SPA Modeler

Very cool! It does not surprise me that there are resin AM parts for this kit. I last built one of those kits sometime over 40 years ago. The warp nacelles would always break off...

That. Is. So. Cool.

Captain: "How long will it take you to finish this model?"

Bruce: "About six weeks, Sir."

Captain: "You have six hours."

Stikpusher wrote: Very cool! It does not surprise me that there are resin AM parts for this kit. I last built one of those kits sometime over 40 years ago. The warp nacelles would always break off...

You are right, Carlos. The aftermarket for these kits is incredible; Federation Models showcases the best goods out there: series versions of the inercoolers, bridge decks and bussards. Parts fit is superb! I also ordered their replacement decals, and a separate decal set for the windows, and placement guide.

You are also right about the nacelles: biggest fit problem with the kit, for sure. I found that I could add a wrap of tape around the tab to create a snug fit. One build parameter was ease of moving the kit around, shipping and storage, so I chose to keep the nacelles as push fit not permantly in place. That decision led to beefing up the lower hull seam between the nacelles; the kit was not designed to be taken apart....

Since you built this version, none of the above issues are new news to you. I also drilled a second stand mount opening; the final stand will be a fair copy of what the Smithsonian team built for their restored studio model.

mostrich wrote:That. Is. So. Cool.

Captain: "How long will it take you to finish this model?"

Bruce: "About six weeks, Sir."

Captain: "You have six hours."

LOL. Perfect. When I started this build, I thought I would finish in a weekend. Thankfully, I did not give my buddy a deadline promise. Sculpting the lower hull took a week of long nights at the kitchen table! Boy, I am glad to be done with that part of the build; filling in drilled holes on the curved hull surfaces was a lot of work back and forth; putty-sand repetition is my least favorite part of modeling work so far.

B&W SHOTS.

Draped the seamless over the table and used a single light against the paper...

I'm gonna have to pay attention here for whenever I get around to this kit in my stash.

We boldly go where no man has gone before....

Fantastic work on a classic kit.

BlackSheep214 wrote:We boldly go where no man has gone before....

Fantastic work on a classic kit.

BlackSheep, thank you so much! I sincerely appreciate what you wrote. I am treating the Grey Lady with my respect. It is a challenge keeping her together, just like Montgomery Scott said! All the best to you!