Before reading about Vader’s T.I.E. Fighter, please see the last post to this thread Star Wars: The Final Trench Battle on the Death Star for the introduction.

Below I present to you one of the three ships that were involved in that famous scene: The X-Wing, Vader’s Advance T.I.E. Fighter and an Imperial T.I.E. Fighter.

I bought the Bandai version of these ships in 1:72 scale and found them easy to assemble and with great detail.

Vader’s T.I.E. Fighter

Darth Vader’s TIE fighter in Star Wars: A New Hope is a T.I.E (Twin Ion Engine) Advanced X1, a prototype TIE fighter manufactured by Sienar Fleet Systems. The ship is 9.2 meters long and has a maximum speed of 1,200 km/h. It is equipped with two laser cannons and a cluster missile launcher. The ship is piloted by Darth Vader himself and designated as DV-1. During the Battle of Yavin, Darth Vader’s T.I.E. fighter was the only one of its kind. The ship was heavily modified, with a hyperdrive, deflector shields, and a life support system.

So, What’s in the Box of Vader’s T.I.E. Fighter?

Vader’s T.I.E. Fighter

Bandai’s Advanced TIE x1 fighter 1:72 scale model kit contains the following items.

• Plastic sprues in different colors (grey, clear green, clear, black) that make up the parts of the TIE fighter
• Decal sheets (waterslide and stickers) for adding details and markings to the model
• An instruction manual for assembling the model
• A Darth Vader figure that can be placed inside the cockpit or a flat silhouette standing piece.

The model kit features Bandai’s multi material and color injection technologies. This allows the different components of the wings to be molded together, yet still color separated. Vader’s T.I.E. Fighter kit also has a high level of detail and accuracy. After all, it is based on the TIE Advanced x1 prototype that Darth Vader flew in the Battle of Yavin (Star Wars: A New Hope).

The model kit has a scale of 1:72, which means that it is 72 times smaller than the actual TIE fighter. The dimensions of the model are approximately 12 x 12 x 10 cm (4.7 x 4.7 x 3.9 inches). The model kit requires some assembly and painting and is recommended for ages 15 and up.

The Time Taken to Build Vader’s T.I.E. Fighter

The time to assemble the model kit may vary depending on the skill level and experience of the builder, as well as the degree of customization and painting desired. However, based on some results from my web search, it seems that the average time to build the model kit is around 6 to 10 hours. Some factors that may affect the time are: – The number and size of the plastic sprues and parts- The complexity and clarity of the instruction manual- The quality and fit of the snap-tite mechanism- The choice and application of decals or stickers- The amount and type of painting and weathering.

Painting Vader’s T.I.E. Fighter

As far as painting was concerned, I did not use a base coat. I just went straight to weathering on the bare model. This did not take too long since I believe these ships would be in tip-top shape due to strict imperial control in maintenance. The No-Rust-is-Left-Behind policy was enforced and anyone who failed in upholding that policy was severely punished for lacking in their duties in corrosion control.

When adding the lasers, be very careful as you set them in because the ends are very fragile and can snap or bend. If the lasers are not properly installed, they may go in different directions and will look way off.

There were some decals that came with it but I, again, went with painting instead. Especially the window frame. I did not want to use decals. The black mesh that are on the panels were already black due to Bandai’s famous color injection molding.

Honestly, there wasn’t much with this model as far as issues were concerned. No flash or fit problems. I hope this helps you with your model kit project. Have fun and may the Force be with you! 😊

Please come back or subscribe for the next installment of the Star Wars: The Final Trench Battle on the Death Star featuring the Imperial T.I.E. Fighter.

Started build on 07JAN21, completed 14JAN21.

Please share with like minds and comment below with any anecdote or suggestions. The links I provided throughout the blog which go to Model Cars or Diecast Models Wholesale are affiliates, and I do get a commission off qualified sales, that is how one can support a fellow modeler like me. Thank you!

Feature Model Kit of the Week

Skill 2 Model Kit Darth Vaders Tie Fighter “Star Wars Episode IV A New Hope” (1977) Movie by MPC at DiecastModelsWholesale.com.

Though this is not the Bandai model kit I used to build, it is still an Advance TIE Fighter in a larger scale than the 1:72 scale model I built.

Brand new plastic model kit of Darth Vader’s Tie Fighter “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” (1977) Movie plastic model kit by MPC. Brand new box. Detailed interior. Authentic detail. Updated details. Clear blaster parts. Detailed cockpit interior. Vintage style packaging. Officially licensed product. An easy to build scale model kit. Retooled top and bottom hatches. Featuring Darth Vader pilot figurine. Paint and cement required (not included). Manufacturers original unopened packaging. Parts molded in GRAY unless otherwise indicated. Includes dome display base with metal support rod. Dimensions approximately L-6.75 W-7.5 H-4.5 inches.

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