Large Scale USS Excelsior Class Ships - Whats out there?
- Thread starter JBReplicas
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Rangel
New Member
The only miracle is that he's put in jail and doesn't scam anyone else again. However, there would be victory in numbers, but there are too many in both groups that are "devoted" to following St. Alex. That prevents an overwhelming response that the FBI, FTC, or BBB couldn't ignore, but PT Barnum was right.Ded.
Seriously though, my sympathies for anyone who got taken. I sincerely hope for a miracle and Alex is just the worst ever at customer service and interaction. And deadlines. (Not holding my breath on that though).
From ATG's (Alexander the Great) FB page: How dare customers create a hostile work place by asking legitimate questions and not being idiots....
(Read it and then shake your head appropriately; yes, he actually thinks this.)
It's bad when you have to steal other bad model pics for your own bad model........WOW, just wow. What a joke. Who knows who's model that really is. So pathetic!
Why in the heck is he sending you old photos?? Did you ask him?
So, why are you still posting these? Is it to show the lunacy of the "$500 worth of model he's trying to sell?" I think that many of us have more than established what actually is going on here and the other groups that have been scammed by him, so are you showing these for the humor value? We know why he's not posting on his website; those have been seen by the other victims of this scam before and do not show the progress that should be achieved after two years of work, there would just be more outrage at him. Those are the same USS Mudpie pics that when criticized by us, he quickly announces, "well, these are old photos!" (Sound familiar?) Our Group Chat has heard that phrase so many times that it has us swallowing the bile that comes up in our throats.
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joberg
Legendary Member
In the world of investment/finance scams the word "Pyramid Scheme" comes to mind...I wonder if we could find a specific name for our world of props/models scams I know that we have "Re-caster" already, but these are following the same known patterns:
Pay in full up front while showing "First mock-up pics" (might not be their work/mock-up in the first place)
Very poor customer service/communication in general.
Excuses not to show any progress/pics/communication: sick relatives, own health problems, molds/results are not up to the level of "quality" expected. Insults, threats/bans and the likes.
Looking/registering on the RPF to spy or engage in deception, assuming a "I'm a new member here or I know the person you're talking about and..."
Did I miss anything?
I know that we have "Re-caster" already, but these are following the same known patterns:Pay in full up front while showing "First mock-up pics" (might not be their work/mock-up in the first place)
Very poor customer service/communication in general.
Excuses not to show any progress/pics/communication: sick relatives, own health problems, molds/results are not up to the level of "quality" expected. Insults, threats/bans and the likes.
Looking/registering on the RPF to spy or engage in deception, assuming a "I'm a new member here or I know the person you're talking about and..."
Did I miss anything?
steam235
New Member
The newest twist is theIn the world of investment/finance scams the word "Pyramid Scheme" comes to mind...I wonder if we could find a specific name for our world of props/models scams
Pay in full up front while showing "First mock-up pics" (might not be their work/mock-up in the first place)
Very poor customer service/communication in general.
Excuses not to show any progress/pics/communication: sick relatives, own health problems, molds/results are not up to the level of "quality" expected. Insults, threats/bans and the likes.
Looking/registering on the RPF to spy or engage in deception, assuming a "I'm a new member here or I know the person you're talking about and..."
Did I miss anything?
“I have a team of professionals involved.”
“This is so good it’s being licensed!”
“I can’t share without permission from professional X or official company X”
ATG conned a lot of people here. He conned other artist into getting parts made, decals and electronic made to make his USS Mudpie, he also used these people to help say he was legitimate. Most of these artist were not given anything not even shipping to get said components to him to find out he has no idea what he was doing. If there is a market out there for abstract starship art they maybe impressed but us builder and artists not a section of that master was up to par after ATG got a hold of it. ATG the great did take great pics of what he did receive and conned others into his scam. This project went south a year ago now with no hope from him to create a professional piece nor provide great customer service. He may had gone into this with the best intentions ( at least I hope so ) but quickly got in over his head and the scam began with old pic updates and hiding behind a license that doesn't exist. Round 2 had there Grissom proudly displayed at Wonderfest last year way before production began. If his hands were tied why would it take over a year to get permission to show pictures? Doesn't add up. I see no reason at this point to post anything he texts or emails out, he already has lied lied lied. If members here actually get a package in the mail from him I would be interested in seeing what they got. stop giving him a free place to advertise and potentially steal more money from others.
Rangel
New Member
On the moneyIn the world of investment/finance scams the word "Pyramid Scheme" comes to mind...I wonder if we could find a specific name for our world of props/models scams
Pay in full up front while showing "First mock-up pics" (might not be their work/mock-up in the first place)
Very poor customer service/communication in general.
Excuses not to show any progress/pics/communication: sick relatives, own health problems, molds/results are not up to the level of "quality" expected. Insults, threats/bans and the likes.
Looking/registering on the RPF to spy or engage in deception, assuming a "I'm a new member here or I know the person you're talking about and..."
Did I miss anything?
Grumpyoldman
New Member
Hi all,
To introduce myself, I made some of the detail parts for this now alleged project. It was a simple arrangement - detail parts in exchange for a free or reduced price kit. Alex originally contacted me through my Shapeways account, if I recall correctly, asking to use my parts. I did the aft torpedo launcher, deflector dish, lower sensor dome, NX bridge, dekoids, neck inserts, NX impulse crystal, and likely several others. I'd have to look it all up. Some of these parts were simply upscaled versions of detail parts that I had already done to dress up and detail the properly licensed AMT/ERTL Excelsior kit. As a result, I'm out of time and effort, plus the CAD files, but not money. However, I now realize that I will likely never receive my Excelsior model.
Well, I did my part and largely went radio silent. I have a day job and to be honest largely lost interest in the project. Last year, I did start to seriously question whether this project would ever come to fruition largely due to the rants that Alex was tossing around, many full of vitriol. That didn't sound proper to me, for obvious reasons. The lack of a clear timetable and poor organization stood out. I also began to internally question whether the model was really officially licensed as he claimed as it seemed doubtful that Paramount or Viacom or CBS or whomever owns the rights would allow a licensed project to become this bogged down, with this much drama.
Now, all of this...
All I can say is, wow... What a mess. Posting pictures of one model claiming that its "the model," when it isn't. Missed deadlines. On and on. I hate realizing that people have very likely been taken for a ride, and that I may have been, too. I must wonder if people with certain skills or something to offer were asked to participate to give the project the appearance of propriety. This way, pictures of decals or detail parts or lighting kits or whatever could be shown or at least teased, generating interest and perhaps stringing the unsuspecting along. And, we fell into the trap, lured by the opportunity to obtain a free or reduced price licensed model of one of our favorite ships.
Dammit...
It may not have started out that way. Perhaps there really was a real model lurking in the background waiting to be produced, and I truly hope that was the case. However, I think its clear that isn't a model now, at least not one that we're likely to see anytime soon. I am extremely disappointed and disillusioned, to say the least.
I haven't been harmed in a pecuniary way, but its clear to me that others very well may have been. If you believe that you have been monetarily harmed, then you may wish to follow the steps that others have outlined earlier in this thread.
So say we all.
To introduce myself, I made some of the detail parts for this now alleged project. It was a simple arrangement - detail parts in exchange for a free or reduced price kit. Alex originally contacted me through my Shapeways account, if I recall correctly, asking to use my parts. I did the aft torpedo launcher, deflector dish, lower sensor dome, NX bridge, dekoids, neck inserts, NX impulse crystal, and likely several others. I'd have to look it all up. Some of these parts were simply upscaled versions of detail parts that I had already done to dress up and detail the properly licensed AMT/ERTL Excelsior kit. As a result, I'm out of time and effort, plus the CAD files, but not money. However, I now realize that I will likely never receive my Excelsior model.
Well, I did my part and largely went radio silent. I have a day job and to be honest largely lost interest in the project. Last year, I did start to seriously question whether this project would ever come to fruition largely due to the rants that Alex was tossing around, many full of vitriol. That didn't sound proper to me, for obvious reasons. The lack of a clear timetable and poor organization stood out. I also began to internally question whether the model was really officially licensed as he claimed as it seemed doubtful that Paramount or Viacom or CBS or whomever owns the rights would allow a licensed project to become this bogged down, with this much drama.
Now, all of this...
All I can say is, wow... What a mess. Posting pictures of one model claiming that its "the model," when it isn't. Missed deadlines. On and on. I hate realizing that people have very likely been taken for a ride, and that I may have been, too. I must wonder if people with certain skills or something to offer were asked to participate to give the project the appearance of propriety. This way, pictures of decals or detail parts or lighting kits or whatever could be shown or at least teased, generating interest and perhaps stringing the unsuspecting along. And, we fell into the trap, lured by the opportunity to obtain a free or reduced price licensed model of one of our favorite ships.
Dammit...
It may not have started out that way. Perhaps there really was a real model lurking in the background waiting to be produced, and I truly hope that was the case. However, I think its clear that isn't a model now, at least not one that we're likely to see anytime soon. I am extremely disappointed and disillusioned, to say the least.
I haven't been harmed in a pecuniary way, but its clear to me that others very well may have been. If you believe that you have been monetarily harmed, then you may wish to follow the steps that others have outlined earlier in this thread.
So say we all.
bwize
Sr Member
Well, as expected, the EAD email is no longer found, and the EAD website is displaying the following. I doubt it will ever return.
We're Just Fixing A
We hope to be back online very soon.
Please try again in a few minutes.
(Error 500)
Still having problems? Contact Support
We're Just Fixing A
Few Things!
We hope to be back online very soon.Please try again in a few minutes.
(Error 500)
Still having problems? Contact Support
modelerdave
Sr Member
This seems to be working, FWIW (i.e., not much): https://www.epitome-ad.com/product-page/1537-scale-premium-format-excelsior-model-kit
Starbase101
Sr Member
The site is working for me, but with nothing updated since 4/7 on the Excelsior page and nothing updated since 4/11 on the "Daily Update Photos" you're not missing anything. Oh, except a Spring Sale Event where you can save 20% on everything until 4/14 - so y'all better get your Excelsior kits ordered!
modelerdave
Sr Member
It's definitely up. I did a force reload of the page and then checked in a browser I've never used to access the site to make sure it wasn't cached. But Starbase101 is right, there is no new info.
Millenniumf
Sr Member
As I'm struggling to find anything to make me less angry at this situation, I choose to find amusement in the fact that he called himself "OpticsJedi". Optics are used in politics to make yourself look good, regardless of your actual worth as a human being. And good optics are necessary for anyone to consider giving you money for preordering a product of this level of expense or greater. On top of that, the implication that he's a Jedi in the realm of optics... Makes me kind of laugh at the sheer audacity at this point, considering how poorly he treats any criticism of his scam. What a joke of a con artist.
But in all seriousness, I had some money saved up for a large kit of some kind, as I'm in the mood for something big to work on, and I was briefly considering preordering this kit because I honestly want a huge Excelsior kit for a decent price (as in, below "Lunar Models Excelsior aftermarket cost" price). However, the photos of the "masters" screamed amateur to me, and then I saw the CGI mockups of the book and certificate. And then I saw the rest of the crap on his website... I've been around the block enough times to know a scam when I see one, but I was really hoping he was just a newbie to mastering and selling large kits and collectibles. Seems like I had smelled a rat after all.
But in all seriousness, I had some money saved up for a large kit of some kind, as I'm in the mood for something big to work on, and I was briefly considering preordering this kit because I honestly want a huge Excelsior kit for a decent price (as in, below "Lunar Models Excelsior aftermarket cost" price). However, the photos of the "masters" screamed amateur to me, and then I saw the CGI mockups of the book and certificate. And then I saw the rest of the crap on his website... I've been around the block enough times to know a scam when I see one, but I was really hoping he was just a newbie to mastering and selling large kits and collectibles. Seems like I had smelled a rat after all.
Grumpyoldman
New Member
I message Alex and told him that he either needed to produce the model or start issuing refunds. And, if he wouldn't produce the model that I'd revoke the right to use my parts. I mean... That was the whole point, right? Part for a model? The rant I received was... Epic. That's all I'll say. If you've been on the receiving end of one, you know how it went.
Rangel
New Member
So, yet "another" big rollout by ATG was announced on some such platform today, an expected 400 or so pictures......so let's look at the race tote here and if you see anything familiar, please don't spoil it for the newly initiated:
Four horses in this evening's race:
"Someone Else's Photos" at 2-1 odds
"No Show" is 1-1
"Those are old Photos" at 3-1 odds
"USS Mudpie Pics" at 5-1 odds
and we have a Late entry, "Verbal Abuse" at even money.
"No Show" will be paid off at 12am, but betting is open until the first post......
Four horses in this evening's race:
"Someone Else's Photos" at 2-1 odds
"No Show" is 1-1
"Those are old Photos" at 3-1 odds
"USS Mudpie Pics" at 5-1 odds
and we have a Late entry, "Verbal Abuse" at even money.
"No Show" will be paid off at 12am, but betting is open until the first post......
bwize
Sr Member
I too messaged Alex using the EAD website and got a novel size reply. He just re-iterated all the usual excuses and did say this,
"Well unfortunately I didn’t get to posting photos because I’ve been dealing with a customer service nightmare which is taking me away from my job of working on the kits anyway I can explain to you the metal thing later on what I’ll tell you right now is that the secondary hull of the enterprise B still needs to be scribed that’s about one of the bigger pains in the butt that I’ve had to deal with problem is is that I’m trying to make sure the lines are perfect because everyone is so hyper critical about the pictures of the job while it was in process that I’m afraid to show anything unless it’s 100% perfect now with that said I’m about $2000 short now because somebody decided to open a PayPal case to try to get a refund when there are no refunds and that’s putting a damper on things because this run is exclusively funded by the money paid into the run I’ve explained that over and over again but that all sounds negative so let me give you the positive news based on the accusations on the RPF what I am doing today is continuing to fine-tuning of the secondary hull of the enterprise be I’ve got some time to kill anyway so people should cool off on that because the decals aren’t arriving for another 3 1/2 weeks so I’ve got 3 1/2 weeks to get everything done lastly I’m compiling all of the photos into a gallery from start to finish of both prototype one and prototype two and then putting in all of the work that I did from the scratch building portion of things so technically prototype and master three 
I think people are starting to become highly disrespectful especially people whom I’ve been nothing but gracious and grateful to whereas there are a few people that I did step out of line in their cases because of their extreme comments statements and actions and a lot of people don’t see what’s going on behind closed doors with individuals and how they come at me when they contact me so all I can say is there’s been a few people who have gone beyond the legal reasonable limits on how one can address another but that doesn’t justify anything that I’ve done that doesn’t justify what I’ve said my comments in some cases have been inexcusable but for the people in the Facebook thread who are at this point the cheap for genitals of this negativity and accusation culture that’s taken over people regarding this project I can say this they have seen more than once in fact more than enough times the masters my work photographs detailed photographs and all of the things that have come up to delay the project and you know technically I’m not even chiefly responsible for the delays the first delay the first major delay was caused by our initial 3-D model or simply not meeting deadlines for me and not providing the work and then basically disappearing the second major setback came from the fact that the person that that said modeler brought in who is tasked with Printing the second master printed the second master and did not ship it for two months and then when he did ship it he didn’t even ship it completely with all of the parts that were expected and required then that person disappeared had a heart attack several times and sob stories and yet I had to go easy on him the third major setback was over Christmas when I had to have surgery on my thumb is actually taken into the hospital for three days so oh I guess the first major setback was the fact that I had to move back into my apartment because I was temporary relocated during construction and remodeling for earthquake retrofit my apartment building so at which point are any of those things that delayed this project my fault? Sure I suppose in putting faith in the people that said that they were going to do their part and that they were part of this team was my fault but also having faith and hope that they would actually still follow through in the end well that’s on me also and boy am I a dumb ass for that because none of them follow through all they did was create more problems for me and the clients that are interested this with me 
so I started scratch building all three versions white out three months ago and that’s with an injured hand and also just beyond a healthy work schedule with no time off and then I have to deal with every single day our customers harassing insulting criticizing and basically beating me down every single day oh and not to mention the death threats from one particular person who’s not even a customer
So yeah I’m late by two days I don’t expect you to understand it but people need to also keep in mind that if the store doesn’t have the materials that I need when I need them because well there is a COVID-19 global pandemic that has irrevocably damaged the supply chain then unless I learn some type of magic that I’ve never heard of or reality and the laws of physics change I don’t know how I can get those materials or things when I need them unless they have them in stock there’s also the whole CVS needs to approve they don’t let polar lights show their production process on the master polar lights doesn’t show anything until after they’ve had days made for their injection molding process I’m not at that point yet so any photos that I have all the stuff until now I’ve been as a courtesy but I’m not trying to lecture you and I’m sure you don’t care I want to hear it either but I would hope that you would be so excited to get this before July before June that instead of ask why there’s no pictures say maybe hey Alex is everything all right I see that people are being really harsh on you and I just want to give you some words of encouragement to stay strong and keep moving forward because I know this thing is going to be amazing not one person has said anything close to that to me but damn they did I would throw in an extra kit for them just because."
So, with that, I hope I am not breaking some kind of rule by posting this. But I feel this is the details he needs to be putting on the website, albeit in shorter form. I did wrestle on whether or not I should post this conversation, but at this point too much has transpired and the record, either way, needs to be set straight.
If I get banned for this, well it was a good run fellas.
Over and out.
Starbase101
Sr Member
This is consistent with what he's told me in text messages and phone calls, along with other details and issues not mentioned in his reply to you. Today also he apologized to me for the long-winded profanity-laced rant from two days ago.
Rangel
New Member
Rangel
New Member
Ah yes, death threats; let's review the EAD 1/537th Excelsior Kit archives and see who's making death threats. Funny thing, once you say it on here, it's here, talking about that Interwebby thing........
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