Why do the greys look different from newer sets?

This 2001 set uses the older light grey and dark grey. Later sets moved to bluish greys, which are a slightly different shade.

How many pieces and minifigures are there?

The set has 171 pieces and 2 minifigures, drawn from 54 unique parts.

Is it worth collecting today?

Mainly for fans of early sets or of TIE Fighter models in general. It shows how the ship was built in the theme's first years.

Star Wars

TIE Fighter

Two hexagonal wings and a ball cockpit are all it takes to recognise the Empire's TIE Fighter. This 2001 version, with 171 pieces and 2 minifigures, comes from the early years of Star Wars building sets.

Set number: 7146
Year: 2001
Pieces: 171
Minifigures: 2
Theme: Star Wars
Different parts: 54

What can I build with it?

Parts list 54

As BrickLink list (XML)

Import on BrickLink: Wanted → Upload, upload the file (or paste its content), pick a Wanted List and add the parts.

Spare parts (3)

These extra parts come with the set in case one gets lost.

Minifigures 2

TIE Pilot, Plain Legs, Plain Brown Head fig-0005534 pieces × 1
Stormtrooper, Plain Yellow Head, Black Hips fig-0036244 pieces × 1

Description

The Empire's disposable fighter

The Empire builds TIE Fighters in enormous numbers and treats them as expendable. They are fast and agile but carry no shields, which is why so many of them end up as fireballs in the original trilogy. In A New Hope they chase the Millennium Falcon after its escape and defend the Death Star during the Rebel attack. Their simple, symmetrical design makes them an ideal subject for a small model, since a handful of shapes already tells you what you are looking at.

Old greys

This set dates from 2001, before the switch to the bluish greys that most builders know today. Its inventory lists light grey and dark grey, the older shades, and anyone restoring a copy should keep that in mind: modern bluish grey parts look noticeably different when mixed in. For collectors of early sets, that colour detail is part of the appeal. The parts list on this page shows each element with its exact colour, which makes it easier to source correct replacements.

A straightforward build

With 54 unique parts across 171 pieces, the build is short and uncomplicated, reflecting the chunkier style of the time. Blue appears at the top of the colour list alongside black and the two greys, which is a little surprising for a ship usually associated with grey and black. The parts list reveals where those blue pieces sit. Two minifigures complete the package, enough for a pilot and a small scene.

A piece of theme history

Later TIE Fighters grew larger and more detailed, which makes this one interesting as a point of comparison. Put it beside a modern version and the progress in building techniques is obvious. If you are more interested in the parts than the history, What can I build? on this page will show which other sets you could assemble from this inventory, which is especially useful for other sets from the same era that share its older greys.

FAQ

Why do the greys look different from newer sets?: This 2001 set uses the older light grey and dark grey. Later sets moved to bluish greys, which are a slightly different shade.
How many pieces and minifigures are there?: The set has 171 pieces and 2 minifigures, drawn from 54 unique parts.
Is it worth collecting today?: Mainly for fans of early sets or of TIE Fighter models in general. It shows how the ship was built in the theme's first years.

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