[MOC] ARC-170 Starfighter - Alternate Build of 2 x 75388 Jedi Bob's Starfighter

[Wurger49]

Ever since I designed my Z-95 alternate build, I have been receiving messages and comments about designing an ARC-170. I was initially hesitant as I was concerned about getting the four S-foils right on the wings, and do I need 2 or 3 sets of Jedi Bob, as its RRP is very high.

After combing through the parts list, I decided 2 sets was enough and S-foils should work if I keep them as light as possible. Here it is my ARC-170 alternate build, short for Aggressive Reconnaissance -170 starfighter, iconic for its heavy nose, three-man crew, S-foil system and a pair of huge wingtip mounted laser cannons. All combined to make it the ultimate heavy long range starfighter, designed to fly dangerous scout missions and raids deep in enemy territory ahead of the Venator Star Destroyers.

The ship’s heavy nose section featured an impressive sensor package, plus its communication and jamming devices. Curved slopes are used for the centre of the nose, with brackets holding the wedge plates. The bubble canopy seats on the angle created by wedge plates to create a smooth transition from the front cockpit to the dorsal cockpit. The pilot sits by himself in the front cockpit, the Wizzo and the tail gunner fit snuggly back-to-back inside the dorsal cockpit.

The space frame was meant to be flanked by massive engines, but I had to make do with 3x3 round bricks and barrels, they did the job. The openings represent retro-thrusters, they combined with powerful engines added to the ship’s maneuverability. The hyperdrive is housed inside the wedge sloped piece at the back.

Each of the four S-foils are made using only four pieces to keep it as light as possible, connected by a two-stud clip. They will remain open when on display or being swooshed around. I started the design using the angled axle connectors, but the whole system is too bulky and can’t be opened or closed. A stand was built using the remaining pieces to display the ARC-170 with opened S-foils. The model is very solid, even the main wings are sturdy enough to be picked up from the mid-span; I recommend picking up the model from the nose and holding it on the belly while swooshing around S-foiled deployed.

This pair of huge wingtip mounted laser cannons are strong enough to punch through a capital ship’s armour. Spring shooters and technic bricks formed the mounts for the laser cannons, because the technic bar pieces are quite long and protruding, they can be easily knocked off with the two technic bricks. The heavy fighter was not as maneuverable as small nimble single-seat fighters, it was armed with two rear facing blaster cannons for protection. They are made using hinge plates and cylinders originally used for landing gears.

I am very happy and proud with my first ARC-170 model, it goes perfectly with my other Clone Wars starfighters from the 75388 Jedi Bob’s Starfighter.

Instructions are on Rebrickable: https://reb.li/m/194526

 

 

 

 

Edited September 1, 2024 by Wurger49

[Daiman]

A great little build and so much more fun at this scale. I'm a big fan of creating Lego builds that more fit the minifigure scale mold rather that 'replicas' of things. Although I feel they work as models in there own right , the minifig world should have it's own look and feel....followed.

[Wurger49]

On 9/4/2024 at 3:20 AM, Daiman said:

A great little build and so much more fun at this scale. I'm a big fan of creating Lego builds that more fit the minifigure scale mold rather that 'replicas' of things. Although I feel they work as models in there own right , the minifig world should have it's own look and feel....followed.

ah there, there is a market for both, I quite like the MIDI scale starships, they are great for display, and doesn't take up too much space.