Tamiya's Enterprise

Dear Lobos,

If you're still out there modelling away, can you tell me who manufactures the "1 set hangar deck inserts $55.00" listed above (doubtless they're not $55.00 anymore) - or was it scratchbuilt and this is the raw material cost.

Thanks and regrads, Stewart. 

Got mine when I was in China, a Trumpeter 1/350 Enterprise. Not sure if it is available over your side. T's the same as the Tamiya one except they are probably using 2nd hand slightly worn out mold from Tamiya. One of the earlier release from Trumpeter. Quite neat for a kit that cost US$14, acceptable for most modellers I think. All the detail are there, maybe a little bit more work is needed to clean up some parts than a Tamiya one, if you have Trumpeter 1/350 New Jersey or Missouri you'll know what I mean. Definately workable if you are thinking of replacing many of the things with aftermarket photoetch parts. The aircraft are a little less well define, dunk them if you dun like them & get the Tamiya assessory set. The Tamiya original wasn't too impressive anyway, use it as a basis, modify, give them more details & cast your own planes, you can have as many as you like. There isn't a Seahawk in the aircraft set, you may want to "borrow" it from the New Jersey kit if you want an up to date version of the Big "E". I won't suggest this kit, Trumpet or Tamiya for one who just start off, not that it is that difficult to build, only that if you are to build her straight from the box, she's just gonna look...plain. You've got a fair bit of space to fill for a model this scale especially a carrier, you'll need different assessories, scratched or purchase to give it a reasonable sense of realism. However, no harm getting it first if you come across a good deal & build it when you are ready.

$125 is a good price for this kit, that is all I paid for it new in Box. If you want to build this kit, take your time, and Please add details, so much is missing.Figure out which detail you want and when to ad it, Mine is looking good(not finished yet) going on 2 years but I build other models at the same time.I did make a few mistakes, by not adding detail soon enough, then it was together and Not a good idea to ad it after the fact.Good luck happy Building.

The only mail order catalog I get is Model Expo and I love it. It is the reason I built up so many unbuilt kits so fast. 2 bucks for an airfix 1/72 plane I love their sales!!!!

Wow,,,you were right Cassibill,,,,,,$119.00 for the Tamiya kit.....Wonder if I can get a refund from Pacific Front Hobbies.....

I think Tamyia Enterprise 1/350 is for advanced modelers, because of its price ,not for its dificulty, but one hundred and many dollars plus paints, PE, for starting on building ships with litle experience, it can be an expensive experience. There are great aircraft carriers kits 1:350 or 1:400 to start and less expensive. These can be impressive kits like 1:350 Tamyia Enterprise, but smaller too.

Recieved the Enterprise last xmas as a gift from the wife. She knew i wanted it so she bought it for me. Since i got back into the hobby all I do is open it up look at the parts dry fit them and put it away. It is an incredible kit worth the money but definately something that you will need lots of time for and as for myself more time to shake the cob webs off the modeling skills. But, even if you buy it and it sits like mine for almost a year now she will always be waiting for you to come get her.

Thanks Jeff....

Enterprise is a BIG leap if you don't have a few under your belt. I'd strongly suggest working your way up to it before diving in headfirst.

A common misconception is that carriers are easier to build than battleships or cruisers because there's no superstructure to build...but what they forget is that there's a hangar deck, and lots of individual aircraft to detail..in the case of the Enterprise, in excess of 80.

If you want a CHEAP carrier build, get the Revell Yorktown/Hornet kit and a GMM photoetch set...you can do wonders with a cheap kit, and you're not out $350 if you screw it up. This Yorktown is not mine, but was done by my good friend Keith Bender...Yes, it's the Revell kit.

Jeff Herne

try model expo for the ship kit and aircraft
ship in current cat. 119.99
aircraft sets 1 and 2 3.99 each
this is the new catalog price but it is usually this price a couple times a year (summer, after X mas)
i'm saving up

Hey, I don't drink, don't smoke and too married to chase women so I guess I need some vice LOL. The last one, the Revell 1/400 USS Enterprise, took me 8 months to complete. Started it on Feb 22nd 2003 and finished it on Oct,m 2003. The wife don't mind, she says it keeps me off the streets.

WOW!!! Must be nice to have $575.00 to sink into a model!!!


How long do you think it will take to complete it???

1 Tamiya 1/350 scale USS Enterprise $165.00
3 Tamiya 1/350 scale aircraft sets $ 21.00
1 Gold Medal Models PE set for carrier $38.00
1 Bottle paint/deck gray $2.00
1 bottle paint/flight deck gray $2.00
1 bottle paint/haze gray $2.00
2 sets Hi Viz decals for aircraft $12.00
1 set Navy flag decals $6.00
2 sets PE for 1/350 aircraft $22.00
1 set hangar deck inserts $55.00
3 sets PE naval figures ,300 count plus
1 set PE Enterprise airwing fittings $75.00
1 40" X 12" x 12" ACRYLIC display case $175.00
TOTAL $575.00
VALUE of MY SANITY PRICELESS

Not the model airplane your daddy used to make LOL

$340.00 in aftermarket sets for this thing?!!!! What all is there?

Here's a pic of my Revell Enterprise
http://www.modelwarships.com/index1.html

Just received my kit from Pacific Front Hobbies.....$165.00 for the kit and $340.0 more for various PE kits for the ship and planes. I am amazed at the size and detail of the kit, Having just completed the Revell, 1/400 kit of the Enterprise, which I paid $150.00 for, with out the extras.

I would love to build it also, but my local HS has it for 190 bucks, plus the fact that i do mostly autos, so i'm a little new to the boats.... perhaps i'll buy a cheaper one.....

I havent built it, but Ive seen many of them built and they certainly are worth it, well, alomost. It still always looks better with p/e parts added. Ive juts been waiting to catch one on sale or on Ebay, I just havent been able to part with $180 buckaroos for that one yet.