Red 5 Standing By

[Narayan]

Greetings!

I got my first 2 parts for the X-Wing Fighter subscription today so thought I would start a build thread.

First up, some of the equipment I will be using.



With the first 2 issues I am provided with a series guide:







and some blue prints:





I haven't had a chance to make a start yet but wanted to post an introduction to the build. I hope to get started soon.

Graham

[number1]

Hi Narayan, looking forward to your build, popcorn on order,

[casper]

Hi Narayan
really good to have an X-Wing build thread, will be watching your progress
casp

[Narayan]

Greetings!

Thanks for your good wishes Number1 and Casper.

Starting off with Issue 1 then. We have the Cockpit canopy, part of a laser cannon and some of R2-D2.



Firstly the two parts of the canopy click together.







It feels a little flimsy at the moment but will be more solid when the glazing has been applied and it is fitted to the hull.

Next come the barrel sections of a laser cannon. A small amount of glue was applied to hold the pieces together firmly.



Finally for this stage R2-D2s dome had 3 projectors applied. One of these required a little glue.



That finishes stage 1.



Graham

[Narayan]

Stage 2 includes the cockpit base, more parts of a laser cannon and additional R2-D2 pieces.



Starting with R2.



These parts are pushed together.



The laser generator includes an LED.



Again all parts are pushed together.



The cockpit base is set aside for now and that is stage 2 complete. The laser cannon and R2-D2 should be completed over the course of the next 2 issues.

Graham

[casper]

Great start Graham Looks like the Drs Screwdriver

[Narayan]

It's been a while since I was able to get to this build. Picking up where I left off with stage 3.



Beginning with R2-D2's right leg.





For some reason I'd didn't take a picture of this when it is closed up. But you'll see more of R2 soon anyway.

Next was the cockpit assembly. The base of which was received in an earlier issue.



Finally for this stage the laser canon started to go together.



I'll try and do better with progress shots in future.

Graham

[Narayan]

On to Stage 4.



First up the cockpit base. Just side panels to add here.



Next was R2-D2. Putting the body together was a little awkward getting everything to stay in place so I couldn't take any pictures until it was together.



Next I added some plastic see through parts in the head and tested the lighting. This didn't work so I had to fiddle around with a couple of bits. I eventually worked out the connectors were the wrong way round. If I had just turned the page in the magazine I would have seen straight away this is a common error!





To finish the laser cannon I have to take apart the pieces I did earlier so I can add fibre optic. It did offer a tip to paint the end of the casing. This is because there is a light source in here and you might notice a glow when the cannon 'fires'. By painting this part black the glow should be concealed.



So I will leave it there tonight while the paint dries.

Graham

[Narayan]

The laser cannon has been put back together with fibre optic inside and the suppressor added at the end. I tested the light at the end of the cannon but couldn't get a decent picture.



That completes stage 4.

Graham

[Narayan]

Stage 5: R2-D2 and Cockpit Instruments



First up is R2's leg. A couple of fiddly bits here which are easiest to add using tweezers.







Clear plastic parts are put inside the cockpit instruments. These will light up at a later stage when LEDs are put in the cockpit.





Graham

[Narayan]

Stage 6: Cockpit Shell



Quite straightforward. Attach the 2 instrument panels to the cockpit shell using screws provided.



Graham

[Narayan]

Stage 7: Upper Starboard Wing



First the trailing edge detail clips into the wing.



Power couplings are added to the underside, again they clip in.



This is what it will look like when a laser cannon is added later on.



Graham

[Narayan]

Stage 8: Upper Starboard Wing cont...



The metal frame is screwed into place.



The trailing edge wiring and conduit are then clipped into place.





Followed by the leading edge wiring and conduit.



Finally the wing root brace is also clipped into place.



The wing now looks like this:



Graham

[steve131]

Great work coming along nicely.

[Narayan]

Thanks Steve.

Moving on to Stage 9: Upper Starboard Engine Mount.



Detail is added to the leading edge support which is then attached to the engine mount.



Next the engine mount will be attached to the upper wing from the last stage.



This is further attached by a support bracket. The last of 5 holes in this bracket should not be screwed in at this stage.





Graham

[Narayan]

Stage 10: Assembling the Engine

Quite straightforward. These pieces clip in. They are pretty tight so you need to ensure everything is the right way round as it would be difficult to take them apart if not.





Graham

[casper]

wow stage 10 already great pics Graham thanks for showing us your progress
casp

[Narayan]

Thanks Casper. I have 4 more stages to catch up on.

Stage 11: Upper Starboard Engine.



First of all the fission chamber half and fission chamber mounting are put together and added to the engine casing.



There are now 9 plant on details that are added to the outside of the engine casing.







All straightforward. No screws required for this stage, everything fits nicely in by pins.

Graham

[chill]

Good work so far.

Good to see the parts are push-fit. Is the friction enough to hold the parts in? Or are you applying a dab of glue at the back for a sure fit?

[Narayan]

Good work so far.

Good to see the parts are push-fit. Is the friction enough to hold the parts in? Or are you applying a dab of glue at the back for a sure fit?

Thanks Chill. I used a little bit of glue on the barrel of the laser cannon but that's all. Everything else that doesn't require screws has gone together very nicely.

Graham