1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP

MiniVader · 06-27-2010, 12:14 AM

Bringing back memories from the good ol' days!
Love the finish and colour of the deflector dish.
Well done

STARTREKTOS · 06-27-2010, 12:30 AM

Incredible work. You take pride in your models.

PeteVenkman · 06-30-2010, 06:13 PM

Awesome work Frosty, I'm really enjoying watching these builds.

GeneralFROSTY · 06-30-2010, 10:12 PM

Thank you for the support!
Working slowly but carefully this week. Since my original series E is finished, I began work on my newest side-project, the Galaxy Quest Protector. I am updating that build in its own thread here:
http://www.therpf.com/f11/galaxy-que...tor-wip-90016/
Back to the refit....
Today I began light blocking most of the main parts using a Lowes brand (Valspar) gloss black plastic-ready spray paint. I was bummed they did not carry flat black, but I'm told that gloss goes on thicker anyway - which is what I need. Several more coats of black are going on tomorrow fallowed by the final coats of flat white for light distribution.
I also began gluing into place the fiber optic cables for the shuttlebay runway lights.
If time allows, I will be mixing up a custom color for the airbrush to finish the floor surface of the shuttlebay, now that the fiber optics are in place.
Don't let the long strands throw you off - I wanted them extra long "just in case" - they will certainly be cut down once they are fitted into the LEDs.
I also damn-near finished shaping the raised bridge area to accomidate the Trekmodeler's 'floodlight' feature. Aside from adding new, taller walls to the sides, I had to add a piece to the back just below the docking portal - still working on cleaning it up and making it as seamless as possible - but you get the idea.
Having fun, but getting nervous because things could end up messing up at any moment!!

GeneralFROSTY · 07-01-2010, 09:39 PM

More lightblocking...and more lightblocking...with lots of gloss black. The saucer sections were ready for thier first coats of white on the inside.
The pain in the butt part is going to be scraping paint off of the glue areas....

TridCloudwalker · 07-02-2010, 02:35 AM

Lookin' good. Can't wait to get up there again and get that runway light installed for ya. It's gonna be kickin' rad.

GeneralFROSTY · 07-02-2010, 10:12 PM

Yeah Obi-Wan, I need your help!

GeneralFROSTY · 07-15-2010, 11:20 PM

Not a whole lot of progress this week at all - I've been dividing my attention towards other projects while I try and figure out this damn lighting kit!
I began applying the decals to the shuttle bay floor and found that the runway stripes barely showed up against the black finish....so, I pulled it off and bought some really thin-width yellow pinstriping tape from the hobby store and layed that down - it looks great!
I also painted the elevator shafts that go at the end of the shuttle bay. Nothing too spectacular to report - I would have liked to take photos but forgot to recharge my battery in my camera

Next week I can hopefully start installing the light kit and doing the initial testing before I can FINALLY start gluing this beast together!

GeneralFROSTY · 08-10-2010, 11:12 AM

I've been keeping this on the backburner for the past few weeks.
I've mostly been discouraged by the trouble I am having comprehending the lighting instructions....plus I'm entering a phase of the building process I completely loathe - all that scraping of paint because of the lightblocking. I wish I could go back in time and take the time to mask off the glue areas...but I gotta deal with the cards I got.
I think I need to watch some ST movies to re-up my passion for this model and really get me back on track.
Between working so much and other side projects, I'm overwhelmed. Sometimes it's a good thing to take a step back and let things rest....but not for too long. I know me all to well - I may end up letting it sit forever!
I have to finish what I started!

TridCloudwalker · 08-10-2010, 06:07 PM

You're beating yourself up too much. You've gotten a lot more done than you're giving yourself credit for. Last week we got the lights completely hooked up and tested...after our Radio Shack run around nightmare. All the upper saucer lights are completely in position, they just need to be locked down with epoxy or foil tape.

This part of the process is going to be the most tedious and slowest, because you need to triple check EVERYTHING. Don't let it get to you, and don't hesitate to call an annoy me incessantly with anything you're not sure about.

Post those pics of the lights. You'll feel better.

GeneralFROSTY · 08-11-2010, 06:41 PM

Thanks for the encouragment buddy. I need it.
Today I stopped by the Hobby store and picked up a can of Testors ELO (Easy Lift Off) paint remover. I wanted to try this primarily for stripping the overspray from my lightblocking but also to help break down the built up paint in the glue areas.
I was pleased with how well it works - takes some time, but also very pleased that it works on clear parts without attacking the plastic.
I also picked up the clear red and green paint for the lights. I wanted to start gluing in all the lights in the saucer but got sidetracked working on some stuff with my father.
I will post those pics of the saucer lights soon. Just been too lazy to upload them

GeneralFROSTY · 08-22-2010, 12:51 AM

Okey dokey...
Lots of pics to share.
I'm really moving at a snail pace with this. Only two days a week to work on it and a lot of the work right now is very time consuming.
Thanks to Aaron for help installing the saucer lights!

Here's where I'm at so far....

JPolacchi · 08-22-2010, 05:14 PM

Looks fantastic!Appears you may have some "light" bleed through on the saucer at the runninglight/thruster areas,or is that just the camera?Well,wouldn't take much to block it out if there is any.

GeneralFROSTY · 08-23-2010, 11:27 PM

Saucer halfs have not been glued together yet, but there is some orange light bleeding. I am hoping that will be taken care of when I do the primer coats.

kapow7 · 08-24-2010, 06:06 PM

would love to be able to build anything like this. looking great

CommanderCody · 08-25-2010, 03:01 AM

Incredible work and really inspiring as I am about to build my 3rd PL Refit, you have convinced me to light it!!

GeneralFROSTY · 08-26-2010, 04:14 PM

I appreciate the feedback!
I've been keeping busy cleaning and scraping all the excess paint from the glue points which I should have taped off prior to light blocking, but that's how I gotta learn I guess.
Been using Testors' Easy Lift Off paint remover. Works really well on overspray, needs more setting time on built up paint but at least it works without attacking plastic, even clear parts.
Hopefully I can seal up the saucer section next week and start getting down to business with puttying, sanding and primer!!!

GeneralFROSTY · 08-29-2010, 07:27 PM

Hopefully on Wednesday I can have everything triple checked and seal up the saucer section.
This is taking so much longer than I had anticipated but am commited to finishing the project.

feek61 · 08-29-2010, 07:33 PM

I have a stupid question; how are you planning on masking the windows after you seal it up and prime and paint the exterior? Just curious.

Thanks

GeneralFROSTY · 08-29-2010, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by feek61

I have a stupid question; how are you planning on masking the windows after you seal it up and prime and paint the exterior? Just curious.

Thanks

Liquid mask. Some people have punched tiny holes out of masking tape and done it like that, but I am going to use the liquid mask - it should work.

GeneralFROSTY · 09-08-2010, 11:03 PM

Been keeping busy scraping away all that thick, layered on paint from the glue areas. I'm still cursing at myself for not thinking of taking the time to mask all that off BEFORE light blocking, but you live and learn.
Took a break from scraping to seal the outside of the shuttle bay with foil tape. I'm hoping this helps spread the light out pretty good as I'm not totally satisified with the number of LEDs the Trekmodeler kit gives you to light the secondary hull (which are also used to light the shuttle bay AND arboretum)

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06-27-2010, 12:14 AM	#126
MiniVader Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 10 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP Bringing back memories from the good ol' days! Love the finish and colour of the deflector dish. Well done

06-27-2010, 12:30 AM	#127
STARTREKTOS Join Date: May 2010 Location: Baltimore Posts: 204 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP Incredible work. You take pride in your models.

06-30-2010, 06:13 PM	#128
PeteVenkman Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 104 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP Awesome work Frosty, I'm really enjoying watching these builds.

06-30-2010, 10:12 PM	#129
GeneralFROSTY Banned Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP Thank you for the support! Working slowly but carefully this week. Since my original series E is finished, I began work on my newest side-project, the Galaxy Quest Protector. I am updating that build in its own thread here: http://www.therpf.com/f11/galaxy-que...tor-wip-90016/ Back to the refit.... Today I began light blocking most of the main parts using a Lowes brand (Valspar) gloss black plastic-ready spray paint. I was bummed they did not carry flat black, but I'm told that gloss goes on thicker anyway - which is what I need. Several more coats of black are going on tomorrow fallowed by the final coats of flat white for light distribution. I also began gluing into place the fiber optic cables for the shuttlebay runway lights. If time allows, I will be mixing up a custom color for the airbrush to finish the floor surface of the shuttlebay, now that the fiber optics are in place. Don't let the long strands throw you off - I wanted them extra long "just in case" - they will certainly be cut down once they are fitted into the LEDs. I also damn-near finished shaping the raised bridge area to accomidate the Trekmodeler's 'floodlight' feature. Aside from adding new, taller walls to the sides, I had to add a piece to the back just below the docking portal - still working on cleaning it up and making it as seamless as possible - but you get the idea. Having fun, but getting nervous because things could end up messing up at any moment!!

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07-01-2010, 09:39 PM	#130
GeneralFROSTY Banned Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP More lightblocking...and more lightblocking...with lots of gloss black. The saucer sections were ready for thier first coats of white on the inside. The pain in the butt part is going to be scraping paint off of the glue areas....

07-02-2010, 02:35 AM	#131
TridCloudwalker Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: York, PA - USA Posts: 1,566 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP Lookin' good. Can't wait to get up there again and get that runway light installed for ya. It's gonna be kickin' rad.

07-02-2010, 10:12 PM	#132
GeneralFROSTY Banned Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP Yeah Obi-Wan, I need your help!

07-15-2010, 11:20 PM	#133
GeneralFROSTY Banned Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP Not a whole lot of progress this week at all - I've been dividing my attention towards other projects while I try and figure out this damn lighting kit! I began applying the decals to the shuttle bay floor and found that the runway stripes barely showed up against the black finish....so, I pulled it off and bought some really thin-width yellow pinstriping tape from the hobby store and layed that down - it looks great! I also painted the elevator shafts that go at the end of the shuttle bay. Nothing too spectacular to report - I would have liked to take photos but forgot to recharge my battery in my camera Next week I can hopefully start installing the light kit and doing the initial testing before I can FINALLY start gluing this beast together!

08-10-2010, 11:12 AM	#134
GeneralFROSTY Banned Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP I've been keeping this on the backburner for the past few weeks. I've mostly been discouraged by the trouble I am having comprehending the lighting instructions....plus I'm entering a phase of the building process I completely loathe - all that scraping of paint because of the lightblocking. I wish I could go back in time and take the time to mask off the glue areas...but I gotta deal with the cards I got. I think I need to watch some ST movies to re-up my passion for this model and really get me back on track. Between working so much and other side projects, I'm overwhelmed. Sometimes it's a good thing to take a step back and let things rest....but not for too long. I know me all to well - I may end up letting it sit forever! I have to finish what I started!

08-10-2010, 06:07 PM	#135
TridCloudwalker Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: York, PA - USA Posts: 1,566 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP You're beating yourself up too much. You've gotten a lot more done than you're giving yourself credit for. Last week we got the lights completely hooked up and tested...after our Radio Shack run around nightmare. All the upper saucer lights are completely in position, they just need to be locked down with epoxy or foil tape. This part of the process is going to be the most tedious and slowest, because you need to triple check EVERYTHING. Don't let it get to you, and don't hesitate to call an annoy me incessantly with anything you're not sure about. Post those pics of the lights. You'll feel better.

08-11-2010, 06:41 PM	#136
GeneralFROSTY Banned Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP Thanks for the encouragment buddy. I need it. Today I stopped by the Hobby store and picked up a can of Testors ELO (Easy Lift Off) paint remover. I wanted to try this primarily for stripping the overspray from my lightblocking but also to help break down the built up paint in the glue areas. I was pleased with how well it works - takes some time, but also very pleased that it works on clear parts without attacking the plastic. I also picked up the clear red and green paint for the lights. I wanted to start gluing in all the lights in the saucer but got sidetracked working on some stuff with my father. I will post those pics of the saucer lights soon. Just been too lazy to upload them

08-22-2010, 12:51 AM	#137
GeneralFROSTY Banned Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP Okey dokey... Lots of pics to share. I'm really moving at a snail pace with this. Only two days a week to work on it and a lot of the work right now is very time consuming. Thanks to Aaron for help installing the saucer lights! Here's where I'm at so far....

08-22-2010, 05:14 PM	#138
JPolacchi Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,382 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP Looks fantastic!Appears you may have some "light" bleed through on the saucer at the runninglight/thruster areas,or is that just the camera?Well,wouldn't take much to block it out if there is any.

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08-23-2010, 11:27 PM	#139
GeneralFROSTY Banned Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP Saucer halfs have not been glued together yet, but there is some orange light bleeding. I am hoping that will be taken care of when I do the primer coats.

08-24-2010, 06:06 PM	#140
kapow7 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Birmingham,uk Posts: 125 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP would love to be able to build anything like this. looking great

08-25-2010, 03:01 AM	#141
CommanderCody Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,156 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP Incredible work and really inspiring as I am about to build my 3rd PL Refit, you have convinced me to light it!!

08-26-2010, 04:14 PM	#142
GeneralFROSTY Banned Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP I appreciate the feedback! I've been keeping busy cleaning and scraping all the excess paint from the glue points which I should have taped off prior to light blocking, but that's how I gotta learn I guess. Been using Testors' Easy Lift Off paint remover. Works really well on overspray, needs more setting time on built up paint but at least it works without attacking plastic, even clear parts. Hopefully I can seal up the saucer section next week and start getting down to business with puttying, sanding and primer!!!

08-29-2010, 07:27 PM	#143
GeneralFROSTY Banned Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP Hopefully on Wednesday I can have everything triple checked and seal up the saucer section. This is taking so much longer than I had anticipated but am commited to finishing the project.

08-29-2010, 07:33 PM	#144
feek61 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NOT Russia Posts: 1,274 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP I have a stupid question; how are you planning on masking the windows after you seal it up and prime and paint the exterior? Just curious. Thanks

09-08-2010, 11:03 PM	#146
GeneralFROSTY Banned Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: 1/350 Enterprise-A build -- WIP Been keeping busy scraping away all that thick, layered on paint from the glue areas. I'm still cursing at myself for not thinking of taking the time to mask all that off BEFORE light blocking, but you live and learn. Took a break from scraping to seal the outside of the shuttle bay with foil tape. I'm hoping this helps spread the light out pretty good as I'm not totally satisified with the number of LEDs the Trekmodeler kit gives you to light the secondary hull (which are also used to light the shuttle bay AND arboretum)