Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review * Star Wars First Order Special Forces TIE Fighter Revell Model Kit # Review

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Frederica Nash
6 years ago
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Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20160516* Star Wars

1 Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review * Star Wars First Order Special Forces TIE Fighter Revell Model Kit # Review

2 In the STAR WARS Universe the Twin Ion Engine (TIE) Fighter is the main craft used by the Imperial Forces in the battle against the Rebellion. The First Order, or the Elite of the Imperial Forces have a twin seat TIE specific to their unit. Unlike the previous TIE models it is outfitted with enhanced weapons and sensor systems as well as hyper drives and deflector shields. This TIE/sf is reserved for members of the First Order's elite Special Forces. On the lower side of the vehicle, directly below the primary fuel tank, is a turret containing a pair of laser cannons and a mag-pulse warhead launcher. The Solar panels are larger high yield collectors for increased power and capabilities of the ship. These versatile attack ships are used for everything from reconnaissance to combat operations. For the Modeler: This is the Revell release with Disney Licensing of the Star Wars First Order Special Forces Tie Fighter. This is a NEW RELEASE item in correlation with the movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens and is Kit# in the current catalog. The kit is listed as a Skill Level 2 and the box notes one hour average build time as this model is a SNAP TITE MAX and is completely painted and detailed. No scale is listed but it is said to be 1/48 Scale. In the box you get 39 parts completed finished in color ready to assemble. No decals are needed or included. The instructions are well laid out in simple steps. Assembly is quick and parts snap together nicely. For the advanced builders the next step would be weathering and making it look used in battle. Finished dimensions are: Height: 9, Width: 6-3/4, Depth: 7-1/2. Height on stand: 10-3/4. BUILDING CAVIATS: Having organization and a proper work area is important if you want to build a model properly. But even without dedicated space a place to leave your build while you work is necessary. Being able to lay out your parts organized helps the build as you are not digging for parts in the box possibly losing or damaging them. Also you really should have a place to let painted parts cure. Throughout the review you will find OPTIONAL IDEAS that I suggest. These are completely your choice. Not doing these steps will in no way affect the build, they are just ways to offer some personal and custom touches to your builds. OPTIONS will be noted. One of the best parts of model building is using your imagination to create the build YOU want! Unless you are building a Factory Stock or a Replica your choices of color and build options are completely up to you. The instruction give recommendations but you are free to substitute whatever options you want. There is no Wrong way to build your kit! Have fun and enjoy your hobby. Review the instruction sheet thoroughly to get familiar with the assembly sequence. Decide your color scheme in advance and your custom options so you can build accordingly. PIC 1 This is the box art for this kit as released in the First Release version. Before beginning your build soak and wash your parts with a mild detergent like DAWN to remove any mold release agents. Note to remember: Always follow the Manufacturer s Safety and Use Guidelines when using any of the products mentioned in the review for your own protection.

3 PIC 2 PIC 3 The chairs and armrests are assembled. Slide the armrests into the slots in both chairs and snap the chairs together. PIC 4 PIC 5 There are two different controllers for the cockpit. Snap each to its mating half. PIC 6 Using the cockpit floor install the seats and the controller from STEP 2 in the center spot.

4 PIC 7 Add the controller sticks to each side. PIC 8 On the opposite side add the controller from STEP 3 to the center spot

5 PIC 9 Next add the controller sticks to the other three spots. PIC 10 Gather the top half of the cockpit and the top ring.

6 PIC 11 Assemble those onto the cockpit. PIC 12 PIC 13 The cockpit door is assembled. Add the glass to the door and the hinge to the glass.

7 PIC 14 Assemble the rear half of the fuselage. Add the glass inside the fuselage. PIC 15 Insert the door in place with the hinge and connect the hinge mount and lock the hinge in place allowing the door to swing freely.

8 PIC 16 PIC 17 Add the front glass to the inside of the front fuselage. PIC 18 PIC 19 Install the fuselage bottom onto the cockpit assembly. PIC 20 Gather the parts to assemble the cockpit inside the fuselage. Line up the bottom of the fuselage and the cockpit into one half of the fuselage. Attach the opposite half of the fuselage and snap it tightly together.

PIC 21 The door on the top should line up and open and

PIC 23 Attach the outer panels with the inner frames and

9 PIC 21 The door on the top should line up and open and close freely. PIC 22 There are two wings to assemble; both are the same assemblies, just opposite parts. PIC 23 Attach the outer panels with the inner frames and install the power converter rings, snapping the wings together tightly. Insure all the connections around the wings are tight.

PIC 24 PIC 25 The laser cannons and pulse

10 PIC 24 PIC 25 The laser cannons and pulse cannons are added to the fuselage at this time. Install them in place tightly. PIC 26 Attach the wings to the fuselage. Slide the wings in place on the ends of each side and lock the wings in place with the caps.

11 PIC 27 The fit is tight and only goes one way. Once aligned, everything will be straight and fit tightly. PIC 28 Assemble the stand. Mount the top brace into the main stand.

PIC 30 The pin on the stand fits into the bottom of the

12 PIC 29 Mount the bottom brace into the main stand. Add the completed main stand into the round base. PIC 30 The pin on the stand fits into the bottom of the fuselage of the TIE fighter. This completes the build of the model.

PIC 31 The overall ship has some wear and use to it, while well maintained it shows wear and tear. This is one of the simplest ways to age and weather something.

13 PIC 31 The overall ship has some wear and use to it, while well maintained it shows wear and tear. This is one of the simplest ways to age and weather something. Using an Acrylic-Based Flat Black paint, I use the cheap craft paint, and a LOT of water you will wash the whole build with a light coat of color. With a flat wide brush touch the paint not putting much at all on the bristles, dunk the brush in water to soak it. Add this Wash on to the part you want to darken. Once you run out of color or your brush dries repeat. NOTE: USE VERY LITTLE PAINT. You are doing a mix of 1 part paint to 100 parts water or better. Wash the whole build this way in sections. Using the brush tip dried to remove any build-up or pooling of water and color by pulling the water off the part. Once dry you can see how much depth you have and if you desire more grunge and a dirtier look recoat. Based on the movie and some screen shots I could find most of the dirt and wear is on the solar panels on the outer edges. I did a very light coating just to show minimal wear and weathering as this would have been like the one seen in the scene on the flight deck where the TIE Fighter was stolen by Poe and Finn.

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS: Revell has released a whole line of the Star Wars kits to coincide with the new movie release with the Disney licensing and the quality of these kits is quite nice compared to

This kit does have one issue that bothers me a little. The amount of sprue tabs on the solar panels is horrendous.

14 OVERALL IMPRESSIONS: Revell has released a whole line of the Star Wars kits to coincide with the new movie release with the Disney licensing and the quality of these kits is quite nice compared to the older selections seen by previous companies. Fit and finish is tight and the moldings are crisp. It seems accuracy and attention to detail has been given more priority than in past offerings. This kit does have one issue that bothers me a little. The amount of sprue tabs on the solar panels is horrendous. It is difficult to get them all perfect and smooth without sanding and repainting the framework. A Snap-Tite kit made in color should not any painting or that much work. Sprue tabs are bad throughout the kit but worse on the wings. The build itself was quite simple and the step by step instructions provide an easy pace for a beginning builder to follow. Although some of the cockpit parts were fiddly to attach it was not beyond a novice to install. The box states an hour of build time, and that s probably accurate for the novice builder, but actually, this could be built in less time. Adding some minor weathering increased the build time by a couple hours but the results are worth it. I was impressed with this build and found it an enjoyable diversion from the typical builds I do. And to get something accomplished in an afternoon was nice. Based on the kits buildability, Pop Culture attraction, fit and finish and all other factors I was quite pleased with this. So, on a scale of 1 to 10 I rate this as an Less sprue attachments and it would be a 9 or 9.5.

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