Reliving the Tension of A New Hope: A Hands-On Review of the LEGO Star Wars Death Star Cannon 75246

There’s something uniquely nostalgic about the original 1977 Star Wars: A New Hope. It’s not just the sweeping space battles or the iconic score; it’s the quiet, high-stakes moments that really build the tension. One of those standout scenes involves a certain Jedi Master sneaking through the bowels of a moon-sized space station to disable a tractor beam. Today, we’re looking at the LEGO Star Wars: A New Hope Death Star Cannon 75246, a compact building kit that aims to capture that specific cinematic magic in a 159-piece package.

To be honest, when I first saw the box art, I wondered if such a small set could really do justice to the scale of the Death Star. But as any seasoned builder knows, sometimes the most essential gear for a collection comes in small boxes. Whether you’re a parent looking for a manageable afternoon project for your kids or a collector wanting to expand a diorama, this set offers a focused slice of the galaxy far, far away. In fact, it’s often these targeted sets that provide the most play value per square inch.

Table of Contents

• Key Takeaways
• Reviewer’s Bottom Line
• Essential Features & Benefits
• Pros and Cons
• Who Should Buy This?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Final Thoughts

Key Takeaways

• Iconic Minifigures: Includes a classic Obi-Wan Kenobi with his blue lightsaber and a highly detailed Death Star Gunner.
• Interactive Elements: Features a rotating, elevating laser cannon equipped with a spring-loaded shooter.
• Narrative Focus: Centers on the tractor beam control tower, allowing fans to recreate the pivotal sabotage scene.
• Compact Build: At 159 pieces, it’s a quick, satisfying build that doesn’t require a massive amount of display space.
• Great for All Ages: Designed for builders aged 7 and up, making it a safe and durable choice for younger fans and a neat desk accessory for adults.

Reviewer’s Bottom Line

After spending some quality time with the LEGO Star Wars Death Star Cannon (75246), my verdict is that it’s a surprisingly competent little set. It doesn’t try to be a massive display piece; instead, it focuses on being a functional, playable vignette. One thing I noticed right away is how well it captures the “techno-industrial” aesthetic of the Empire. The combination of the rotating cannon and the tractor beam tower gives you two distinct play areas in one small footprint. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to get an Obi-Wan minifigure or just want to add some defense systems to your LEGO Imperial fleet, this is a solid pick. It’s not flashy, but it’s honest and well-constructed.

Unpacking the Features: What’s in the Box?

1. The Minifigures: A Clash of Ideologies

The soul of any LEGO Star Wars set is the minifigure selection, and this kit delivers two very important characters. First, we have Obi-Wan Kenobi. This version features his traditional Jedi robes and a blue lightsaber. What I like about this figure is the hood piece and the printing on the torso, which reflects his aged look from the original film. Then we have the Death Star Gunner. The helmet mold for the gunner is fantastic—it’s that sleek, bug-like design that really screams “Imperial efficiency.” Giving him a blaster and a station to man provides an immediate antagonist for Obi-Wan, setting the stage for a classic hero-vs-villain scenario.

2. The Rotating/Elevating Laser Cannon

The main build of the set is the cannon itself. It’s surprisingly sturdy for its size. The rotation is smooth, allowing you to aim it in almost any direction, and the elevation adjustment is a nice touch for those who like to pose their sets. The inclusion of a spring-loaded shooter adds a layer of kinetic fun. It’s easy to trigger, and the missiles fly with decent speed—just make sure you aren’t aiming at the cat! There are also storage clips for the extra missiles, which is a small but thoughtful design choice that keeps parts from getting lost.

3. The Tractor Beam Control Tower

This is the narrative anchor of the set. While it’s a simple build, it includes a lever mechanism that Obi-Wan can “disable” to shut down the tractor beam. It’s a great example of how a few well-placed pieces can recreate a movie moment perfectly. The use of translucent blue pieces to represent the beam’s energy core is effective, and it provides a great backdrop for photos or stop-motion animation.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

Is This Set Right for You?

In my experience, the LEGO Star Wars Death Star Cannon 75246 fits into a few different categories. If you are a parent looking for a safe and durable gift for a 7-year-old, this is a winner. It’s simple enough that they can build it independently, which builds confidence.

For the adult collector, this set acts as a “vignette.” It’s the kind of thing you put on your bookshelf or desk as a subtle nod to your fandom. It’s also an essential gear piece for anyone building a larger MOC (My Own Creation) of the Death Star. Rather than designing your own cannon from scratch, you can use this as a base and modify it. It’s versatile, which I always appreciate in a LEGO kit.

How It Compares to Alternatives

When you compare this to other small Star Wars sets, like the Battle Packs, the focus here is more on a specific location than on a group of soldiers. While Battle Packs give you four minifigures, they often lack a “meaningful” build. This set gives you fewer figures but a much better environmental piece. If you already have the 75159 Death Star (the massive one), you probably don’t need this, but for everyone else, it’s the most affordable way to own this specific scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to build?

For an adult, you’re looking at about 15 to 20 minutes. For a child in the 7+ age range, it might take 30 to 45 minutes depending on their experience with LEGO. It’s a great “bite-sized” project.

Are the missiles dangerous?

They are spring-loaded, so they have some pop, but they are made of lightweight plastic. As long as the basic safety rule of “don’t aim at eyes” is followed, they are perfectly fine for play.

Can the cannon be detached from the tower?

Yes, they are essentially two separate components connected by a few technician pins/plates. You can easily separate them if you want to use the cannon on a different base or ship.

Is Obi-Wan’s cape fabric?

Actually, in this specific set, Obi-Wan comes with the traditional soft fabric cape. It fits under the hood piece nicely, giving him that classic wandering hermit look.

Final Thoughts / Wrap-Up

To wrap things up, the LEGO Star Wars: A New Hope Death Star Cannon 75246 is a charming, efficient, and well-designed tribute to one of cinema’s most famous settings. It’s not meant to be the centerpiece of a thousand-dollar collection, but it fills its niche perfectly. It gives you two great minifigures, a fun play feature with the spring-loaded shooter, and a piece of the Death Star to call your own.

One thing I’ve learned over years of reviewing building kits is that the joy often comes from the details. The way the tractor beam lever clicks into place or the way the Gunner sits snugly at his terminal—those are the things that make a set worth owning. If you’re a Star Wars lover or just someone who appreciates a smart little build, I think you’ll be quite happy with this one. It’s a small slice of the Force that fits right in the palm of your hand.