This one is going to be a pill to engineer.
There are three primary problems in the creation of this one.
1) The middle Warp Engine.
This won't be as big a problem as I thought. As it appears that Federation Models is now offering Ascension Class warp engines as a standalone, including the center engine. Good. That way I won't have to sacrifice any more kits to obtain them. RMC-80 and 81 for those interested.
2) The (lower) Warp Engine Pylons.
This is going to be a bit more of a problem. But I think I can come up with something attainable. I'm going to go for getting several sheets of styrene, cutting them out, and sandwiching them together. What I have planned is to reproduce the above jpg file onto paper in the same size as what I want, using it to trace out the pattern and then shaping it. I'm thinking at least 3 layers. The reason being- the flush vents visible at the aft ends. I had thought about cannibalizing a 1K refit kit but the flush vents wouldn't look right without the proper orientation.
3) The Secondary Hull.
This is going to be the fun one. As you can see, the Federation class secondary hull is just ever so slightly longer than the Enterprise secondary hull. So- no sneaking in a standard secondary hull. I'm going to have to engineer something.
First off- how long is it supposed to be?
The Enterprise's Secondary hull is 110 millimeters. Now to use cross multiplication to get an idea of how long the Fed's is.
But that's just the beginning. I can't just slap in an appropriate width of tubing onto it. There is also the matter of ensuring it look 'natural', like it belongs there. THAT will be the bigger challenge.
And, also reinforcing all of that hull, then cutting into it to place the W.E. Pylon. And keep all of that straight. What makes is slightly easier (perhaps) is that the shuttle bay on the Fed has a bit of extra lip to it.
And I intend to do it twice. Once for the Federation Class, and once more for the Balson Class which I will build eventually as well.
