X-Wing - Rebel Transport - Unboxing

Hot on the heels of the Imperial Aces, the GR75 Rebel Transport swoops in to HBID! to help bolster the forces of the Rebellion. As the first huge ship to be released for the X-Wing game, this was always going to be an exciting prospect to unbox. Let's pull off the cellophane and marvel at the wonders within... and in particular, the models...

The Transport model carries an excellent level of detail. The underside in particular looks impressive, with the numerous cargo pods layered upon one another in very pleasing manner; The separate cast elements have clearly been well considered at design stage. Whilst the paint job is a little on the muted side, the factory inking process manages to add great depth to the model*. This is particularly apparent on the model's top side, where there is a lot of flat space to contend with...

* I've wondered as to how the inking is applied to X-Wing models at factory production stage. I suspect it's a 'dipping' process, to ensure an even and consistent coverage. It also feels like the models are then 'wiped' to ensure no ink residue is left on the plate surfaces...? Either way, the ink would appear to have a 'motor oil' like consistency to ensure good adherence - Maybe similar to Army Painter Quickshade. Does anyone out there no FFG's secret?   

Of course, when it comes to the X-Wing Huge Ships, size matters... So how does the model stack up when compared to it's smaller counterparts?

From end to end, the Transport measures very close to 9" in length. Certainly enough to please your average Twi'lek dancing girl but I'm not sure Leia would have been fully satisfied... For some reason I was expecting something a little more substantial and whilst I'm sure the FFG team will have conducted hours of research to ensure the 'scale nerds' were kept happy, the model feels a little underwhelming. Overall though, it's a solid piece of resin that does look the business on the table-top...

You decide...

As well as cargo transports, a number of GR-75s were retrofitted as long range fuel tankers for use by
rebel star-fighter groups, as well as some being converted to dedicated troop transports for planetary assaults.

Next up we have the other reason why everyone will be wanting to buy this release; the included X-Wing fighter escort. And along with a group of new pilots in the form of Wes Janson, 'Hobbie' Klivian and Tarn Mison, Rebel players will now be able to fly everyone's favourite cockpit crusher, Jek Porkins...

I'm really digging this model over it's standard brethren. First up, it carries a brighter, whiter finish when compared to the darker, grayish drab of the original expansion pack model. The additional red striping and yellow nose cone really make the model stand out and the red astromech droid looks right at home just behind the cockpit. Good job FFG.

Of course, the box comes with a whole bunch of other assorted shenanigans, including a ton of new counters, pilot and upgrade cards and the new Cinematic Play campaign rules for the 'Evacuation of Hoth'... but we'll leave that for another day...

Until next time ;)