Reviewing Fanhome’s Darth Vader 1:2 Scale Build-Up Subscription Stages 44-49

The next six build stages in my Fanhome Darth Vader 1:2 Scale Build-Up Subscription* are ready to assemble. In the previous batch of build stages, I put Lord Vader’s left arm together up to the elbow. It looks like we’ll be putting together the rest of that arm and possibly start the right arm by the end of this session.

Let’s kick this pig.

Build Stage 44

This stage’s magazine has articles on Asaji Ventress and Wilhuff Tarkin. Both are second installments in multi-part series on the characters. 

Build stage 44 involves assembling the left shoulder rotator. The aforementioned wrist joints are only slightly less complicated than shoulder joints. Shoulders are only classified as “ball and socket” joints because there’s nothing else in our anatomy that comes close to describing the four-part, super complex joint that allows flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, and 360° circumduction. 

Fanhome tackles that movement range with two friction discs that reasonably replicate most of the movements of the most mobile system in the human anatomy. They hit the ones you would want for a half sized Sith Lord, anyway. My man won’t be doing any Arnold Presses, but he can definitely get in a few rounds of Cable Upright Rows and Face Pulls. 

Build Stage 45

This stage’s magazine features Part Four in Fanhome’s articles on Darth Maul, which relies heavily on the novels, comics, and animated series, since we only saw Ray Park in the role for 8 minutes in Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace. The backup piece is on the Hutt twins, who both feature prominently in Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.

For stage 45’s build, I attached the other half of the friction joint that will attach to the torso and the other half of the deltoid. There is a strip of friction tape and a plastic collar that will allow the upper arm to rotate with a small amount of resistance, completing the complex range of motion for this shoulder. 

Build Stage 46

The informational section of this stage’s magazine has a feature piece on Mae Ho Aniseya. The backup is the second installment of a multi-part series on the Pyke Syndicate. 

Build Stage 46 involves connecting the assembled shoulder and the elbow joint from previous stages with the upper arm pieces. This bit is straightforward enough. The upper arm is separated into two shells. Lay one shell down. Insert the shoulder joint in the top, the elbow joint in the bottom and clap the other shell on top. Secure with screws, pop the little elbow piece in, and let’s go!

I had way too much fun playing with this half sized arm. It was around this stage that I figured out why the wrist has a slip socket. The hand is easily and quickly removable, presumably to swap with the set of hands that will wield and power the light saber in later stages.  

Build Stage 47

Features in the 47th installment’s “magazine” highlight Shin Hati and Bazine Netal. 

The build stage gets us started on the right hand, beginning with the right thumb and forefinger. The way the finger joints are designed allows realistic movement, with a bit of resistance owing to what Fanhome is calling “resistance spacers.” Those are little rubber bands that sit between the halves of each joint in the fingers, allowing just enough resistance to hold a pose without making it impossible to adjust.

Build Stage 48

The informational bit of this stage’s pamphlet has pieces on Barris Offee and Tasu Leech. These both appear to be featured much more heavily in animated series and comics, and this is one of the issues that would benefit greatly from either physical printing or actual digital formatting. 

The assembly steps are very similar to the last installment. I am getting very good at assembling half sized fingers, just in time for the last two in the next step.

Build Stage 49

Articles in this issue center on Seventh Sister, who doesn’t seem to appear in any live action Star Wars properties, and Unkar Plutt, who played a minor but important role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He’s the sketchy scrap yard manager, played by Simon Pegg, who tries to buy BB-8 off of Rey (Daisy Ridley) for a few MREs. 

In comparison to previous build stages, this one seems light. It’s just the right pinky. One finger, and the smallest to boot. 

At the end of this round of assembly, I have a completed left arm and all of the right fingers. The left arm gives a sense of scale, and it’s fun to play with. It’s easy to see how poseable and realistic it will be when the rest of the body is completed and dressed. This build is going to be the crown jewel of my collection.

*Fanhome provides this subscription to me free of charge for the purposes of review.