GreenStrawberry Star Wars Snowspeeder Update Set (05018-1/48) for Bandai

[Mike]

Snowspeeder Update Set (05018-1/48) for Bandai

1:48 GreenStrawberry

 

 

Star Wars and Bandai have become synonymous with each other this last few years with thousands of us importing these Far East only offerings, which are laden with detail despite their snap-together nature.  GreenStrawberry have a habit of producing superb resin and Photo-Etch (PE) that takes these kits to the next level, and here's one right now!  As usual with GreenStrawberry Photo-Etch (PE) and Mask sets, they arrive in a flat resealable package, with a black-themed backing card protecting the contents and the instructions that are sandwiched between, showing off the contents at the front.

 

This set is for the Spowspeeder, and includes a rather comprehensive update to both the cockpit and canopy, with additional parts used to upgrade the details of the flip-up spoilers, and finally the harpoon gun on the back deck.  It starts with the shallow cockpit tub, removing the lugs for the pilots, and adding control details and a new skin for the ribbed seats, back and front.  As well as two control sticks and a throttle in the forward cockpit, the pilot and gunner's seats are both fitted with a set of four-point crew belts, with a new set of rudder pedals being installed in the front foot well, although what they do is a mystery… and thinking about it, so is how the Snowspeeder flies!  Regardless, his instrument panel is replaced with a new part and backed with a piece of the acetate to allow you to put some lights behind it is you feel like.

 

 

The canopy is completely replaced by the set, which aims to improve the scale fidelity by using PE parts and acetate windows.  The exterior is folded up from a single part, and has an internal skin added, plus various wiring and greeblies added to the roof.  The internals of the windows are there to hide the acetate parts, which are cut from the printed sheet that's provided, and sandwiched between the outer skin and the internal frames.  The same process is followed to make up the fixed rear canopy portion over Dak's head (if you know what I mean), using more acetate parts for the windscreens.  A complex set of hinges are folded up and laminated, along with a set of rams, which link to the front and rear parts together, turning them into a single assembly.  You can then pose it open or closed depending on your needs.  A few more detail parts are added to the interior of the forward canopy, and at the exterior joint between the two parts, and Dak's gun controls see an upgrade to the central boss and control grips, while his harpoon gun is detailed with control wires and a new part under the muzzle.

 

Externally (other than the canopy), there is a choice to two new mesh panels for the front of the ship, which depends on what version you're building (that research is up to you!), a set of new covers for the forward main cannon "supports", and a detailed set of hinges and supports for the prominent spoilers that are housed in the rear cannon supports, which are used in directional control.

 

The sheet is crisp as you could want, and the attention to detail is typical of GreenStrawberry, as is the nod toward lighting your creation.  The use of acetate should also improve the view into the canopy if you elect to pose it down, so while it seems a shame to hide it all away under the canopy, you can at least still see it all, whilst being able to vroom! Your creation around the room while no-one is looking.  Good shot Jenson!

 

I couldn't resist pinching one of their pictures to show the finished article, as it's excellent.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of

 

[Sgt.Squarehead]

That is very cool.....I like the way they've sandwiched the acetate in the canopy framing to give it a bit more bulk than etch alone, looks a very well thought out set.