Arii 1/400 USS Enterprise

Modeling Subjects Ships
1

Does anyone know if the Arii 1/400 USS Enterprise (original configuration) is the same kit as the old Aurora/Monogram kit? Thanks!

Bill Morrison

2

1/400? the Monogram Enterprise i believe was 1/720 scale not 1/400 scale. 1/400 scale would actually put it around the size of the Tamiya Enterprise. Unless you were thinking 1/800 Monogram/Revell did release a few of those in that scale.

3

Mike,

Monogram kit # 3700 was the USS Enterprise with the old “beehive” island in 1/400 scale. It was a re-release of the old Aurora kit and is not very well detailed.

Arii also released two versions of the USS Enterprise in 1/400 scale (not to be confused with their 1/800 scale ships originally released by Otaki). I am trying to ascertain whether or not the Arii kit of the “Old” Enterprise is a re-release of the Aurora/Monogram kit. If not, how does it compare?

Bill

4

I’ve got the old Arii kit you’re talking about built up from when i was a kid. And, looking at the instructions I found online for the big Revell kit, I do believe they are, in fact, the same kit.

5

Wouldn’t the Revell kit actually be cheaper than the expensive Tamiya Enterprise?

6

Mike,

If marketed by Monogram/Revell, it would be cheaper than Tamiya. However, if marketed by Arii (another Japanese company), it could be equally expensive.

Bigb123, thanks! You may have saved me about $139.00 plus shipping!

Bill

7

Sure! Glad to be of help!

8

I accidently came across another thread on this same subject. EdGrune explained that the Arii 1/400 model of the USS Enterprise (CVAN-65) with the old “beehive” island is a much better kit than the Aurora/Monogram/Revell kit. I would love to hear about the Arii kit in detail if anyone has built or seen the kit.

Bill

9

I don’t how much detail Ed went into in his discription of the Arri kit,but, it is indeed a completely different mold than the old Monogram kit,the Monogram kit is a re-release of the Aurora kit, and the Arii kit is a release of the Otaki molding

the Arii/Otaki kit is felt by many to be a better detailed kit than even the Tamiya 1/350 kit, I traded the one I had for 1/700 ships a while back,in a move to save some space on the finished shelves

if you have the Arii/Otaki, or can find one,you will have the best Enterprise model in any scale,and while you are searching for it, try to find the add on aircraft set,also, if you can find one, the Detail & Scale Enterprise book is a big help for detail photos, and has reviews in the back comparing the kits

Rex

10

Rex,

Thanks. I like the 1/800 Arii/Otaki carriers, and their old USS Enterprise was nice, but I now prefer larger scales. The Aurora/Monogram kit leaves a lot to be desired. Therefore, I am looking for both of the Arii 1/400 Enterprise kits. I do see them listed online, but I prefer to shop with my LHS and they are trying to find one of each for me. Also, I just picked up the D&S USS Enterprise book for $15.00 on ebay. One can sometimes find a bargain there!

Bill

11

Hello Warshipguy.

The 1/400 Arii/Otaki Enterprise is also released under CC Lee brand. Atleast here the CC Lee was cheap brand (Yes, was. They don´t import that brand here anymore.) I bought my E from local general store from 45 euros. I think it was a good bargain atleast after what I have read from these reviews:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1109868

http://www.quuxuum.org/rajens_list/shiprevs.html#LeeEnterprise

12

Trabi,

Thanks for the links to the reviews! I really appreciate it.

Bill

13

I just bought the Monogram kit for $15.00 on ebay. The overall shape is good, and some details are well-done. For example, the elevators are molded with the original grated appearance. However, other details are equally bad.

One horible detail is that most of the watertight doors are openings without the doors! And, the railings are molded )as they commonly were back in the early '60’s) not as upright railings but as “Aztec steps”! In profile, they actually appear as steps. The “beehive” is almost sparce of any details. There are no tie-down points on the flight deck.

The sponsons seem to be correct, as are the Mark 25 BPMDS launchers on the stern quarters.

Its overall redeeming value is that is is clearly large enough to be detailed.

Bill Morrison

14

Hi guys!

I just noticed, that one guy near here sels old Aurora 1/400 Enterprise from 60´s. But if I see right that one is the WWII version, right? Is that worth of anything? He asks 40 euros from it.

http://kuvat2.huuto.net/4/2b/d371f2a8c0e9551b01de21462b116-orig.jpg

15

I now have both kits. The Arii kit is magnificent! However, the elevators are not molded in the grating finish of the real ship. The Aurora/Monogram elevators are more correct. So, I will have to mix the parts. I am really looking forward to this build!

Bill