Picked up the 1/350 Star Trek USS Enterprise , wish me well on this puppy.
No one else has, so I will![#toast]
Thanks Chris
Yes, good luck, we’re all counting on you!
And hey, Chris!
Excellent. So what’s the build plan? Going for a straight out of box build or going to add some electronics. What are your plans for the Aztec pattern also? Looking forward to seeing pictures. I’ve been poking around in the box for my 1/537 Reliant but have not done more than cut some parts free and test fit things.
Out of the box is the way I will go
I will keep everyone posted on my progress
I’m about ready to start paint on my Kodiak build, so I’ll ask here also…what colors make up the “Aztec pattern”??? I can’t seem to find a definitive source on what it is, or what colors make it up.
Thank you for that, I am needing this same info.
Hi Griff.
Are we all good now?
Hope so. No point in holding grudges I say[C):-)]
Chris
Here is the site of the fellow that painted the Enterprise for the motion picture. Keep in mind, it was changed for the following movies.
very interesting
Check out Acreation Models for some decal sheets. They’re a bit pricey, but I’ve sen a couple of models built w/them now and they’d be a big help, if only for the saucer.
So far as I’m concerned, yeah. See the PM I sent you for more. [:)]
Guys I have looked at the decals a dozen plus times and I can tell you without hesitation I cannot give you accurate colors.
It looks to be a V E R Y faded maroon. also a medium gray and a light gray with a off white background.
I wish I could be more precise but it is just hard to tell the colors for sure.
Perhaps a quick email from you to Polar Lights they may have to the colors on file.
I am sorry I can’t do better for you.
I found this, hope it helps. I’m currently doing a 1/1000th Enterprise - D7 Bird of Prey battle scene. [:)]
/forums/695674/ShowPost.aspx
Very interesting indeed! It also goes along with a comment I read on one of the search results for “startrek aztec pattern”, that described the paint job as “white, no color, just white, with flats and glosses”. The pearlescent paints would produce a finish that could be described that way.
I think, with my Kodiak build, I will shoot the definite colors, and be done until I have had a chance to play with the friskits, and tints. the pattern could be shot over the finished model, over time, with friskit masks protecting the lettering. I can also use this same technique to upgrade the models of Farragut, and Firestone, and might use Farragut (NCC 1702) as the test subject.
The “olsenart.com” is the best reference yet. Coming from the original artist, who can argue!
Just keep in mind, that paint job was only accurate for the Star Trek The Motion Picture
after that, because of filming issues, they changed it up slightly. The irridescent/pearlescent paint was removed.
It also depends on how you want your completed model to look. Do you want it to be technically accurate or movie screen accurate? I see alot of 1/350 Enterprises with absolutely fantastic and accurate (technically) paint jobs but they really don’t match what you see on screen.
The screen version doesn’t really have any sharp contrast between colors, especially in movies 1, 2, and 3 and it has mostly a grey look to it. But the books and reference materials show deeper color detail.
Either way is fine, of course.
When I break down and finally do this one I think I’ll go overall flat white, then use the masks, and spray the gloss with just a hint of silver. Or vice versa, cause the masks might work better on a glossy surface.
Note that the olsenart.com article mentioned how the lighting had to be brought down a lot for filming of the model. This would impact the appearance of the colors somewhat and could help explain variations between the movie images and book images. I do a lot of film work myself (modeling DVD #3 coming out next week) and know how much the lighting impacts the screen appearance of the model.
hey www.vcshobbies.com has some decals or photoetches at a decent price… i forgot which but i know i saw them on the site. they have a bunch of star trek stuff. they carry exclusive items that they dont always list too but if you shoot them an email asking about particular items theyll let u in on it.
i emailed them once about a lighting kit i couldnt find and they gave me a pretty decent price which was great considering they got it made it custom for me.
oh hey by the way GOOD LUCK! 
would LOVE to see pix of it when its finished!!