UPDATE: My new Polar Lights 1/350 Refit

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

UPDATE: My new Polar Lights 1/350 Refit

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Monday, May 22, 2006 1:48 AM

Hi guys.. Well, I have been giving the kit building a rest for a few weeks since I returned from Australia. But my new PL 1/350 arrived just before we left, and has been calling out to me ever since...

This is the second PL Refit that I have tackled, as I built one last summer.. I sold that one to a collector here in Japan, and so I wanted to get another one for my own collection..

I have toyed with a few idea's on how I was going to tackle this one, but in the end I have gone back to basics.. The big mistake I made with the first one, was I painted it all in sections, and then found I had a whole mess when I assembled it.. This time, I am building the main pieces together, and then painting.. After painting the other one 3 times before feeling happy about it. I knew that this time, I was only going to do it once!

Anyways, I have taken a few quick pics to show my progress.. I was going to use the decal design that Arthur did on the other site, but after not being able to get any decent decal paper here in Japan, decided to mask and paint.. As you can see I have done the aztec for the secondary hull, and pylons.. The blue looks a little bright in these pics, and thats the way I wanted them.. The duck egg colours for me, are what the ship would look like after the exposure to space for long periods of time.. I wanted my Enterprise-A to look like it just came out of space dock.. Although a dull coat will bring it down a little..

Also the hull seems a little too white at the momment.. After I apply the pearl white aztec, it will also bring the colours into perspective.. ANyways, I am happy thus far.. Fingers crossed..

p.s... Here is the AMT Refit that I am working on also.. This one will be repainted. As I am not happy with it.. I plan on doing this one as the ST II Enterprise, and will be done as a set with the Reliant..

UPDATE:

Just started on the upper deflector.. Base colours are down..

Cheers, Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

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Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Monday, May 22, 2006 10:55 AM

Now this is looking good Chris! I almost bought the Refit and, I would have
if I would've made some money in Reno instead of losing it all Sad [:(]

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Monday, May 22, 2006 4:51 PM

Thanks Ed. Always appreciate your comments.. Dont worry. Your not the first man to have a loss !.. Not every horse I have put money on has won.. Now why is that?

But from a modeling point of view. I think that this kit is a must.. I am really glad that I got myself another one...The look on people's faces when they see the shere size of it is bankable..

I have nearly completed the first section of the deflector, and will do the smaller section tonight.. Once that is done, I will start masking off the rest and begin the pearl white aztec on the hull and pylons.. Once that is completed, I will start on the warp nacelles, and finally do the saucer at the end.. I will be placing a rod from the saucer through the neck and down into the stand for added support... Sound's easy.....But I will have a few baited breaths....

Thanks again, Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

lexesbenz

Member since
December 2005
From: Syracuse, NY

Posted by lexesbenz on Monday, May 22, 2006 6:03 PM

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, beautiful.

The flying hamster of doom rains coconuts on your pitiful city!!!!

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 12:36 AM

I appreciate your sharing your builds with us & I find it quite a learning experience for me to see the great work you do! I know what ya mean about the size... LoL.. I have the 1/350th NX-01 in my stash & when people see the 1/2500 sets I'm tinkerin' with & I pull that monster out & the look on their faces is "Priceless".
You can count on me following this build Chris & in time, I'll have my own Refit in my stash.

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

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koek3

Member since
January 2003

Posted by koek3 on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 2:20 AM

Very Nice, Chris, as always!!! BIG MODEL!!!

Thumbs Up [tup]

Keith

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 2:59 AM

Thanks again gentlemen.. I am by no means a great builder.. I would put myself in the average basket, but I do have a few tricks up the sleeve to make things happen.. So I dont mind putting my work up.. I dont plan on entering any shows, and I am always open to honest opinion and critisism.. (It's how we learn)

It really is a shame, because everyone talked about this kit to the point of boredom up until it came out. But not many people have wanted to share thier builds?.. Good or bad, its a shame, because I really get a kick out of looking at other peoples work!

Anyway, will keep you posted as I go, and will continue with the updates!.. Ed, look into my eyes.. You must get rid of the NX and get a Refit!!!!

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 9:43 AM

Yep, there was quite abit about it & the NX-01 before they came out & now that they have,... I think I've come across 2-3 builds on the NX and a handful of the Refit. What's up with that?! I know that I am "intimidated" by the complexity of the "Aztec" pattern. I s'pose some are just intimidated by it's sheer size.
I look foreward to the updates Chris Big Smile [:D]

and don't sell yerself short. You are a better builder than I Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 1:24 AM

Dont be intimidated mate.. Just get in there, and you will find that although painstaking. This model game isnt all that bad!

As for an update.. I have completed the base colours on both parts of the deflector.. I now just have to paint the white parts flat white to match the hull.. Just put half of the neck on to give the picture some dimension... The next step with this thing, will be the aztec on the hull and pylons.. The neck will be done at the same time.. Big game on tonight, so tonight she will sit and wait for me tomorrow..

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 9:43 AM

Looks good Chris, I like how you're bringing them colours together on this Thumbs Up [tup]

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, May 25, 2006 1:42 AM

Thanks Ed.. Its lucky that I hung on to my aztec mask from my first Refit.. Couldnt see myself measuring it all out and then cutting all the little pieces out again..

Didnt do anything last night, but will start on the aztec for the hull tonight.. I will be laying down pearl white over the flat.. It gives the Refit that almost cream colour, but white enough not to be.. Hard to explain! But it changes colour at different angles..

Here is a pic of my first refit from last summer..

As you can see the pearl aztec is different in certain areas because of light.. I will be doing a similar aztec, but have decided to spend twice as long, and make it alot more detailed than that one.. Also in that pic I had only put down the base colour blue on the deflector.

On that Refit, I basically did all the aztec and hull paint first, and then did the engineering deflector colours next.. It was ok, but masking the whole thing and taking it on and off became a problem, and it showed in the paint.. So this time, I am going to do the aztec last..

Cheers, Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, May 25, 2006 8:35 AM

UPDATE:

I have started the aztec on the seconday hull.. Only done the one side for now to see how the pearl went down.. Top, bottom and other side will be done tomorrow..

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Thursday, May 25, 2006 2:32 PM

Didnt do anything last night, but will start on the aztec for the hull tonight.. I will be laying down pearl white over the flat.. It gives the Refit that almost cream colour, but white enough not to be.. Hard to explain! But it changes colour at different angles..

Yup, that Pearl White will add a nice touch to it. I'm familiar with it from helpin' my step mom with her ceramics yrs. ago. I'm definately following this build Chris Thumbs Up [tup]

You are doing a fine job on it.
Glad to hear the Aztec patterns are reusable... I was curious about that.

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, May 25, 2006 5:36 PM

Well Ed, I am glad that I have you giving me encouragement.. Seems like your the only one! he he he...

Anyways, the mask's that I made were very simple, as I made them out of a clear plastic paper folder that was about 2mm thick.. I transfered the aztec pattern supplied in the kit on to the plastic, then with a bread board and a sharp stanley knife, I spent about 2 hours cutting it all out.. Here is a pic of what it looks like..

You will notice that it is just a section piece.. The reason I did it like this was because it is easier to handle. Plus it makes you do one section, and then wait for it to dry before moving on.. I sometimes get a little impatient, and so am known to rush.. SO this way forces me to take my time..

Here is another 2 pic's of my first refit.. The result of the aztec mask..

Forgive the quality of the pics.. I didnt have my new camera when I built that one, and had to use my video camera to take shots..

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Thursday, May 25, 2006 6:06 PM

Thanks for sharing that template with me & I see what you mean, the aztec pattern is a subtle one. iirc the pattern on the NX-01 is 3 shades of gray. Would I have to make 3 seperate templates? I just got my dixieart order yesterday & I got some Frisket just to get the free shipping. I can use it to make the templates I need right? Or, would I be better off with soemthing a bit thicker?

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

Reply

Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, May 25, 2006 6:48 PM

Well, I decided to make my template with folder plastic, although its only 2mm thick, because I knew that it would have been durable.. As you can see in that pic, I am holding it and it isnt bowing or anything, its very strong.. This is important as you will have to do about 5 runs to get around the saucer..Plus do both sides..

Well, I could do 100 refits using this thing, and it saves me from having to sit down and cut the aztec out using tape... Just place it in the desired area, spray, release, dry, next section.. Very simple...And I have found that my aztec is sharp and the layer is bright enough to be more than noticable, but more importantly, it isnt raised and double the thickness.. It leaves a very smooth finish...

I find when I use tape masks, I tend to spray a little too much and so when you peel the tape away, you have a raised section of paint.. I have found this guy doesnt allow that..

As for the NX-01. I havnt built one, and so really couldnt help you with that guy.. But a mate of mine has built it, and today its the best I have seen, lights and all.. If you look in the members list for a guy named F-91, then he is the man to talk to about doing that bad boy! Just tell him I put you onto him!

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Thursday, May 25, 2006 9:53 PM

Thanks for the run down on that Chris. I had seen a build of the NX-01 on one of the other forums which iirc had all the lights & such. The guy who built it did a fantastic job of masking the aztec pattern with tape! Shock [:O]

That had to take forever!!
I'll check out F-91 and see what I can discover. Thumbs Up [tup]

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

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Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Thursday, May 25, 2006 10:05 PM

Just ran thru the Members list. No F-91. I tried.

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Thursday, May 25, 2006 11:00 PM

Forr privacy, I will pm you his email address..

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Thursday, May 25, 2006 11:05 PM

Thanks Chris. Much appreciated

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Friday, May 26, 2006 12:07 AM

Still have the back top, and belly to mask and paint, and then she will be ready for decals and dull coat...

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Friday, May 26, 2006 12:18 AM

Yup, that looks real good Chris Thumbs Up [tup]

especially with the Vipers in the background for a comparison Big Smile [:D]

I just did a search for NX-01 & it come up empty but, went into my forums & started at the last page
& worked my way up. Seems I found your mate's build Big Smile [:D]

I got it bookmarked & will contact him tomorrow

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Saturday, May 27, 2006 10:55 PM

Thanks again Ed.. Also, happy to help with F-91, he is a great fella! I look forward to seeing your progress on the NX...

As far as my refit is concerned, been a bit busy here of late, and have just finished setting up my new blog.. And as you might notice, my shamefully plugging it in my latest posts..

Cheers Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Saturday, May 27, 2006 11:14 PM

Chris_in_Japan wrote:
Thanks again Ed.. Also, happy to help with F-91, he is a great fella! I look forward to seeing your progress on the NX...

As far as my refit is concerned, been a bit busy here of late, and have just finished setting up my new blog.. And as you might notice, my shamefully plugging it in my latest posts..

http://modsjapan.exblog.jp/

Cheers Chris

Oh the shame..... Whistling [:-^]

I do not know when I'll tackle the NX but, I will certainly let ya know. Got several other things in the works.

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

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cthulhu77

Member since
January 2003
From: arizona

Posted by cthulhu77 on Sunday, May 28, 2006 8:05 AM

Chris:

That pale blue that you are using looks perfect on the hull...really sets the whole thing off quite well. Looking forward to more pics as work goes on ! I've never been bold enough to model one of these things, the amount of time spent in the aztecing, etc. really produces some stunning results though.

greg

http://www.ewaldbros.com

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Sunday, May 28, 2006 8:26 AM

Thanks Greg..

Well, I have really decided to take my time on this one.. I know it wont be to everyones tastes, but I guess I am building it for my own tastes... The end result is a long way off, but I have enjoyed it thus far.. Hopefully an update in a day or so!

Appreciate the comments..

Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

J-Hulk

Member since
February 2003
From: Tochigi, Japan

Posted by J-Hulk on Sunday, May 28, 2006 10:46 AM

She's looking great, Chris! You're doing her up just fine!

~Brian

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Chris_in_Japan

Member since
November 2004
From: Fukuoka Japan / Brisbane AUS.

Posted by Chris_in_Japan on Sunday, May 28, 2006 5:25 PM

Thanks Brian,

Its slow as she goes at the momment.. Its funny how life gets in the way of what we enjoy..

Cheers Chris

On the bench:

1/48 RAAF 3 Sqn F/A-18B

1/150 /1/160 N Scale Japanese Rail diorama.

Reply

Hippy-Ed

Member since
December 2004
From: Stockton,Ca

Posted by Hippy-Ed on Sunday, May 28, 2006 5:53 PM

Chris_in_Japan wrote:
Thanks Greg..

Well, I have really decided to take my time on this one.. I know it wont be to everyones tastes, but I guess I am building it for my own tastes... The end result is a long way off, but I have enjoyed it thus far.. Hopefully an update in a day or so!

Appreciate the comments..

Chris

That's the way to do it Chris. Take your time & do it right & to your satisfaction. That's what I like about this Hobby Big Smile [:D]

If you lose your sense of humor, you've lost everything

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Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, May 28, 2006 7:05 PM

I rather like the out-of-the-ordinary color scheme, not so run of the mill. Nice build so far, Chris. I may not get to mine for some time, so its nice to see these in the process.

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