SMARTER X-Wing – Fixing SMART Play 75423 Luke’s Red Five X-Wing (NO EXTRA PIECES)

A dedicated LEGO builder has tackled the proportions of the recently released set 75423 Luke Skywalker's Red Five X-Wing, creating a modified version dubbed the "SMARTER X-Wing" without using any extra parts outside the original box. The initial release felt too stubby and resembled a 4+ set despite its higher play-scale price tag, while also relying on an awkward mechanic that required pushing R2-D2 back and forth to trigger sounds from the new SMART Play system.

By repurposing parts from the set's side builds—keeping the Imperial turret untouched, slightly modifying the command centre, and significantly reducing the size of the transport vehicle—the builder successfully extended the X-Wing's fuselage by six studs and its S-foils by three studs each. Hidden 2x3 plates discovered within the original fuselage provided the necessary structural reinforcement for the wing extensions. Additionally, the redesign adds clean side covers around the astromech socket and reconfigures the internal mechanics so R2-D2 no longer needs repeated pushing to activate the interactive lights and audio.

Despite the significant modifications and the integration of the original SMART Brick into the redesigned fuselage, the finished starfighter retains its full play functionality and structural sturdiness. The upgraded model easily survives rigorous play-testing and imaginary dogfights against the TIE Advanced x2. As you tackle your own custom builds and creative modifications, you might want to keep a brick separator handy to easily pull your bricks apart.