T-65 X-Wing by uhu02

[snake7]

Following the part sequence, the next step was the upper unit, which consists of the deflector shield generator and the top section of the hyperdrive. This was a pure lamination process:

I also assembled the rear shield:

In addition, I decided to insert and secure the wings at this stage, rather than waiting until near the end as uhu02 suggests in the instructions. My concern was that once the delicate engines are assembled and mounted, maneuvering the wings into place would be much more difficult and carry a higher risk of breaking something. I double-checked to make sure I could still construct and mount the engines with the wings attached, and everything looks good to go.

Closing the fuselage unit around the wings was a bit tough, but I eventually got everything locked down tightly:

After attaching the rear bulkhead (part 188), I glued the remaining wing power cylinder (parts 243–246, on the left) into place:

When I tried opening the wings, there was significantly less clearance than before. However, uhu02 does note that once the wings are fully locked inside the fuselage, the opening movement is naturally restricted by about half. I don't have a workaround for this restriction just yet...

 

[Rhaven Blaack]

Everything looks very clean, clear, and crisp. This is really coming together beautifully!

 

[zathros]

Your skill at computer rendering is quite impressive. Now let's see the real model!!

 

[mijob]

I really like what you are doing this is next level for this fighter. I hope you find a way to close the wings.

 

[zathros]

Oh, he'll close off the just fine, actually, we get the privilege of seeing what's inside the model and a master builder at work. It's as he could have built a hollow shell, and it still would almost the same, if he glued all the covers on. I await the final page when we see how he will display it.

 

[snake7]

I really like what you are doing this is next level for this fighter. I hope you find a way to close the wings.

The wing closure is actually totally fine. The main issue is the limited range of motion when opening. However, since I plan to display the model with the wings closed—and just showcase the opening mechanism separately— I suppose it’s not a huge dealbreaker."

 

[snake7]

Now things get even more detailed! I've finished assembling the first engine, complete with its cutaway section.

I followed uhu02's suggestion and removed two thin strips where the paper folds 180 degrees. This wasn't too difficult working with photo paper, and the purpose is to allow the fold to sit completely flush when glued.

Pay close attention to a few confusing parts in this section:

Part 289: You must trim this part the middle on front side before folding and gluing it so it can slide freely into place.

Part 290: In the updated sheet version, one of the two parts labeled 290 features a red horizontal line. You need to trim the top edge along this line so you can properly fit and glue parts 299 + 300 later.

In general, some minor adjustments are required to get everything to fit together cleanly—especially around parts 308–309. This is a layered base plate meant to go beneath the engine, which then glues onto the rear platform of part 287. However, it didn't align properly with the mounting hole. I ended up discarding this base plate entirely, which allowed the engine to sit straight and align flush immediately.

And here is the first engine mounted to the wing! It slid in with no problems at all and sits rock-solid inside the frame.

 

[mijob]

That engine is looking insane great job.