Subject: Re: RE: HLJ - Fine Molds 1/48 TIE Fighter
From: "Submissions for ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: "Dave Johnson" <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2011 20:08:27 -0800

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know your article went on ARC today.  Thanks again for sending it in.

Steve Bamford
ARC Air - Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.arcair.com

Live like there is no tomorrow;
Love like you've never been hurt.
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Dave Johnson 
  To: [email-masked] 
  Sent: Wednesday, January 19, 2011 12:28 AM
  Subject: Fwd: RE: HLJ - Fine Molds 1/48 TIE Fighter

  Fine Molds

  1/48 TIE Fighter  

  Product # SW-12  (http://www.hlj.com/product/FNMSW-12) from Hobby Link Japan (www.hlj.com)

  History -

  Star Wars literature states that Sienar Fleet Systems manufactures TIE fighters and most TIE variants. TIE fighters' solar panels power a twin ion engine (TIE) system that accelerates gases at a high speed along almost any vector, affording the ships tremendous speed and manoeuvrability. Described as lacking a hyperdrive, life support, or shield generators, the fragile TIE fighters are deployed in large numbers from bases or larger ships like an Star Destroyer. 

  The Kit -

  Arriving upon work the other day, I was greeted by an HobbyLink Japan box at the doorstep. Ripping open the newly arrived box to get to the fresh plastic that awaited me, the first box at the top was Fine Molds 1/48 TIE Fighter. The box art catches one's eyes with 3 Ties flying in formation with a Star Destroyer in the background and Technical information in Japanese and English.

  Opening the box I was surprised of how many parts were included in this kit. According to the box there is 43 parts that are supplied on 7 sprues that are molded in light grey, black and clear plastic. Also, stated on the side of the box is, that there is one marking option. But in fact there are two options included in the instructions and decal sheet. The instructions are printed in Japanese, but have English notes throughout the construction process. The paint guide colour call out are for Mr. Hobby and Tamiya ranges.

  The plastic parts themselves are molded with fine and crisp details. The two main hull body (I really want to say fuselage here being an aircraft guy!) parts click into place tight and nicely, as if it were a snap together kit. The detail on the hull is outstanding, a coat of paint and weathering will really make them stick out. The cockpit area is very basic, which is a bit of a shame in this scale. There are no bumps and lumps on the surrounding parts of the cockpit and the detail is added by using decals. The cockpit glazing is crystal clear and you will be able to see that little extra detail if you wish to add it. The rest of the parts seem to slot together and show that the build shouldn't require any filling what so-ever.

  The hull and cockpit components are all one sprue, which could indicate that we could see other variants of the TIE in the future. The wing frames are molded separately and the detail is outstanding and a simple wash and a dry brush will make that detail pop out. The solar panels are molded as separate parts and in black plastic that will pop into the frames. 

  There is a display stand included if the modeller wishes to choose this option for display. Its a very basic stand that slots together. In the 72nd offering of this kit, the Stand was designed as a docking, framework structure, unfortunately this is not included this time. Also included are two figures one of the TIE pilot and Imperial Officer in a Standing pose. Both figures are nicely detailed and will paint up nicely.

  Overall, it is a great and interesting kit for beginningers. The 1/48 TIE Fighter will be a nice addition next to a 1/48 X-Wing also from Fine Molds. Hopefully the design of the parts layout on the sprues will mean more exciting TIE releases in the future!