Builder's Notes on the Errant Kangaroo

I originally intended to make a minifig-scale Republic Cruiser as seen in Star Wars: Episode I.  It didn't turn out quite big enough, but it looked right.  The hardest part was the wings--they never quite turned out right, so I modified one of them into a weapons mounting witha control station.

The Salon Pod (seen in 1010012.jpg) was the next hardest, but the shape turned out satisfactorily.  However, this pod was modified into a landing craft instead of a secure area (as shown in the Ep. I  Incredible Cros-sections book).  I could not, however, devise a satisfactory set of pressure doors for when the pod detaches.

My favorite part of the ship is the Salon Pod/Bridge area.  The rectangular box of the flight deck contrasts nicely with the cylinder/cone of the Salon Pod.  The little nose piece that sticks down in front of the pod when it's docked also adds a bit of texture to the otherwise flat front.

This version of the Kangaroo has already been dismantled, but plans are in the works for a sister ship.  This craft will retain the loud paint job and bridge area.  Changes will be made to the engine area, the rear of the flight deck, the "wings", and the Salon Pod area.  I'm currently debating whether to keep the pod.

An important part of the second version will be a few small landing pods.  Two tubes on either side will each hold 1 one-man pod.  These tubes will shoot the landing pods towards the planet.  When re-entry is complete, the pod hatches blow their bolts, letting the troops get into the fray quickly.  These pods (which are constructed, but not yet photographed, by the way) will not have their own power source--another vehicle will return them to the ship.  This may be where I replace the Salon Pod, or modify it for this task.

This MOC took me about a month of off-and-on work.  I can't begin to guess at the number of pieces, but I nearly exhausted my red bricks.  Lots of fun, and I hope I can re-create the exitement with a new version!