LEGO Star Wars N-1 gets new cockpit due to UCS status

The new LEGO Star Wars N-1 Starfighter shines not only due to its drum-lacquered pieces, but also a fresh cockpit piece, thanks to its UCS status.

Of all the new features in 75442 The Mandalorian's N-1 Starfighter, it's not the drum-lacquered elements that have caught our eye this time. The specialised cockpit piece that masterfully captures the shape of the on-screen starfighter is just as notable.

We found out more about this new piece and why 75442 The Mandalorian's N-1 Starfighter was the set to debut such a specific part from Master Model Designer César Soares in an interview with Brick Fanatics (which you can watch here).

"We always try to use elements we already have," detailed César. "I try all kinds of things to see if it works, and sometimes it really doesn't. In this case, it's the front of the ship. It's so iconic, and it has to be right, because your eyes are drawn to it. So it didn't take a lot of convincing to be able to do this element."

César went on to detail why most of the new elements in LEGO Star Wars are for minifigures, rather than something that can be built with and used across multiple themes. It only makes the cockpit element in 75442 The Mandalorian's N-1 Starfighter that much more unique.

"In Star Wars, most of the new frames are used for a new helmet or a new alien head, things like that," said César. "It's very rare that we have a building element in Star Wars. But there's no particular reason for that. As designers, we usually want to use what's already available. We have a huge array of elements, so it's kind of a pride for us to be able to use what we already have.

"Sometimes it's not possible, and we wanted to get as close as possible to the reference. I think that the element looks great, and it follows the guidelines. It's the same thing with the cockpit being a new element."

None of the previous LEGO N-1 Starfighter sets felt the need to include a new cockpit, instead opting for elements with comparatively inaccurate shaping. This is down to the fact that they were play-centric models designed for kids, rather than something intended for display in adults' homes.

"We sometimes do new cockpits like we do elements for helmets because they're so specific," the designer continued. "But more so in sets that are not for adults, so we can kind of make it in a way that it's, I don't want to say compromising more, but you don't need to be so accurate with shapes. You favour playability more as a feature that kids like. So you have a bit more manoeuvrability there to not have the correct shape.

"What I'm trying to say is that sometimes we use a cockpit that we use for another ship on a different one. It's not perfect, but close enough. With UCS models, we try to get as close as possible, so we made a new one. It's a completely new element, and again, follows the LEGO guidelines with this curve and the height of everything. We don't just do things for the sake of doing them. We always try to have it in line with the rest of the elements we already have.

Whether the cockpit element from 75442 The Mandalorian's N-1 Starfighter will appear in other LEGO themes has yet to be seen, but it was designed to be specific to this starfighter. It will likely depend on whether the shape is considered too specific to the IP, but that wasn't a problem for the Hylian Shield element from 77092 Great Deku Tree 2-in-1.

75442 The Mandalorian's N-1 Starfighter will be available from May 1 for LEGO Insiders for £229.99 / $249.99 / €249.99. Pick it up during the May the 4th event – from May 1 to 6 – and you’ll receive a free 40917 The Darksaber and 5010320 The Mandalorian and Grogu Display.

Head here for everything you need to know about this year’s May the 4th event.

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