DS Operative
Sr Member
Why hasn't Fine Mold's released an Advanced (Darth VAder) T.I.E. Kit? Does anybody have any insight on why they haven't made one, or if they plan on releasing one in the future?
Fine Molds Advanced/Darth Vader T.I.E.
- Thread starter DS Operative
- Start date
JMChladek
Sr Member
Hard to say. But considering how unique the Vaders TIE is, there is only maybe 10% of the kit bits tooled for the TIE Fighter and Interceptor that can be used in it (i.e. the cockpit bits and some of the greeblies for the ball). As such, it would be pretty expensive to tool up if the sales numbers aren't there.
Revell in their pocket snap line has a Vaders TIE that is close enough to 1/72 to work. It is slightly smaller, but given how different the Vader TIE is from standard TIEs, it doesn't look out of place. If one were masochistic enough, they could be bashed together as well I suppose.
I would also love to see a 1/72 TIE Bomber. But there is practically NOTHING in common between that and the other variants. The wings are TIE Advanced based, but they are bulked out (because I believe the studio model used TIE Advanced wings from an MPC kit with some alterations).
Revell in their pocket snap line has a Vaders TIE that is close enough to 1/72 to work. It is slightly smaller, but given how different the Vader TIE is from standard TIEs, it doesn't look out of place. If one were masochistic enough, they could be bashed together as well I suppose.
I would also love to see a 1/72 TIE Bomber. But there is practically NOTHING in common between that and the other variants. The wings are TIE Advanced based, but they are bulked out (because I believe the studio model used TIE Advanced wings from an MPC kit with some alterations).
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darth_myeek
Sr Member
DS, man this thread was a tease.
JMChladek, I'd take a few Tie Bombers too. :thumbsup
JMChladek, I'd take a few Tie Bombers too. :thumbsup
Too Much Garlic
Master Member
Yeah... I thought they'd finally announced one... waaaaah.
And what's with not doing the Imperial Shuttle Tydyrium, AT-AT's, AT-ST's, Y-Wings... in 72nd scale. Sure... they are expensive... but they are the only company that stays in the same scale with their lines.
And what's with not doing the Imperial Shuttle Tydyrium, AT-AT's, AT-ST's, Y-Wings... in 72nd scale. Sure... they are expensive... but they are the only company that stays in the same scale with their lines.
Not to mention A-Wing, B-Wing... or a Republic Gunship. That's the coolest Prequel ship IMO.
JMChladek
Sr Member
Well, we have the Revell kit for the Gunship and again to me it is close enough to 1/72 to work. It needs the side turrets though. Since FineMolds has done the Snowspeeder in 1/48, I would say a Republic Gunship is indeed within the realm of possibility. They just need to load it down with some clones, a Jedi or two and a Speeder bike in the aft bay for the perfect Army builder. 
The A-Wing has been done in resin in 1/72. I have the OOP "Arrowhead" Fighter from Fantastic Plastic and SSM has another resin one (not sure if it is the same mold as Arrowhead since FP got slapped with an LFL C&D to stop making them). The FP kit is VERY nice IMHO and I decided to acquire it at Wonderfest one year since I figured with FM going to 1/48, I considered it doubtful they would turn back to 1/72. That would just leave the B-Wing to be done in 1/72.
One thing I thought about and I wish FM would consider is doing maybe double kits, where two small ships were boxed together in a single 1/72 standard box or maybe one of their 1/48 boxes if the subjects were a tick too big. As such, boxing a TIE Advanced with a TIE Bomber would be a nice idea. And if somebody is doing Vader's TIE in 1/72, they are more likely to get two standard TIEs to finish the attack wing. Or pairing an A-Wing with a B-Wing would make a nice dual kit as well since I don't think either ship would support standard production sales numbers by themselves (A-Wing would be Jedi Delta 7 fighter sized in 1/72 and the B-Wing would be a bit expensive by itself for a ship with maybe 15 seconds of total on screen time), but together, they could potentially sell well enough for a decent price point.
The A-Wing has been done in resin in 1/72. I have the OOP "Arrowhead" Fighter from Fantastic Plastic and SSM has another resin one (not sure if it is the same mold as Arrowhead since FP got slapped with an LFL C&D to stop making them). The FP kit is VERY nice IMHO and I decided to acquire it at Wonderfest one year since I figured with FM going to 1/48, I considered it doubtful they would turn back to 1/72. That would just leave the B-Wing to be done in 1/72.
One thing I thought about and I wish FM would consider is doing maybe double kits, where two small ships were boxed together in a single 1/72 standard box or maybe one of their 1/48 boxes if the subjects were a tick too big. As such, boxing a TIE Advanced with a TIE Bomber would be a nice idea. And if somebody is doing Vader's TIE in 1/72, they are more likely to get two standard TIEs to finish the attack wing. Or pairing an A-Wing with a B-Wing would make a nice dual kit as well since I don't think either ship would support standard production sales numbers by themselves (A-Wing would be Jedi Delta 7 fighter sized in 1/72 and the B-Wing would be a bit expensive by itself for a ship with maybe 15 seconds of total on screen time), but together, they could potentially sell well enough for a decent price point.
Zombie_61
Master Member
I'd like to see Fine Molds return to the 1/72 scale for their Star Wars kits, and see them produce TIE Advanced, A-Wing, and B-Wing kits.
I agree with the idea of combining two smaller kits in one set, but I think an A-Wing/B-Wing or A-Wing/Snowspeeder combo set in 1/72 scale would be more likely. The TIE Advanced and TIE Bomber would each be approximately the same size as the TIE Fighter and TIE Interceptor kits and, as far as I know, those sold rather well.
I agree with the idea of combining two smaller kits in one set, but I think an A-Wing/B-Wing or A-Wing/Snowspeeder combo set in 1/72 scale would be more likely. The TIE Advanced and TIE Bomber would each be approximately the same size as the TIE Fighter and TIE Interceptor kits and, as far as I know, those sold rather well.
I was about to get really pissed cuz I am almost finished with my estates detailed vaders tie, and that would just make me mad.
I plan on using it to display with my ertl ties, looks close enough for me.
as far as the finemolds ties...just picked 1 up and I have to say, tooo small in 1/72.
Finemolds needs to do all their kits in at least 1/48 to make it even worth it to me. The only descent 1/72 kit they have done is the falcon, and that really would have been impressive in 1/48.
Just my opinion.
I plan on using it to display with my ertl ties, looks close enough for me.
as far as the finemolds ties...just picked 1 up and I have to say, tooo small in 1/72.
Finemolds needs to do all their kits in at least 1/48 to make it even worth it to me. The only descent 1/72 kit they have done is the falcon, and that really would have been impressive in 1/48.
Just my opinion.
Too Much Garlic
Master Member
72nd scale fits with most modern day airplane model kits as well. So is a good solid scale.
I don't buy 48th scale - too big for me. Nothing regular contemporary scale that fits with that scale - closest is 35th, so they might as well go for that one to get things to scale with an already established scale line.
No reason they can't do both 72nd and 48th - but I guess the tooling to make the injection molds is just too costly to maintain both scales!?
If they stop the 72nd line, which seems like they have already done... I'm out of collecting their stuff.
I don't buy 48th scale - too big for me. Nothing regular contemporary scale that fits with that scale - closest is 35th, so they might as well go for that one to get things to scale with an already established scale line.
No reason they can't do both 72nd and 48th - but I guess the tooling to make the injection molds is just too costly to maintain both scales!?
If they stop the 72nd line, which seems like they have already done... I'm out of collecting their stuff.
NAZGÛL
Sr Member
Right there with you. Never got why people like tiny kits.
Too Much Garlic
Master Member
I never got why people like studio scale.
JMChladek
Sr Member
There is kind of a weird difference in scale preferences, depending on where one lives in the world. In Europe and Japan, 1/72 still tends to be king since many households I think have smaller spaces to work with and display in (Japan for instance has very small living spaces for most people). In North America it is a little different. Here, 1/48 scale has the preference since many American households and apartments tend to be bigger. Hence, we have more room to stick the big kits.
When FineMolds first issued their 1/72 offerings, we knew they were intended for the Japanese market. The subjects were perfectly sized for most incomes and display requirements. Plus they engineered them in such a way for kids to build them. Later on though, I think they were getting some American influence since although FM's license is for the Japanese market, I'm sure they looked at the sales numbers to exporters like Hobby Link Japan and knew where a large percentage of their kits were going. At that time, the subjects began to get bigger (Slave One, the Falcon and the 1/48 X-Wing).
With the 1/144 Falcon, I see FM sort of getting back to their roots of the smaller subject for modest budgets. Of course they are continuing with the 1/48 line by issuing the Snowspeeder. Indeed I would love them to continue the 1/72 offerings as well since they have built up a very nice catalog and I would love to see it continue.
As for a 1/48 TIE, FM I don't think needs to go down that road. AMT's TIE Fighter 2 set I rank right up there among the best SW kits in terms of detailing and accuracy. And yes, combine it with an Estes Vader's TIE rocket and you can do the TIE Advanced rather easily. Combine it with the wings from an MPC TIE Interceptor and you have a decent model of that subject. Right now I have a TIE M-1 Experimental "TIE Bizzarro" in the works from the X-Wing Alliance game (TIE with one solar panel and two pods outboard of it, one containing a turbo laser cannon). If anything, the AMT kit is perfect for this conversion with two complete kits in one box and it can be done for much less then what a pair of FM TIEs sell for. All one needs to scrounge parts for is the turbo laser cannon.
When FineMolds first issued their 1/72 offerings, we knew they were intended for the Japanese market. The subjects were perfectly sized for most incomes and display requirements. Plus they engineered them in such a way for kids to build them. Later on though, I think they were getting some American influence since although FM's license is for the Japanese market, I'm sure they looked at the sales numbers to exporters like Hobby Link Japan and knew where a large percentage of their kits were going. At that time, the subjects began to get bigger (Slave One, the Falcon and the 1/48 X-Wing).
With the 1/144 Falcon, I see FM sort of getting back to their roots of the smaller subject for modest budgets. Of course they are continuing with the 1/48 line by issuing the Snowspeeder. Indeed I would love them to continue the 1/72 offerings as well since they have built up a very nice catalog and I would love to see it continue.
As for a 1/48 TIE, FM I don't think needs to go down that road. AMT's TIE Fighter 2 set I rank right up there among the best SW kits in terms of detailing and accuracy. And yes, combine it with an Estes Vader's TIE rocket and you can do the TIE Advanced rather easily. Combine it with the wings from an MPC TIE Interceptor and you have a decent model of that subject. Right now I have a TIE M-1 Experimental "TIE Bizzarro" in the works from the X-Wing Alliance game (TIE with one solar panel and two pods outboard of it, one containing a turbo laser cannon). If anything, the AMT kit is perfect for this conversion with two complete kits in one box and it can be done for much less then what a pair of FM TIEs sell for. All one needs to scrounge parts for is the turbo laser cannon.
Too Much Garlic
Master Member
Yeah. The FM kits in 72nd scale are actually quite expensive at $35+ (getting them for around $20+shipping if you are lucky). I imagine it's because of the detail richness and parts involved, where another company usually goes for the $5-$15 dollar mark with similar style kits.
I always assumed that Americans just had to have things bigger than everyone... :lol
I always assumed that Americans just had to have things bigger than everyone... :lol
I would love to have studio scale kits, I just can't afford all the resin and or donor kits for the projects, I went with 1/48 cuz they are already doing that scale and it's in the realm of established scales with airplane kits.
Ultimately I would like to see 1/35 kits (the koto x-wing is one of my favs) the size is perfect.
Let's be honest though 1/72 just isn't big enough for some of these iconic ships, they deserve to appreciated in a larger scale. IMHO
don't get me wrong, I can really appreciate the 1/72 scale for budget and space but if I'm going to build, I want detail and accuracy (which is very hard on some of these ships) I'll just build some of the 1/72 for practice.
Ultimately I would like to see 1/35 kits (the koto x-wing is one of my favs) the size is perfect.
Let's be honest though 1/72 just isn't big enough for some of these iconic ships, they deserve to appreciated in a larger scale. IMHO
don't get me wrong, I can really appreciate the 1/72 scale for budget and space but if I'm going to build, I want detail and accuracy (which is very hard on some of these ships) I'll just build some of the 1/72 for practice.
Too Much Garlic
Master Member
The thing is... with the 72nd scale you can get more ships in the same scale before things just gets way too big. Of course... you also end with the issue that things can get way too small. Assembling, detailing and painting these small ships take a different kind of talent than larger scales.
With 48th scale... it won't be long before you have to scale down larger sized ships... and then you lose the scale ratio. Studio scale is a rough standard... not really a fixed one... so is a bit more all over the place, only thing you know is that it is made as a 1:1 to the screen used studio model - so can be any scale, really.
With 48th scale... it won't be long before you have to scale down larger sized ships... and then you lose the scale ratio. Studio scale is a rough standard... not really a fixed one... so is a bit more all over the place, only thing you know is that it is made as a 1:1 to the screen used studio model - so can be any scale, really.
Not meant to ruin your day, but FM's kits are neither 1/72 scale nor consistent within the line!
The TIE ships for example are way too small for that scale, they are 1/96 scale actually.
Same problem with other kits like the Falcon. That is also way off, not in the details alone (as already pointed out by Rob), but in scale too. Since this ship is full of riddles concerning it's proper size "in real life" (the Elstree "life-sized" set was actually not 1/1 so to speak - it was at least 1/1.3 compared to the proportions of the one and only original Falcon - the ILM ANH model, the amazing "5-footer"), it is nearly impossible to determine its correct scale (because the whole concept of the ship works either in the view from top or from the side, but never at the same time :eek.
That is the problem using studio sets that had been build to fit within a Falcon-becoming-the Rebel-Blockade-Runner-pirate ship for filming the interior shots while you are pretending it is a flying saucer actually :sick.
Not to blame Fine Molds especially - other companies did/do not make it better... And I am grateful we have those kits at all!
But it is very difficult to use different ships and staying within the same scale simultaneously...
JMChladek
Sr Member
Based on what I've seen and measured, FineMolds seems to be working with LFL's published sizes for the ships to do their kits. The TIE seems to fit within that constraint well enough.
Granted there have been discrepencies between the documented sizes of some ships and their appearance on screen (the Millennium Falcon being a big one, the A-Wing being a lesser one). In ANH, the TIEs looked absolutely HUGE compared with the X-Wings in the original dogfight scenes above the Death Star. By ESB and Jedi, they were a little better proportioned. But ILMs priority in effects shots is to achieve dramatic looking imagery, not try and pin down the sizes on each and every shot. Trek 3 is a classic example where the Klingon Bird of Prey changed sizes at least three times compared to the Enterprise. In Trek circles, the debate about how big the Enterprise in the new film is continues.
For a licensed company to do kits, they usually have to go by what the licensor offers in terms of size data provided. Hence, FM kits are the sizes they are to match the scales they are trying to do (albeit the LFL Millennium Falcon measurements altered a little after the FM kit came out with publication of a new set of licensed prints). Even the Revell stuff, which aren't really done to specific scales across the line, feature pilot figures that seem correctly scaled to the subject they are doing. I look inside the FM TIE and the pilot doesn't seem to look either too big or too small inside. If the model really were 1/96 scale, then the pilot would be 2/3rds the size he is and the pit would begin to look pretty large at that point.
In other words, it looks close enough to 1/72 to me. If it were scaled up to 72 times its kit size, it wouldn't look too big IMHO either. Your own mileage my vary.
Granted there have been discrepencies between the documented sizes of some ships and their appearance on screen (the Millennium Falcon being a big one, the A-Wing being a lesser one). In ANH, the TIEs looked absolutely HUGE compared with the X-Wings in the original dogfight scenes above the Death Star. By ESB and Jedi, they were a little better proportioned. But ILMs priority in effects shots is to achieve dramatic looking imagery, not try and pin down the sizes on each and every shot. Trek 3 is a classic example where the Klingon Bird of Prey changed sizes at least three times compared to the Enterprise. In Trek circles, the debate about how big the Enterprise in the new film is continues.
For a licensed company to do kits, they usually have to go by what the licensor offers in terms of size data provided. Hence, FM kits are the sizes they are to match the scales they are trying to do (albeit the LFL Millennium Falcon measurements altered a little after the FM kit came out with publication of a new set of licensed prints). Even the Revell stuff, which aren't really done to specific scales across the line, feature pilot figures that seem correctly scaled to the subject they are doing. I look inside the FM TIE and the pilot doesn't seem to look either too big or too small inside. If the model really were 1/96 scale, then the pilot would be 2/3rds the size he is and the pit would begin to look pretty large at that point.
In other words, it looks close enough to 1/72 to me. If it were scaled up to 72 times its kit size, it wouldn't look too big IMHO either. Your own mileage my vary.
Well, you are quite right about this.
The question is: Is that good enough for us geeks?
We know the difference, we know the main protagonists from ANH - the XWF, YWF, TIE ships and Falcon - had been built in 1/24 scale. We know their exact dimensions...
Hence we know the published so-called "official" sizes are just plain wrong.
Lucas and his affiliates do not give a damn (never did, never will).
Will we?
Cheers!
PS: If you want a TIE ship in approx. 1/72 scale, the AMT/Ertl kit is what you are looking for - it is roughly 1/65 :ninja
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Too Much Garlic
Master Member
Man, this is the most disheartening news I've heard. :confused
JMChladek
Sr Member
Uhhhh, I have never seen anything documented that ALL the small SW models were built to 1/24 scale. If anything the X-Wings were about 1/20 scale based on the size of their pilot figures (I have a Captain Cardboard kit and that pilot is certainly bigger then 1/24). I've also read that the TIE Fighter and Interceptor models were built to about 1/16 scale. Studio models are not built to one scale. They are built to the most convenient size for the detail they have to show and usually the effects shot is used to convey the size of the model onscreen (for the most part anyway).
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