USS Defiant Model

[Sean Hebein]

I have been wanting to build my first model and I have spent the last several months drooling over REL's Defiant build. Considering this is my first build, I probably won't be able to make anything near that caliber but I want to get into it. I love the Defiant and I'd love to have a nice model in my home all lit up. Anyone know of a decently accurate kit available? I've been surfing around and have seen a few but I figure someone on here knows better.

 

[Eric Ardros]

Well, I've always thought the AMT/Ertl Defiant kit was pretty accurate to the screen-used filming model, and it's a decent size at 14 inches.

Don's Light & magic has a nice resin-cast parts upgrade set for lighting one's model. One place it's available from is starfleet-models.com (you'll find it two-thirds down on the page) --> Starfleet Models - Accessories - Star Trek

As far as I know, I've never seen anyone make a photoetch detail set for the Defiant, but I could mistaken. Someone else here might know more about that.

Hope that helps a bit, dude.

 

[tgreco]

I recently pulled out my AMT Defiant model and it is a kit that can be made into a very accurate replica without a lot of work... and the size of the kit is pretty staggering

 

[Sean Hebein]

Great information! Is E-Bay the best place to pick up a kit for the AMT Defiant?

 

[tgreco]

I checked all the places I usually shop online

Federation Models is the only one that had the model at $90

so yeah, ebay appears to be your best bet as I saw several kits listed at about $36

 

[brandomack]

I checked all the places I usually shop online

Federation Models is the only one that had the model at $90

so yeah, ebay appears to be your best bet as I saw several kits listed at about $36

OMG They're selling for over $200 on ebay!?

 

[tgreco]

well... there are some posted on ebay for $200.
I don't think too many are selling at that price

the completed listing show most going for $40-50 range with some going in the $25 ballpark

 

[Sean Hebein]

I bid on one. We'll see if I shop victoriously. I also ordered the lighting kit. Thanks Eric Ardros!

 

[Sean Hebein]

Or maybe not with the lighting kit. I guess they're sold out.....

Edit: Nevermind, found it here: http://dlmparts.com/excelsiorvoyagerds9.html

 

[Sean Hebein]

Got the kit for $50. Now just waiting on shipping.

 

[Edraven99]

Anyone ever try to convert a Playmates Defiant? I have one and I'm curious what my chances of success would be if I tried or if the effort just wouldn't be worth it...

 

[DMC 12]

I think converting the playmates defiant would be very successful, it's pretty damn accurate if you forgive the tilting "nose".

 

[Bloop]

I'm pretty sure that's the same kit I made years ago. It was the only model I built as an adult. Since I had limited model making experience and sites like this either didn't exist or I was unaware of, I had to figure out a lot of stuff on my own.

I bought a fiber optic lighting kit, but I had to make my own translucent parts for the engines. I remember making a mold of the bussard collectors, I think out of plaster of paris, and using E-Z Water (the clear plastic meltable pellets) with red food coloring added.

The other big thing I remember was that the kit has all those raised lines dividing the hull, which should be recessed. That's obviously a common occurrence in these type of kits, though I didn't know it at the time. It either hadn't occured to me to sand them down and re-scribe them or it seemed like something beyond my skills, so I ended up drawing over the tops of all the raised divisions with a mechanical pencil after painting, then clear-coating it after to lock it in, so at least it had the appearance of dark lines which looked more like the actual recessed lines. All in all, I was pretty pleased with the results.

Good luck on your kit, should be fun!

 

[Watson]

I am not trying to rain on your parade but this model will only make you cry and you will never EVER try to build another model.

It looks great in the box and the Defiant is so cool and sexy but this model does NOT go together well. The plastic is very brittle and by the time you get the seams to line up, fill them and get them ready for paint you have totally messed up the RAISED panel lines around the seams with no easy way to replicate them.

You could sand them all off and add scribe them in but I would not recommend that for a beginner.

I have been building models for a long time now and hopefully people around here remember me, but this kit will only break your heart. I bought all the DLM upgrades, the Northstar accurate bridge cap and tried to make it work but I couldn't.

You can make this model work but I would start with some easier better made kits and work your way up to this.

AMT/ERTL Defiant

That is how far I got before pulling the plug and I had so much time invested in it.

Either way good luck

Greg

I have been wanting to build my first model and I have spent the last several months drooling over REL's Defiant build. Considering this is my first build, I probably won't be able to make anything near that caliber but I want to get into it. I love the Defiant and I'd love to have a nice model in my home all lit up. Anyone know of a decently accurate kit available? I've been surfing around and have seen a few but I figure someone on here knows better.

 

[Sean Hebein]

I am not trying to rain on your parade but this model will only make you cry and you will never EVER try to build another model.

It looks great in the box and the Defiant is so cool and sexy but this model does NOT go together well. The plastic is very brittle and by the time you get the seams to line up, fill them and get them ready for paint you have totally messed up the RAISED panel lines around the seams with no easy way to replicate them.

You could sand them all off and add scribe them in but I would not recommend that for a beginner.

I have been building models for a long time now and hopefully people around here remember me, but this kit will only break your heart. I bought all the DLM upgrades, the Northstar accurate bridge cap and tried to make it work but I couldn't.

You can make this model work but I would start with some easier better made kits and work your way up to this.

AMT/ERTL Defiant

That is how far I got before pulling the plug and I had so much time invested in it.

Either way good luck

Greg

Well, a little late now as I already have the kit. I fully expected to have to redo the panel lines on the model and I have been practicing for this. I figure if I screw it up, I can always fill, sand, and try again. I know I will mess some things up but if I don't try then I won't learn. I appreciate the input though!

 

[Retep1701a]

Actually I bought 2 when it first came out (in case I screwed one up, it gets a coat of black paint and dry brushed with bronze)
Great detail, a first for AMT. Poor fit.
Here's a site that I found that will give you great reference pics

Willkommen auf ST-Bilder.de

It's in German but go to gallery then to modelle you'll find the Defiant.
Hope this helps you out.

 

[Watson]

How is it coming?

 

[Smiling Demon]

I am about halfway thru the Defiant kit. I have it all lit up and although it doesn't have any blinking lights I had to have some strobe action going on. I just finalized the lighting after letting it run and run and run (having flashback nightmares about my K-7) and then I closed it up. Puttying and the final coat of paint and it will be ready for decals. I found decals somewhere on the internet for all the different color panels so gonna try that route.

But yes, the Defiant is a fairly easy kit and a good learning curve on lighting.
Strip LEDs are the way to go.


Kenny

 

[CB2001]

All you need is a regular TOS Enterprise kit and replace the name and number decals with that of the Defiant from its appearance.

You see?

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Oh, wait... You meant that DS9 ship. Nevermind.