Monday, April 9

Preview: Bandai's new Millennium Falcon (Lando Calrissian Version) in 1/144th scale

Bandai Models has sent details of the new version of the Millenium Falcon from the upcoming nod-fest (sorry I mean blockbuster) that will be " Solo: A Star Wars Story. The excuse for a new ship has not been missed by Bandai - who have already made a 1/144th scale kit of the ship - see what it looks like and the features in our preview...
A new Falcon from Bandai in small scale

Millennium Falcon (Lando Calrissian Version)
From Bandai Models
1/144th scale 
Price: ¥ 6,480
Release scheduled for June, 2018
Pilot character parts x 3 
Display base x 2 
Laser effect parts x 2
When the first trailer for Solo: A Star Wars Story debuted, one of the most noticeable differences in its cast of recognizable characters was that the Millennium Falcon we all know and love looked shiny and new for once. But beyond that, there are even more differences to the famous ship, both subtle and fairly large in the design.
As Solo co-writer Jon Kasdan told Entertainment Weekly, “this Falcon reflects its owner very clearly in its shape and aesthetic and his needs, even if those needs be a little more space to entertain.”
The biggest change to the ship is the addition of a section to its recognizable two-pronged front end, which is now filled in and elongated. This was easy to miss in the trailer, but modellers and fans did not miss it. The design was pulled from the original Star Wars concept art of Ralph McQuarrie. What that extra space will be used for is anyone’s guess, along with how and/or why it’s no longer part of the ship during Han’s later days. Is it a compartment for cargo? Just another part of the ship that gets broken off and Han decides to keep it that way? Is it really an extra designated partying zone for Lando’s lavish lifestyle?
It appears to be detachable on the toy version that Hasbro has on the way, along with some additional exterior panels that hide some of the more familiar design’s finer details. Maybe it’s all about looks. 

This new kit from Bandai:
The 1/144th scale Millennium Falcon (Lando Calrissian Version features not only a new shape, but new markings that are different from the external look and red markings of "Star Wars Episode IV: A new hope". 
It says in the promotion blurb that the front part of the Falcon is a shuttle - which is a little interesting - This separates from the  main body of the falcon. Two dedicated display bases are included, and the display is possible even when the shuttle is separated by connecting.
When you remove the armour on the top of the fuselage, the living space inside the fuselage will appear. Because the characters in the play are also included, you can pose them enjoy the inside of "new" Millennium Falcon.
Kit includes:
Nine Sprues
Waterslide decals
Stickers for those who cannot use decals
Instruction Manual (of course?)
Pilot character parts × 3 
Special display base × 2 
Laser effect parts × 2 
More information about this new kit on the Bandai Website.