[thewriteguy]

A question I’ve been asked: if you’re not familiar with model building with cardboard, how should you start trying to build this U-Wing?

My recommendation is to start with building the cannon housing. It’s a small component and not too difficult to build, but is also one of the most important since it “anchors” the look and underlying front structure of the ship. Focus on getting it right, and you will be well on your way.

Next, build the top cockpit. Focus on getting this part right. You’ll need to use the xacto blade to carefully cut out the windows, and this should encourage you to hone your cutting skills.

Next, build the top section. It’s just 5 main pieces (without the detailing).

Next, cut out and assemble the wings.

Once you have the above 4 components built correctly, this should motivate you to continue because when you arrange these parts on a table or the floor, you will see that it’s already looking like the U-Wing. You’ll have the top section of the ship, which should give you a boost and sense of accomplishment.

The troop hold can be difficult to put together and align correctly. I suggest building it upside-down. Temporarily tape the sides of the troop hold to the bottom plate/floor of the troop hold, then tape the sides onto the large core plate. Take the three sections of the back: temporarily tape the largest bottom piece (which would be the top piece, right-side-up) to the troop hold sides, and adjust to make sure the sides and bottom are properly aligned. Then take the smallest, top piece (which would be the bottom piece, right-side-up), and temporarily tape it to the troop hold sides, adjusting to maintain proper alignment. You fit in the middle piece last.

It is important, of course, to ensure that the troop hold’s sides and bottom are in correct alignment. Otherwise, the ship’s bottom section will be lopsided, and this will also throw off the three triangle pieces that make the lower cockpit windows, the moulding pieces that join the troop hold and lower cockpit windows, and mess up the sliding of the doors.