So I've had this kit for like 30 years. A few years ago I pulled her out and tried to build her out of the box. I had a few problems. I couldn't get the upper part of the lower fuselage to fit on the bottom. I glued the upper first and maybe that was my first mistake. The saucer halves don't line up properly and I've got overhang on either side. (I believe I can file them down and it will be ok.
At some point I tried pulling the nacelles apart and broke them. I painted the bussard collectors but instead of waiting inbetween coats I tried multicoats all at one. Very newbish stuff.
I was hoping for a simple easy kit to put together and one that I had on hand and at a size that is nice to show off.
Any thoughts on if I can save it? I've looked online and the prices for them aren't as cheap as I thought they might be for a kit this old.
When a ship is battle damaged, lots of problems are 'excused'.
There are Times, Sir, when men of good Conscience cannot blindly follow orders. You acknowledge their sentience, but ignore their personal liberties and freedoms. Order a man to hand over his child to the state? Not while I"m captain.
- J.L.Picard.
IceGiant wrote:I've looked online and the prices for them aren't as cheap as I thought they might be for a kit this old.
Sometimes old kits can be really expensive be because they never went reissued and became rare (not the case of TOS Enterprise) or because certain vintage issues became a collector item (probably this case). I have an identical kit awaiting for the time to be built. Mine costed a bit less than $50. Expensive. I just hope to not have the same problems you had!
I don't see anything that couldn't be repaired with a little putty and some sanding. The worst would have been if you had broken the retainer clip "stirrups" off the ends of the nacelle pylons.
As far as the bussards go, just soak them overnight in Purple Power or whatever it is they sell in your area for degreasing automotive engines. Walmart sells it. Eazy-Off works well too I'm told. Takes the paint right off without hurting the plastic.
IceGiant, I agree with trekriffic, I don't see anything here you can't salvage.
I took a very damaged AMT model and restored it to trim; I posted a few pics in the Newbie Gallery. Was it easy? No. Did it take a long time? Yes. But IMHO it turned out very nice and I am very proud to have expended the time and effort.
Granted, I had to use alot of putty, do alot of sanding and, a few times, alot of expletives and walk away for a day or two, but, again, it is worth it! I even had to repair the nacelle attachment points in order to remount the nacelles and their supports to the secondary hull. I detailed the build on another forum and, if you like, I can give you the URL, but I don't want to hijack your thread.
Repair and restorations are tedious but will test and improve your skills in building like nothing else!
Let me know if I can help! I will be following the build should you decide to do so!
Yeah, I'm going to "try" and rebuild it. We will see if my meager skills are up too it. I may have to get a new set of decals as mine are all icky looking from being so old.
IceGiant, I agree that your model is totally salvageable. And you can do it without the battle damage, if you like.
I agree with Trekriffic & MSGTUSAFRT. The only other additional info I would add is consider soaking in Simple Green. That stuff is great for removing old paint and glue. I was in a similar situation with a model I had built years ago, and wanted to redo. I had broken pieces, and used JB Weld for plastic to help repair it.
nova1972x wrote:IceGiant, I agree that your model is totally salvageable. And you can do it without the battle damage, if you like.
I agree with Trekriffic & MSGTUSAFRT. The only other additional info I would add is consider soaking in Simple Green. That stuff is great for removing old paint and glue. I was in a similar situation with a model I had built years ago, and wanted to redo. I had broken pieces, and used JB Weld for plastic to help repair it.
lol, It's funny you should mention that. I have the bussard collectors and the end caps soaking right now.
