De Agostini Millennium Falcon

• Model : : De Agostini Millenium Falcon
• Maker : : De Agostitni
• First edition year : : 2016
• Scale : : 1/43
• Matter :: Résin, aluminium

Contrary to what people may think, making a Millennium Falcon model is not very difficult. In addition to the pure technique, choices you have to do when you are making a model can make things much harder. A wrong choice can ruin an achievement. None of that for the Falcon, there are dozens of Millenum Falcon versions, you can feel free. The De Agostini Millennium Falcon is one of the Empire strikes back version, the main filming model.

One Millennium Falcon ? No, many.

Indeed, forget the concept of one unique Millenium Falcon when making this model even if the movies make people believe it’s the same ship all over the saga. You can count at least :

• Star Wars episode IV – A New hope
  1. Scale 1 set (Mos Eisley and Death Star, in fact a half Falcon)
  2. Filming model
• Star Wars episode V – The Empire strikes back
  1. Scale 1 set (Hoth)
  2. Main filming model
  3. Secondary filming models (hanged on a stardestroyer tower or under the medical fregate)
  4. Matte painting (Bespin)
• Star Wars épisode VI – Return of the Jedi
  1. Main filming model
  2. Secondary filming model
  3. Matte painting (Home One)

At least 9 versions for the original trilogy only. CGI versions seen in the remastered films in 1997 and on DVDs could also be added (at least 6 versions more). If you look at episode VII and VII, you can add many sets, models and CGI to final count. My estimation revolves round 20 versions each with its own specific characteristics, details even global form.

This bucket of bolts is never going to get us past that blockade

Leia

Different versions of the Millennium Falcon in Empire strikes back

 De Agostini Millennium Falcon : which version ?

This model was sold as the main filming model replica from Empire strikes back. My researches on the pictures of the filming model led to the conclusion it is totally accurate. In France, the price of the model seems to be far too expensive (almost 1500 $) but it’s not, the price is totally justified by the accuracy and numbers of parts. The best Falcon model ever (and for long). It surpasses even the Master Replica, same sized, which coasts more than 3500 $. Huge yet reasonable investment, so far as the adjective “reasonable” can make sense when you do model making…

De Agostini Millennium Falcon, an unexpected building

Due to the business model of De Agostini, it was not possible for them to provide a hull made of only one part as Finemolds or Bandaï do. Indeed, De Agostini sells pieces weekly using newsagents, it took 100 issues to complete the model. A metallic structure supports the all model. On this structures, resin panels are screwed, as if you were playing a puzzle.

Soon, phase 2

Contrary to what the instructions recommended, I did not definitively close the model. The top hull just lays on the bottom allowing to see the ship interior. There is not much to see for now but in the future I intend to realize the all interior. Every room, every corridor will be scratchbuilt down to the smallest detail. I’ve already finished the central section with fuel tanks and gun turrets.

Let’s see a teaser :

Exhibitions

The De Agostini Millennium Falcon as shown in this page has only been exposed one time in Migennes 2018 and will be a second time in Cusset in April. I will expose her once again next year with the all interior completed.

by petersteven