Kit Reviews: Xwing Kit By Ertl Review By: Paul Heaberlin

Ertl has released their NEW and IMPROVED, Electronic X-wing fighter, and I must say its a nice kit! Now I know alot of fans have complained about the original kit, released twenty years ago, as being inaccurate. But, if you really look at the kit, it was based on the ILM models -and they did'nt have much detail in some areas, so it was a fairly accurate kit depending on the model of which it was based. The new kit however is a different story! 
Made from all new tooling, the kit measures 14 inches, 3 more than the original. They have redone many of the design flaws of the original kit. Especially the intakes on the front of the engines, and the underside of the wings. Detail is very nice throughout. Comparing it to ILM pictures, it apears as though the aft section behind the cockpit is more square than diamond shaped from the original and from the ILM models. I figure this is to allow room for the two motors. The only way to really notice this is to compare it to ILM photos.  The beveled cornered square on either side of the cockpit is rectangular. The Pilot figure is excellent, the only thing missing is his visor. His pose is a bit too subdued. The R2 unit has been truncated at the feet, but otherwise has excellent detail and acuracy. The front half of the cockpit has been detailed just like the ESB photo of Luke in his cockpit on Hoth, but everything behind the seat is just like the original. No targeting computer, life support hoses or targeting armature. This may have been omited for the opening cockpit feature. The canopy is missing the lower front frame. 
Since getting the model I have been researching all my photos of X-wings, preferably, ones of Luke's Red 5. Unfortunately, the only pictures that I have found that I am sure are his, are on page 112 of  The Star Wars Chronicles. In the instructions, they show that you can trim off the decals to make any one of six fighters from Red flight. It's nice that they noted this, but they could have given both paint references for the pilots' helmets, and small decals of the Alliance emblem, and Biggs' checkered pattern. The decals are just the same markings given in the original kit. For those out here with wireing expirience, this kit should prove no problems. I however am no electrician, so I am a bit intimidated by the wiring diagram. I have soldered stuff before, but nothing needing the acuracy of the circuit board, it measures approx. 2"X 2". All wiring has to be soldered.  On the whole, I really like the kit. I hear the Icons' Xwing is awesome, but with a bit of work this should come out just as nice. The price runs from $48-56 bucks and should look great on completion. I plan on updates as I go along.