Bandai Hobby Star Wars 1/72 Y-Wing Starfighter Building Kit

The previously available Fine Molds 1/72 scale Y-Wing kit was very nice, but this Bandai kit that I just received is very well made also! It is all new tooling. This is not a re-issue nor re-tooled Fine Molds product/tooling.Pros: Intricately detailed, the plastic comes in 6 different colors, plus some clear parts (off white, gray, dark gray, bluegray, red and yellow). The yellow stripe on the cockpit is represented by 2 separate plastic pieces. You can build a really nice model with almost no paint at all (pilots & droids are molded off-white; weathering optional). Comes with a solid bluegray canopy and a 3-piece transparent version (where door can be shown in open position). Also comes with 3 pilot figures - 2 sitting, 1 standing. 2 are of the original episode IV pilot costume types, one seated pilot is of the newer Ep. VI type, 2 different droids (an R2 and an R5), landing gear, both water-slide decals and die-cut self-adhesive plastic stickers (referred to as a "marking seal") are provided to represent canopy markings and stripes. The instruction sheet is large (poster-sized), full color, written in Japanese only - but it is pictorial in nature. Also comes with a very nice gray deathstar surface base and positionable mount.Cons: among my very few peeves are that I don't see any markings for the droids, you'll have to paint them yourself. And at 1/72 scale, that will be challenging (or use droids from the FineMolds kit!) On the other hand this leaves you free to paint the droids in any way you like. This kit issue is designed to let you build "Gold Leader" without any painting. If you want to build another ship you'll have to build it and paint it slightly differently, but it can be done. I wish they would make a kit similar in quality to this in a larger scale! At 1/72 scale it is very nice, but in my opinion, kinda' small (no longer than 7" or 8" when built)Glue - it appears that this one was intended to be mostly a "snap together" model. However, I would still use glue on certain critical assemblies to ensure strength. Some modeling skills are required - I'm not sure if I can recommend this kit to beginners or inexperienced modelers. Parts have to be carefully removed from sprues with proper tools (some are very delicate) and excess plastic must also be removed with a sharp knife to ensure proper assembly. But I do not think it is overly challenging either.Summary: I am very happy with this kit. The previously available Fine Molds kit was highly detailed, came in one color (gray) and required glue and painting but provided more options & decals for building different ships, and droid markings. This Bandai kit has great detail also yet requires hardly any painting and possibly very little, if any glue. Both the Bandai and the Fine Molds (Japanese) 1/72 Y-Wing kits are much more detailed and accurate than their comparable US produced model kits, though the old MPC kits are a little larger when built. I think most folks who like to build Star Wars models will enjoy this kit, and I will try to post pictures when built . . .

For fans of this fighter, this is the kit you've been waiting for. Incredibly detailed, (and I mean incredibly!), with optional canopies which allow you to have a 'glassed' canopy, or a non-glassed version that fits the way the original filming miniatures were done. It comes with an R2 unit & 3 pilot figures... two are of the orange flight suited rebel pilots, (one standing, one sitting), and a seated Y-wing pilot from 'Return of the Jedi'.Kit is molded in several colors so that if you don't want to paint it, you'll still have a fair replica of the ship. The kit is a snap together kit, but don't be fooled, this is no kit for inexperienced children. There are many small, delicate parts that will need careful handling. One tree has just the pipes that fit around the hull! The base is modeled after a Death Star tile & the stand allows for a variety of flight angles.A truly satisfying kit for Star Wars fans, I highly recommend this kit to any modeler that loves this subject. For a detail oriented modeler you can make a serious display piece here!

While it can be a lot to assemble, it is not too bad as long as you have a good pair of sprue cutters and take your time. As mentioned, it is best to keep a box under it when cutting over carpeting in case you drop some of the small pieces. For the most part it is snap fit. But there are a few areas that will benefit from a small drop of glue.You can get by without painting it since the parts are molded in colors that are pretty good for a base coat. It really comes alive though with a bit of weathering. If you choose not to paint to, you can simply start by spraying a rattle can Matte Varnish on it or even better, something like Testors Dullcoat to get rid f the plastic shine. Then you can give it a very thinned down wash and use some pastels/charcoal to add some streaking and soot/grime. You can also use oil paint washes/filters. I would stay away from harsh enamel/lacquer thinners/mineral spirits though as sometimes it can caused Bandai plastic to crack. I personally have had no problems using Weber Oderless Turpenoid. IF you really want to play it safe you can use Atrisan Water Mixable oils instead and thin them with water. They still work just like oil paints.

Forget fine molds. These Star Wars models from Bandai are as top of the line detailed as you can get in my opinion. The Y-wing fighter was always one of my favorite ships just because of all the rugged detail in the movies. The model is fantastic. Everywhere you look this kit just pops with fine detail and molding. I'm still building mine, and loving every moment. It snaps together so well that little if any glue is needed, but you might want to add a drop or two for strength. I haven't built a model in years, but am getting back into the hobby. I'm finding this kit fairly easy even with my 50 year old hands and eyes. I'll post pictures after completion and weathering. I've seen the Fine Molds kits, Bandai has them beat pure and simple. This Y-wing looks every bit as good as a smaller version of the real movie ships. Just perfect in every detail.