AMT 1:32 TIE Fighters and Advance X-1 and Custom 3D Printed Display and Diorama

[skahtul]

First, I am sure there are a ton of people out there building this kit so I don't plan to go into a lot of build details. Plus, it's a TIE so there isn't much for me to add regarding paint and construction, it's not a difficult kit or paint job

However, since there are probably a number of people building this up I thought I would outline a few of the methods I used along with a 3D printed support that I think makes mounting it and running some of the wires a bit easier. And since I am doing at least two of these AMT kits, I wanted to find the easiest way to build them up and light them.

Also, I plan to throw in an extra TIE for this project:

 

[skahtul]

Wanted to start with the 'custom' part I made to mount the model. I wanted to run a thicker rod compared to the one the kit came with and I also wanted to make lighting a bit easier so I spent an hour or so and came up with this part:

It fits down inside the lower section of the model and allows an 8mm OD rod (I picked mine up on Amazon) to be inserted and makes it very easy to install the front lights and the floor lighting.

You can see below, I used a small SME LED for the floor lighting. The depth gives plenty of room for a pretty good dispersal of light. This part does sit right up against the floor of the kit with helps to add a lot of support to the model overall. I also used epoxy to put it in place and added additional epoxy sculpt around the front edge to ensure there was more support than needed.

Here it is with a single LED:

*Side note, I found the two halves fit much better after cutting off the locator pins on the inside.

To make if fit, you do need to cut off that smaller of the two tabs, don't cut the entire tab as it helps align the bottom, just the small part circled.

If you think this part might work for your project, can easily snag it here:

AMT 1/32 Studio Series TIE Support by skahtul | Download free STL model | Printables.com

You can use this (along with an 8mm OD ROD) to easily add lights and an improved mount for this model kit. | Download free 3D printable STL models

www.printables.com

 

[skahtul]

I also found that 1mm tape fit perfectly in-between the grates:

To make taping easier, I simply put some down on my cutting mat and then measured it which was way easier than trying to cut the tape on the part.

 

[skahtul]

Nothing like a little putty to ensure everything stays in place

In my opinion the base this kit comes with is a bit boring so I wanted to do something a bit different. I had some files for one of the death star canons so I modified the lower section to accommodate space for the wiring, electronics, mount and added the imperial logo on the top to finish it off:

 

[StevenBills]

Love that new stand! I have my 1/32 TIE displayed with just the AMT stand, but now you've got me thinking.....

Can't wait to see how you do that TIE X-1!

SB

 

[skahtul]

Love that new stand! I have my 1/32 TIE displayed with just the AMT stand, but now you've got me thinking.....

Can't wait to see how you do that TIE X-1!

SB

Thanks!! Yeah, excited to finally build my X-1 for sure! I am working on a different stand for that one.

 

[Antsnest]

Great start - love the base!

 

[modelerdave]

Man, I love all of this! So many good ideas.

 

[skahtul]

Man, I love all of this! So many good ideas.

Thanks!

 

[skahtul]

After watching another build going here (thanks for the idea Antsnest), decided that I would also go the route of using magnets to attach the wings. So much easier to pack and move them if I ever needed to.

Plus I really like using mechanical attachments when I can compared to gluing. Lastly, also makes it easy to finish the 3 main parts separately which ultimately is the reason I went this route.

I will throw these files up on printables also in case someone ever wanted to try them out.

 

[Antsnest]

Great to see the magnet idea works for others! Having taken my TIE to it's first show now, I can confirm that they work great for transport!

 

[Junk Pilot]

After watching another build going here (thanks for the idea Antsnest), decided that I would also go the route of using magnets to attach the wings. Souch easier to pack and move them if I ever needed to.

Plus I really like using mechanical attachments when I can compared to gluing. Lastly, also makes it easy to finish the 3 main parts separately which ultimately is the reason I went this route.

View attachment 1828111

View attachment 1828113

View attachment 1828114


View attachment 1828116

I will throw these files up on printables also in case someone ever wanted to try them out.

I love the idea of the magnets too. I'll have to keep that one in my memory banks for later when I build mine.

 

[StevenBills]

After watching another build going here (thanks for the idea Antsnest), decided that I would also go the route of using magnets to attach the wings. So much easier to pack and move them if I ever needed to.

Plus I really like using mechanical attachments when I can compared to gluing. Lastly, also makes it easy to finish the 3 main parts separately which ultimately is the reason I went this route.

View attachment 1828111

View attachment 1828113

View attachment 1828114


View attachment 1828116

I will throw these files up on printables also in case someone ever wanted to try them out.

Yeah I'm gonna need that link Also a link to those magnets!

SB

 

[skahtul]

Yes sir!

Printables

www.printables.com

These are what I used, though any magnet that is 15mm by 3mm will fit:

Amazon.com

Also, keep in mind the hex portion due to the small overhang is designed to be installed before the two half's of the kit are glued together. It helps to keep it perfectly aligned. If anyone comes across a need to install after the two halves are glued, let me know and I can tweak the hex portion a bit.

 

[Junk Pilot]

Thanks for posting the links, Skahtul. I just need a 3D printer now.

 

[skahtul]

Been playing around with mixing paints. The thought of painting all three TIEs with the Archive X paint makes me shutter (its not the easiest paint to deal with, in my experience).

Originally I was going with a 50/50 Ocean Grey 2 and flat white. Was a bit too grey for me so then tried 3 equal parts Ocean Grey 2, Flat White and Medium Blue. To my eye, it was a bit dark but not bad. The 50/50 Ocean Grey and Flat white are dead on for Haze Grey, which is actually my favorite TIE color.

The Medium, Ocean and White is on the left, Stormy Sea is in the middle and my current best effort to match is 60 percent flat white and 40 percent medium blue which is on the right. I know the camera always throws things off, but in person they are a great match so probably going with that.

 

[skahtul]

 

[skahtul]

First of three TIE's has finally been completed. As you can see, so easy to disassemble for easy transport. I have really been focusing on using mechanical connections when ever I am able.