Sunday 26 March 2023

'STAR WARS' AT 45: THE Y-WING FIGHTER TRENCH ATTACK RUN!


The time for the first trench run to the Death Star's thermal exhaust has begun, by the trio of pilots comprising the speedy Y-wing bomber fighters of Gold Squadron. Despite early hopes that their attack run would be uneventful and successful once past the heavy weaponry emplacements on the surface and towers, the arrival of top pilot Darth Vader and his two TIE fighter wingmen soon see the brave Rebel pilots quickly obliterated. 

Classic 1970's interview with John Dykstra:



The fighter trio would soon be in the murderous targeting sights of Darth Vader and his wingmen.

Working from Colin Cantwell's original model concept for George Lucas in 1975, the ultimate version of the Y-wing fighter seen onscreen was once again design refined and upgraded for model miniature building and filming at ILM by Joe Johnston.


The original model design by Colin Cantwell.


Conceptual work and blueprints for the refined Y-wings by Joe Johnston.



The revised Y-wing fighter model takes shape at ILM.


Unpainted models on poles.

Joe Johnston applies paint detailing and weathering to the models.

Various angles of the Y-wing for reference.










One of the original Y-wing models with the Red Squadron markings later changed to Gold.

The models gathered for filming at ILM.

Joe Johnston at various work with the models.

John Dykstra goes through a potential move for the model during ILM filming.

Joe Johnston at work on one of the fighter models.

David Jones (?) at ILM with model and trench section.

High angle shot, that may have been for either Star Wars or Return of the Jedi. If anyone can confirm which, please get in touch.



1 comment:

Csongor said...

Regarding the last photo: looks like Nine-Ten's studio that made the big explosions for Star Wars. So I think it's ANH, not ROTJ. :)