This is my latest modelling project. The U.S.S. Enterprise re-release kit from AMT. This special edition kit came in a metal box with graphics printed as they appeared on the original 1960's kit.

This model is 18'' long and was quite easy to assemble. The only issue i had was that the Bussard collectors (red glowy domes) were actually molded in the same plastic as the rest of the ship. I cut them off and replaced them with clear domes. The clear domes are actually tops off of some pens I found at the dollar store (they had lights in them). I sanded the domes and coloured with a permanent red marker. It took me ages to find some type of substitute for the domes I cut off. I included interior lighting of course! I replaced the original bridge dome and lower dish dome with marbles that I sanded to a matte finish. I wanted a larger dome and the ones that come with the kit are too small for my liking.

I painted the ship in a base tone of blue/green (appears grey in photos). I then used a standard pencil to achieve the weathering patterns. I used photos of the 11 foot studio model on display at the Smithsonian as a reference. When they refurbished it, they added significant weathering and shading. I gave the ship a slightly different look than that of the Enterprise and named it LEXINGTON. Overall it is a similar look but I layed some of the decals out a bit differently and added a black ring around the bridge dome. I sprayed the ship with a semi-gloss clear coat to seal on the decals and weathering patterns.

It took me 2 weeks to complete this kit. My first version of this kit, as a child, was pretty pathetic compared to this. I am happy with the result! I would love Polar lights to come out with a 32'' version of this kit as well.

Bottom

Busards

Inner Nacelle

Underside

Front Left

Front Left Underside

Rear High

Right Rear High

Rear Left

Right

Top

In Hand