It's time! Time to start the long road to building this bad boy. As some of you may recall, a few years ago I chronicled by build of the Polar Lights refit Enterprise model in this thread:
http://www.treksinscifi.com/forum/index.php?topic=6538.msg72115#msg72115 (http://www.treksinscifi.com/forum/index.php?topic=6538.msg72115#msg72115)
Now I have the 1:350 scale TOS model to go with her. This is going to be a much easier build as the decal and paint work is much more simple for this kit. So today a worked on the bridge, which has a Klingon Cruiser on the main view screen (the kit also has a Balok and a Romulan Bird of Prey decal you can use) and the hanger deck and a little Galileo 7! The bridge is going to be only seen from directly above so I just painted it enough to look correct from that angle. I did put in the bridge monitor decals but you can't see them at all. These parts are tiny, the bridge is maybe 1 1/2" across.
Cool - a little mini-bridge inside the upper dome. Neat!
Yeah it has a clear dome so you can look in. Although I am working in the hanger bay, I'm not sure if I will ever look at it, I prefer the look with the doors closed.
Wow, that looks like a lot of details there and not a lot of space. Must have taken a steady hand.
Looking forward to see how this turns out!
OK, moving forward a bit. I found a good color for the hull, it's just grey primer spray paint! Nice flat finish and light grey color. What's very cool about the kit is that they provide you with three different options for the windows, clear, opaque white, or opaque black. Clear would be for a lighted kit but I have no lighting skills and I thought I would opt for the opaque white. But when I tried that is really gets' kind of lost and the windows lacked any definition. So I tried the opaque black and was much happier with the look. I glued in the bridge in the not stage accurate off set but the visually more appealing center facing command charm and helm lay out. If you want off my bridge you have to jump over Uhara. :)
Looks awesome! Yeah, that is a nice color for the hull. I just read a thread on a guy's build of the Ent Refit with all the lighting and wiring and that looks tough.
Quote from: Chris-El on November 19, 2012, 04:04:54 PM
Looks awesome! Yeah, that is a nice color for the hull. I just read a thread on a guy's build of the Ent Refit with all the lighting and wiring and that looks tough.
Yeah, like real tough. My 1/350 refit was just a straight up build with the aztecing decals and paint work.
Wow, Bryan, awesome work, WE SPEAK YOUR NAME.
Looks good so far. Looks like a lot of details to take into consideration. A little jealous that my Modelling skill shave a way to go before I can take on something like this, so will definitely be following your experience to gauge when I can tackle something like this.
Wow, I would love a project like this.
Had some time to work on the upper saucer section this afternoon. Just some opaque parts and painted navigation lights...and the anti-matter accelerator thingy on the back by the impulse deck. :) Still really liking how this grey primer gives some texture as well as shading to the paint finish. It's just a rattle can of Rustoleum automotive primer.
Looking good Bryan. That color does look pretty close to my Big E from MR.
Yeah, where MR got it so right is that little bit of green in the ghost grey. And of course the weathering and famous "rust" line. Also now I realize I need to paint that part on the back a darker grey! :) What's so much fun about building these kits is that I barely have to look at the directions, I know all the parts and where they go!
Actually in person the MR Enterprise has this sort of weird blue-green gray look to the paint job. It's very subtle but I've always liked it. There are a ton of other pics out there better than my old one's but here's a link to some other shots of my MR Big E.
http://www.treksinscifi.com/collection/thumbnails.php?album=27 (http://www.treksinscifi.com/collection/thumbnails.php?album=27)
P.S. The thing holding me back from building my big refit kit is the fact I'm planning on lighting it too. Kind of planning things out right now.
As you know, there are some great kits out there for lighting both this and the refit.
Love that pic of all your models, Bryancd! I couldn't put one of those together if I tried. You guys that do this have some talent.
That is great that Primer looks good for a color, as that is certainly easy to come by :) . How does the model fit together? Do you need to do any seam filling at all, or the to the pieces go together good?
Quote from: jedijeff on November 20, 2012, 05:22:31 PM
That is great that Primer looks good for a color, as that is certainly easy to come by :) . How does the model fit together? Do you need to do any seam filling at all, or the to the pieces go together good?
So far fit is very good..but I haven't done anything to challenging yet. The bridge dome fit onto the top of the saucer perfectly, I didn't even need glue. The sprue's the parts are attached to are a bear to cut and trim, though. Very thick and stiff. Good question Jeff and stay tuned for more on that as I move along.
I popped on the clear bridge dome and it looks great. They offer a white and black opaque option for this part but since I did some paint detail on the bridge you might as well see it. For those who build these with full bore lighting, the bridge and hanger deck detail will really set it apart from the MR Enterprise. I can't wait to see what some folks do with these!
Just ordered my kit! Thanks for the encouragement Bryan. Time to get building soon on at least one of these babies.
Do this kit first, it's way easier, you really can't mess it up as the paint and decal work is simple and straight forward, and they are still similar enough to give you some practice for when you want to tackle the refit.
Actually, go buy a cheap model and do that first, or even a small Polar Lights or AMT Enterprise. Get all your mistakes out of the way before taking this on. Believe me, if it has been awhile since you have done a model, get some practice. The model I am working on right now, I made a ton of mistakes, some I could correct, others I could not.
I have built a TON of models in the past. Even developed my own lighting schemes and circuits for them. Got my own airbrush and have mixed my own custom paint colors for a long time. I built the refit Enterprise smaller kit and lit it myself with a custom stand and so on. In recent years my time has just been limited to get back to doing this. But I have a bookshelf with a lot of unbuilt kits sitting on it too so I'll probably tackle one or two of those for some fun first. The Christmas holiday should allow me some time to get going on that I hope.
This is a good Video on mixing paints, Mainly talks about the Green Colour for the Klingon D7, but he touches on the Colour for the Original Series Enterprise.
From TrekWorks Mixing Paint Colors and Soldering LED Tape (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pMcoTqXMn0#)
I am defintely interested in following both your and Bryans builds on this, as I am considering this for a larger model build
Quote from: Rico on November 23, 2012, 06:28:54 AM
I have built a TON of models in the past. Even developed my own lighting schemes and circuits for them. Got my own airbrush and have mixed my own custom paint colors for a long time. I built the refit Enterprise smaller kit and lit it myself with a custom stand and so on. In recent years my time has just been limited to get back to doing this. But I have a bookshelf with a lot of unbuilt kits sitting on it too so I'll probably tackle one or two of those for some fun first. The Christmas holiday should allow me some time to get going on that I hope.
My understanding is that the lighting kit for this model is pretty much plug and play. That's why I think this would be a good opportunity to try it. The refit is much more involved and more of a custom job.
Which lighting kit are you referring to for the TOS E? Link me. :)
Quote from: Rico on November 23, 2012, 08:18:21 AM
Which lighting kit are you referring to for the TOS E? Link me. :)
It was being discussed in the RPF thread about the kit, I don't recall who is making it though. An RPF'er posted in my mirror build thread I have running over there along with this one that it was a pre-made set up for this kit.
OK, about face! Change of plans. While I was working on the lower saucer I noticed the nav beacons were white on the model but the parts were clear. So I just hit them with some gloss white paint. Once I glued them in, I really liked how they looked and realized if I hit all the opaque white window parts with gloss white spray, I could get them to really stand out better. So I popped off the bridge and replaces the black windows for these new ones and did the entire lower saucer as well. They look so much better, they really pop out now as opposed to looking kind of lost against the grey hull in the opaque white they come in. So that's how I will do the neck dorsal and secondary hull as well. Relly pleased with how they look.
Easier to post another comment then resize images. :)
Looks good Bryan, it really does look like this model fits together quite weel from your pics so far.
Quote from: jedijeff on November 23, 2012, 11:12:29 AM
Looks good Bryan, it really does look like this model fits together quite weel from your pics so far.
Funny you should mention that.... Even with the clamps, it was really hard to get a seamless fit, so it's squadron putty time! :)
Yeah, looks like time for some seam filling. Doesn't look to horrible though and should be easy to fill and sand. I guess given the size, the best it was going to fit.
Wow that's looking great Bry. Please keep posting the pics :)
Hey Bryan,
Does the kit come with other decals to make other Starships? Different registry numbers??
Quote from: Rico on November 24, 2012, 06:08:22 AM
Hey Bryan,
Does the kit come with other decals to make other Starships? Different registry numbers??
No, just the two pilot versions and regular series Enterprise. Although i am sure they are available from JT Graphics and the such.
Do they give you different Nacelle Pieces? I am working on a 1/1000 Enterprise from Polar Lights and it came with the same configuration, so I assume this is the same.
Quote from: jedijeff on November 24, 2012, 09:32:30 AM
Do they give you different Nacelle Pieces? I am working on a 1/1000 Enterprise from Polar Lights and it came with the same configuration, so I assume this is the same.
Nacelle pieces, dorsal neck, bridge dome, deflector dish, all the stuff from the original 11 foot filming model which were changed once the series went into production.
Almost have it cleaned up and assembled and painted the dorsal neck and nacelle struts. I need some grey paint for the 8 grill detail panels that are on the inside of the struts. I'll paint them first and then glue them in place.
How are you going to combat the "nacelle droop"? I was looking at a build and saw that it occurs on this model, like many original TOS Enterprise and Refit models.
Quote from: Chris-El on November 25, 2012, 08:58:43 AM
How are you going to combat the "nacelle droop"? I was looking at a build and saw that it occurs on this model, like many original TOS Enterprise and Refit models.
Really, a build of these new kits? Do you have a link, Chris? No one over at the RPF has gotten that far yet. I never had a problem with my Polar Lights 1/350 refit with the nacelle droop, I used epoxy resin to glue them into place. I will do the same with this kit.
My Master Replicas Big E is doing just fine too - no nacelle sag on her.
https://www.culttvmanshop.com/Classic-USS-Enterprise-1350-STANDARD-EDITION-from-Polar-LightsRound-2_p_2371.html (https://www.culttvmanshop.com/Classic-USS-Enterprise-1350-STANDARD-EDITION-from-Polar-LightsRound-2_p_2371.html)
Maybe it's just the prototype, I dunno.
From Looking at the picture, looks like they are holding the Nacelles and Pylons on with Masking Tape, so might be the reason for the drooping
They actually have an additional part that glues inside the secondary hull where the nacelle struts enter to provide additional support. I had a really hard time getting the shuttle deck to fit into the secondary hull and then getting a decent seal so I am going with hanger doors closed and will keep the completed deck separate for display.
There is still a seam on the top I will need to touch up.
So Bryan is it possible to build the ship so that the doors can open when you want? Or is it only always open or always closed?
Quote from: Rico on November 25, 2012, 02:06:45 PM
So Bryan is it possible to build the ship so that the doors can open when you want? Or is it only always open or always closed?
Unfortunately, there are only two options, doors closed or a bart with doors partially open. It would have been nice to be able to do either and maybe be able to pop them on and off but the part sits up under the secondary hull so once it's sealed you can't get that part in or out. So you need to glue it in there or go with no doors at all.
Trek Works is doing a build on this Model, and documenting it on Youtube. Might be interesting to follow along to see how they approach some things.
Polar Lights TOS 1/350 Enterprise Buildup PT - 1 Lighting The Shuttle Bay (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18w_ib_gB0s#)
I am not worthy to share this thread with Trek Works!!
Moving right along, cleaned up some of the secondary hull and finished the nacelle struts. They are really nicely made and fit great. They feel very sturdy as well. As much as I would have like to have included the hanger bay, I was more concerned about getting a solid seal on the secondary hull and used epoxy resin to close it up as the weight of the nacelles will be trying to pry it back open over time.
Hoo boy, gonna look sweet when she is displayed! I love the color and texture you got from that primer.
Quote from: Chris-El on November 26, 2012, 03:52:04 PM
Hoo boy, gonna look sweet when she is displayed! I love the color and texture you got from that primer.
Yeah, I really lucked out on that. Rustoleum auto primer in a rattle can.
I would like to get my hands on her ample nacelles! I found a fun, glittery orange for the bussard collectors.
You've got your hands on some ample nacelles!
Lookin' good. Assemble the beast!
Wow, that last pic really shows how big this model is. Looking good
Yes, glad your hand is in that one shot to give us some scale.
I'll take some pics of the sub assemblies to show the scale better. It's going to be almost 3" long when done!
I hope you mean 3' :)
Yes, 3 feet. :) Excellent fit for the nacelle pylons and neck/secondary hull.
Say my name!!!! :metallica:
No bloody A, B, C or D. :)
Getting some "silvering" as the decals dry and set. My plan is to hit the sub components with a flat spray lacquer to cover up and protect the decals prior to final assembly which should knock that down. Are there any other ways to do that?
These turned out nice. :thumbsup
Looking real sharp Bryan! Those red strips down the nacelles really pop!
Thanks! This kit really is so easy compared to the refit, especially in regards to the decals. The kit is really solid, I should be able to put her all together tomorrow, just need to spray all the sub assemblies with a flat lacquer first.
Wow, looks Fantastic Bryan, You did an awesome jobs with the decals.
Awesome, yeah the red stripes do jump off that base colour. I think it's coming out great. The slightly darker grey really creates a good contrast.
Man, this kit is so well engineered. The primary hull/dorsal connection popped right in and is a perfect, snug fit. Well done R2! :thumbsup
So in preparation for the final assembly, I thought it would be fun to break out the fleet!
Here are the Hallmark ornaments versions..
The Polar Lights 1/1000 versions...
And the Big Dog Polar Lights refit...
Great stuff Bryan! Are you planning on getting any clear acrylic cases for any of these at some point?
Quote from: Rico on December 02, 2012, 04:35:42 PM
Great stuff Bryan! Are you planning on getting any clear acrylic cases for any of these at some point?
Not as of now, I have a cabinet to keep them protected from sunlight and dust for the time being. My son Jensen has taken up all extra space and he isn't even born yet!
FINISHED!!!! Please indulge while I post a few responses with some big pics for all you to see. :)
Some more...
And the two girls together...Let me know if anyone wants any images from different angles. :metallica:
They both look great Bryan! You are getting quite the fleet! Hey one quick question, did you do anything special for the grid lines on the TOS-E? Pencil them a bit or did they just darken up naturally when you hit the ship with the primer by filling in a bit on the lines? I'm looking especially at the underside of the primary hull.
The grid lines on the top of the primary hull are less pronounced and subtle and you are correct, hitting them with the primer made them even more so. They are more pronounced underneath and the circular lines are very distinct. How does that compare to your MR?
Pretty similar. I think your primer color is just a little darker than what is on the MR Big-E. Here's the underside of mine. Not the best pic, but it's what I had handy.
Interesting, they actually are more subtle. Karl Tate did some comparison shots of the R2 kit parts and the MR in the RPF thread on the kit. Man, that thing is GORGEOUS!
Looks Great Bryan, Very impressed how quickly you finished this. The Bridge, did you just leave that clear?
My favorite ship, I like it a lot (Rico's too).
Quote from: jedijeff on December 03, 2012, 04:58:55 PM
Looks Great Bryan, Very impressed how quickly you finished this. The Bridge, did you just leave that clear?
I did and you can look through and see the details (command chair and helm console plus the side stations. They are tiny but I did paint them as best I could. It's fun to look down inside!
Just two more then I will stop, I really love looking at it. :wub
It really came out amazing, Bry. I bow to your skillz.
Quote from: Chris-El on December 05, 2012, 04:00:44 PM
It really came out amazing, Bry. I bow to your skillz.
Based on what I have seen from you, I ink you can do even better. I would love to see you tackle the refit. You are a terrific painter.
"Still the best damn ship in the fleet!"
Quote from: Bryancd on December 05, 2012, 04:03:09 PM
Quote from: Chris-El on December 05, 2012, 04:00:44 PM
It really came out amazing, Bry. I bow to your skillz.
Based on what I have seen from you, I ink you can do even better. I would love to see you tackle the refit. You are a terrific painter.
The refit is my favorite ship from anything. I would really love to do one up with lights and all that, I just don't know how. But, yeah, I think I need to do one of these larger scale models.
Very nice job!
I love looking at it too Bryan, it's really cool. Chris- yeah, time for a big boy!
A neat review of the Polar Lights TOS Enterprise kit by Paul Newitt that reminded me of Bryan's recent build.
http://culttvman.com/main/?p=25482 (http://culttvman.com/main/?p=25482)