Battle Droid Pilot with Blue Torso
sw0006 · Star Wars
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace · 1999 - Debuted in the initial wave of LEGO Star Wars sets following the release of Episode I. This period marked LEGO's first foray into licensed property minifigures.
Figure ID
sw0006
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
1999 - Debuted in the initial wave of LEGO Star Wars sets following the release of Episode I. This period marked LEGO's first foray into licensed property minifigures.
Rarity
Uncommon. While common in the early 2000s, this specific 1999-2007 variant is now becoming harder to find in pristine condition due to the brittle nature of early Tan plastic.
Head
Standard Tan B1 Battle Droid head mold. No printing. Features two black dots for eyes and a long snout characteristic of the Baktoid Combat Automata design.
Torso
Specifically molded Blue torso piece with a Tan clip on the front to represent the chest plate. The blue color signifies the 'Pilot' rank within the Trade Federation droid army.
Legs
Standard Tan Battle Droid straight legs mold. No printing or articulation at the knees. They connect to the torso via a single pin hinge that allows basic rotation for sitting or standing.
Accessories
Typically came with a standard black megaphone or a medium-length black blaster (92738), though none are pictured in the provided image. Some sets included a Tan 1x2 plate with a clip as a backpack.
Color Scheme
Primary Tan with a solid Blue torso. The blue is the classic 'Standard Blue' and provides a stark contrast to the sand-colored body.
Printing Details
Zero printing. All detail is achieved through the physical mold of the plastic parts and the color of the plastic the torso was injected with.
Variants
The original sw0006 has one vertical hand (to hold a blaster) and one horizontal hand (to hold handlebars). Later versions (sw1135) feature updated torso molds with better clutch power and circular vent holes on the back.
Condition Notes
Highly susceptible to 'arm-sag' where the arm clips lose tension. The Tan plastic from this era can become brittle and the clips on the torso are prone to snapping if arms are removed frequently.
Estimated Value
Used Complete: $2.00 - $4.00 USD. New/Mint: $6.00 - $10.00 USD. Values fluctuate based on the tightness of the arm and leg joints.
Price (New)
N/A - Originally released in sets ranging from the Droid Fighter (7111) at $6.00 to the original Trade Federation MTT (7184) at $50.00.
Compatible Sets
7111 Droid Fighter (1999), 7141 Naboo Fighter (1999), 7184 Trade Federation MTT (2000), 4475 Jabba's Prize (2003 - as a damaged droid).
Character Background
B1 Battle Droids served as the backbone of the Trade Federation and CIS armies. Pilots were programmed with specialized navigation and technical skills required to operate starfighters and MTTs.
Design Notes
One of the most radical departures from the standard minifigure form. It uses only four pieces (one head, one torso, two arms, one leg piece) to create a spindly, robotic silhouette.
Similar Minifigures
sw0001 (Standard Tan Battle Droid), sw0005 (Battle Droid Security with Red Torso), sw0007 (Battle Droid Commander with Yellow Torso).
Collectibility
Moderate. Highly desirable for army building and collectors aiming to complete the 'Classic' 1999-era roster. Demand is steady due to the iconic nature of early Star Wars sets.
History
This figure represents the very first iteration of the Battle Droid. While the mold for the standard Tan droid has changed very little in 25 years, the Pilot variant is less frequently produced today.
Interesting Facts
In the early sets, these droids were often given black megaphones as blasters before the dedicated blaster mold was perfected. The arms on these early versions are famously fragile.
Display Suggestions
Display alongside other Episode I figures like the 1999 Naboo Pilot or Jar Jar Binks. They look best in quantities to simulate the 'vibe' of a Trade Federation invasion force.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'Droid Scrapyard' MOCs. The parts are interchangeable with any other B1 Battle Droid variant, allowing for custom 'repaired' droid looks.
Overall Assessment
A quintessential piece of LEGO Star Wars history. While it lacks the high-detail printing of modern figures, its silhouette is instantly recognizable and holds significant nostalgic value for collectors.