Stormtrooper (Dual Molded Helmet, Gray Back Slits, Light Nougat Head)
sw1044 · Star Wars
The Original Trilogy / Episode IV A New Hope · 2019
Figure ID
sw1044
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2019
Rarity
Common to Uncommon. While it appeared in several popular sets between 2019 and 2022, it has since been superseded by updated helmet molds, making it a staple but no longer in active production.
Head
Light Nougat head with 'angry clone' expression. The helmet is the key feature: a dual-molded white and black piece introduced in 2019 that lacks the ability to turn 360 degrees when paired with certain armor pieces but provides high detail.
Torso
White torso with Stormtrooper armor printing; features black hips, white arms, and black hands. Detailed armor plating on front and back with gray ventilation slits on the rear.
Legs
Plain white legs. Unlike some premium versions, this specific identifier (sw1044) does not feature some of the more complex toe or side-leg printing found on UCS-style figures.
Accessories
Standard black medium blaster (E-11 blaster rifle). No additional gear like pauldrons or backpacks are equipped on this standard grunt version.
Color Scheme
High-contrast White and Black with Light Nougat skin tone for the internal head. Accents include light and dark bluish gray for mechanical details and vents.
Printing Details
Pad-printed armor details on the torso. The helmet features dual-molding technology where the black 'mouth' and 'eye' sections are injected plastic rather than surface ink, ensuring durability.
Variants
Numerous variants exist: sw0188 (classic dots), sw0585 (Rebels style), sw1156 (updated 2021 prints), and sw0997 (20th Anniversary version with a different back print).
Condition Notes
The dual-molded helmet is prone to 'mushy' printing if the alignment was off during manufacturing. Common issues include 'torso cracks' under the arms and yellowing of the white plastic if exposed to UV light.
Estimated Value
Used: $4.00 - $6.00 USD; New/Mint: $7.00 - $10.00 USD. Prices fluctuate based on 'army building' trends.
Price (New)
N/A (Figure usually came in sets ranging from $15.00 to $100.00). Its first appearance was in the 20th Anniversary Imperial Dropship (75262) for $19.99.
Compatible Sets
75262 Imperial Dropship – 20th Anniversary Edition, 75235 X-Wing Starfighter Trench Run, 75229 Death Star Escape, 75252 Imperial Star Destroyer.
Character Background
The anonymous foot soldiers of the Galactic Empire. Trained to maintain order through fear, these soldiers are iconic for their white plastoid armor and notoriously poor aim in the Star Wars films.
Design Notes
The 2019 redesign was controversial among fans because the dual-molded helmet is slightly larger ('Family Guy' style) and prevents the head from turning freely compared to the 2014 mold.
Similar Minifigures
sw0997 (20th Anniversary Stormtrooper), sw0585 (Imperial Stormtrooper), sw1156 (Stormtrooper with Holed Stud).
Collectibility
Moderate. Highly desirable for 'army builders' who want squads of identical soldiers, but the specific 2019 helmet mold is polarizing compared to earlier or later versions.
History
LEGO Stormtroopers began in 2001 with simple yellow heads. This 2019 version represented a technological shift toward dual-molding, attempting to capture the 'droopy' look of the original movie helmets.
Interesting Facts
Despite the high-detail helmet, this version is often criticized by the MOC community because the helmet's shape interferes with resting the figure inside compact vehicle cockpits.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in ranks or 'squads' of 4-10 on a gray baseplate, or flanking a Darth Vader minifigure to recreate the Tantive IV opening scene.
Modification Potential
High. The plain white legs can be swapped for printed legs from sw0439 or sw1156 to create a 'super-detailed' custom trooper.
Overall Assessment
B+. A solid, movie-accurate grunt used for massing armies, though some collectors prefer the sleeker 2014-2018 mold for its better mobility.