Kit Review

Straight build + Panel lining + Seals

Size comparison with a cigarette pack

Underside view

Just like the previous kits, a variety of accessory parts are included.

1/48 Snowspeeder - First up, the canopy comes in two options: a plastic frame + clear canopy combo like the X-Wing (left

First up, the canopy comes in two options: a plastic frame + clear canopy combo like the X-Wing (left), and
a 100% clear canopy with seals applied (right).

1/48 Snowspeeder - The frame-seal canopy can open and close, but the seals are way too obvious, so unless you're plannin

The frame-seal canopy can open and close, but
the seals are way too obvious, so unless you're planning to paint it, it doesn't look great.

The cockpit and pilots.
Two crew members sit back-to-back.

You can open the engine covers to expose the internal mechanical detail.

The air brakes on the top and bottom can be opened using replacement parts.

Air brakes in the open position.

You can plug in the power harpoon parts at the rear.

1/48 Snowspeeder - Displayed with various accessory parts attached. (1/3)

Displayed with various accessory parts attached.

Laser effect parts are included, just like the previous kits.

1/48 Snowspeeder - Laser action pose. (1/4)

1/48 Snowspeeder - Laser action pose. (2/4)

Laser action pose.

Alongside the same-scale 1/48 X-Wing.

Together with the same-scale 1/48 AT-ST.

The 1/48 Snowspeeder has joined Bandai's Star Wars vehicle lineup, which has been dominated by space fighters. It's a small ground combat vehicle that seats a pilot and a gunner — compact but with a solid, chunky feel to it.

The kit's concept and quality are on par with the previous releases — both the exterior and interior gimmicks are sharp and well-crafted, making it fun to build and fun to look at. The exterior has a fairly clean, tidy level of detail, but once you remove the front and rear engine covers, you get to reveal some pretty intricate internal gimmicks.

As for accessories, the four air brakes can be opened with replacement parts, and a harpoon weapon called the power harpoon can be mounted at the rear. Laser effect parts and an open canopy are also included, just like the previous kits — though again, the open canopy uses seals for the frame, so unless you're painting it, you're better off leaving it closed. And given the nature of the vehicle, the display stand is set up as a snowy field, so it's a somewhat plain stand similar to the AT-ST one.

The overall quality is as satisfying as you'd hope, the parts count is fairly simple, and there aren't many panel lining points either — it feels like the easiest and most straightforward build in the series. Either way, it's a great addition that makes Bandai's charming Star Wars model kit lineup even richer. :-)

1/48 Snowspeeder | 2015. 5 | ¥2,800

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.