[MOD] Republic TX-130 Saber Tank

[Veynom]

Today I propose a colour variant of the 7679 Republic Fighter Tank set.

 

TX-130 Saber-class fighter tank by Veynom, on Flickr

 

I wanted to create a version of this tank that would have been in active service during the first years of the Galactic Empire, immediately after the Clone War's end and the Republic's fall.

TX-130 Saber-class fighter tank by Veynom, on Flickr

 

Based on the model visible in the Star Wars Commander video game, I decided to go with a bi-colour paint-scheme based on light and dark blueish greys, similar to some existing camouflage patterns.

TX-130 Saber-class fighter tank by
Veynom, on Flickr

 

Some details have been added here and there compared to the original model. In no particular order, I will list:

- extra detailing on the side wings;

- on the side turrets;

- engine panel and tank "nose";

- tank sides that are slightly rounded.

TX-130 Saber-class fighter tank by Veynom, on Flickr

 

Playable features are still there and complete :

- rear door that can lock or free the tank leader seat;

- flickr misslies under the side wings;

- detailed inside allowing room for a pilot and tank leader;

- engine is accessible (and detailed)

- compartments are available in the side wings to store hand weapons or tools;

- rotating turrets

- and the tank has wheels to easily move (and crush rebels) - yet, I do not intend to motorize it as it is too large to go on my 12V train track layout

TX-130 Saber-class fighter tank by Veynom, on Flickr

 

TX-130 Saber-class fighter tank by Veynom, on Flickr

 

And a small engine maintenance operation:

TX-130 Saber-class fighter tank by Veynom, on Flickr

 

TX-130 Saber-class fighter tank by Veynom, on Flickr

 

TX-130 Saber-class fighter tank by Veynom, on Flickr

 

Hope you like it.

Personally, I can confirm it looks quietly aggressive and the camouflage pattern works fine. Hard to really understand the tank shape when on grey baseplates. :) 

[KevinYoung]

Now that's a tank the one from the movies[rogue one] and lego  version is more like a light assault [scouting] vehicle. Well done  !!

 

Edited December 11, 2016 by KevinYoung

[Azrielsc]

That is one mean looking tank!!!

[Gouniaf]

It's a good thing you add some play features. And these Imperial tank pilots fits very well on that MOC.

Good job (one more time) !

[ChiefPie]

Looks great but to me there are too many dark grey bricks.

[VaderFan2187]

Awesome! I want that :D

[Gregory]

Hm, have this vehicle been canonized? As in, is it considered canon as part of the Disney timeline, or is just part of the Legends nowadays. I definitely remember seeing in the Battlefront II, and I think that was it. Or am I missing something?

[Veynom]

Thank you all for the nice comments. :)

On ‎11‎/‎12‎/‎2016 at 10:31 PM, ChiefPie said:

Looks great but to me there are too many dark grey bricks.

This is a deliberate choice. I was not building a light grey tank with only a couple of details in dark grey. I built a tank with a modern camouflage pattern. And I can confirm it is effective when the tank is on a base plates among other vehicles or facilities, you do not distinguish its shape correctly. :)

 

On ‎12‎/‎12‎/‎2016 at 8:34 AM, Gregory said:

Hm, have this vehicle been canonized? As in, is it considered canon as part of the Disney timeline, or is just part of the Legends nowadays. I definitely remember seeing in the Battlefront II, and I think that was it. Or am I missing something?

According to Wookieepedia, it is not flagged as "Legend".

The canon universe is re-using a lot of Legend materials when it comes to ships and vehicles. In SW Rebels season II, the Quasar Fire-class carrier is another example. 

Edited January 21, 2018 by Veynom
typo

[jhaigh22]

Awesome job! I'm bricklinking this set and changing the colors like yours!! So cool!!

Edited January 26, 2018 by jhaigh22

[KevinYoung]

Tank has beef !! Well done.

[Veynom]

On ‎19‎/‎01‎/‎2018 at 9:55 PM, jhaigh22 said:

Awesome job! Do you have instructions for it? I'd love to build one...

Simply take the instructions of the 7679 and change all colours to grey. :)

[roadstermatt]

i like that alot

 

[DarthHank]

Really nice! I thought this would be a great idea, but it seemed like too much trouble. Glad someone else did it - your modifications look really nice. I might have to try it myself now!