BANDAIStar Wars Snowspeeder Star Wars 1/48

If you get the reference in the title of this review then, yes, you're a total Star Wars geek - and this is the perfect itme for you!Despite being 1/48th, this is much smaller than most aircraft models - an accurate reflection of the diminutive size of the actual Snowspeeder as it appears in The Empire Strikes Back as both a prop and a miniature. However, the small size packs in an enormous amount of detail, and this is possibly the best engineered kit I've built in years. Detail is crisp, well scaled and fit is superb - in fact, the entire model is designed to snap together without glue if required (though in that instance you will get some minor gaps that glue fills effectively).Moulded in different shades of grey, it also has the options of waterslide decals for a proper finish or stickers for a quick build. The decals are superb and surprisingly busy for a machine that is effectively allover grey, and they go down without issue - even the helmet markings of the two pilots (and their googles) are provided.Essentially it's down to the modeller to decide how much work they want to put in. With finely recessed panel lines and no flash in the slightest, painted and weathered it IS a stunning replica of the film version - but even without that level of effort it would make a decent display piece for a Star Wars fan or good project for a junior modeller. The designers have also allowed for a number of options, such as the airbrakes and canopy open or closed - in the latter case again decals or stickers are supplied for those not overly comfortable with masking transparencies (though as a bonus, the unused "glazing" parts of the canopy stickers make perfect pre-cut paint masks!)However, there are a couple of irritations, admittedly minor. The interior cockpit displays are provided as decals/markings, but also moulded in relief on the relevant kit pieces, meaning that to use the decals you need to file down the textures. Also, while the canopy can be posed open, there is no option to leave the crew figures out without some surgery to the seats to remove the ridges that hold them in place. One final little quibble is that while much effort has been made to allow the kit to be built nicely without paint, the pilot figures in their distinctive orange flightsuits are plain grey unless you paint them - not a problem for modellers with a bit of experience (they look especially superb after a wash and drybrush) but probably disappointing for those who don't take that step. Given that a number of US kit firms now include pre-painted figures, it would have been a nice touch.Overall a stunning kit - I've already ordered an AT-ST and will undoubtedly get more. Here's hoping they get a proper UK release so we don't have to wait ages for them to arrive from Japan on import.

A fantastic kit. The detail is incredible and it was a highly enjoyable build.It is is quick to assemble, however, the scale can make the application of decals tricky.The set does not need technically need to be painted but the process of painting and weathering is both enjoyable and increases the overall look and display-ability of the piece.

My first ever Bandai kit and I am hooked.Brilliant assembly and detail, the instructions were in Japanese only but the excellent illustrated instructions didn't make it a problem.It is a no glue kit and even though I intended to glue it anyway all the parts snap fit to perfection so I didn't glue a thing and looks better for it.My only gripe is the paint instructions were in Japanese so had to guess but there were plenty of reference photos so worked out okay.This kit was the most enjoyable model I have built, to the point I was kind of sad to finish it.

Wow what a great kit great price you get the two pilots with lots of extras its as good if not better than the finemolds kit both are amazing tho

This arrived long before it's delivery date,and that was from Japan too. As for the model it is the best kit I have ever had. The tooling is absolutely excellent no flash, basically there is absolutely nothing wrong with this kit. I highly recommend bandai kits to anyone. This will not be my last Bandai star wars kit that's for sure.