.
Interesting Facts
The helmet mold used for this figure is often called the 'non-hole' helmet. Later iterations added holes for rangefinder accessories, which these classic ones lack.
Display Suggestions
Ideal for 'Greatest Hits' displays or 20th Anniversary dioramas. Best showcased in a UV-protected acrylic case to prevent the white plastic from turning yellow.
Modification Potential
Commonly used for 'purist' customs where collectors swap the plain head for modern flesh tones, though most collectors prefer keeping the yellow/black heads for historical accuracy.
Overall Assessment
An 8/10 for historical significance. While it lacks the detail of 2024 versions, its charm lies in its simplicity. A cornerstone of any Star Wars collection.
Notes
This is an old stormtrooper from around early 2000’s