Figure of the Day: Day 82: MSE-1T Droid

MSE-1T Star Tours
Star Tours Disney Exclusive
Item No.: No. 10261
Number: n/a
Includes: n/a
Action Feature: n/a
Retail: $10.00
Availability: 2005
Appearances: Star Tours

Bio: MSE-1T was a transportation droid that was typically seen piloting the Starspeeder 3000. The character of MSE-1T is exclusive to the Star Tours attraction at the Disney-MGM Studio theme park in Orlando, Florida. (Stolen from Wookieepedia.)

Image: Adam Pawlus' Star Tours shelf (aka the shelf of misfit toys.)

Commentary: It's no secret that fans are crazy vocal for more entries in the Expanded Universe, but they won't touch Star Tours with a ten foot pole-- even when the figures are good! Some of them aren't too great, MSE-16 is a unique beast in that it's essentially a figure that barely qualifies as Star Wars through its association with the Disney park ride-- otherwise, it could be just any goofy robot. It's very large, but it doesn't do anything. With no hands, no articulation, and no accessories, all it can do is sit there. If this appeals to you, this is a great piece, and if you're a droid-core fan, well, same comment. I find this to be a staggeringly neat figure because I think it sucks. It's by no means awful, but just one look and you can tell that there's a reasons most collectors don't even discuss this sub-line-- it's just very out-there. As far as quality goes, it's OK for what it is-- the image on the packaging shows dull colors and significant weathering, so in a way, this is a good first attempt. It's not especially wonderful.

Collector's Notes: Very limited quantities of this figure exist on blue Saga-style cardbacks, and the mainstream release was a black Canadian-style Original Trilogy Collection cardback. It can be had cheaply, and as far as we know it's still available at most Disney theme parks worldwide. As a curiosity, it's worth the ten bucks. Also notable, Star Tours figures in this column get very, very few reads-- which is surprising, as I find the Expanded Universe the best possible place for new droids. I mean, I can't get enough of 'em, even if they are freakish and un-Starwarsy.

Day 82: July 27, 2006