[MOD] Slave I (8097)

[santapj]

Having recently picked up this set, there were a few things that really irritated me about TLG's design. Limited by my spare piece collection (a disassembled UCS AT-ST) and a desire to keep the majority of the original design, so begins my return to building.

1. The Wings

One word: fragile.

Quite simply, a 3M cross axle and a 1x2 brick with cross hole helped a lot but the real strength comes from the straight beam.

The addition of the hinge at the body "forces" the straight beam into a half block shift from its starting point on the wing. I guess this would technically be considered an illegal connection (??) but the only negative I see is a slight downward tilt of the wings.

2. Weapon Storage

Nobody I know flies their spaceship while holding a blaster. A minor reorganisation of plates in the nose section and more hinges provided a solution I am particular chuffed about.

3. The cockpit

Seriously, who flies a spaceship sitting on a 2x2 brick? I really liked (read: was smitten with) the cockpit from Stefan's SlaveI MOC but I had none of the pieces necessary to recreate it.

Some very vague similarities can be seen and, once again, my own spare parts really limited what I could do. The biggest thing was making an enclosure that would rotate properly within the confines of the model AND whilst maintaing the missile firing system*... which this one does. Admittedly, this design will probably change when my spare parts inventory increases.

*not sure why I kept it though it will probably go when I look to provide internal seating for passengers.

Suggestions and constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated.

[Legoman123]

This set really does need to be remade. The last version we got was in 2010.

Edit: The best version is still 6209.

Edited February 15, 2014 by Legoman123

[monkeyhanger]

This set really does need to be remade. The last version we got was in 2010.

Edit: The best version is still 6209.

We're supposed to be getting a UCS Slave I in Sept/Oct, looking to sell my 8097 to make room for it.

Those mods are a great addition, santapj

Edited February 15, 2014 by monkeyhanger

[Nom Carver]

Nice mods santapj, that set really does need a lot of improvements.

[Steel Tiger]

I wish that LEGO wouldn't make pilots hold their guns all of the time either. I'll take note from you on this particular mod.