I’m building this kit for the Sci-Fi Group Build and thought it would be a good idea to post a WIP here too. I’ve built a few of AMT’s Star Wars kits over the years, and this is the best detailed cockpit I’ve seen from them. The only thing missing was the targeting screens, so I built a couple out of spare parts, sheet styrene, and staples. I’ve finished to cockpit and I’ll be starting on the rest of the assembly soon.
I had not realised AMT had produced one of these. That is a nice looking pit. Nice start.
Looks like you are off to a great start with this one Jim!
Thanks guys! My dad got it for me five or six years ago, and I’d been looking for a reason to build it. For Christmas I bought the Lego set of this for my son, and when he saw it in my stash he told me I had to build this one next. So far, it’s the best detailed AMT kit I’ve built.
Ye right, we have heard that one before. [;)]
I may have helped him build it…[whstl]…but that’s all part of being a dad right? [A]
lol. Yeah, that’s why I have a small fleet of Lego SW ships lol.
When I built the “quick build” version of this kit it was rather stunning how much detail went into the cockpit. After it was done I was wanting one for myself.
I’ll be watching this thread with interest. 
I know my son and I would love to get a few more, we’ll have to see what Christmas brings. Hopefully today I’ll be able to mask the clear parts and finish the major assembly. The canopy top doesn’t fit too well they way they have it set it up, I’ll have to figure something out to make it fit better.
That kit is looking great! Or maybe it’s just your skills making it look that good
Thanks Sprue! I’m really happy with how it’s looking so far.
I was able to mask the clear parts and finish off the major assembly last night. I’m a little nervous about masking the clear parts because I usually avoid doing it and brush canopy frames. With this build it seemed unavoidable to me, so I took the plunge and masked it up. I also drilled out the blaster cannons. There was a pretty nasty gap all the way around the top and bottom halves of the fighter, so I filled that in with some putty and sanded it smooth. I painted the insides of the S-Foils black and masked those off too.
And this guy is starting to look familiar…
Looking good there Bob. I think the masking looks just fine, and nice to see the Droid coming along.
I have had a look for this kit but could only find them in the States. May have to try and get one from over the water.
Thanks Bish! I’d recommend this kit if you can find it. The sidewalls of the cockpit are a little fiddly, but so far it’s going together very well.
I know there is the Revell kit, but from what I have read, the AMT has some nice detail, so I defiantly want to go for that. I just have to make sure I get the right one as a lot of searches bring up a die cast kit.
I’ve read the same thing. The Revell kit is also prepainted, which can be a bit of a bummer for some people. This is probably the best detailed AMT kit I’ve built.
Well, I sprayed a coat of light ghost grey as the base color and covered that with hairspray to chip the next layer of paint (hopefully it turns out, it’s my first time trying it). I spent about an hour masking the fighter in preparation for the yellow of Anakin’s fighter and just as I was ready to start mixing paint for my airbrush and when I went to open my bottle of yellow paint I discovered it had dried itself out…[bnghead] I guess I’ll be making a run to the hobby shop this week.
Finally got some time at the bench after a mini-vacation at my sister’s. I sprayed the yellow and got it chipped. After I took the first picture I realized I forgot to paint a couple of panels so I did those real quick before I got too far into the chipping. I used a couple of pictures online and the box art as references to see where the paint is chipped. Here’s the before and after:
Some nice effects with the chipping bob, that’s coming along nicely.
Thanks Bish, I think it turned out nicely for my first time using the hairspray technique
I’ve been getting some pretty regular benchtime so I’ve made a bit of progress on the starfighter. I applied the decals, which were very thick but didn’t silver as far as I can tell. I also did a panel line wash and gave it a flat coat for the pastels that are coming for weathering. I also attached the S-Foil flaps. I think I’ll be done with this one later tonight or tomorrow at the latest.
Oh, and R2 is finished and waiting to put be put on board.
