Yodasnews Sneak Preview:  X-Wing Starfighter 

Prototype Studio Scale FX Model (efX Collectibles) 

Article and Photography by

Mark Picirilli (Yoda027) and Jeffrey A. Gouse (SithLord0498) 

Publication Date: December 6, 2008

One of the nicest things about being the Yodasnews administrator and one of its senior staff members is that very special opportunities come our way every once in a while.  It is even nicer when we can share those opportunities with our readers in some manner.  Today, we get to share a truly exciting experience with you. 

On Thursday morning, a large package arrived courtesy of FedEx.  "Large" actually doesn't quite describe it.  "Colossal" would be a better description.  Underneath many thick layers of protective padding waited the prototype of eFX Collectibles' first studio scale FX model replica—the "Red Five" version of the X-Wing Starfighter.  Only two prototypes are currently making the rounds.  One is currently at Lucasfilm awaiting approval, and the other is making the rounds through various fan sites.  By the time you read this, it will be on its way to another. 

Since this is a prototype, any observations should not be construed as an official review.  Instead, look at them as a detailed sneak preview of what the final product will be at minimum.  We're saying "at minimum" because eFX's track record thus far shows that the final version will undoubtedly be even more impressive than the prototype.

Before getting into our commentary on the X-Wing, let's get the logistical information out the way. 

The X-Wing FX model replica is limited to only 1000 pieces worldwide and will retail for the steep yet unsurprising price of $1,199.  The pre-order date is tentatively slated for Thursday, December 11, 2008.  Notice that this is the pre-order date.  eFX's previous two releases have both gone on sale once the items are in-stock and ready to ship.  The X-Wing will have a slight gap between the order date and shipment.  The first pieces are scheduled to be shipped out of Asia in the second half of December, and most of those pieces should arrive on collectors' doorsteps in early January (some may be lucky enough to receive theirs by year's end). 

For the first time, eFX will require a non-refundable deposit of $350 at the time of your order.  However, they will offer a 3-month installment plan for the remainder of the balance.  Following the $350 deposit, there will be three monthly payments of $285.  The final payment will include any applicable sales tax and the shipping charges.  The X-Wing will then ship 5-7 business days after the final payment.  Stay posted to www.efxcollectibles.com for the complete details of this installment plan. 

eFX was able to soften the financial burden however by reconfiguring the original size of the box to allow for reduced FedEX rates.  If the X-Wing were to ship today, FedEx Ground rates would be as follows:  West Coast ($45), East Coast ($65), and Canada ($145).  However, shipping rates are always subject to change. 

And now for our observations…

The first aspect we need to address is the seemingly-sloppy paint applications.  Don’t panic.  This is a replica of an actual FX model.  The limited time, money, and resources available to ILM in 1976 meant that the model makers had to settle for crudely assembled models that were just good enough to get the job done.  Compared to the slick perfection of modern-day FX models, the original Star Wars vehicles looked like they were built in a garage.  In fact, some of them probably were.  The sloppy paint is exactly the way it’s supposed to be.  Any suspicions that eFX did a haphazard job on the paint will be silenced upon noticing that they took great care to replicate the battle damage found in reference images and original ILM models.

The cockpit is one of the most impressive aspects of the replica because eFX went outside the box.  They bypassed the original model’s design and went to the full-scale set in which the actors sat.  Working from those reference photos and designs, the engineers replicated that more elaborate version of the cockpit.  Over 15 mulit-colored LED bulbs adorn the cockpit, which only serves to augment the workmanship and make this replica shine even more (no pun intended).  eFX even commissioned Gentle Giant Ltd. to sculpt a small removable Luke Skywalker (X-Wing Pilot) figurine.  Sadly, we didn’t get to see it in person because it is currently undergoing approval at Lucasfilm.  However, the fully painted figurine will be included with the production models.  Also, you may notice the cockpit canopy does not fit correctly on the model in our pictures.  This is a flaw that is being corrected for the final production piece, so no worries there.

The R2-D2 unit included on the X-Wing is only the upper half of the droid, and it is a hollow piece approximately an inch tall that fits over a small white light bulb.  Throw the power switch, and the light shines through translucent colored pieces on Artoo, creating a simple yet effective light-up effect.  Overall, it works superbly. 

The last electronic features are the four light-up engine thrusters in the rear of the starfighter.  Their execution looks very similar to the LED included in the fin of the Clonetrooper helmet, but the effect is much more prominent and beautiful this time around. 

Hooking up the electronic features is relatively simple.  One end of the wire connection is housed within the base.  Simply pull down the opposite end from the wing and connect the two.  The On/Off switch is located the side of the base with the power adapter input right next to it.  All aspects of the electronic connections are very non-intrusive and easy to hide when displaying the model. 

Curiously, eFX decide to eschew a full size environmental base like the Death Star surface used for the original ICONS X-Wing model and instead went with a 15 x 8 inch oval version of their helmet stand.  This means you cannot use a regular acrylic or glass cover on the model.  However, eFX has indicated they are conferring with a former Master Replicas employee who will develop cases to accommodate the new design.  More information will be posted on eFX’s website when it becomes available.

Ultimately, eFX’s X-Wing FX model replica is by far the most realistic and screen-accurate version to date.  Every angle yields amazing details, and the electronic components are outstanding.  This is one product that can only be truly appreciated in person, and it officially raises the bar for future replicas tenfold.