PL/R2 TOS 1/350 Enterprise mold problems?

salemsfguy

New Member
Hey All-

So I often read what I consider "generic" modeling sites: Hyperscale, Cybermodeler, and Modeling Madness to be specific.

I like their reviews (the build reviews are always the best I think) but I realize that not all the reviewers have the level of subject knowledge that is often seen in specialist sites (such as The RPF, Starship Modeler, Armorama, PMMS, etc.) so I often take those reviews with a grain of salt and realize they may not know about all the issues for a given kit because of that.

So last night I was catching up on Modeling Madness (http://modelingmadness.com/) and I ran across a review of the PL/R2 (same now I guess?) 1/350 TOS Enterprise.

This is a grail kit for me but I've held back from buying it due to a number of issues. But I still remember going to bed after my dad and I finished the original AMT Enterprise w/ grain-o-wheat light bulbs (long box) with the glue still setting... then I woke up in the middle of the night and ran out, grabbed the model, and zoomed it thru the dark house with only the Enterprise lights to guide me... certainly the best of times.

I've been thinking I should grab one of the 1/350 TOS kits to put aside just in case I am able to build it (and have a place to store it) but I've held back, mostly due to the cost.

Anyways I was shocked to read the review (http://modelingmadness.com/review/misc/scifi/previews/938-04.htm) and see such things as:

However, be noted that due to age and the fact many of the parts still uses the original mold, there are flash and mold studs everywhere. Some of which you can see in the photos. The worst are the warp pylons. They are slightly warped upwards, meaning you need to straighten them out when it is time to assemble them.

And after all the discussions about the pylons needing additional support:

I would add some metal rods to them to keep them straight and prevent sagging cause as mentioned, the pylons have sagged through mold aging.

So this kit is only like 6 years old, right? Are the molds really shot already? If I go out and buy one of the newer releases of this kit am I going to see this?

I really worried because if this is true, what sort of state are other molds in? I'd like to get a J2 someday. And really molds only last that long? I want a Proteus too but was in no hurry to buy, Maybe I should be?

I could see his comments if he was talking about the original AMT kit but I'd expect the new releases to still be pristine.

Is this a bad review or am I expecting too much?

Anyone buy the most recent boxing able to comment?

Thanks,

Brad.
 
Just today, my Polar Lights 1/350 TOS Enterprise arrived. The courier woke me from a deep sleep - something I was happy to have happen. I wasn't going to open it until I was ready to begin work, but now I will, because you've made me a little apprehensive about my purchase. I've been a member for a while, but not posted before, and if there ever was a reason to break radio silence, this is it.

(Some moments later)

Right, I have checked the pylons against my steel rule, and they do bow outwards very slightly. They're are curved so that the ends are ~1-1.5mm (3/64-5/64") higher than the center. When gluing together, this will obviously mean quite a gap at the ends.

Flash isn't too widespread, I'm sure I saw worse on aircraft kits back in the late 80s. There's plenty on the sprue in my kit, although some of the windows in it have a little flash on them, and aren't perfectly square.

If you would like, I can take some photos and post them here for you. Overall, I would say that there's nothing badly wrong with this kit, and what little is wrong can be easily fixed with a sharp knife, and a hairdryer (or a heavy book and a few weeks).
 
That reviewer does have some facts wrong, mainly the paint color. But the problem with the bowed pylons has been present since the first issue. The solution suggested by R2 is to apply a good bead of tube glue along all of the inner honeycomb structure and clamp it down on a hard surface under a stack of heavy books. This should ensure a straight fit and negate the need for any extra support.
 
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