LEGO Minifigure Review: TC-14

“I’m TC-14, at your service. This way please.”

With this greeting, Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi are welcomed aboard the Trade Federation flagship in the opening scenes of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

This silver-plated protocol droid, the first with feminine programming that we meet in the Star Wars universe, was released to the real world as a limited edition promotional item during LEGO’s 2012 ‘May the Fourth’ and ‘Revenge of the Fifth’ events.

Let’s have a closer look.

As with the movie character, this LEGO TC-14 was built from the same template as C-3PO. Beyond the colour, though, there are some small differences.

Seen here beside C-3PO (Colourful wires, Printed legs version), we can see that the wiring pattern and yellows eye colour are unique to this minifigure. And, of course, the legs are not printed.

There is one thing that bothers me about this minifigure: while almost everything is chrome silver in colour, the hands are light bluish gray. Why?

The rear torso is nicely printed.

While I love how the light falls on the chrome, it does show dust and micro-scratches mercilessly. Let’s look even closer.

I’m working here at the limits of my camera system: this is an uncropped photo at maximum magnification with a 1:1 macro lens.

Here’s a tight crop of the head – incredible detail!

Conclusion

I really like this limited edition minifigure – the silver chrome is spectacular! I just wish the hands matched. Nonetheless, I see TC-14 as a highly desirable for collectors and those who appreciate beautiful design.

I rate this 9/10.

Full disclosure: I purchased this minifigure online as a used item on Bricklink.  The opinions is this review are my own and have not been edited.  All photos are mine and are presented in my preferred style – real life colours may vary.