TOS Enterprise: 18" AMT New Build

saarno

Hi everyone,

I have started a new thread with pictures of my new build up of the AMT re-issued TOS Enterprise. I will end up marking this as the USS Constitution using JT Graphics decals.

I have begun this as I'm finishing the re-build of my old original pressing of the AMT TOS Enterprise.



AMT TOS Enterprise Re-build

phase pistol

The classic!

Original issue AMT kits are "screenused props" in the show, you know: the battered Constellation in "Deadly Years", Enterprise out the office window in "Trouble with Tribbles", the destroyed Lexington (?) in "Ultimate Computer" if I remember correctly....

Great model!

JMChladek

Only thing is the original issue 18" kit was a bit different from the current one as Saarno has shown with his other build. So to be a proper 18" AMT "studio model" one needs to use an earlier issue long box Enterprise kit. The saucers are close, but the secondary hull and nacelles underwent a few changes when AMT retooled the thing.

Actually, it was the Excalibur that got trashed in "Ultimate Computer". For those shots, the effects guys just used stock footage distance shots of the Constellation. They never built another model. A few years ago, the clean 18" model (presumably used in "Trouble with Tribbles") got auctioned off. I don't know what the final selling price was.

saarno

Yeah, these AMT kits got around quite a bit back then!

I couldn't find the 'Doomsday' or 'Tribble' TOS models in the Christies auction site, but the small model of the Enterprise / Enterprise-A used in a couple of the films was a built-up AMT kit, according to the description. It sold at auction for a mere $50,400. I've got the exact same model on my shelf!

- - It gives one a whole new appreciation for what these little guys can become in the right situations....

DrMcoy

QUESTION: Why glue the nacelle front caps in place? Why not paint them loose and then attach to engine nacelles as this would make it easier to mask the front hemispheres off for painting red or orange etc etc?

i ask as I am about to build mine and always find this part of the build and paint job very tricky.

division 6

Anyone else seeing the gap where the saucer meets the neck.
Even with chopping the insert piece it still has a gap at the front and back on all 3 of mine.
Also had to remove the guide pins off on of the engines so it would line up.

saarno

Actually, I wish I could have kept then separate as the masking is difficult. But I wanted to do some seem sealing around where the caps and nacelles join together and make them look solid before I dusted the whole ship with multiple base coats. I will set aside plenty of time to do a thorough masking.

saarno

I have the same space on mine, too. There is really no way to make them flush to the saucer without seem sealing. I shortened the inset piece and leveled off the top portion of the connector. Still I had space. The AMT pieces aren't made with the precision that they should be. As careful as I was, I also had an uneven edge at the front end of the nacelle tubes, even though the struts and back end caps were flush. Had to do some sanding and filing.

DrMcoy

Thanks saarno -- makes perfect sense. Good luck with your build.

I believe mine will be a few steps down on the "precision" scale. I may putty a few seams, but not gonna go crazy...but I admire the efforts and patience and skill you must have to complete yours this way. Can't wait to see more progress pics.

saarno

Retro kits:

I lucked out on Ebay and picked up 3 1983 issue AMT TOS E kits and 1 1968 issue kit for $30! 3 of them are still inthe original wrapping - never opened. Gotta admit the grid lines do look better on this size kit. DEcided to buildup this new kit with a lighting system. Glad I dry fit most of the parts, only have to pop apart the saucer and start drilling windows.

JMChladek

Thats a nice score. So what are you planning for the 1983 issues? Planning to perhaps do some Franz Joseph designs based kitbashes?

division 6

I'm working on those right now.
So far working on the Heavy, Scout and Destroyer, still need to pick up a kit for the Tug/Transport.

I went with scribing the panel lines since the Round 2's are smoothies, have the top of the saucers done so far, working on fixing a few mistakes I made.

saarno

I'm thinking I'll be usig these kits to build up three new TOS class, but using the lighting harness I've designed for the new one I'm building now. Now that I have (pretty much) a system set up, I want to see how easily (and quickly) I can make the lighting kit on the bench and install into a built hull. I'll be marking with different names, and for at least one, I'll be ordering the clear nacelle caps for the rotating bussard lights.

saarno

Been a while since my last post. Hope everyone is having a good season. Now that the cold weather is here, no more outdoor projects for a while, so I can do some more on the rebuilds in the evening - all except painting.

spacerone

I'm working on one of these kits myself. I think I want to add some electronics to bring it to life. look forward to seeing your completed ship.

saarno

I haven't been on the site since January. THis past winter was a tough one and spent most of the time moving snow. This Spring is looking to be busy with house renovations and web design work. I am planning to set aside a corner of the garage work for this model. Good to hear you're working on the same one. The new pressings are pretty good and lend themselves to customization. I'll be posting my progress pics.

Chrisisall

Pix. We NEED pix!

saarno

Hello everyone. It's been a long time in posting this update - work takes up serious time. lol.

I have my lighting system in place - needs some tuning, but it is coming out nice. Here's a link to the pics:

AMT TOS Enterprise Re-build

Scroll down to the 'Lighting - August 2011' section.

saarno

Question - has anyone purchased the resin bussard caps from JT Graphics for this AMT model and successfully backlit them?

trekriffic

You mean these?
http://www.jt-graphics.com/images/JTR/JTR-033_pac.jpg

saarno

yup, those are the ones. The images look good - especially the fan blades behind the dome.

trekriffic

Man I'd like to see someone try and light that up too.

crowe t

saarno, Very nice build so far!

Any updates?

saarno

I've done a couple things since my last pic post. Work and holidays have really been taking up alot of time.

Our October storm brought a ton of damage and we've all been spending hours with our newest best friends - the chain saw. Must have cut up 2 chords of downed wood. All set for fires this winter. whew....

I'll be able to get some new pics posted.

JMChladek

Ahhh welcome back saarno!