Revell Obi-Wan's Jedi Starfighter, by Scott Van Aken

HISTORY

The Jedi starfighter's triangular shape in Attack of the Clones stems from the shape of Imperial Star Destroyers in the original Star Wars trilogy. Industrial Light & Magic designer Doug Chiang identified the Jedi starfighter as one of the first designs that bridges the aesthetic between the prequel and original trilogies. Chiang noted that viewers' familiarity with the Star Destroyer's appearance and Imperial affiliation gives added symbolism to the Jedi craft's appearance and foreshadows the Empire's rise to power. The starfighter seen in Revenge of the Sith is a cross between the previous film's vessel and the Empire's TIE fighters from the original trilogy. Hasbro's expanding wings in the Attack of the Clones Jedi starfighter toy inspired the opening wings in the Revenge of the Sith vessel. The starfighter in the Revenge of the Sith is called a Jedi Interceptor Starfighter.

THE KIT

Not only is this a snap kit, but it is prepainted as well. The painting is actually quite good, aside from the figure where it is obvious that it was hand painted by someone in a hurry. All of the parts are very nicely molded as well. The engineering of the kit is such that many of the edges and mold seams will be hidden, but not all of them. The kit has but one option and that is for gear up or down. There is a prominent attachment point for the display stand on the underside. I doubt if many will want to fill that in. The large clear canopy is movable so one can position it open when one uses the landing gear. A nicely done droid is also included with the set.

Instructions are very well done with nicely drawn construction illustrations. In cases where a specific build sequence is required, that is clearly shown. With less than 30 parts, this isn't going to be very complex and not having to paint or decal it will mean a quick build.

CONSTRUCTION

There are times for all of us when we want something easy to build. Now I realize that for some, there are modelers out there who build nothing else but easy to build kits. But I'm not talking about your standard Hasegawa or Tamiya kit, but something that is truly easy; a snap kit. Not only that, but one that is already painted. This is about as close to instant gratification as you can get and not buy a toy or die cast.

Of course, these kits are built for the kiddies so they can get used to actually assembling something without painting the dog pink. They are also perfect for somewhat stressed modelers who have been working on little more than short run kits and are about to chuck it all in.

All I did on this kit was follow the instructions and do a bit of gluing here and there. For instance, there is no way in the world that one will be able to get the pilot figure to stay put without gluing it. I tried and it just wouldn't stay there. I used super glue to hold him in place. I also glued the lower and upper hulls as well as the exhaust and the rear blanking plate just to be sure.

Since the kit comes with a lovely stand, I thought I'd use that. It simplifies the build even more as I didn't have to install the landing gear or gear doors. Besides, there is a huge cavity on the underside of the hull so it would have to be put on the stand anyway.

Probably the biggest down side of kits like this for more experienced modelers is that when you remove the sprue attachment pips, you'll often be removing paint as well. Most of that is well hidden once the kit is done, but on the somewhat prominent gun bulges, you'll have not choice but to see some scraped away paint. Same on the droid figure, though that can stay in its slot where most of the damage will go unnoticed.

I was pleased to see that the canopy fits quite snugly and it can somewhat easily be opened and closed if one want to display it as such.

So, perhaps not something you will all be rushing out to buy. But if you are a stressed modeler or want something to perhaps get your children interested in modeling, this and others in the series would be a great place to start. Besides, they have great play value!

KIT #:	85-1868
PRICE:	$15.95 from GreatModels
DECALS:	None
REVIEWER:	Scott Van Aken
NOTES:	Pre-painted Snap Kit