USS Reliant 1/537 scale model help for a beginner

uuuh, no! not in my opinion, it is allot of model even for an experienced modeler. i would really get another model to practice on before taking this monster on, get good at filling seams, air brushing, setting decals, and understanding at least the basics of lighting and working with leds and light blocking.

It's not so much that this kit is tough to do, it's really engineered pretty well and should build easily enough. It's the lighting and decals that will be a lot of work, plus it's pricey. Like trooper says, start with something smaller and cheaper, and work up to it.

Any idea then for beginner models? Can be anything but some thing star trek would be nice.

Ace2020boyd said:

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Any idea then for beginner models? Can be anything but some thing star trek would be nice.

The 1:537 USS Reliant model might be a good start.

There seems to be a lot more interest in this particular model recently.
I have one that I'm going to build in a few months as well. It will be my 2nd 1:350 Enterprise.

DB537 said:

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The 1:537 USS Reliant model might be a good start.

exactly what i was thinking
you can add on details like aztek paint masks from aztak dummy , brass etched details from PARAGRAFIX, and clear parts as well as more accurate resin parts from dons light and magic . this kit could get you started in the right direction, and learn new tricks along the way.

trooper said:

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exactly what i was thinking
you can add on details like aztek paint masks from aztak dummy , brass etched details from PARAGRAFIX, and clear parts as well as more accurate resin parts from dons light and magic . this kit could get you started in the right direction, and learn new tricks along the way.

You were reading my mind there. I had ALMOST typed up the exact same parts list as you have, but decided not to.

The Reliant would be a great starting point. While it's similar enough to the Enterprise in a lot of ways that are helpful if you intend to build the 1:350 later on, it's also a lot smaller and less complicated. The new release has corrected details and aztec decals as well, which is great if you despise detail painting as much as I do.

trooper said:

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exactly what i was thinking
you can add on details like aztek paint masks from aztak dummy , brass etched details from PARAGRAFIX, and clear parts as well as more accurate resin parts from dons light and magic . this kit could get you started in the right direction, and learn new tricks along the way.

What excatly are brass etched details from PARAGRAFIX?

Yeah USS Reliant seems like a good way to start! Is there places where you can get lights for it? I want to try to get a list of everything i need before i dig into something like this but so far thank alot with the help.

i just bought these today in fact for my upcoming build

1/537 USS RELIANT - STAR TREK PHOTO ETCH DETAIL SET by PARAGRAFIX # 159 FOR AMT | eBay

As others have mentioned, no.

I'm on the same journey as you are though!

http://www.therpf.com/f11/tale-four-...d-prey-150550/

It's slow for me because I'm discovering things along the way which is fine, it makes you think more about what you're doing. Right now I'm waiting for fiber in the mail.

If you do the Reliant make sure to get the reissue from Round 2, they corrected some of the problems from the old AMT kit.

Ace2020boyd said:

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Any idea then for beginner models? Can be anything but some thing star trek would be nice.

You can very well start with a Reliant, but without lights!
Get your bearing on how to assemble the kit. See where you have problme thre. Get used to putty and sanding. Test your legs on detail paint work, onhow to apply decals first. Before you attemtp to light a modell. At least that would be my advice.

I recommend you check out this guys videos on his build. Just Google "From TrekWorks Round 2 Models U.S.S. Reliant 1/537" I don't think he is a RPF member and he doesn't claim to be a professional model builder but his stuff looks great IMO and he does a good job on his videos keeping stuff simple for people like me.

Caladonis said:

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I recommend you check out this guys videos on his build. Just Google "From TrekWorks Round 2 Models U.S.S. Reliant 1/537" I don't think he is a RPF member and he doesn't claim to be a professional model builder but his stuff looks great IMO and he does a good job on his videos keeping stuff simple for people like me.

Yeah, I saw his videos about 3 days ago. Pretty awesome. I would love to do this model with lights but would love to have a light kit for it.

this is the light kit you will want, he also has many others as well. tell him you would like it programmed to the reliant and he will do it for you...tell him jerry say's hi

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Are the lights from him all 1 color or will he make it so that the lights match the colors that are on the ship? Also thanks for the link.

everything that ive got from him have the correct colors, it doesnt hurt to ask him he usually pretty qiuck on responding.

Any tips on building this model? I noticed people talked about sanding and putty. Im guessing for sanding down the tab on some of the pieces but the putty im not quite to sure off.

not sure if anyone posted yet - but check out this site for lighting kits.
Star Trek Model Parts

For decals always use microset and microsol. Put a coat of gloss over the model before applying decals and it will make the clear edges dissapere and give it a painted on look.

How do you spell dissapere anyway? lol Forgot to add - after the decals are dry, spray another gloss coat and then dulcoat to finish it off and seal them in.

cygnusmodels said:

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How do you spell dissapere anyway?

disappear.

Great advice though and thanks for the link. A Reliant is my next project so I'll be watching this thread!