AMT Star Trek Model Kit (U.S.S. Enterprise Refit)

For those not in the "know", this is a re-issue of the U.S.S. Enterprise model, previously released for Star Trek:II thru VI, starting 1984. (The original released 1980 for ST:TMP did not have engraved Aztec paneling.) The one notable modification is the adaption to use the current Round2 display stand: a metal shaft mounted to a domed base. (A piece was added to the kit to adapt the large "squarish" opening for the previous stand to accept the new. The assembly instructions for the secondary hull are not modified to include this part.) As with any model kit of this age, there are flaws. They only bother the builder if expecting perfection. The kit is actually good despite any flaws. (For certain generations it would have been a first build.) Nice to have it back. It does require glue and paint, and it lends itself to lighting and modifications as the builder can imagine (kit-bash your own starship). Water based acrylic paints are easier to work with and more forgiving than the solvent based paints. A host of reference material (ex. StarshipModeler.com, CultTVMan.com) and resources are available online for those so inclined (including more accurate parts - search Lake Monster Details or HDAMODELWORX). It comes with a basic set of water slide decals for the registry markings and "strong back" section of the secondary hull. An "Aztec" pattern is molded into the surface. This is not accurate and an experienced builder will fill this in. Water slide decals and paint masks are available through third party sources for a more accurate result. Check out JT-Graphics, HDAModelworx, or Federation Models, for the series of decals and masks they carry. Round2 alzo offers expanded decal sets. The fun that can be had with the kit depends on the builder. If this is being considered as a first model kit for a beginning model builder, keep in mind the finished kit is about 24 inches long (not small). A suggestion is to consider the smaller, snap together version (1/1000 scale at under 12 inches, or the 1/2500 at around 5 inches) of this iconic ship for the first time model builder, and remember this one for when the builder has gained a little more experience.

This kit was bought as a "Remember When" for me. I had put one together during the late 1980's and unfortunately it had gotten wrecked during several moves including a trip to Florida and back. I spotted it when it came up during a search for something else and I thought " I wonder if I could still put a model together as well as I used to." I ordered it and 2 days later it arrived. The first thing I noticed was that there were a lot more decals now than there was before. Also the detail on the model was improved. Parts also fit together better. In checking over things on the instructions I found that this model was re-released in 2018 which would explain the improvements. My old model came out around 1984. I was able to assemble and paint it in 8 days and it is a joy to look at as it hangs from the ceiling. Now I wonder "How long would it take to do the big one from Polar Lights ?"

I hadn’t built a model in at least 30 years. My favorite Star Trek movie is The Wrath of Khan and I chose this model because of that. The model is pure bright white, and it was hard to see the details when it arrived. So I watched internet videos on painting models. I primed it gray and used white Testors enamel spray paint because I don’t have an airbrush like they had in the tutorial videos. That nicely revealed/popped the model’s details. I painted individual details with small brushes. On hindsight I wished I had mixed more colors instead of using the color right out of the bottle. For example, the testor’s light blue is too dark. I had problems with the decals. The pin stripes broke and some didn’t want to stick. They’re really quite delicate. I left off the decals that didn’t match the movies. This was a fun project and I’d recommend it to others. I learned a lot and want get another Enterprise model so I can add working lights to it.

Good for a starter model.

It arrived on time and worth the price

As always, a bit of a challenge with parts fitting properly, but a fun build and worth the effort.

Captained by James Tiberius Kirk the USS Enterprise refit model will get you where you need to go. “I’m laughing at the superior intellect.” Build this model and boldly go where no man has gone before!

I will never buy this kit ever again. It is a piece of garbage nothing fits properly,complete lack of detail and to make matters worse polar lites left the Aztec on the entire model which is incorrect. I purchased an photoetch detail set for the model so it doesn’t look like a toy .also the windows on the on the saucer side walls are incorrect .This is the nacelles mounted on the secondary hull as you look at the photos on the starboard side the engines are straight and aligned, on the port side ,engines are lopsided. That is how they fit together due to poor craftsmanship from polar lites The model is 30 years old and nothing on this model has been updated to this day. I recently built the original tos 350 th scale model enterprise and had a lot better results than this model.

Great kit really happy but I’m finding it difficult to straighten the neck but that’s just me😂

nice model

Parfait

Great item

Nice model and the best price I found so far