TIE Fighter Pilot (Pattern 2)
sw0035 · Star Wars
Classic Star Wars / Ultimate Collector Series · 2001 (First release in set 7146)
Figure ID
sw0035
Theme
Star Wars
Year Released
2001 (First release in set 7146)
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. This specific torso pattern was only used between 2001 and 2005 before being updated to more detailed versions. It is prized for its nostalgic 'old school' Star Wars aesthetic.
Head
Missing in image. Originally featured a solid black head piece, as earlier TIE pilots used the helmet to provide the 'face' look rather than a printed skin-tone head.
Torso
Black torso with light gray life support pack and belt printing. The print is minimalist, featuring vertical rectangles on the life support unit and three small circles on the belt. Back is unprinted. Solid black arms and hands.
Legs
Plain black legs without printing. These are standard 3-brick high legs with a black hip piece.
Accessories
Includes a standard black megaphone-style blaster (often used as a blaster rifle in early LEGO Star Wars sets). The helmet, which is missing in the photo, would be a black TIE Pilot helmet with the Imperial insignia printed in white/silver on the forehead.
Color Scheme
Monochromatic: predominantly black with light gray and white printing for the technological details.
Printing Details
Simple pad printing on the front of the torso only. Contrast is high between the black plastic and light gray ink. Typical of the 'classic era' of LEGO Star Wars (1999–2005) with low detail compared to modern standards.
Variants
Variants include sw0035a (same torso but with a different head/helmet update) and sw0543 (modern version with highly detailed torso and leg printing). This specific torso is the 2nd official TIE pilot pattern.
Condition Notes
The torso shows some minor play wear; the neck post has a small white mark indicating possible stress or paint transfer. Arms appear tight. Common issues include fading of the gray printing and 'silvering' or scratches on the black plastic.
Estimated Value
The complete figure sw0035 is valued at $10-$15. This incomplete version (missing head and helmet) is valued at $3-$5 for the torso and legs.
Price (New)
Originally available in Set 7146 (TIE Fighter) for $20.00 and Set 10131 (TIE Collection) for $50.00.
Compatible Sets
7146 TIE Fighter (2001), 10131 TIE Collection (2004).
Character Background
Imperial TIE Fighter Pilots serve as the elite aviation corps of the Galactic Empire. They are known for their vacuum-sealed flight suits and high-risk missions in unshielded starfighters.
Design Notes
This design represents the 'Era 1' transition of LEGO Star Wars, where characters moved from generic designs to slightly more accurate but still charmingly simple depictions. It lacks the back printing and arm printing found in sets after 2012.
Similar Minifigures
sw0035a (TIE Pilot), sw1093 (Modern TIE Pilot), sw0036 (Imperial Officer with same leg/torso color scheme).
Collectibility
High for 'completionist' Star Wars collectors focusing on the classic 1999-2005 era. Low for modern builders who prefer the high-detail dual-molded pieces of current sets.
History
Debuted in the very first wave of non-movie-launch expansion sets for the Star Wars line. It survived as the primary TIE pilot design for nearly five years until the 'Light Flesh' skin tone revolution in 2005.
Interesting Facts
The accessory held is actually a LEGO megaphone part, which was the standard 'blaster' before the specialized Star Wars blaster molds were introduced in 2007.
Display Suggestions
Best displayed in a 'Classic Star Wars' lineup alongside the 2001-era Darth Vader and Stormtroopers to maintain a consistent aesthetic of the early 2000s sets.
Modification Potential
Excellent for 'army building' or MOC (My Own Creation) scenes involving Imperial hangars where high-detail figures are not needed for distance shots.
Overall Assessment
A nostalgic mid-vintage Star Wars figure. In its current headless/helmetless state, it serves primarily as a source of spare parts for restoring a complete classic TIE Fighter pilot.