by Robert Merrill

In the early days of the Empire it seized many corporations, nationalizing them to produce ships and weapons for the ever growing hordes of Stormtroopers. In the midst of this several Sienar Fleet Systems engineers and designers stole the plans for the just completed Twin Ion Engine fighter and gave the plans to the Rebels. In desperate need of a space superiority fighter the Rebels altered the design to include a hyperdrive, bigger engines, heavier weapons, increased shielding, extended sensors, and a larger powerplant. With the larger powerplant the solar panels were not needed, so they were reduced in size to power auxiliary systems. The solar panels were also altered to rotate 90° to clear the landing gear. This craft was superior to the Empire's upgraded T-66 fighter and proved itself against the Empire's Deathstar.

The Model

Based the model off of Darth Vaders Advanced TIE, cut it down, opened up several panels & built up new guts. Altered a set of standard TIE panels to fit and rotate. Lathed parts for the laser cannons and landing gear struts. Built up & detailed the cockpit with new seat, control panels, and piping in the floor. Used the panel arms from the original TIE as a basis for the engines, detailing them with greebled bits and different sized solder. Painted, pasteled for weathering and, of course, decals.

Image: Left/front

Image: Front view

Image: Right/rear

Image: Engine details

Image: Cockpit, through the top hatch

Image: Another look