Large Scale USS Excelsior Class Ships - Whats out there?

[OpticsJedi]

I was told NDAs prevent anybody from talking about it until it's officially released for sale, which is kind've silly since they've already got 18 pre-sales and looking for 7 more....so technically it's already released for sale.

I generally stay out of this stuff, but jeez, this is scary. Poorly worded, collector’s book is still being written and still leaving excuses for why it may not be delivered again! Wow.

I would be frightened if I were one of the pre-order folks. The preview pics were awful with warped parts all over.

These folks should be sharing pics NOW if this product is legit. I’m worried this will be another Anovos story for many people.

PROJECT UPDATES​

UPDATE 04/04/2022:
Upper Saucer and Nacelle Botton and Caps Master Molds Created
UPDATE 04/04/2022:
Decal Replacement Cost updated on product listing page
UPDATE 04/04/2022:
WHEN:
All Kits are on track to Ship Late April./ Early May 2022 (this means that all purchased kits will ship at the same time as opposed to the two per week staggered system as previously mentioned in Alder updates.)
WHY:
We are currently awaiting the professional printed decals from microscale, and some aspects of the final instructions for the assembly as well as the collector book are still being written. (we will not ship an incomplete product.)
ARE THERE ANY OTHER REASONS FOR DELAYS:
The answer to this question is yes and no the reason being know there are not any other reasons for delays with the exception of any potentially needed supplies in terms of urethanes or resins or silicones needed in the production of the kits may or may not be available at the time due to the limitations of the supply chain in its current state but that's another story so the tentative answer to this question is no!
WHO:
25 Pre-order customers will be able to use a password provided after purchase to log into Kit Lists page to track updates on purchase, and shipmenmt. (password if lost can be resent to individual by contacting EAD.)

OK this project began in June 2020 originally the project was supposed to be 1/350th scaled ship and not even a glorious premium format kit with all the bells and whistles that it is now unfortunately that was going to cost $1600 for a prototype of which quick molds were going to be made and castings sent off to each of the individual people that would've paid into the portion of that not one single person was interested.

In a forum where there has been discussion for years there was an opportunity and no one seized it.

So the following week the creative Director of EAD purchased a master that was made out of FDM 3-D printer filament it actually was pretty decent and it had some work that could've been done now about the same time he whose name shall not be mentioned at his request was asked if he could provide his 3-D model for a better master because now people showed interest in a 537 scaled kit.

Well just call this person SM and his model believe it or not was decent but he was still learning the ropes as a modeler and unfortunately that wouldn't be known to the team until fairly late or in the game when a certain person named CR was brought in to print in SLA the second master that the entire kit was supposed to be based on. So at this point the premium format kit was formulated to include Aztecs, and Mr. Dalmaso, was invited to assist he accepted, Mr. Peacock was invited to assist with lighting he accepted. So for the most part the team had been flushed out and one more gentleman was brought on board Mr. RM who also prefers not to be named because he's going to transition into a different hobby for a while. No none of these people would have come together on this project if it were a scam by which it must be made clear that it is not a scam and is still going to be completed and it will be only delayed by Amir matter of weeks not months weeks....

 

[DeLoreanDMC81]

Chronicle Collectibles did this exact sort of thing. They had a pre-order for their Jurassic Park Night Vision Goggles, which I foolishly did. A year or 2 went by and it was always the same, oh, we're waiting for this. We're waiting for that. But don't worry everything is coming along nicely. Then one day I see that they filed for bankruptcy, their website was pretty much suspended and I was out almost $500.

This is why I will NEVER pre-order anything, ever again.

And maybe this company, building the Excelsior model, is credible, but I'm leaning towards the, no, side. Especially if the "product" is being released in a few weeks and no progress pictures have been posted. There are no actual photos of the actual model being produced. Nothing. And, if they just jump all over someone with taking legal action against them, Something is wrong here. And NDA's, those are only for people working behind the scenes on a particular product, or if a person(s) has direct contact/information/knowledge about the product. Normal, everyday citizens would have no business with an NDA, because nothing is being told to us. Usually whenever someone threatens legal action, for something like this, it is merely a scare tactic.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[bwize]

Well, looks like another false promise. Still no updated parts photos and it is 11:30AM West coast time. I mean come on, just show us the !*&# pics. How hard is that and why are they being so constipated about it??!! If they truly are 3-4 weeks away from shipping these (which I do not see happening at his point) they should already have at least one complete kit ready to go in a box.

I get it that they have had some unforeseen setbacks but just be transparent about it as we all know !@$* happens.

Hopefully photos are going to be shared sometime today and all our fears will be squelched.

 

[Jediscum]

it is not a scam and is still going to be completed and it will be only delayed by Amir matter of weeks not months weeks....

Claiming a product is licensed when it is not could be considered a "scam."

​

Is Jamie Hood a member here?

 

[Starbase101]

I talked with Alex for over an hour again this morning and he claims photos are still coming. Decals are expected to arrive within 2 to 6 weeks (6 being an unlikely worst-case scenario) and he's confident all the kit parts can be cast within that timeframe to be ready for shipping when the decals arrive from Microscale. I feel he's more concerned about posting "perfect" photos than he is about just getting any photos posted. Licensed or not (I don't care), signed by Takei or not (again, don't care), I still believe I'll be receiving the kit this spring.

 

[Pepperbone]

I still believe I'll be receiving the kit this spring.

That would be wonderful.

 

[bwize]

I talked with Alex for over an hour again this morning and he claims photos are still coming. Decals are expected to arrive within 2 to 6 weeks (6 being an unlikely worst-case scenario) and he's confident all the kit parts can be cast within that timeframe to be ready for shipping when the decals arrive from Microscale. I feel he's more concerned about posting "perfect" photos than he is about just getting any photos posted. Licensed or not (I don't care), signed by Takei or not (again, don't care), I still believe I'll be receiving the kit this spring.

Alex has told me the same thing concerning posting perfect photos. Enough is enough, post the damn pics and quit worrying about what we will think of them, it's all part of the process. He may even appreciate some constructive criticism by all of us Excelsior enthusiasts . There is a photo on page 6 or 7 of this thread of the upper saucer azteced for testing. If that is indeed the 1/537 upper saucer, then just claim it as that part looks absolutely amazing. The windows, grid lines and all look excellent, as compared to earlier images.

This pic coming today, this morning etc then NOTHING is getting real !*&^%$ old. Alex needs to post these pics ASAP or I may just loose my mind.

 

[edge10]

Alex has told me the same thing concerning posting perfect photos. Enough is enough, post the damn pics and quit worrying about what we will think of them, it's all part of the process. He may even appreciate some constructive criticism by all of us Excelsior enthusiasts . There is a photo on page 6 or 7 of this thread of the upper saucer azteced for testing. If that is indeed the 1/537 upper saucer, then just claim it as that part looks absolutely amazing. The windows, grid lines and all look excellent, as compared to earlier images.

This pic coming today, this morning etc then NOTHING is getting real !*&^%$ old. Alex needs to post these pics ASAP or I may just loose my mind.

Maybe he would, if Starbase didn't keep on the phone, for 2 hours, out of the last 24.

 

[Starbase101]

Maybe he would, if Starbase didn't keep on the phone, for 2 hours, out of the last 24.

That's exactly what I kept telling him on the phone, but people get to talking about things, ya know?

 

[bwize]

Well, another day gone by with promises of photo updates and NOTHING! They really need to get their a$$ in gear and I am really growing tired and weary of this. Imagine how those who have been waiting since 2020 feel!

I just can not comprehend why they are not at least showing us some of the parts for lords sake. I mean those of us whom have purchased this kit deserve to see what we are getting ASAP!

All the info Alex gave to starbase could have/should have been placed on the kits website page, FRONT AND CENTER, rather than have to dig it out of the cellar. Their own Product Updates section hasn't been updated in two days and still list photos coming 4/8/22.

Why would you not keep your "investors" (those who pre-ordered the kit) up to date on the process???!!! This is not a difficult thing to do and says a lot for the company's professionalism and experience with producing a commercial model kit of this scope and scale.

I can only hope that they can see the multiple lessons to be learned from their failure of trying to put this kit out. If this model kit or company dies before it can be released, I will NEVER trust another "garage kit" company ever again. And refunds had better go out without delay or hiccups if this model kit goes down like the Titanic.

Rant over, sorry. Just stressed out over this as I absolutely love the Excelsior design and really wanted something bigger than the AMT kit.

 

[Starbase101]

Rant over, sorry. Just stressed out over this as I absolutely love the Excelsior design and really wanted something bigger than the AMT kit.

Alex is probably at least twice as stressed out over it as you or anybody else. There have been a lot of things going on in his life, family sacrifices that I personally wouldn't have made myself, in order to keep this project moving forwards. It's not my place to divulge the details of somebody else's personal affairs, but I do agree that photos - any (recent) photos - should have been posted today. All I can guess is something more pressing must have come up. I know most people will undoubtedly interpret that as another excuse, and maybe I am too naive, but accepting that he's probably in over his head at this point it would still be wise for him to come out for air and show a little consideration for the people who have backed him on this project.

Alex, photos should have been posted today. You said they would be, and they have not been. You understand how this looks, right?

 

[bwize]

Starbase101, I am not sure Alex even looks at this thread? Some have said he is Opticsjedi, but that does not seem to be the case, at least to me.

Alex, if you do indeed see this, I understand that there are some personal drama going on behind the scenes for your. But here is some tough love, those should be separate from your business life. It has been stated here numerous times that there is a TEAM of people working on this project. For the love of God delegate to these other members if your personal life is too demanding. You and the team have an obligation to those of us who have paid thousands of dollars to your company for this kit to be produced to show us what we have purchased.

At your own admission, you have some parts pulled from their molds that you or someone on your team could photograph quickly and easily to share with this us all.

Me: [waves hand in front of you like a Jedi] You will show us the photos NOW!
Alex: [blank stare] I will show you all the photos NOW

You are a gluten for punishment if you continue to delay in sharing these updated photos and I have no sympathy for you if you do so. I wish I/we could get you to understand that simply sharing some photos of these parts could and probably would save you so much stress and headache and calm the natives until phots of the complete kit are available, metal parts and all.

But like I said, you seem to want to keep us all pi$$ed and stressed, which is very questionable and unprofessional.

 

[bwize]

Well, here is the laser cut connecting dorsal that Alex shared with me btw. I really don't understand why he has not already uploaded this by now. Alex said it showed the shop in the background so I cropped the background out for the most part. I really don't care if it upsets you, sorry, people need to see this as you seem to not be interested in sharing photos..

 

[Starbase101]

Starbase101, I am not sure Alex even looks at this thread? Some have said he is Opticsjedi, but that does not seem to be the case, at least to me.

Yes, I believe OpticsJedi is Alex - the voice-to-text he uses for posts, emails, and text messages is consistent with the style in OpticsJedi's posts, and the content mirrors phone discussions.

 

[bwize]

From Opticsjedi:

" worst part of it all is that during this whole time the creative Director who is estranged from his seven-year-old daughter recently learned that she was basically abandoned at home by her mother for eight months and nobody knows about the whereabouts of where the mother was and he's going into court within days of releasing the kid to take full custody of this estranged daughter so any support for just the job and dedication they've invested into this project and ensuring all the details are just right by release, I am sure would be greatly welcomed and appreciated."

This tells me that he is not Alex as he talks about the creative director and his personal drama which is also what Alex has shared with me over the phone.

 

[publiusr]

hello mr jbreplicas,
have you ever thought of scratch building a big version of the craft your self ?,
here is my own attempt at a bigger mark one enterprise.#

keep safe and well regards Barrie ( the old guy )View attachment 1563856View attachment 1563857View attachment 1563858View attachment 1563859View attachment 1563860

Better skills than me!

 

[Starbase101]

From Opticsjedi:

" worst part of it all is that during this whole time the creative Director who is estranged from his seven-year-old daughter recently learned that she was basically abandoned at home by her mother for eight months and nobody knows about the whereabouts of where the mother was and he's going into court within days of releasing the kid to take full custody of this estranged daughter so any support for just the job and dedication they've invested into this project and ensuring all the details are just right by release, I am sure would be greatly welcomed and appreciated."

This tells me that he is not Alex as he talks about the creative director and his personal drama which is also what Alex has shared with me over the phone.

That 7-year-old daughter is Alex's daughter. Ergo, "creative director" = Alex
(besides, he said so to me over the phone)

 

[joberg]

Not having a solid strategy/business plan is a big no-no Strange, 'cause the Web...you know: hundreds of models of business plans can be seen/downloaded by anybody The "One-Man-Show" is a very dangerous/precarious position to be in when you know that real life has a tendency to rear its ugly head!! You have to prepare for the unpreparable...period! Knee-jerk reactions are never good for any business!
I hope that it's a lesson learned for everyone involved in this affair and that, in the end, it'll be a success and not a failure

 

[Starbase101]

I hope that it's a lesson learned for everyone involved in this affair and that, in the end, it'll be a success and not a failure

The lesson learned is he's not planning to do any more Star Trek kits after this Excelsior gets shipped. The stress and impact on personal life has been too great. He should take a vacation afterwards, like take his fiancé and estranged daughter to Disneyland or something. Although he'd like to have a complete 1/537 "fleet" with the Grissom slated to be next after the Excelsior, those plans and all future kits are indefinitely suspended. Like I keep saying, even if this kit ships before any promised photos of it show up online, it will still be a happy day when getting the delivery from EAD and unpacking this gem.

 

[OpticsJedi]

Part II.

Mind you that in order to get this fairly general timeline and story of the development of this all the way up until the issues is actually divulging time that the team could be dedicating to getting that major update with all of the photos of all of the parts that everyone has been requesting that are supposed to drop today so I think everybody again for the self caused delays because that's what this has become.

EAD has a job to do end it is difficult to imagine that their ability to perform that job is made any easier by the constant stresses and anxieties coming from all directions of hearsay and gee dunk that's being spread like butter on toast at every corner possible in fact by some people who are later additions to the team (those people have been put on notice because they do not represent EAD as corporate or legal officers and therefore cannot disclose information let alone put any false hoods out there without any concrete evidence or proofs)

But let's focus of the update... Some of you were wondering why nothing was posted last night but I can safely say that if it's not this evening it will definitely be before tomorrow morning. Safety in the workshop is a paramount and Alex took a much needed rest.

PEOPLE will get to see exactly what they are getting by. MONDAY EVENING AT THE LATEST!