To celebrate MGS’s future Dreadnaught class, we decided to build something fit for the class.
We’ve already done the Arquitens-class light cruiser from 4D models. This time, we tried out their 1/78 scale Sandcrawler.
The Build
Like the Imperial Cruiser, the parts are made from thick cardboard, about the same thickness as the packaging used for Amazon parcels.
There are 187 parts, most of which are dedicated for the interior of the crawler. They act as internal support to hold the outer skin in place.
With MGS Tie for size comparison
The parts are divided into 12 sheets. Each part slots together using tabs, and are held in place with glue. The kit comes with a tube of glue, but any craft glue or Elmer’s glue can be used.
“Look at the size of that thing Gary!”
“That’s what she said.”
The total build time was a very leisurely 3 hours, and it was much easier to build than the Imperial cruiser. The first hour went to building the four massive tank tracks. The next hour and a half went to the interior, and the last hour finishing the external body and rear engines.
Once done, the crawler is securely built. With all the parts glued in place, there’s no flexing or loose pieces: it’s like a massive cardboard brick, but with tank treads. No wonder each one is a Jawa fortress.
Features
Like the Imperial Cruiser, the Sandcrawler has interior spaces. Sadly most of it is inaccessible once the outer shell is glued in place. If there was a way to secure the external body, the interior could be turned into Jawa living spaces, since each crawler is supposed to represent an entire Jawa mobile community.
“This will be your nursery.”
“This reminds of me of my NYC apartment.”
Even the top floor had enough space to create a bridge. I was tempted to cut out the windows, replace them with clear plastic, and light the interior to form a navigation bridge.
However there were too many bridge windows to cut, and the cardboard was a bit thick that I might mess up cutting the window pillars.
Sandcrawler interior from the Incredible Cross Sections book, an absolute must for MGS fans.
Unlike the Imperial cruiser, the sandcrawler has one moving feature: the main ramp. It can be opened and closed, and there’s a massive space on the inside, enough to fit the MGS Arvala.
The lights are from the battery-powered microlights featured before. I stuck them to the sides using Blu Tack.
“I don’t suppose you can work your magic again and float our ship out of that Jawa junk?”
Externally, the crawler is highly detailed. It even has the recessed area in the middle of the body, and the doors with ladder near the treads.
“These blaster marks are definitely NOT from Imperial stormtroopers. They’re too precise and they actually hit the target.”
The rear powerplant is also nicely represented, down to the covers on the smokestacks.
The Jawas may be scavengers, but even they did not bother with the Ginivex. There are more Blade fighters than sand on Tatooine.
Size
The Sandcrawler is 20 inches long and 9 inches tall (51 cm long x 23 cm tall). At 1/78 scale, it’s an almost perfect fit for Micro Galaxy’s 1/72 figures.
In contrast, MGS ships are usually smaller than the figures, coming in at just 1/96. As such, this model is an almost perfect scale of the Sandcrawler in MGS size.
Size comparison with MGS ITT and AT-ST, AMT AT-AT (1/100), and Tomica Landspeeder (1/64).
Many believe the Sarlacc is the deadliest creature on Tatooine. But it’s actually the Great Mutt of Carkoon.
Where to Buy
The 4D Sandcrawler is available on Amazon. At $40, it’s way cheaper than the Imperial Cruiser and Star Destroyer and much easier to build. You also get a massive model for the price, so I’d say it’s a very good value.
You can even store MGS starfighters in the hold. There’s enough space for plenty of TIEs, with the wing panels detached.
“What’s the matter officer? Was I speeding?”
“No. Oversized load violation.”
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