Miniature model of Red Leader X-wing used in filming of ‘Star Wars’ to go to auction

All wings report in! The miniature model filmed as “Red Leader/Red One” in the original Star Wars is set to go to auction, with a starting price of $400,000.

The miniature model is being sold by the Heritage Auctions auction house on Oct. 15 as part of the sale of the collection of longtime Oscar and Emmy-nominated model-maker Greg Jein.

The X-wing was one of four “hero” models used for filming, as opposed to the more numerous “pyro” models shown being blown up in the film, according to the auction listing.

The Industrial Light and Magic team would end up winning the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects for their work on the pop culture tentpole, which has gone on to be called “Star Wars: Episode IV — A New Hope,” given the subsequent sequels and prequels to the 1977 original.

The resin model features a number of visual distinctions marking it as “Red Leader/One,” including wear, blast marks, heat scorching around its exhaust ports and a singular red stripe on the top two wings. A cockpit pilot and R2 droid are also included in the mini.

The hero models were used for the approach of the rebel fleet towards the first Death Star, the shot of their wings opening, as well as the open space battle and Death Star trench run scenes. The model being auctioned, in addition to being used for “Red Leader/One,” was also used for “Red Two” and “Red Five,” which was piloted by protagonist Luke Skywalker.

In addition to its on-screen exploits, this mini became notorious in Star Wars fan and visual effects communities for being the “missing X-wing.”

“This model has not been displayed or modified since it left ILM. For those of us that grew up in the ’70s or ’80s, and those of us that work in visual effects, this model is as significant a find as the ruby red slippers or the Maltese Falcon. … It became something of a mythical ’white whale’ — the missing ’Star Wars’ X-wing,” visual effects historian Gene Kozicki told the Hollywood Reporter.