Tuesday, November 17

New droids & TIE’s from Bandai…

It’s Star Wars time isn’t it? Now don’t tell me you can’t get these yet as they are not out till December – but Bandai’s two new kits from “The Force Awakens” focus on a pair of droids in 12th scale and the new version of the Tie Fighter flown by the First Order in 72nd scale. Let’s take a look at these two kits in our preview to show you what’s incoming… 
New Bandai kits for December...

1/12th scale
Expected price: 2,592 yen/ $22usd / 14 GBP
Due in December 2015
In a twin pack we are given the choice of only which one you want to build first. Bandai has recreated the famous astromech droids R2-D2 & BB-8 – both in 1/12th scale for all of us modellers – this is the third set of droids from Bandai in 12th scale so a little on the robots themselves before we look at what’s promised in this kit…

R2-D2 – who almost needs no introduction does he? 
A resourceful astromech droid, R2-D2 served Padmé Amidala, Anakin Skywalker and Luke Skywalker in turn, showing great bravery in rescuing his masters and their friends from many perils. A skilled starship mechanic and fighter pilot's assistant, he formed an unlikely but enduring friendship with the fussy protocol droid C-3PO.
BB-8 is the spherical, loyal Astromech Droid of the Resistance pilot Poe Dameron.

BB-8 – another astromech droid operated approximately thirty years after the Battle of Endor. The droid was at one point operating in the desert of the planet Jakku. It had a domed head, similar to that of R2 series astromech droids, with the bulk of its body made up of a ball that the droid rolled on.
BB-8 was mostly white, with some silver and orange on its body, as well as a black eye-piece. The droid belonged to Resistance pilot Poe Dameron, and thus was able to fit into a T-70 X-wing fighter's droid socket. 
The new combo kit of 1/12th scale BB-8 & R2-D2" will come in at a price at 2,592 yen/ $22usd / 14 GBP and they are expected to hit the shelves in December this year.
These two droids are captured in multi-coloured plastic around the time of “Star Wars – The Force Awakens." Both of these models are made in multi-coloured plastic so the younger modellers need not even worry about painting them.
Both of these models feature some of the same joint motions of the robots in the films. There are even the various tools is included that can be attached to the robots to recreate them in many poses doing jobs and in various scenarios like in the films.
This kit comes with a handy shiny floor in the style of the deck inside the Death Star. This deck fits into the other models in this series’ decks to possibly be linked with other products of the pedestal of the sale. BB-8’s extra stand can reproduce the behaviour rolling in the lower body of the sphere. 
Model features
Display base included
Various arm/ tool parts × 7 or storage box × 1 expression
Water slide decals & Stickers included
1/72nd scale
Expected price: 2,592 yen/ $22usd / 14 GBP
Due in December 2015
 
Bandai has recreated the famous Tie Fighter in 1/7nd scale for all of us modellers who are peaking out about two things – new Star Wars kits and a new movie called “The Force Awakens.”
Let’s investigate the “real thing” quickly before we take a look at what this kit has to offer…

The First Order Special Forces TIE fighter was a Starfighter used by the First Order. It was a two-seater unlike the previous TIE models, and was outfitted with enhanced weapons and sensor systems. Only the elite Starfighter pilots were able to gain access to this specialized craft.
Following the traditions of the Galactic Empire, the First Order has kept the TIE fighter design in service, but has updated the craft to modern combat standards.

The Bandai kit:


This new 1/72nd scale “First Order Tie Fighter" is expected to come in at a price of 2,592 yen – or $22usd /14 GBP and we are told it will see the market in December. 
This kit promises a few details including the new coloured detail on the fuselage and reworked engines and weapons that represent this new TIE Fighter. The model features a clear canopy with a nicely detailed cockpit. 
Another feature that this kit has is a neat little action option with twin laser blasts which can be represented with the clear green sprues that fit into the end of the laser barrels. The kit includes two 1/72nd scale figure - seated or upright type.
Model features
Display base included
Laser effect clear plastic parts × 2
1/72 scale pilot figures (seated × 1 · upright × 1)
Water slide decals and stickers both available

So now you know they are coming in December you have some time to start looking for them! EBay is a good alternative as is someone that is heading to Japan. Remember guys don’t remind me you can’t get them you just gotta look!

More on the Bandai Websitehttp://bandai-hobby.net/sw/products/index.html