Luke Skywalker (Bacta Tank)
sw0407 · Star Wars
The Empire Strikes Back / Episode V · 2012 (Released in set 7879 Hoth Echo Base)
Figure ID
sw0407
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2012 (Released in set 7879 Hoth Echo Base)
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While not a limited promotion, he was exclusive to one medium-sized set that is now retired, making him highly sought after for movie-accurate scenes.
Head
Light Flesh, dual-sided: one side features a closed-eye meditation or pain expression with a black breathing mask and pink bruising/shading around the eyes; the other features a standard determined facial expression.
Torso
Tan/Light Flesh chest with white medical harness straps and a gray breathing tube printer on the front. It represents Luke in his undergarments/diaper-like medical wrap used during immersion in the tank.
Legs
Light Flesh legs with white hip piece. Printing on the legs includes the continuation of the medical buckle and strap harness and the white waistband/wrap.
Accessories
Typically none included in the set for the figure specifically, though he is designed to be placed inside the brick-built Bacta Tank with a transparent cylinder and blue liquid representation.
Color Scheme
A minimalist palette of Light Flesh, White, and Tan with subtle Gray and Black details for the mechanical breathing apparatus.
Printing Details
High quality for the era. The head includes the rare 'breathing mask' print over the mouth. Torso and leg printing align to create a singular medical harness look.
Variants
This is the original version. A later version (sw1141) was released in 2021 with updated printing, featuring more detailed muscle definition and a slightly different mask design.
Condition Notes
The Light Flesh plastic is prone to visible scratches and dirt. Check for fading on the pink bruise print around the eyes and ensure the mask print is not chipped from headgear use.
Estimated Value
Used: $25–$35 USD; New (taken from sealed set): $40–$55 USD. Values fluctuate based on the condition of the rare head-piece printing.
Price (New)
Retail set 7879 Hoth Echo Base was $89.99 USD in 2011/2012, which included 8 minifigures total.
Compatible Sets
7879 Hoth Echo Base (2011/2012 release).
Character Background
Represents Luke Skywalker recovering from a Wampa attack and exposure to Hoth's elements in the Bacta Tank at Echo Base as seen in The Empire Strikes Back.
Design Notes
The use of the classic blonde 'hair toupee' mold (part 3901) fits the era's design language, though the head print is the standout feature for its movie-specific accuracy.
Similar Minifigures
Luke Skywalker (sw1141 - 2021 Bacta variant), Luke Skywalker (Hoth - sw0098), and various Rebel Medical Droids (2-1B).
Collectibility
High. He is a 'niche' variant of a main character, making him a 'completionist' requirement for Star Wars collectors and essential for Hoth dioramas.
History
Released during the transition from classic 'yellow' to 'light flesh' for licensed themes. This figure was a significant improvement in detail compared to early 2000s Luke figures.
Interesting Facts
For many years, this was the only 'diaper Luke' available, and the head with the printed mask is often used by MOC builders for various underwater or space-vacuum survival scenes.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed inside a transparent 1x2x5 cylinder or a custom MOC of the Echo Base medical bay, accompanied by a 2-1B medical droid.
Modification Potential
Excellent for purist customs; the head can be swapped onto a scuba body or a pilot's body to represent an oxygen mask.
Overall Assessment
A fantastic, character-specific variant that captures a very specific movie moment. It remains a standout figure for its unique torso and head prints. Rated 8/10 for Star Wars collectors.