Someone here was. I remember seeing the thread but buggered if I can find it again! It was the 1/350th scale Polar lights NCC 1701-A Enterprise kit I reckon..
Once I start work on the Enterprise I will definatly start a thread and post pictures and progress reports. It might be a while when I start it, I really want to do a good job on it plus considering the size and work involved the time it would take to make it would be between 6-12 months.
Hi Stefan. The reason I was wondering how you were progressing is because I picked up the same model 2 days ago & I'm about 60% done. What a great build it is too. Polar Lights know how to make models so the user has a minimum of fuss regarding trimming, dry fits etc.
Hi Stefan. The reason I was wondering how you were progressing is because I picked up the same model 2 days ago & I'm about 60% done. What a great build it is too. Polar Lights know how to make models so the user has a minimum of fuss regarding trimming, dry fits etc.
Making my own lighting kit for it too
Pics later in my own thread if I start one
Mad!! Did you get the photografix detail kit? Runs for about $40, was going to get it for mine!
I would love to do my own lighting setup and save $300 instead of buying the pre made one. If its not too much trouble are you able to do a guide/tutorial on how you are making your lighting kit and a list of the parts and where you will be purchasing them? That would be great!
There is a great video of this guy making the arboretum but an extremly detailed version if you would like a link to the video?
Mad!! Did you get the photografix detail kit? Runs for about $40, was going to get it for mine!
I would love to do my own lighting setup and save $300 instead of buying the pre made one. If its not too much trouble are you able to do a guide/tutorial on how you are making your lighting kit and a list of the parts and where you will be purchasing them? That would be great!
There is a great video of this guy making the arboretum but an extremly detailed version if you would like a link to the video?
Stefan, the lighting kit is very low budget mate, & I'm taking some serious short cuts like not bothering to mask the interior, so the whole ship will have a dull glow to it. Naturally the windows will still be brighter than the rest of the ship though. I'd doubt you'd want that kind of 'tutorial' would you? In any case, I'm using 2 X 12V BAY15D stop/tail lamps (from Jaycar's) which is 9 X white LED's in the one unit giving 360 degree spread on one plane & 180 on the other. I'm defusing where necessary will coloured pieces of scrap plastic. One in the saucer & one in the secondary hull. The Nacelles - Not sure what to do there yet..It'll look ok, but not like the Pro's are doing. I've only got X amount of time to spend on this!
Here's the saucer section. I exposed too long (1 sec exposure) so it's not really this bright.
Stefan, the lighting kit is very low budget mate, & I'm taking some serious short cuts like not bothering to mask the interior, so the whole ship will have a dull glow to it. Naturally the windows will still be brighter than the rest of the ship though. I'd doubt you'd want that kind of 'tutorial' would you? In any case, I'm using 2 X 12V BAY15D stop/tail lamps (from Jaycar's) which is 9 X white LED's in the one unit giving 360 degree spread on one plane & 180 on the other. I'm defusing where necessary will coloured pieces of scrap plastic. One in the saucer & one in the secondary hull. The Nacelles - Not sure what to do there yet..It'll look ok, but not like the Pro's are doing. I've only got X amount of time to spend on this!
Here's the saucer section. I exposed too long (1 sec exposure) so it's not really this bright.
Well these Aztec decals cover the whole ship, then there's the marking decal's over the top later. It's not necessary to paint this model with the Aztec's. A clear coat after the decals are on is mandatory though I reckon.
I'm still 'managing' Stefan. 2 more sections & I would have completed 1/2 the top section of the saucer! 2 hours to get this far. It's pretty easy actually, but you only get one chance so it pays to take your time & get it right the first time
I'm still 'managing' Stefan. 2 more sections & I would have completed 1/2 the top section of the saucer! 2 hours to get this far. It's pretty easy actually, but you only get one chance so it pays to take your time & get it right the first time
Good work mate, looks good! Do you just apply them with water? That is what I used to do for years but over time decals peel off.
I am now using these two products, they are fantastic! Highly recommend them.
Basically instead of dipping the decal in water and applying it you do the following with these solutions:
1) Brush Set on the surface of the model
2) Cut decal out, place in water and grab with tweezers
3) Put the decal where the Set is, apply more Set on top and then with a soft cloth dab the top of the decal to get any excess fluid off
4) Let it dry
5) Once dry apply Sol which softens the decal and sticks to the plastic to give a painted on look
6) Let it completely dry and apply more Sol if needed.
A bit of work and effort but well worth it in the end as the decals are protected. Locally here they run for around $7 per bottle but last a long time.
Someone on youtube did the Enterprise using these bottles and due to the massive size of the Enterprise he used about 80% of each bottle therefore if you were doing your average scale kits you could do dozens!!
Yes just with water. That Sol stuff sounds good. I'll be giving it a good coat of clear after so I don't have any decal concerns later! I'm now 2 panels past 1/2 way on the top section, woo-hooo!
Yes just with water. That Sol stuff sounds good. I'll be giving it a good coat of clear after so I don't have any decal concerns later! I'm now 2 panels past 1/2 way on the top section, woo-hooo!
Some amazing talented & above all, PATIENT model builders out there!
At this rate, I'm easily another week away from finishing - Those decals; boy! Found out HOT water is the go, & get them on the model fast! Not scaldingly hot, but hot..
Found out HOT water is the go, & get them on the model fast! Not scaldingly hot, but hot..
