UCS X-Wing 2023 - Mods

[Neophyte_brickie]

Starting to think about modding this set.  @JabbaTheHatt replaced the artoo minifig with an led key chain version that has a 3 stud diameter dome (I think); does anyone know if other iterations of R2-D2 key chains are the same size as the led ones?  Specifically, the version that has a part number of 853470?  I can't seem to find any information about the size of this particular variant.  Also, how difficult is it to remove the metal bit that connects the chain to the top of the head?

[PaulPrime]

5 hours ago, Neophyte_brickie said:

Starting to think about modding this set.  @JabbaTheHatt replaced the artoo minifig with an led key chain version that has a 3 stud diameter dome (I think); does anyone know if other iterations of R2-D2 key chains are the same size as the led ones?  Specifically, the version that has a part number of 853470?  I can't seem to find any information about the size of this particular variant.  Also, how difficult is it to remove the metal bit that connects the chain to the top of the head?

I have removed several chains to get the minifigure, and did the opposite process to convert a minifigure in a keychain. I use the tip of a soldering iron to heat the metal until it slides out with little force. Once cool the plastic is not harmed. I'm not familiar with that led R2-D2 keychain, but if the metal piece used is the same I'm pretty sure you can apply the same process.

[JabbaTheHatt]

On 4/21/2024 at 12:18 PM, PaulPrime said:

I have removed several chains to get the minifigure, and did the opposite process to convert a minifigure in a keychain. I use the tip of a soldering iron to heat the metal until it slides out with little force. Once cool the plastic is not harmed. I'm not familiar with that led R2-D2 keychain, but if the metal piece used is the same I'm pretty sure you can apply the same process.

Yes, I used the same technic. Heating the metallic part allows to remove it quickly and without damaging the fig.

[Aeroeza]

On 3/26/2024 at 1:52 PM, dmount said:

Amazing news, thank you for the update! Can't wait to see the final product 

 

 

On 1/7/2024 at 3:11 AM, Guyinaplaguemask said:

Awesome, and thanks for all the work you're putting into it!

No worries!! :)

On 10/2/2023 at 3:13 PM, JFfy0218 said:

I can't wait for someone to fix these wings so I can fix them.

Final product! Wings fixed!! Nose appreciably sculpted!!! Hope you all like it.... We've got instructions and stickers sheets. If you have the official set then just another 1260 pieces or so completes our MOC/MOD. Please check out [MOD/MOC] GotB’s UCS X-Wing Starfighter 75355 for more details. Photo shoot of the final model to follow soon...

 

On 4/21/2024 at 2:19 PM, Neophyte_brickie said:

Starting to think about modding this set.  @JabbaTheHatt replaced the artoo minifig with an led key chain version that has a 3 stud diameter dome (I think); does anyone know if other iterations of R2-D2 key chains are the same size as the led ones?  Specifically, the version that has a part number of 853470?  I can't seem to find any information about the size of this particular variant.  Also, how difficult is it to remove the metal bit that connects the chain to the top of the head?

Not that you shouldn't MOD your set to your happiest UCS standards but based on the X-wing schematics available in the ‘Star Wars: Rebel Starfighters: Owner’s Manuel Workshop’ the size of the R2 minifigure isn't so much the issue here as is the width of the top greebling panel located between the side rear fuselage ones. It should be closer to a 1x3 brick in width rather than the 1x4 used in the set. This ultimately ends up playing tricks with our eyes. Assuming the schematics are accurate then a 3x3 dome is a tad on the large size and disproportionate in scale to the overall model. A 2x2 dome, though not absolutely perfect, is closest.

My understanding too (could be wrong) is that the orthographic images of the T-65 in that book are based on scanned 3D models from one of the film's original X-Wing props. Regardless, it certainly beats what older material was available out there prior to its publication.

 

Edited May 6, 2024 by Aeroeza

[Neophyte_brickie]

On 5/6/2024 at 11:06 AM, Aeroeza said:

Not that you shouldn't MOD your set to your happiest UCS standards but based on the X-wing schematics available in the ‘Star Wars: Rebel Starfighters: Owner’s Manuel Workshop’ the size of the R2 minifigure isn't so much the issue here as is the width of the top greebling panel located between the side rear fuselage ones. It should be closer to a 1x3 brick in width rather than the 1x4 used in the set. This ultimately ends up playing tricks with our eyes. Assuming the schematics are accurate then a 3x3 dome is a tad on the large size and disproportionate in scale to the overall model. A 2x2 dome, though not absolutely perfect, is closest.

I am so glad you said that - all the people on here losing their shit over the size of the R2 minifig in proportion to the set (ie saying it looks ridiculously small, replacing it with a 4x4 R2 dome (!!!!!!)) and I'm here like the monkey puppet meme with the side-eye thinking "what the f*&k am I missing here? Looks about right to me".  I thought I was going crazy!

[Aeroeza]

On 5/9/2024 at 8:27 PM, Neophyte_brickie said:

I am so glad you said that - all the people on here losing their shit over the size of the R2 minifig in proportion to the set (ie saying it looks ridiculously small, replacing it with a 4x4 R2 dome (!!!!!!)) and I'm here like the monkey puppet meme with the side-eye thinking "what the f*&k am I missing here? Looks about right to me".  I thought I was going crazy!

 Yep! Me too… The online debating discourse has been rife with critical posts on this set beyond the usual price tag complaint Lego invariable brings about. I guess we just ‘own’ our own concept of what an X-Wing should look like, even if it’s a vintage Kenner X-Wing with an oversized R2 unit. (Mine had the 'battle damage'… always regretted adding those stickers dammit)!

75355 seems to suffer from its own sense of ‘The Uncanny Valley’.