Tie Phantom MOC

The Tie Phantom was an experimental imperial stealth fighter featured in games like Star Wars: Rebel Assault II and the X-Wing miniatures game. It was also the inspiration for set 75185 Tracker I, from LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures.

It is one of the most unique Tie variants, as it features a conical cockpit and a triple symmetry that are both quite challenging to reproduce in LEGO form. My interpretation is certainly not the first, but I believe this version has a couple of things in its favor. First, the panels or "fins" are perfectly symmetrical and do not exibit the underside of plates on one side. They are somewhat fragile (you don't want to hold it from the tip of the fins), but still quite sturdy for a MOC. Second, the model is not large, and can fit quite well with the scale of most "play scale" ships, while still featuring seats for a couple of figures, as unlike most Tie variants this fighter has a seat for a crew member or gunner.

The build relies on some specialized pieces from the Millenium Falcon cockpit, but otherwise consists of common pieces in mostly light bluish gray and black. The cockpit can be a bit finnicky to open, but I added a couple of hinged plates on its sides that can be opened in order to give a spot where you can put your fingers to pull the windscreen piece. The instructions and part inventory also include a small stand that holds the ship very firmly, as the model doesn not stand by itself.

For more pictures, see here and here.