1/650 AMT (TOS) Enterprise #S951 [1975] WIP by speedgraflex

[speedgraflex]

Here’s an interpretation of how painting the deflector ball would look side by side view comparing the 11 ft version with mine. I painted the deflector ball and post in Zbrush.

[kyledehart5]

Here is my thought. Perhaps the ball itself is a bit bigger but, at least in my feeble mind, it doesn't look out of scale. I think because your bigger end piece takes the place of two shapes on the 11 foot model. Not having that sort of beveled pyramid shape underneath the tip, I mean, makes yours look ok in size when compared side by side like this. I like it.

[midnightprowler]

Looking great. Can you post a link to that video capture you posted?

[speedgraflex]

Replies forthcoming. Here’s the link.

youtu.be/DFMVydXb7fY?si=w7XtMUNcsNhmn_o3

[stikpusher]

So THAT was what the beds were for... I couldn't figure it out for the life of me when I saw you hade some there...

[fox]

You said you were trying to "lighten the yellowed decal sheet". Have you tried taping them to the inside of a window that gets a lot of sun? I do it on a regular basis and they return to their original color in 2 to 3 days of sunshine. I've only had 2 sheets from "Old", "Old" kits that refused to turn back. You just have to keep an eye out for moisture on the window. Hope this helps you.

Stay safe.
Jim

[speedgraflex]

Jan 27, 2024 15:20:25 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

Here is my thought. Perhaps the ball itself is a bit bigger but, at least in my feeble mind, it doesn't look out of scale. I think because your bigger end piece takes the place of two shapes on the 11 foot model. Not having that sort of beveled pyramid shape underneath the tip, I mean, makes yours look ok in size when compared side by side like this. I like it.

I sincerely appreciate your thoughts, Kyle! Nothing feeble here! Good thoughts. I’m not about to do this over at the moment. I’m going to concentrate on the “belly band” details and start the nacelles. I feel the need for a break.

[speedgraflex]

Jan 27, 2024 20:19:48 GMT -5 fox said:

You said you were trying to "lighten the yellowed decal sheet". Have you tried taping them to the inside of a window that gets a lot of sun? I do it on a regular basis and they return to their original color in 2 to 3 days of sunshine. I've only had 2 sheets from "Old", "Old" kits that refused to turn back. You just have to keep an eye out for moisture on the window. Hope this helps you.

Stay safe.
Jim

I appreciate your reply - a great idea. I have been keeping the decals pressed flat inside a heavy book for now. One debate I am having concerns buying new decals. Thanks again for your reply and I hope you will follow along with me!

[speedgraflex]

Jan 27, 2024 19:12:35 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

So THAT was what the beds were for... I couldn't figure it out for the life of me when I saw you hade some there...

Hahaha, yes, indeed, I can see that would make me seem crazy as I didn’t explain myself.

[speedgraflex]

[speedgraflex]

[speedgraflex]

From this angle you can see the bump or hump from sanding, which I think or hope I can smooth out and then be done.

I am going to spray primer later to decide what I need to do to fill the open hole at the end of the bead. More gap filling CA?

[speedgraflex]

[speedgraflex]

[kyledehart5]

This is continuing to look outstanding. I just love the close up photography to tell the tale

[stikpusher]

It's cleaning up nicely Bruce! Fill, sand, prime, check, repeat...

[speedgraflex]

Jan 28, 2024 18:14:09 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

This is continuing to look outstanding. I just love the close up photography to tell the tale

Thanks! I’m still not used to the shock of seeing imperfections up so close, though! I truly appreciate how you have been following along and your depth of thought.

Jan 28, 2024 19:56:45 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

It's cleaning up nicely Bruce! Fill, sand, prime, check, repeat...

Hi ho, hi ho, it’s a modeler’s job I know!

[speedgraflex]

Nacelle fit 1

[speedgraflex]

[speedgraflex]

[midnightprowler]

Most excellent.

[speedgraflex]

Jan 29, 2024 18:05:12 GMT -5 midnightprowler said:

Most excellent.

Thank you, midnight!

[stikpusher]

Looking good Bruce! Those were always the "weak spot" of the kit when I built it as a kid....  

[speedgraflex]

Jan 29, 2024 18:55:06 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

Looking good Bruce! Those were always the "weak spot" of the kit when I built it as a kid....  

Yessir. I added three interior hoops to bolster the long join between left and right upper fuselage halves.



The hoops were made from thin styrene sheet, not the thinnest that comes in the sampler pack, but definitely bendable. I used gap filling CA to hold the hoops in place, pressing down on the interior to make a snug fitting join. I would like to build the second nacelle tonight to see how that fits. Ever since the rise of the internet I have seen so many variations on building this kit - probably like you have too -

[stikpusher]

Great method to reinforce that weak spot Bruce!

[speedgraflex]

Jan 29, 2024 23:58:55 GMT -5 stikpusher said:

Great method to reinforce that weak spot Bruce!

Thanks, Carlos!

[speedgraflex]

[speedgraflex]

[handiabled]

Wonderful progress with the nacelle struts attached Bruce!

[406 Silverado]

Continuing to look good and continuing to blow minds here Bruce. Just getting caught up on this one as I've been out the past couple of days finishing the Vette that I've been working on now for the last 9 months here. You're really whuppin' this one into some good shape bro.