15
Tons of Finished Build Elements
40
foot length of the 1:1 X-Wing
9
Months to design and build
The Challenge
Full Scale Ships
Tight Spaces
Teamwork
Expanding Unofficial Galaxies into a never-before-seen experience at COSI was no small feat—it was a full-scale mission. Tasked with tripling the size of the touring exhibit, COSI and FireWatch had to think far beyond the galaxy’s edge. In just nine months, the team designed and built massive, museum-quality ships and immersive scenic elements to elevate both COSI’s in-house experience and the traveling exhibition. But one of the biggest challenges? Getting a full-size X-wing and an 85% scale TIE Advanced onto the second floor — a logistical puzzle that required engineering precision, theatrical problem-solving, and more than a few Jedi mind tricks.
STRATEGIC
SPARK
Trust the Process we must. This was one of those exhibits that had 1000000 pieces moving; you just had to trust each other.
From Spark to Reality
Making it Happen
Cross-Continent Communication
Logistics Expertise
Blockbuster Standards
Bringing Unofficial Galaxies to life required an intense and coordinated effort across continents. FireWatch collaborated closely with COSI, our production team in Asia, and logistics experts to plan not only the final placement of the ships inside the museum, but every step of their journey from our workshop to Columbus, Ohio. Within a tight three-week window, we successfully delivered, assembled, rigged, dressed, and detailed both the X-wing and TIE Advanced, working alongside veteran film FX legends Rick Prince and Tim O’Sullivan to ensure each ship met blockbuster standards. To complete the illusion, we also fabricated custom scenic barriers and installed tile floor elements to create fully immersive, photo-ready environments worthy of any galaxy—official or not.
Barriers
/
We crafted custom barriers mimicking style and elements from the existing universe.
Lifesize Impact
/
Understanding the scale was important, as most people have only played with a handheld version — and the X-wing is the size of a fighter jet.
One of a Kind
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To our knowledge the only freestanding TIE Advanced in the world — built to 85% scale.
Imperial Hanger
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625 square feet of hand cut and installed high gloss “Imperial Tile” for the one and only dark reflection effect of the Empire.
Attention to Detail
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The paint and details match Luke’s X-Wing cinematic model from the original film.
Effective Footprint
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The ships help anchor larger environments and artifact casing by providing a focal point for thematic storytelling.
Size Matters
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The X-Wing weighs over 8 tons, and is 40 feet nose to tail — it’s a 1:1 scale.
Cantina Bar
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Custom hospitality setup for food & beverage as well as retail.
Stay on Target
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X-Wing with Joey for scale (pew pew)
Galactic Battle Scars
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Impressive detailing makes this ship feel like it can take on the whole Empire by itself.
