Yes, we all know the X-Wing is the icon standard-bearer of the Rebel Alliance’s – and latterly Resistance’s – fleet. But us Star Wars diehards always spare a thought for the unsung heroes of everyone’s favourite intergalactic civil war: the B-Wings, the Y-Wings and, of course, the much under-appreciated A-Wings.
For those who just felt a shudder of nostalgic glee beneath their Jedi robes, the new TIE Advanced vs. A-Wing Starfighter Lego is a set worth killing many Bothans for.
Technically, this comes from the Rebels animated series, which essentially means the set appeals to both the young newbie Star Wars fans, and us old crusties, who are still bleating on about “how good it was in the beginning.” This is reflected in the choice of mini-figures included: Sabine Wren (nope, not a clue), an A-Wing pilot, Darth Vader, and Grand Moff Tarkin – a crotchety and sinister must-have for any proper Star Wars fan’s collection.
The A-Wing itself is a very tidy model. It’s not the first time Lego has done the A-Wing, but a look back at older versions shows just how slick and sophisticated Lego has become in the last few years. The original version from 2000 looks like something from the dark ages (or the “dark times”, as they’d say in a galaxy far, far away) – and even the 2013 A-Wing looks a bit old hat now by comparison.
While this new A-Wing is a relatively small model, it’s not a straightforward build. It’s made up from some quite fiddly bits, but isn’t particularly tricky to put together. There’s nice detail and rotating action on the wings and boosters – and it doesn’t fall apart in your hands like some of the bigger Star Wars vehicles (which will happen if your ship is a piece of junk, Captain Solo).
The A-Wing also has the standard Lego spring-loaded guns, activated by a nice motion when you pull back the central column of the ship’s bodywork. It’s a tough mechanism for younger children to activate, so it’s as well most dads would rather hack their own sons’ hands off with a lightsaber than let them play with their proper grown-up Star Wars toys.
And that’s before we’ve even got to Darth Vader’s Advanced TIE Fighter…
Very much the X-Wing of the Imperial fleet, Vader’s personal runaraound is cool, stylish and goes like the clappers. Though at £79.99 it’s hardly cheap, this version is like Lego’s budget version of the TIE Fighter – a smaller, scaled-down version that’s for actual play rather than just a showpiece (see this incredible standard TIE Fighter, which is enough to have adult Star Wars fans weeping with joy).
It’s easy to make, has the coolest cockpit in the galaxy, and is a robust enough model to do some proper swishing through the air (which we all do, just admit it). One nice feature is that the wings fold out, so you can have it in “regular” or “advanced” TIE Fighter mode. It also comes with the spring-loaded lazers for gunning down rebel scum.
Though probably a set aimed more at playing than serious collecting and display, the Force is indeed strong with this one
For more info visit Lego.com
