Designed as a reconnaissance vessel the TIE/Infiltrator was built around a tri-panel configuration to promote maximum sensor exposure during intelligence gathering missions. It incorporates two sensor pods mounted on either side of the cockpit, an optical sensor array underneath, and various sensors throughout the remainder of the ship. The current configuration has the ability to deploy up to two Mk 157 Data Retrieval Pods to forward collected data in the event the craft is unable to do so, and two remote surveillance probes. The oversized ion engine provides the speed required for hit-and-run mission tactics with only one laser cannon available for defense.

The model was built from scratch with only the "window" and cockpit hatch used from MPC's Darth Vader TIE. The remainder was constructed from plastic Easter eggs, tubing, sheet styrene, and a few odds-and-ends parts. I found duplicating the work by three (for the solar panels) a bit monotonous and wish I would have spent more time and effort on the scribed panels of the pilot's pod. It was painted using Testors enamels, weathered with oils and pastels, and dry-brushed. I have a tendency to over do the weathering but tried to stop before it was too late. This is the first project I've completed in quite a long time and has been a good refresher.

The color of the model is much different than what the pictures show. Probably due to a lack of understanding of my new digital camera.

• Scribed panel lines do not have to be as deep as I made them. They're way overdone.
• The technique of filling styrene shapes, like the solar panel support struts, with a slow curing epoxy glue works wonders for construction stability.

Image: Left/front

Image: Detail

Image: Right/front detail

Image: Top/left detail

Image: Right/rear detail

Image: Underneath

Image: Close-up