Designed as a true alternate build, this MOC uses only parts from the donor LEGO set or sets, including the spare pieces included in the box. All PDF instruction sales are final and non refundable.

The model is 24.0 cm wide, 27.5 cm long, 6.4 cm tall Or 9.4 inches wide, 10.8 inches long, 2.5 inches tall

LEGO 75423 Luke Skywalker's Red Five X-Wing is an expensive introduction to the new SMART Play system, but I felt the X-Wing itself could have been much better proportioned. The entire set has a rather 4+ feel despite its play-scale price tag. The fuselage and S-foils are far too stubby, and some of the exterior details could be improved. I was also not particularly keen on how R2-D2 had to be pushed back and forth to activate the SMART Play sounds.

Since LEGO includes plenty of additional pieces for the side builds, I decided to put them to better use improving the X-Wing itself. My son still enjoys playing with the other builds, so I kept the Imperial turret untouched, made minor modifications to the command centre and significantly reduced the size of the transporter. All three side builds retain their SMART Play functionality.

The SMARTER X-Wing features a fuselage extended by 6 studs and S-foils extended by 3 studs each, giving the Starfighter a much more substantial profile. I've also added side covers around the astromech socket for a cleaner finish and redesigned the SMART Play mechanism so R2-D2 no longer needs to be repeatedly pushed back and forth to activate the sounds.

Extending the S-foils proved surprisingly challenging. Initially, adding 2 studs to each wing was relatively straightforward, but extending them by another stud introduced structural weaknesses. After quite a bit of experimentation, I eventually discovered four 2x3 plates hidden within the original fuselage. Repurposing these provided the reinforcement needed to make the full 3-stud extensions structurally sound.

The additional pieces from the transporter and other side builds were perfect candidates for improving the X-Wing, allowing me to achieve these modifications without introducing parts from outside the original set.

Despite the extended fuselage and S-foils, the X-Wing remains solid and sturdy, just like the original LEGO model. Swooshability was important to me, and it's already been put to the test by my son, who has been playing with both the SMARTER X-Wing and my TIE Advanced x2 extensively. It's great to see these upgraded Starfighters holding up to plenty of imaginary dogfights!

The SMART Play functionality is retained, including the interactive lights and sounds, with the original SMART Brick integrated into the redesigned fuselage.

The idea was to make Luke's Red Five look more like the iconic X-Wing we know and love, while keeping the SMART Play experience intact. After all, the most iconic Starfighter in Star Wars deserves a little more than a 4+ treatment!

I hope you enjoy building the SMARTER X-Wing as much as I enjoyed redesigning it!