Bandai A Wing StarFighter model
Among the many starships that populate the *Star Wars* galaxy, the A-Wing starfighter has always occupied a unique and beloved place. Sleek, impossibly fast, and designed for hit-and-run tactics, it was the hot rod of the Rebel Alliance fleet. While its more famous cousin, the X-Wing, often steals the spotlight, the A-Wing has earned a devoted following for its aggressive, arrow-like silhouette and its pivotal role in the Battle of Endor, where it famously brought down the Super Star Destroyer *Executor*. For model builders, capturing that iconic shape and spirit has been a holy grail, and Bandai, with its legendary engineering prowess, has delivered not one, but two definitive kits that bring this starfighter to life. The 1/72 and 1/144 scale offerings are masterclasses in modern plastic model design, each offering a unique building experience that caters to different preferences while sharing the same DNA of exceptional quality.
The crown jewel of the lineup is undoubtedly the 1/72 scale A-Wing Starfighter kit, which is a substantial model measuring approximately nine inches when fully assembled, a size that allows for an impressive level of detail and presence. It is a testament to Bandai’s signature engineering philosophy, utilizing their patented four-color injection process, which means that many of the parts are molded in their correct base colors, significantly reducing the need for paint and making the kit accessible to builders of all skill levels. The result is a model that looks fantastic straight out of the box, with a satisfying level of detail that is a hallmark of the Bandai Star Wars line. However, the 1/72 kit is more than just a beautifully engineered starfighter; it is a complete diorama in a box, and Bandai has packed this kit with an array of display options and bonus features that elevate it from a simple model to a versatile showcase piece. The set includes a dedicated display base, a seated pilot figure that fits snugly into the cockpit, two different canopy options, one with a frame and a clear part and one that is fully clear, landing gear for a grounded display, and even two laser effect parts to recreate the ship in the heat of battle. Perhaps the most delightful inclusion is a detailed Turbo Laser tower from the Death Star, which allows builders to recreate the iconic battlefield scene from *Return of the Jedi*, placing their A-Wing in a dynamic, combat-ready setting.
Building the 1/72 A-Wing is a joy, a fact consistently echoed in customer and forum reviews, and the kit’s design is so precise that it can be assembled without glue, though some builders recommend a few dabs of cement for added stability on certain parts. The parts fit together with an exceptional fit that is the hallmark of Bandai’s kits, with clever engineering that hides seams and sprue gates beautifully. One builder on the International Scale Modeller forum perfectly captured the experience, noting that he spent only about five percent of his total project time on assembly, with the rest dedicated to the more creative aspects of painting, decaling, and weathering. This sentiment is a recurring theme: the construction is swift, intuitive, and satisfying, allowing the builder to quickly get to the fun part of adding their personal touch. While the instructions are in Japanese, they are so clearly illustrated that they pose no barrier to assembly. The only consistent criticisms leveled against the kit concern the decals, which some reviewers find to be thick and uncompliant compared to those from European manufacturers, and a few minor issues like a sprue attachment point on the canopy. Despite these minor quibbles, the overwhelming consensus is that the kit is outstanding, a breeze to assemble, and produces a fantastic representation of the real thing.
For those seeking a different kind of challenge or a more compact display piece, Bandai also released the A-Wing in a 1/144 scale as part of their Star Wars Vehicle Model series, and released in 2017 as kit number 010, this smaller-scale offering is a marvel of miniaturization. Despite its palm-sized fuselage, it features a precise mold that accurately reproduces complex details, such as the intricate exhaust ports. This kit, often sold as a set of two, provides a different kind of building experience and is a fantastic option for builders who want to create a small, detailed fleet or who simply prefer the charm of a smaller scale. Like its larger sibling, it benefits from Bandai’s superior engineering and is a fun and rewarding project.
Whether you choose the impressive 1/72 scale kit with its diorama pieces or the cleverly detailed 1/144 scale version, the Bandai A-Wing Starfighter models are a celebration of design and engineering. They offer a building experience that is as enjoyable as the final result is stunning. For the passionate *Star Wars* fan and the dedicated modeler alike, these kits are a match made in a galaxy far, far away. They capture the essence of this iconic starfighter with a level of fidelity and accessibility that is hard to match, ensuring that the Rebel Alliance’s fastest ship can find a worthy place on any builder’s shelf.
