My custom Snowspeeder in "SE" (a bit larger than true minfig) scale gets a complete rebuild and revision in white instead of the previous light grey.
About this creation
When the new System Snowspeeder came out, it had a few good features and many useful pieces. It also looked awful, with angles and proportions that were possibly even worse than the first official release. I bought one, but quickly disassembled it for parts. While looking at my grey SE custom Snowspeeders, I decided maybe I'd try a new approach and give white a chance. It gave me something to do with some of the parts of the new set, as well as allowing me to correct some of the problems of my previous design.
While the overall shape is the same, there are a lot of differences in both assembly and in detailing, some being the result of good constructive criticism I received on my previous custom versions (both minifig and SE scale). The rear and bottom were approached in a completely different way, and the inside of the cockpit has also changed, much for the better. Working airbrakes on the bottom are also new. This ground-up rebuilding of my previous design was fun, and I'm even starting to like working with white (once in a while).
Comments are welcome!
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High rear angle, showing the new lower flaps in the closed postition.
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Left side. The side laser barrels have received a complete makeover, with technic pins giving a thicker, more proper appearance. My previous version used lances (too thin), while others (including the new system set) use 1x1 round bricks (too thick). The middle section has also been completely rebuilt.
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The backside, with my all-new take on the engine radiator fin array and new lower airbrake flaps.
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Upper and lower flaps in braking mode. I also built a version of the radiator assembly in black, but ended up never taking pics of that version (the dark grey seemed to contrast well enough). I'm still not completely happy with my solution for the harpoon gun.
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Right side in "flight." Who'd have thought that a little stand I built for my Mini Falcon would work for this Snowspeeder as well. Still waiting for LEGO to make a new 3x4 33 degree sloped clear windscreen to replace my ancient cloudy-trans ones
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Flaps up. The flag pieces I use are a bit small, but allow the overall hosing assembly not to appear too thick and chunky when closed.
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Lower angle. I owe Kevin O'Connor for the push to add the flaps. I was beeing lazy with my old versions, never trying to retrofit them, and he basically said the design wasn't complete without 'em!
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Low side shot. I tried to shave as much depth as possible off the bottom of the ship while still allowing room for a full cockpit. My previous version wasn't nearly as sleek on the underside.
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Turning towards forward, the lower air scoop can be seen. I had to again scrounge for enough room to add this feature without making that part of the ship ride too low.
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The underside. Unlike my previous SE versions (but similar to my minifig scale custom), the inverted 2x3 slopes are attached to the wings instead of the main body. I really like the flat smooth effect this gives once the wings are attached at the proper angle.
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Last but not least, the cockpit. As before, Luke ain't in it since Luke didn't fly a Red/orange trimed speeder (his had dark grey highlights). This could be Hobbie or one of the other Rogue squadron heroes.
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Closeup with canopy removed. The tiles creating the panels on either side of the cockpit are attached to the wings themselves (my previous version used classic old 2x2 sloped computer elements attached to the floor of the main body. This method came out better than I had hoped.
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Rear angle. The pilots are technically too small for the scale of this ship (about 25% larger than minifig scale), but their giant heads match perfectly, so as long as they're sitting in the cockpit, it looks fine!
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Forward look reveals the hand controls for the pilot. I've been trying to include more and more little details like this after seeing so much great cockpit work by other customizers.
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Comments
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I like it |
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December 19, 2010 |
good job
may the force be with you
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I like it |
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December 19, 2010 |
Awesum, I think this should have more comments! |
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I like it |
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December 19, 2010 |
nicely done. |
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I like it |
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December 19, 2010 |
That's the stuff ! Excellent job. |
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I like it |
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December 19, 2010 |
please please can you show on youtube how to make it pleeeassse |
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I like it |
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December 19, 2010 |
First one yo comment on this when this is MOTD! Wanna know how? It's 12:36a.m.! Great job. |
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I like it |
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March 21, 2010 |
I've seen many snowspeeders (I think), I'm a fan of it and I must say that this is the very best snowspeeder I've seen yet. Amazing detail, everything is right and on it's right spot. great job. |
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I like it |
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January 25, 2009 |
You know, even if it's not perfect minifig scale, I think this version is the most visualy pleasing. |
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I like it |
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August 6, 2008 |
Great work. |
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I like it |
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April 25, 2007 |
From Wikipedia, in response to the previous reviewer:
"The name 'snowspeeder' is somewhat of a misnomer: the vehicle is actually a modified T-47 Airspeeder (the true name of the vehicle), designed to accommodate the cold climates of Hoth."
Apparently due to its large powerplant the T47 originally had difficulties with overheating, hence the very large radiator on its posterior. However, this apparatus did more harm than good in Hoth's environment, and Rebel technicians struggled with ways to keep the craft from freezing. (I'm not sure where I read that, so don't quote me on it) |
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I like it |
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July 17, 2006 |
sweet awsome quote from episode5 "we are having trobule adapting the speeders to the cold" how can you get things to light speed and out in space where its vacum but you can't get a SNOWspeeder to work in the cold! good job though |
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I like it |
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March 16, 2005 |
Absolutely incredible. My only advice is that the rear windshield isn't the right color. I totaly understand that there isn't a clear window like that. I love your model anyway. It is so true to the movie. By far the best snow-speeder I've ever seen. take that lego!!! |
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I like it |
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September 8, 2004 |
Just awesome, Bri. :-D WOW! :-D
*pics jaw off of floor*
I haven't built anything in awhile because of time spent w/ the band, but this will be top priority. It will be MY HONOR to duplicate your masterpiece, & it will be prominantely displayed (including a "Snowspeeder SE -by Brian Tobin" sticker on it's stand for all to see. And i'll send you a pic as soon as it's built.
You've managed to improve on what i thought was THE BEST moc Snowspeeder in ANY SCALE out there, period. And i thank you sincerely for your masterwork.
-Pete. :-)
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I like it |
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July 23, 2004 |
Wow, This is incredible. This is better than some models I have purchased. |
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I like it |
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June 16, 2004 |
Thats really cool. Hope to see more soon. |
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More from Brian More across MOCpages
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