Reference: The Empire Strikes Back, ILM studio/filming Model
Size: height 52 cm (on stand) 43.5 cm / width 40 cm / depth 21 cm
Weight: 2950 g
Parts: Stand 370 / Ship 4738 / Total 5108
Construction time: 1,5 years (with planning)
Builders: Skywalter, Marshal Banana
Instruction: Skywalter, available on
www.brickvault.toys
Photos, video: Marshal Banana
Number of model versions/prototypes: 37
Software: stud.io, Adobe Photoshop
Camera: Sony Alpha 7 MKIII, Sony SEL 50mm/F 2.8 macro lens
Both of us wanted to work together on a model for a long time. The subject of the collaboration was found rather quick – the Slave 1 of Boba Fett, as seen in the original trilogy. We wanted to test a digital-first approach with stud.io for this model, which also enabled close collaboration from the get-go despite the status of the world. While it was an unusual take on that model and a completely new experience for us, it allowed us to combine our unique strengths in style and building, bringing the best results out of our joint work. We iteratively pitched concepts and ideas, challenged (and sometimes stressed) each other. But in the end, we think this particularly elevated our work: For sure without this approach, this model would not exist as it does, and we are especially proud of our collaboration and the outcome.
The Slave 1, unlike other models, has not often been rendered as a MOC. The round shapes and crazy angles of the model, which you might call with good right “not-LEGO-friendly”, are probably a major reason for this. Therefore, this challenge was extra appealing to us - and we were not disappointed: This is the ultimate final boss in LEGO building!
We based our MOC on the ILM studio/filming model built for The Empire Strikes Back. The most important goal for us was to recreate the correct proportions, smooth roundness and a precise rendering of the "used universe look“ or weathering you often see on Star Wars ships. But we didn't just want our Slave 1 to look good, we also faithfully recreated all functions and features: These include a rotating cockpit, which is triggered by turning the wings, and a fully fleshed out loading ramp. Both the interior and the weapon systems are realized: There is a weapon hatch on one side (instead of two, which is wrong for Bobas Slave 1), twin-laser turrets, two retractable torpedo launchers at the tip of the trunk and a working seismic bomb dispenser. Crew quarters, hidden quarters for Boba and many more details were faithfully recreated.
The studio/filming model was modified for the different movies and TV-shows. Especially for "The Mandalorian" and "The Book of Boba Fett" the interior was enlarged, and, among other things, an additional pilot's seat was added compared to the original. The scale of our model is based on the size of the windshield (if you're precise: it's 1 stud too short and the curvature is not correct), which roughly results in minifigure scale.
Cheers! Skywalter, Marshal Banana
