Star Wars Advent Calendar Review: Day 3

Posted by CapnRex101, 03 Dec 2016 17:00

The first two days of this year's Star Wars Advent Calendar have been based on Cloud City and it might therefore be reasonable to assume that this trend will continue today.

However, our second mini model of 2016 takes an unexpected Imperial turn...

This tiny TIE Interceptor is instantly recognisable and is nicely detailed with a printed cockpit viewport as well as angled wings. The printed viewport has only appeared in four other sets and it looks terrific on this model, as does the combination of light and dark bluish grey elements which form the wing pylons. A trans-red 1x1 plate is used on the back to represent the engine which is a nice touch as it glows in the right light conditions. Moreover, the cockpit shape allows you to grip the model easily and the play value is accordingly improved for mini aerial battles.

The angular solar collection panels are recreated very effectively using 2x3 wedges and these are mounted on hinges so the shape of the TIE Interceptor is accurately rendered. 2x4 wedges might have been more appropriate in relation to the cockpit module, as shown here, but I quite like the stubby design. I think the 1x2 plate with clips and the corresponding piece with a bar would look better in black to match the wings, particularly since that would then leave the end of the 1x1 clip exposed to represent the grey power converters at the centre of each collection array.

I should mention that the trans-clear 2x2 dome shown in these images is not included but it is ideal for photographing the model.

Overall - 4.5 - This is an excellent rendition of a TIE Interceptor given the scale of the model but I think some elements would look better in a darker colour and the shaping of the solar collection panels is not quite perfect.

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13 comments on this article

By BrickHelix in United States, 03 Dec 2016 17:15

Nice build, but I do agree about the colors

By LuvsLEGO_Cool_J in United States, 03 Dec 2016 17:22

I agree that the hinge plates should be black. This is a solid and sturdy model. It's nice to have that cockpit part. The advent calendar is off to a great start, too.

By Brainslugged in United Kingdom, 03 Dec 2016 17:24

It sure beats the pair of 2x2 tiles slapped either side of a 1x1 brick with studs all round it as the representation of a standard TIE Fighter we got a couple of years ago.

By pagani88 in United Kingdom, 03 Dec 2016 17:35

This calendar is looking to be very good!

By starwars4ever2 in United States, 03 Dec 2016 17:48

Wish it would sit down straight

By Aparker in United States, 03 Dec 2016 19:03

My son and I loved this model, our favorite since the mini millennium falcon. We say 5/5! :)

By meesajarjar72 in United Kingdom, 03 Dec 2016 20:20

Excellent model. Loved it! Couldn't even bring myself to comment on the friends one as it's eye-wateringly terrible. City one looks cool in front of the firefighter with her electric guitar- go rock chick go.

By Iamstevendale in United States, 03 Dec 2016 20:27

I wasnt looking forward to this SW Advent Calendar... i was pretty disappointed to see zero Force Awakens characters/ships in last years... but just assumed that would have been corrected this year. Nope. ...but, the first 3 days have been pretty great!