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Hello,
I had originally wanted to build a replica of the X-Wing fighter, but as I was
planning it out I realized that it would be far more fun to make my own version.
Anyway there are so many good models out there I could not hope to contribute
much. I was inspired by some of the early drawings of the X-Wing fighter from
the art of star wars book. Which is most noticeable with the general engine
shape and the flattened nose. The model measures in at 83 studs long, weights an
estimated 15 pounds, and is amazingly fully playable. I always try to build
stuff I can later play with (not that I actually do -- I mean I am an adult
after all) which requires both strength and rigidity. The wings posed the
greatest challenge as they have to bear the load of the craft on landing, be
able to do that ‘x-wing’ thing. I toyed with using a gear contraption similar to
the UCS X-Wing fighter, but found the weight of the wings far to much for
plastic gears to be of any use. So I resorted to the dreaded click hinges, and
surprisingly they work reasonably well -- though I had to use like 40 of them.
The whole thing is built around a framework which keeps the weight down while
dramatically increasing the rigidity of the model. The landing gear were tested
up to a weight of 30 pounds -- really 30 pounds -- plastic can be mighty strong
when it wants to be. It was a challenge to fit robust landing struts inside the
lower engine nacelle, but I lucked out and they retract easily and as I have
already stated they can more then support the weight of the model.
I’ll post nicer photos tomorrow.
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=119760
Questions comments?
Thanks for looking,
Brent
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Message has 4 Replies:
 | | Re: X-Wing Mark IV
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| The one who supplies your plates is a very lucky (and rich) person. But, all that aside, this is a mighty fine model. You bring studless and snot to the extreme, and very pleasantly so. I disliked the randomly discolored parts on the UCS Xwing, but (...) (20 years ago, 4-Mar-05, to lugnet.space, FTX)
| | | Re: X-Wing Mark IV
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| (...) That is a beautiful model. By creating a different version of the x-wing rather than a replica, you were able to make the most of Lego parts, without having to force them to represent particular shapes. The result is delightful. -John Van (20 years ago, 4-Mar-05, to lugnet.space, FTX)
| | | Re: X-Wing Mark IV
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| (...) The shaping is mighty impressive, as are many of the details. My favorites include: - Curved leading edge of the wing. The engines: these are beautifully done from tip to tail Greebling on the rear end of the body The little intake on the nose (...) (20 years ago, 4-Mar-05, to lugnet.space, FTX)
| | | Re: X-Wing Mark IV
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| Wow, now that is an X-wing! Great write up too. Beefy and the construction looks well done. I was thinking that the canopy looked a little small for the scale, but I guess that can't be helped. Either way, wow, great job! e (20 years ago, 5-Mar-05, to lugnet.space)
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