I’m just starting on this, so far it looks to be a well designed kit.
So far I’ve collected the premier kit, Combo lighting kit, Aztec Dummy mask set, and the Paragraphix supplemental photo etch set. This is by far the most money I’ve ever spent on a single kit! Approaching $400 already.
I’ve cleaned up the big pieces, and painted the insides to light block.
As you can see the sheer size is going to be a challenge!
I’ll be watching this one.
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You have bitten off a large chunk, but you’ll enjoy the build! I did the Polar Lights 1/350 NX-01 and it is indeed a well-made kit. I chickened out on the lighting, though!
For what it’s worth, TOS enterprise did not have aztec - that was a feature they introduced in the motion picture.
Although, Defiant did have an aztec pattern when we saw her in one of the last episodes of Enterprise. Whether you consider that canon or not…[*-)]
Nope, No aztecing here, I have the Aztec dummy window masks. The masks cover the windows so you can build the complete kit with the lights and paint the whole thing. They also have a few other nice little masks. For the bussard domes, and under nacelle pattern. Quite nice really, but applying the masks to each window will be tedious.
As of now I’m planning on an overall white/grey color.
I’ve filled/painted the grid lines. The top of the saucer is done, the bottom is 1/2 done.
I’m using Mr. Surfacer 500 from a jar. I’ll sand and then hit it with a auto filler/primer from a rattle can.
I just put mine on layaway today!!! Soo excited!!! I will be watching your progress!! I am only getting started on the refit kit after having it for over two years…lol!!
Terrific work here, I’ll be following along for sure!
Playing around with my kit the primary hull is so heavy I’m a little afraid that the whole thing will hold up though without some sort of interior metal bracing though.
Guys who have built her say it is VERY sturdy. I agree, the plastic is very thick. The dorsal extends very far into the Primary and secondary hulls and has a large glueing surface. I hope this helps.
I sanded both hull halts and got a coat of primer on.
This is prepped for primer:
Thanks Mach71, Polar Lights said it would hold up under the weight but it’s good to hear people who have actually built her concur.
The primary hull looks great, looking forward to your next update!
1st coat of Primer:
The gridlines are still very prominent, I’m thinking with another coat of primer and 2 coats of final coat it should just about be where I want. At least thats what I hope.
Ohhh she’s looking good, please keep us posted!
I know, the original did not have gridlines, and in the past the kits with them have been desastrous, but at this scale I kind of like them. I’m a huge TOS fan but still I like them.
Your build is looking great. I will be eagerly looking for your updates. I’m building one too and can always use a tip or two.
I got a 2nd coat of primer on today. The lines are still very visible, but I think they are coming along.
Work is going to be taking up most of my time for the next week, so I don’t expect to get much done.
Great job so far! Just one thing. There are panel lines, I was just watching “Balance of Terror”
thay are there, just not really deep.
’
I barily saw them, also in this episode you can see the “Rust” line and alot of the collected space dust and blast marks.
The grid lines are there, they were just drawn on with a mechanical pencil. I have seen them on the untouched saucer top of the filming model at the NASM in DC. You can also see them in 'The Tholien Web"
Were they to represent panel lines? or the deflector grid? or something else.
I believe that they are labeled deflector grid in at least drawing done.
The issue I have with the kit is how large they are. I’m not looking to remove them, just reduce the appearance of them.
I managed to get a little work done on the Enterprise.
I spayed a 3rd coat of primer on the saucer.
Next I lined the inside of the saucer with foil for light blocking.
On another forum I’ve read that some people have had problems with light leaks.
I think the problem will just be adjacent to the inner ring where the LED’s mount.
I think I’ll be starting the bridge next.
You can also paint the interior flat black first to prevent light bleeding through