PROS: (1) Amazing attention to detail. (2) Well-engineered and integrated mechanics to open and close the X-wings. (3) Easy-to-understand instructions. (4) Model stand with boilerplate included (nice touch.)

CONS: (1) Cockpit window has been troublesome in staying shut when closing. I had to use some workarounds to fix it. (2) Opening/closing mechanisms are difficult to adjust if not done correctly the first time. There's an issue with the weight of the wings with proper gear alignment. (3) Engines are structurally weak. It broke off on occasion, particularly travelling beyond light speed... test driving...you know...ah hem! I remedied the situation by supergluing the engine down.

NOTE: I am quite impressed with the engineers at LEGO in creating a close replica of the X-wing while maintaining the LEGO feel. Sure makes the age 7-12 X-wing fighter quite small. This model has a wingspan of 16" and a length of 19". Wow! The inclusion of a model stand is a nice touch. Makes me want to superglue the whole darn thing down. It is a bit on the delicate side.

I also purchased the Ultimate Collector Tie Interceptor, which I must say is mechanically less-intensive than the X-wing but equally impressive. Both are close to scale in relations to each other.

I hope to see more from this series. I do not regret my purchase.

I gave it "4 stars" in durable, because as so many others point out, the fully built model is sort of flimsy, and not very good to "play" with. The motors fall off easily and the wings are too heavy for their width and end up bending a little. However, I gotta give credit where its due: Although some of the pieces of the built model might fall off, but due to the fact that its made out of legos, you know that the bricks themselves will last forever. and everyone knows that building the "box" model in the instruction booklet is not the only thing legos are for!

In any case, for collectors/builders like myself, this is a great item: fun to build and fun to stare at! :)

-dZ.