ILM CLASSIC IMAGE: Y-WING CLOSE-UP!

Here's a great scale reference photo from ILM for the iconic Y-wing fighter seen in Death Star trench running action from the original STAR WARS filming of 1976/77. Note the tremendous model kit detail on the craft. Love the little Astro droid companion!

GOODBYE, GRANT McCUNE

The late Grant McCune works on painting details to an X-wing fighter for STAR WARS in 1976/77.

The sad news has come in States-side that legendary model-maker Grant McCune has sadly passed away from cancer at the age of 67. McCune was one of the top of his field, with one of his earliest jobs being for the John Dykstra led, newly formed ILM, then working on the first STAR WARS movie in 1976/77, and progressing on to many other famous film and TV projects with the APOGEE effects company, including the construction of legendary vehicles such as the U.S.S. Enterprise for STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE in 1979, and the warship Battlestar Galactica for the epic TV series of the same name.

McCune, an Oscar nominated technician, will be much missed by both STAR WARS fans and members of the effects and model construction industry. Our condolences and best wishes go out to his family.