20feet

Ah, ya I should have a look at those 3D models. I was referring to this image: It's not terrible, but there are some issues. I've been looking for photos of original props, and came across an infuriatingly rare Japanese book that apparently has pages of prop photos for every X-wing model in ANH: It's annoying to know these photos exist and have no way to access them. But there are a few good pictures shared here. I think they'll be my main source if I ever get around to building my own X-wing. Is your second X-wing closer to the proportions of the Rouge Squadrons model than your first version?

Hi @Jerac, I'm just now taking a closer look at this and I'm curious what you're using as a reference for the X-wing proportions. Your previous version looks like a pretty close match for the blueprint in the Owners' Workshop Manual, but the new one's a bit different - particularly the longer nose. I don't completely trust the OWM (it led me slightly astray with my TIE Fighter) but it's hard to find more a definitive source. The perspective in photos can be a nightmare, as you noted.

Thanks! It's a fun challenge to build something from the pieces of just one set. But it's rare for a set to have such an awesome "B Model" that also leaves so many pieces for a cool side-build.

Ya I get that some people would prefer a subtler colour scheme, but for a set aimed at kids (or adults nostalgic for classic Pirates) the bright colours are great.

Hi all, I'm late to the party, but I finally got this set for Christmas and once I built the "B model" ship I knew I wanted to do something with all the leftover island pieces. If I'd seen this thread at the time I might have built one of the MOCs above instead, but I'm glad I spent the time to create my own! I built a "Traders' Cay" with a working crane to hoist cargo from a rowboat. Also features discreet treasure chest storage: And a gem buried by an unfortunate prisoner: It's fun to have an island side-build for the pirates to interact with. More pics on my Flickr! What do you think?

White or LBG is the eternal question of X-wing building. I generally prefer LBG, but this white version looks really sharp. Nice work! I just checked and I have trans clear studs with bars in 2 distinct heights. This is very troubling! Are you saying that Lego includes 2 different molds of this piece in the same colour in the same set? WTF?

It's really interesting to see the different versions. I do think the final version looks best from those options. The ones with built clear sections have a nicer shape but they're clunky and distracting. This persuades me that the only alternative would be a built frame without "glass" (which would look out of place in your lineup). It looks like the fuselage is basically the same shape in each version. The too-wide canopy doesn't look too out of place on the narrow hull.

Ya, I won't hassle you any further about using the glass canopy. It makes sense to stick with a consistent style when you're designing a whole fleet of ships, and that means making bigger compromises in some cases. I was curious whether you had to compromise the shape of the T-70 fuselage to fit the canopy - specifically the width and angles at the top.

Congratulations on beating the final boss! I'll always prefer the T-65, but it's definitely an achievement. I think the canopy extension technique you settled on is probably the best possible, if you have to use that stupid piece. It just makes me want to see a version with a build canopy - maybe someone will oblige. Did you have to alter the shape of the fuselage to accommodate the canopy piece? I like the round shape of the back end of the canons - looks like just some plates with pin holes to attach them to the wings. Should work on the T-65 too, right? I guess they're too narrow, but might be worth it for the shape. I'd be interested to read more about the design process and the compromises you had to make if you care to share. This is the most exciting part TBH :)

Thanks Jerac! I did figure out how to do most of it in Studio so I'll probably share that, even though it doesn't include the hoses and rubber bands. I don't plan on releasing instructions because 1) it sounds like a lot of work, 2) I used several rare pieces that wouldn't be practical on a larger scale, 3) I used techniques that would be hard to describe in instructions and would probably try the patience of most builders, and 4) I'd rather see people incorporate some of my ideas into their own MOCs than build duplicates of mine. I like the freedom of designing a one-off MOC. I wouldn't want to give that up to try to compete with Jerac and Brickvault, and I think trying to turn something like this into a product would be frustrating for all involved. But I do feel the need to brag about some of the techniques I used, so I'll probably share more about that even though no one's asking :)

I don't - yet. I've been trying to learn Stud.io and working on building this model digitally. The problem is I used a LOT of illegal techniques which I'm having trouble duplicating in Stud.io. (Any digital pros out there who can tell me how to position pieces precisely in ways Stud.io doesn't think will fit?) If I can make a good digital model I may share that (along with a lengthy disclaimer).

That's a great-looking AT-AT! Can you describe how it differs from the other big AT-AT MOCs you mentioned?

I made a video comparing the stability of this MOC with Lego axles vs metal ones from Dark Ice Designs. The difference is dramatic. So which do you prefer: 1. Sturdy blocky spars like Jerac's 2. Wobbly, cylindrical, all-Lego spars, or 3. Sturdy, cylindrical spars with non-Lego metal axles?

Lol sorry, that's a bit of a troll. I looked into this recently and the bottom line is there are several inconsistencies between the interior TIE Fighter set and the exterior model—the set designers back in the day just weren't that concerned with accuracy. You can read my hard-hitting investigation starting here.

Thanks everyone! I agree that the wing rim and spokes look too smooth in comparison to the hub and other details. I thought about covering everything with hoses, but it would just get way too thick. Would look better from straight on but worse from the side. The only way I'd consider to add more detail there is stickers—a sticker running down the middle of the tiles would be closer to the right thickness than a hose. But philosophically I'm reluctant to add tons of stickers.