Y-Wing Fighter

In 2005, I returned to Skywalker Ranch as a consultant for Master Replicas, to study (among other things) the Studio Scale Y-Wing Fighters. At this stage of development, we had a pattern in hand which was constructed by third-party contractors. We were to check measurements against the real props, take general construction notes, and take color samples while there. One thing I personally wanted to get correct was the piping patterns. We studied many yellow pyro models, but the only "hero" present at the time was the "Red Jammer" Y-Wing, which some theorize to be the first of all Ys built for A New Hope. Because we were working under the concept of "replicas built as seen in the Archives themselves", it was decided that the Red Jammer would be used as the construction guide for the replica. As most of you know, no two Y-Wing fighter models were built alike. ILM used a handful of subtle different parts across the builds, and the piping varied as well, since it was hand laid plastic-coated wire. We worked with the representative from Lucasfilm as well, and decided that while the piping, neck details, and cockpit guns would emulate Red Jammer, the deco would mirror one of the highest profile yellow hero Y-Wings, which at the time was on tour and inaccessible. From ILM reference photography, and previously available printed material, we had all the reference for the deco we needed. The Artoo unit would be blue-paneled with the red neck stripe, and the cockpit would have the blue/white striping alongside the sides and canopy roof.

Next, the master patterns were finished using the data we received, and on our next trip to the Ranch, the measurements were checked against the Red Jammer again. Everything was spot-on! Then, two sets of patterns were sent to me for construction and as much paint work as I could accomplish before leaving on my honeymoon (yes kids, I worked on this up until the day before my wedding!). During the time between pattern-making and this final construction, a few things had changed, most notably the piping in a few key locations. This was only done to ensure strength and as a way to bring protrusions closer in-line so that they would not break during shipping. I was given creative freedom , so I changed a few bends (mostly around the rear wing roots) to keep as faithful to the originals as possible, while making sure Y-Wings would arrive at houses intact. Once everything was constructed, I painted the yellow and grey livery over a base color, and shipped them out, not having time to do the final paint and weathering before I was whisked away into marriage. The final product kept my piping patterns, but the deco changed, most notable in the Artoo unit, which now sports red panels.

Then, in the Fall of 2006, I decided that it was time to build my personal Y-Wing, using the same materials I had that went into the MR Y-Wing. Click HERE for the build diary, and check out the lights video below.

Both engine domes sport those great ANH-looking pits and chips. I love the head-on angle, too!

It's clunky and sleek at the same time - just a classic spaceship in studio scale glory.

Laser cannons are turned brass.

Just over 28" long, and heavy!

This is a low-light exposure that showcases the engine lights. I found that if the nozzles are covered over
with neutral density filter material, you get a near-prefect effect as seen in A New Hope. More on that below.

Another low-light exposure that shows the cockpit and Astromech lighting.

Same here - it's pretty bright in a room past sundown, with regular ambient lighting.

Cockpit chipping was hand painted. Panels were masked off when transparent filters were applied, as well.

Engine dome chipping used about five shades of grey paint, with subtle X-acto blade scratching.

Everything was made to look as close to what you see on screen as possible. It's subjective and tricky.

Ramping up the studio lights can have drastic consequences, heh.

A nice shot showcasing the recessed greeblies in the nose.

The bottom of the head is just as detailed as the top. The torpedo tubes were also carefully bored out.

Some piping was painted with copper colored enamel - everything got weathered!

Astromech ridin' high.

Turned brass laser cannons were slightly burnished at the tips as an homage to the studio scale props.

This shot happened to render the cockpit glazing invisible - witchcraft!

It usually gives off a glare - the main reason why the actual filming miniatures did not have them!

Underside shot of neck area.

Blast mark detailing.

As said before, thecockpit chipping was hand-painted. This was carefully done, as this area is a focal point!

This green part was added for aesthetic reasons. It does not exist on any of the filming miniatures.

Detail of the buttplate.

Here is the engine nozzle are with neutral density filter material in place. It sits directly behind the spoked
heat sink part and appears completely black. You can see the reflection of the studio light in the material, at
the 10 o'clock position on the spoke area.

Once the leds fire, light pores out, with the color unaffected by the filter! It lessens the intsensity - not the color!

This gives you a good sense of scale. I am 1:1 and the Y-Wing is roughly 1:24th.