Saber-Toothed Tiger (Smilodon)
30462pb01 · City
Arctic Expedition · 2018; released in the Wave 2 Arctic reboot within the LEGO City line.
Figure ID
30462pb01
Theme
City
Year Released
2018; released in the Wave 2 Arctic reboot within the LEGO City line.
Rarity
Uncommon; while not exclusive to a single high-end set, it appeared in only three sets during a specific sub-theme window, making it less common than standard LEGO animals.
Head
Medium Nougat molded head with white dual-molded long fangs (saber teeth), black eyes, and tan snout printing. The ears and cheek ruffs are integrated into the mold.
Torso
The main body is Medium Nougat with dark brown 'tiger' stripe printing on the flanks. It features a single 1x1 stud on the back for mounting a minifigure or saddle.
Legs
Four molded legs in Medium Nougat. The front legs are fixed in a walking pose, while the rear legs are on a single swiveling hip joint, allowing the cat to crouch or jump.
Accessories
None included with the creature itself, though it is usually paired with ice-themed accessories like pickaxes or blocks of 'frozen' transparent blue ice in its parent sets.
Color Scheme
Primary: Medium Nougat. Accents: White (fangs), Dark Brown (stripes), Tan (snout), Black (eyes).
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the face for the eyes and snout, and symmetrical dark brown jagged stripes on both sides of the torso and rear haunches.
Variants
There are no known internal production variants of this specific mold/print, though it is a distinct evolution from the earlier LEGO Chima saber-tooth figures.
Condition Notes
Prone to loose rear leg joints over time; check for bite marks on the soft plastic fangs and paint rubbing on the dark brown stripes from heavy play.
Estimated Value
Used: $8.00 - $12.00 USD. New: $14.00 - $18.00 USD. (Prices vary based on joint tightness and paint crispness).
Price (New)
Retail for sets ranged from $5.99 (Polybag) to $99.99 (Arctic Supply Plane). The tiger itself was a 'premium animal' inclusion within mid-range boxes.
Compatible Sets
60193 Arctic Air Transport, 60196 Arctic Supply Plane, 30360 Arctic Ice Saw (Polybag).
Character Background
Inspired by the prehistoric Smilodon, this creature represents a specimen 'thawed' or discovered by the LEGO City Arctic explorers during their 2018 expedition.
Design Notes
Features a specialized head mold with dual-molded white fangs, ensuring the teeth are part of the structure rather than just printed highlights.
Similar Minifigures
LEGO City Lion (60307), LEGO Chima Saber-tooth warriors (Sir Fangar), and the older LEGO Orient Expedition Tigers.
Collectibility
Moderate; highly desirable for fans of 'Great Animals' and those building prehistoric or museum dioramas.
History
Replaced the previous 2014 Arctic sub-theme's Polar Bear as the 'chase' animal of the wave, marking a shift toward more 'fossil/prehistoric' discovery play patterns.
Interesting Facts
This was the first time LEGO produced a realistic Smilodon for a non-licensed, non-fantasy theme, choosing to treat it as a biological discovery in the Arctic.
Display Suggestions
Display inside a transparent blue 'ice block' build or in a snowy mountain MOC alongside LEGO Arctic explorers.
Modification Potential
The back stud allows for riders; popular for fantasy MOCs where minifigures use them as mounts with added harnesses.
Overall Assessment
A standout LEGO animal mold characterized by excellent dual-molding on the teeth. It remains one of the more unique biological additions to the City line.