I was one of the priveleged few who was able to purchase the Lego 75170 Star Wars Phantom II before it went out of print. I enjoyed it, and love the amazing, handheld, size of it. However, I noticed that it did not have much room inside it. Additionally, it lacked an engine vent and exhaust. On top of that, the landing gear was quirky, and not the most accurate to the TV Show.
I decided to remedy this by recreating the Phantom from the ground and up. In other words, I rebuilt the set to my personal preference. I trusted that I was not the only one who thought that it could use more internal space.
Classic Alternate Build
This design is a good example of the classic Lego Alternate Build. I took the original set, added no pieces, and rebuilt it into a new modified Phantom II.
You may also recognize this ship from the profile picture of Hotwirer (myself, a blogspot user). Here is another picture showing the Phantom in my rendition of the Freemaker Salvage and Repair hangar. Note the similarities in backgrounds between this lower photo, taken in 2020, and the photo above, taken in 2018 (I'll give you a hint about the backgound characters: I really like the Lego Star Wars Freemaker Adventures TV Show - It's one of my favorites).
A long-time History of Lego Play
This Lego Phantom design has been used repeatedly throughout its long career. It has been the main infiltration ship of many a sneak-attack. It has also served as a cargo transporter, droid carrier, and getaway ship. Most of the time, it has been faithfully piloted by both of my Kanan Jarrus's (one is blind, the other is not and has a sweet green bike). This ship has served as a cargo carrier for resuplying an arctic, rare-mineral mining, outpost. Poe (my favorite Star Wars Sequel character) has used it many times to save the day. This ship has quite a history. I have enjoyed every second of using it.
Now that the history has been said, let me show a more thorough picturing of the 2018 picture's backgrounds. Can you see the Arrowhead? Can you spot Quarrie with the white helmet?
A physical cross-conection
The cockpit of this ship is connected to the back by a physical connection. It may be small, but a helmet can fit through easily enough. If anything, it is a nice aesthetic to have. It makes one really feel like they are holding a shuttle, meant to carry multiple people. Below is a rendered picture that was taken during the virtual model-building process. It easily shows the physical connection between cokpit and back area.
Thankfully, the top can remove easily enough, though keep in mind that it is still delicate. I would advise removing as little of the roof as possible by pushing up on the ceiling of the back cargo/passenger hold. This will allow easiest play in the back of the ship. A good shaking will also help remove any figures stuck inside the back.
Fits Full-Height Lego Minifigures
Lego minifigures are hard to accomadate when they stand straight. Yet, this design has the highest ceiling possible in the back portion, such that minifugures can stand at their full height in the back. Below is a redered pitcure taken during the conversion of the model to digital bricks.
Note that this is what the model should look like when one remves the ceiling properly
As is seen, the bakc area is quite tall. I have placed around 4 minifigures back there which all stood straight up, and still the back hatch could close, and they all fit. This 4-stud-width area can fit many figures!
Building Instructions
I know that in related posts that I have left notices saying "no instructions included," or something similar at the end of the respective post. For those designs, I only intend to provide inspiration for others to build their own versions of what is shown. Here, though. I believe that what has been designed will be inherently useful for other fans of this set.
In this case, I have included instructions for others to enjoy. This design will double your Phantom's capacity. Have at it, and enjoy the model!
Keep in mind that this design was made a long time ago (2018), back when it would have been posted on moc-pages. Sadly, this design never made it to moc-pages before it was shut down. However, I have included my past moc-pages username on the title page for this design's historical sake.
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