Zooming to a model shop near you, Revell’s 1/24 N-1 Starfighter is a superb replica of this highly modified sci-fi spacecraft.
WHEN REVELL announced it was releasing a 1/24 scale N-1 Starfighter (06787) from Disney+ series The Mandalorian (see News, AMW156, November 2023), the modelling community was feverish with anticipation.
Fast forward to the kit’s arrival in the shops and expectations appear to have been either met or exceeded. As fans of the sci-fi series will be aware, this is new mount for the titular character is a highly modified Theed Palace Space Vessel Engineering Corps N-1 – a craft first seen in Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, being flown by the Royal Naboo Security Forces.
While boosting both the type’s firepower and powerplant, perhaps the most noticeable changes included grinding away most of the striking Royal Naboo yellow scheme to leave utilitarian metallic surfaces (albeit with several random patches of the original livery) and converting the astrodroid position to allow accommodation for Grogu (more commonly known as ‘Baby Yoda’).
Revell’s 1/24 N-1 is the first mainstream example of the type, and comes on nine styrene runners, of which one frame is clear and provides glazing, plus a cleverly designed four-piece stand. All parts are moulded crisply, and the detail appears to be a faithful replica of the studio designs, although inexplicably Revell has placed a brand logo and product detail in raised form on the N-1’s underside, which will need removing otherwise it will affect the metallic finish.
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The main structure comprises horizontally split airframe halves and these incorporate much of the changes made to the N-1 design in The Mandalorian. Prominent panel lines are also present – although arguably they could be slightly thinner – but modellers should note the fuselage ‘chines’ below the cockpit suffer from slight sink marks. As this craft will have a metallic finish, any such blemishes will be noticeable on the finished model.
Standout elements include well-appointed engine nacelles/pods and exposed internal structures on the fuselage. The latter benefits from a pipework and equipment ‘liner’ on each side that’s integral to the main cockpit tub, and will benefit greatly from careful painting. It’s also ideal for those wanting to add extra detail.
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The model can be built in two configurations, with the astrodroid position occupied either by an R5 unit or by Grogu – a clear domed cover is included for the latter. The interior is well detailed and appears to match reference photos of the cockpit closely, with possibly one or two of the smaller instruments on the coaming being slightly different, although this is likely due to moulding limitations and/or the thickness of the styrene.
Three figures are included: a seated Mandalorian/Din Djarin and two examples of Grogu. The first is a single-piece representation and is posed as if sitting on the Mandalorian’s lap, while the second (and far more entertaining) pose is for the astrodroid position, with hands held in the air – one of which is grasping a certain control top from Djarin’s destroyed Razor Crest ship. The decal sheet is well-printed on satin carrier film and, in addition to providing the residual yellow paint sections also includes seatbelts, cockpit instruments, Grogu’s eyes and trim for the R5 astrodroid.
Revell’s 1/24 N-1 Starfighter looks like it will build into a superb model straight from the box, and provides a solid basis for those who wish to indulge in scratch-building/super-detailing to match screen shots from The Mandalorian. The provision of alternative R5 droid or Grogu for the astrodroid position only adds to its appeal. It retails for £61.99 in the UK, further details being available via Revell’s website
