Star Wars Tie Fighter - Bandai 1/72 Scale Model Kit [Unboxing and Pre-Assembly Review]

As a young kid in kindergarten trying to replicate the Star Wars universe as seen on the big screen onto the drawing pad, I quickly developed a deep appreciation for the Galactic Empire's Twin Ion Engine Starfighter i.e. the Tie Fighter. Not only was it relatively easy to draw, it also had the coolest engine roar imaginable to a five-year-old way back then. It was my favourite Star Wars vehicle up until Empire Strikes Back came out and with it the All Terrain Armoured Transport (AT-AT) walker. But the Tie Fighter remains my favourite space faring vehicle in the Star Wars franchise so far.    

Bandai Star Wars Tie Fighter 1/72 Scale Model Plastic Kit, front view of box art

Side views of the Bandai Tie Fighter box art

Instructions came in the usual Japanese language only booklet. However they look straightforward with easy to follow diagrammatic step-by-steps. The Japanese phrases/sentences are short enough that Google Translate should be able to work its magic without losing too much in translation. 

Front and back cover of the Bandai Tie Fighter instructions

Simple diagrammatic instructions with the occasional Japanese phrase/sentence

The Tie Fighter seems to be one of the simpler vehicle model kits in Bandai Star Wars line. One thing is for sure, it's going to take a lot less time to put one together and paint it up compared to the Millennium Falcon. My gut feeling tells me this build will be more about bringing out the small details (either through decals or paint) as the colour scheme of the piece is rather monotone and dull. Both the cockpit interior and main central hull of the Tie Fighter have great details (Sprue A2 and B).

Sprue A2: Cockpit, top access hatch, viewport, laser cannons, fuel tank cap and miscellaneous stuff

Sprue B: Central hull, laser power system, and wing parts

On sprues E1 and E2, the solar array panels have been separated from the wing braces.This is great mainly because it does away with the need to mask off the panels before priming/spray painting the braces. Similar to the rest of the Tie Fighter, the details on the wing braces is equally excellent.

Sprue E1: Outer wing braces for the Tie Fighter

Sprue E2: Inner wing braces for the Tie Fighter

Sprue F: Solar array panels and pilot options i.e. one standing and the other seated

There is an alternative option in which the top access hatch and front viewport comes in clear plastic (Sprue G). With proper masking/painting, the final completed pieces will have a more authentic look than say the same pieces that come with just empty holes (see Sprue A2). That being said, I will likely use the latter for a better view into the cockpit interior (as was the case for the Millennium Falcon).

Sprue G: Clear plastic options for the Tie Fighter's top access hatch and front viewport

Sprue SWE1: Energy discharge from laser cannons (left); Sprue SWB4: Death Star base (right)

Meanwhile, the base is meant to be part of the Death Star's surface. It looks the part too which is cool. And in a nice touch that's replicated in many of Bandai's other Star Wars model kits - there is a pair of green plastic pieces simulating the laser canon shots/energy discharge. Also included are extremely detailed markings for the Tie Fighter and its pilot, in sticker as well as water decal form. Use of these should enhance the overall look of the model kit, especially in combination with paints.  

Bandai Tie Fighter markings in sticker (left) and water decal (right) form

This is one Star Wars vehicle that warrants more than one version. Actually, I do have plans for two i.e. light grey and blue grey colour schemes from A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back respectively. On top of that, I would love to eventually do a Trench Run Diorama. But first things first. For now, I plan to work on the blue grey version before adding a light grey one to my collection. Personally I like both colour schemes so I'm looking forward to how they'll turn out. Can't wait to get started.