KIT #:	032199
PRICE:	2592 yen SRP
DECALS:	One option
REVIEWER:	Dan Lee
NOTES:

The TIE/sf space superiority fighter was a starfighter model used by the First Order, a specialized version of the TIE/fo space superiority fighter. It was a two-seater unlike the previous TIE models, and was outfitted with enhanced weapons and sensor systems as well as hyperdrives and deflector shields. The TIE/sf was reserved for members of the First Order's elite Special Forces. On the lower side of the vehicle, directly below the primary fuel tank, was a turret containing a pair of laser cannons and a mag-pulse warhead launcher.

 

It consists of the Bandai trademark of a single multicolored plastic sprue (grey, red, clear, and gloss black), two greyish black sprues for the tie solar panel frames, a sprue containing the fuselage and cockpit parts, another sprue for the sand colored stand and the last sprue is a clear light green one for the lasers.

The detail on the parts is typical of Bandai's excellent design and mold work. No flash and minimal mold markings on the parts.

There are also options for the clear parts for those who don't like masking and painting canopy frames as they provide a windowless windscreen (I don't know what else to call it even though there is stellar winds in space) and top hatch.

The markings are done as waterslide decals or stickers as per the typical Bandai offering of choice for those who want to go the extra mile or fanboys/fangirls who want to build this quickly.

CONSTRUCTION

The kit assembles like a Kumiki (an intricate Japanese wooden puzzle.) The first step was to deal with the cockpit whose parts were sprayed with Tamiya German Grey (RLM66.) Once dry, I added the instrumentation decals (which was kind of pointless as they can't be seen in the cockpit) and glued the various control sticks and instrument panels in. The pilots were sprayed gloss black and when the pair was dry I added the face decals to each of them. They were glued in place and the cockpit was assembled.

I then added the various exterior parts to cockpit as per instructions. I left off those parts that were to be painted red or other color. I had to deal with one seam on the starboard side. I filled it first with Vallejo plastic putty and then added CA glue. It took some careful sanding to remove the seam. If I had done some thinking I could have saved myself the trouble as the seam was also there on the red panels, but I didn't think about that at the time.

The “wings” aka “solar” panels were cut off their various sprues then trimmed, but not glued together till after painting.

COLORS & MARKINGS

The red plastic parts were painted X-7 Gloss Red while the rest of the Tie Fighter and small parts were sprayed gloss black with the exception of the engine nozzles which were hand painted Tamiya Metallic Grey XF-56. I even painted the “solar” panels gloss black as a base coat for the silver color (not dark grey as per the plastic and the instructions.) I used a new paint for the silver which was Mig Acrylic Silver. It has decent coverage and is ready to spray from the bottle. I deliberately left the silver blotchy based on screen captures from the movie.

The Tie/sf did have some small stencils and these were added. I had to use some MicroSet but that was it.

No weathering done and after a final wipe down the final gloss coat was applied.

FINAL CONSTRUCTION

The solar panels were assembled and then they, the various antenna and underside laser cannon were glued in place. These parts are keyed so that it is impossible to insert them into the fuselage with the wrong orientation or side. I did not use the clear pieces (didn't want to mask and paint them) and used the colored plastic parts instead. I did paint the top hatch gloss black to match the paint. Lastly, I assembled the stand and mounted the Tie Fighter to it. The stand allows one to pose the fighter as if it were making a turn or roll.

CONCLUSIONS

An easy kit to build, even easier if you just use the stickers and don't paint or fill/sand seams. Recommended for modelers of all skill levels.

Disney is allowing Bandai's vehicle model kits to be sold in North America which is why you suddenly see kits like the TIE/sf readily available at North American Hobby stores.

Dan Lee

July 13 2017