PROS: (1) Amazing attention to detail. (2) Well-engineered and integrated mechanics to open and close the X-wings. (3) Easy-to-understand instructions. (4) Model stand with boilerplate included (nice touch.)

CONS: (1) Cockpit window has been troublesome in staying shut when closing. I had to use some workarounds to fix it. (2) Opening/closing mechanisms are difficult to adjust if not done correctly the first time. There's an issue with the weight of the wings with proper gear alignment. (3) Engines are structurally weak. It broke off on occasion, particularly travelling beyond light speed... test driving...you know...ah hem! I remedied the situation by supergluing the engine down.

NOTE: I am quite impressed with the engineers at LEGO in creating a close replica of the X-wing while maintaining the LEGO feel. Sure makes the age 7-12 X-wing fighter quite small. This model has a wingspan of 16" and a length of 19". Wow! The inclusion of a model stand is a nice touch. Makes me want to superglue the whole darn thing down. It is a bit on the delicate side.

I also purchased the Ultimate Collector Tie Interceptor, which I must say is mechanically less-intensive than the X-wing but equally impressive. Both are close to scale in relations to each other.

I hope to see more from this series. I do not regret my purchase.

17 of 17 found the following review helpful:


An Excellent Addition to all the Star Wars stuff out there  Dec 11, 2000
This set is one of my most enjoyable Lego investments todate! I'm not a massive Star Wars fan but I do follow the films. Everyone knows how the X-Wing looks like, roughly, but this model showed me many intricate details which I never realised - the massive length of the wingtip lasers, for example. It took me a few tries to get the gears properly aligned for the x-wing section, and that proved to be an education in itself - I am amazed at how the Lego engineers have balanced the construction of the wings and the main fuselage.

It was a small shock to me to see how colourful this X-wing model is - is it really so colourful in the films? The first page of instructions alone must have featured at least 6-7 colours. In any case, the construction work is much more fun and satisfying than the comparatively simple Tie Interceptor model of the same series - I must mention that the money spent on the X-wing is much more worth it than that spent on the Tie Interceptor (the latter is much cheaper). If you can only buy one of these models, I greatly recommend purchasing the X-Wing. Somehow, the Tie may look cooler on the box, but you won't get the same amount of satisfaction from it.

Some weaknesses in the X-wing model prompt me to give it a 2-star rating for durability: the engines' exhaust nozzles are prone to falling off, as are the tips of the wingtip laser cannons. The pilot's windshield does not close fully, but I believe some filing will resolve this problem. The wings themselves are attached to the main fuselage at just two male/female points each - which is not exactly the most secure way, but I still must appreciate the engineering that has gone into designing this model to make it easy for construction. Lastly, and not surprisingly, the model will tip over on its stand if given a solid bump - but despite all these minor faults, if well taken care of, the model will stay in one solid piece.

This is a very large model, so to speak, which may explain the 14+ (age) rating - small kids will have trouble lifting its considerable weight, so it's obviously not meant for them. But for all you youthful adults there who've followed Star Wars since the 70s-80s - this is a wonderful toy!!

3 of 3 found the following review helpful:


Awesome for collectors!!!  Aug 01, 2001 By dz-jay
This is one of the most awesome models I've ever built from lego sets! Its so highly detailed and resembles the movie's X-Wing fighter as close as possible. I was impressed at the level of detail in the model, things such as the proton torpedo cannons, the realistic-looking engines, and the cockpit. Even R2-D2 looks properly scaled to the size of the model!

I gave it "4 stars" in durable, because as so many others point out, the fully built model is sort of flimsy, and not very good to "play" with. The motors fall off easily and the wings are too heavy for their width and end up bending a little. However, I gotta give credit where its due: Although some of the pieces of the built model might fall off, but due to the fact that its made out of legos, you know that the bricks themselves will last forever. and everyone knows that building the "box" model in the instruction booklet is not the only thing legos are for!

In any case, for collectors/builders like myself, this is a great item: fun to build and fun to stare at! :)

-dZ.

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:


Close to Perfect  Sep 04, 2001 By Ben Stonehouse
As soon as I saw the model I had to own it. The Lego designers have surpassed themselves with this model, and it is almost as if Incom themselves had a part to play in the design. The model itself has everything, from the shield generator, to the proton torpedoe launchers, and of course, the ability to "lock s-foils in attack position". The more observant Star Wars fan will also recognise "Rogue Squadron" markings on the s-foils as well as the finely detailed cockpit interior, complete with targeting display and adjustable control stick and pilots seat.
Overall, not too challenging to build and it makes a great display piece.

1 of 1 found the following review helpful:


Exellent, but expensive  Jul 29, 2001
This X wing is fun to build and play with but breaks easily and is expensive.

See all 12 customer reviews on Amazon.com