[MOC] - Imperial TIE interceptor

[Max_Lego]

This is my most recent MOC! Although it's not my best, it has got an interesting backstory.

I initially wanted to build an ordinary TIE fighter, but didn't have any 3x3 round corner parts for the cockpit ball. I studied different solutions on the Internet and finally came up with my own, built out of slope sections. Sadly, I didn't have enough parts to build the fighter, so I went for the TIE Advanced X1 instead. It looked OK, but was HORRIBLY fragile. I took it apart, but the cockpit ball remained. 

The idea of creating a TIE interceptor was quite weird, but I decided to try, because it was the only TIE starship I could possibly build with the parts I had at the moment. It started with solar panels out of tiles, then I replaced the ugly rear with a sticker hexagon with a better version with brick-built transparent hexagonal window. Yes, I am aware, that the positions of the interior and exterior hexagons don't match on the original, but the old Star Wars films are full of such inconsistencies. Finally, after buying some parts on Bricklink, I replaced the old tile solar panels with ones out built of bricks. They are way too short, however, now they are studless and smooth.  

Anyway, here is the finished model. The small transparent parts below allow the build to stand:

Although the overall shape is incorrect, I tried to make the small details as accurate as possible.

Here are two interior views of the cockpit ball. Its unique design allows lots of space inside. The interior includes controls, side instrument panels and a comfortable pilot's seat:

I hope you liked my MOC.

[Feuer Zug]

Big and powerful appearing TIE Interceptor. Well done.

[Max_Lego]

34 minutes ago, Feuer Zug said:

Big and powerful appearing TIE Interceptor. Well done.

Thanks!

[JintaiZ]

Nice build! I like the interior details.

[Max_Lego]

7 minutes ago, JintaiZ said:

Nice build! I like the interior details.

Thank you for your comment! I based the interior details on how they look like on Darth Vader's TIE Advanced X1 cross-section:

The original interior set used for the film had little to no instrument panels inside:

So I took the best moments from both and incorporated them in my build.

[Max_Lego]

I decided to slightly upgrade the solar panels, so that they looked a little bit more accurate, their lower parts also being bent on the original model.

I wanted to do this from the very beginning, but I failed to design them cleverly back then and had to simplify the construction.

Here is a better view on the rear hexagonal window (yes, again, it's transparent):

The location of the hexagon on the prop suggested that it's not a window, but rather a screen monitor, yet I decided to insert a window because it's more fun (even though it's completely useless).

[Max_Lego]

I shortened the tips of the TIE Interceptor's solar panels to match those on my Red Star TIE Defender and took a photo of both Imperial starfighters together. 

Hope you like this picture!