A modeling virgin asks... (Polar Lights 1701)

[Eddie Roth]

Dear modeling experts,

I just bought the Polar Lights 1:1000 TOS Enterprise. I've always wanted to have and build one. I chose this one because it seemed to be an adequate choice for a first-time modeler, what with it being a Snap Kit and such... However, after opening the box, I realized that despite not being a stickler for complete accuracy, I would still like the finished model to look like the actual ship.

The problem at hand being painting of course. I accept the color of the parts as they come as a reasonable base color for the Enterprise. And I would keep it that way, especially since I wouldn't use the waterslide decals, but the stickers instead. (Since I fear I would do the decals all wrong otherwise.) But I think the least an Enterprise should have is red bussard collectors and a copper-colored defector dish. So I suppose I'll go out and buy some of these colors.

Now are there any tips any of you could give me? What kind of paint is best used for modeling? Is there anything I need to look out for?

 

[Ziz]

Acrylic paint is safer to use since it cleans up with water, but "better" is a matter of opinion depending who you talk to.

Pick yourself up some basic "household tools" like scotch tape, rubber bands, toothpicks, tissues, , emery boards, small wire cutter and scissors. Tape is used to mask areas so that you don't accidentally get paint where you don't want it to go. Rubber bands are more for holding parts together when you glue them, so you won't need them on this kit but will as you get into other models. Toothpicks make good paint stirrers and can also be used for applying and spreading glue. Tissues for cleanup after painting, scissors for cutting the decals/stickers apart since they don't always lay tightly to the model as is. Use the wire cutter and emery boards to remove parts from trees and sand down excess plastic still on the part from said trees depending how close you went with the cutter.

And above all - TAKE YOUR TIME. It's not a race. The model will be finished when it's finished...not before.