• Welcome! The TrekBBS is the number one place to chat about Star Trek with like-minded fans.
    If you are not already a member then please register an account and join in the discussion!

AMT 18" E after all these years....

Warped9

Warped9

Admiral
Admiral
I'm experiencing a bout of nostalgia. I've ragged on the old AMT kit for years as I learned of its inaccuracies. But recently, with its reissue and from what I've been reading, I've got the urge to build one again. This time, however, I'll order whatever parts I can to make it at least somewhat more accurate. Truth is I like the scale of the model--it's a good size.

I understand the enclosed decal sheet is light years ahead of what used to be included. Of course I also intend to get the decal sheets for hull markings and window placement. I'm still trying to decide whether to build "The Cage" or production version.

Any thoughts? Anyone build one of these trips-down-memory-lane recently?
 
I had been putting together ideas for such a build later this spring/summer, so I'd be happy to share what I've found.

Warped9 said:
I understand the enclosed decal sheet is light years ahead of what used to be included. Of course I also intend to get the decal sheets for hull markings and window placement.
Click to expand...
Well, all of the decals now come with the re-release (including windows and hull markings). So unless you want something quite different, odds are everything that you need is going to be included decal wise.

I was planning on doing a production version, so these are the parts I was considering getting...Now I'm planning on building my own primary hull based on the 11 foot model, but I'm pretty sure most people wouldn't want to go that far. So if you want to replace the primary hull you might consider this part...From what I can tell it is the same part as AP-20 (which is out of stock). If you are planning on just replacing the B/C deck structure, then you might want to look into this...... and skip the Accurate Part's bridge from earlier.

You can also find a nice overview of the new kit here.

Those are just suggestions of course. :techman:
 
^^ I really like the idea of getting the replacement saucer. That would save a lot of work. Looking at that video review was it me or did those nacelles look a bit tapered?
 
Not quite tapered enough according to Culttvmans article on he AMT issue. Then too, you could say that the early long box kit used to be the Constellation, could have been exactly what NCC-1017 looked like right before destruction.

You know, I would like someone to actually draw side views of what the model would have looked like and compared those to Casimiro's drawings.

Franz Joseph's drawings were only released as Franklin Mint designs, including a white big one (contacted by Hamilton or Bradford, I forget.) I think James Lake from the olf GEC did some drawings of some bashes based on AMT drawings. Might be nice if they were scanned and put here. (Posting this from a library myself.)
 
Many years ago I drew up drawings of the AMT kit with detailing changes. I've long since misplaced those drawings, but I think CRA may have a copy of them or at least the profile view. He used it to compare with the actual TOS E.
 
If you would could you contact him? Ex Astris often will overlay different drawings of the enterprise one over the other, so having Masao's Casimiro's, McMasters, Franz Joseph's and yours one atop the other.
 
00duffys said:
Hi Guys

I am currently conducting an academic research study on Star Trek Fandom and would really like everyone to participate in a short online questionnaire about start trek for the study.

http://00duffys.wufoo.com/forms/the-trek-bbs-form/

THANK YOU

Sean Duffy
Click to expand...

Sean, if this is purely academic, why are our names required fields? I work in institutional research at a local college, and I'm suspicious when I see things like this.

Also, this is just a bit off-topic.
 
publiusr said:
If you would could you contact him? Ex Astris often will overlay different drawings of the enterprise one over the other, so having Masao's Casimiro's, McMasters, Franz Joseph's and yours one atop the other.
Click to expand...
I PM'd him so we'll wait and see.
 
Here ya go...

AMT-side.jpg
 
Shaw said:
I had been putting together ideas for such a build later this spring/summer, so I'd be happy to share what I've found.

Warped9 said:
I understand the enclosed decal sheet is light years ahead of what used to be included. Of course I also intend to get the decal sheets for hull markings and window placement.
Click to expand...
Well, all of the decals now come with the re-release (including windows and hull markings). So unless you want something quite different, odds are everything that you need is going to be included decal wise.

I was planning on doing a production version, so these are the parts I was considering getting...Now I'm planning on building my own primary hull based on the 11 foot model, but I'm pretty sure most people wouldn't want to go that far. So if you want to replace the primary hull you might consider this part...From what I can tell it is the same part as AP-20 (which is out of stock). If you are planning on just replacing the B/C deck structure, then you might want to look into this...... and skip the Accurate Part's bridge from earlier.

You can also find a nice overview of the new kit here.

Those are just suggestions of course. :techman:
Click to expand...

That'll solve my problem with my Constellation model's missing two intercoolers...
 
Warped9 said:
I understand the enclosed decal sheet is light years ahead of what used to be included. Of course I also intend to get the decal sheets for hull markings and window placement. I'm still trying to decide whether to build "The Cage" or production version.

Any thoughts? Anyone build one of these trips-down-memory-lane recently?
Click to expand...

A few things to keep in mind with the decal sheet.

First, all they did was upscale the sheet that came with the 1/1000 kit, which has slightly different proportions and shapes, particularly with the B/C superstructure, so the curve of the decals don't match.

Second, they are notoriously difficult to work with, mainly because they skimped on the lacquer. Make sure you put down a good application of gloss coat first, and be ready to spritz extra water on the thing, because once they hit the plastic, they like to latch on rather firmly and really don't like to be moved around.

You have been warned.
 
^^ I read about this. I also understand someone suggested using warm water instead of cold.

Furthermore, as mentioned upthread I intend to get replacement saucer which will save me a lot of work.
 
It looks like I can get all the parts I need from different sources. BUT if I want to build a 1st pilot version I have a problem because I need a 1st pilot version bridge dome.
 
Thanks for the drawing. I seem to remember the hump below the bridge as having a bit flatter front end. I love your drawing with the wide saucer. I like that. I think James Lake from the old GEC also had an AMT type drawing.
 
I've actually got a better drawing, but as it's 1:1 scale, it won't fit on the scanner properly. And I think it's buried in storage somewhere.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
AMT Models SCALE actually 1/528 not 1/537
Replies
6
Views
957
publiusr
P
xenotaris
STAR TREK: INTO THE XENOVERSE
Replies
5
Views
1K
xenotaris
xenotaris
If you are not already a member then please register an account and join in the discussion!

Sign up / Register


Back
Top