SHE'S DONE!!: TOS Enterprise..With aztec!....

Hey thanks ILS...

Chris 

UPDATE: Artistic Licence.

Hi guys, been a few days since I did an update, and I must say that she is starting to look more and more like the old girl should!.. As you know, I am keeping to the general theme of the TOS Enterprise, but just freshening her up a bit to make her look a tad more modern and a little more grungy for a space vehicle.. Not only in applying the aztec, I decided to modernise the warp engines and decided to make them look like a cross over from the NX-01.. I think I got the whole feel of it right for now.. But I also decided to add and change some subtle things also.. Here is a picture of one of them.. It never appeared on the TOS-E, and I just felt it needed it.. Can you guess where is it on the ship?

Chris

UPDATE: Decals..

Ok, I have started the decals. But I have run out of dull coat, so will head over today and get some. But atleast she is starting to get some colour on her...

Chris

Yep.. its the easiest ideas that always make the most sence!

As for the model.. I have finished everything, and I am now starting to weather it.. I just have to fix up the white bulbs on the end of the nacelles and then the decals go on!

UPDATE: Weathering..

I have just finished the weathering and layed down a dull coat to avoid any mess.. I really need to get this model in better light, because all the detail is being lost in these pics, and so you cant see the aztec or weathering very well.... Anyways, just have to finish the deflector and put decals on.. Might have a bit of a break before I do..

Chris 

Hey thanks Capt..

Actually they are pre cut bases from my local hardwares store that I buy for about 400yen ($3.50)  And yes I do drill a hole into the base and add an aluminum rod.. Usually they fit snug. But if a little loose, I will drip some super glue in from the bottom.. I then drill a hole into the base of the model, and whallah.. I like them, because they look nice when completed, but also allow me to place the schematics on there aswell..

Chris 

<drewl mode on>

looking great chris!!

hey, can you tell me a little more about the bases you make? they look great. im very curious how you mount the models to them?!?.. do you drill a hole in the model? or?... as you mention, you can swap models per base..

thnx, sponder.

UPDATE: Nacelles...

Ok, I have finished the Warp Nacelles, and I am very happy with the way they have turned out.. I am also happy with the colour selection I used including the silver.. Please dont take any notice of the domes.. I am still scratching my head with them..

ps: Because its night time, and it is under fluro light, I am having to use the flash, and the aztec on th secondary hull and nacelles is being washed out..

Chris

You know, I never liked sitting and watching the original series, because after we have been spoiled in modern times with effects, I just found the old show tiring and a little boring.. But since they have done the new Enhanced episodes, I have found myself really enjoying and appreciating the old series.. It has given me a new respect for the original and a new fan has been born.. One of the main reasons I wanted to buld this Enerprise... I hope Scotty is proud of it...

As for an update...

I have been doing this build in different sections.. And this time was time for the saucer to be completed. I have to now finish the bottom, and then I will move back onto the secondary hull and nacelles... All I have left to do on the saucer is airbrush the white boxes on the top and paint the nav lights..

With the Nav lights and white panels..

UPDATE 2:

Here I have placed it up on a base (actually its the base for my Enterprise D) but I wanted to see how she looked sitting up there..I will be making its base after I have completed her..

Chris

He he he thanks Ed.. Always appreciate the words of wisdom!..

Well while we are talking about it, I have a little update for you with a few pics.. I have painted the nacelles and also the impulse section, but the nacelles will be given a very special bit of finishing that I hope really sets them off.. You will also notice that the domes are 2 different colours.. I am trying to decide which I prefer. Also, I am scratching my head in finding a way to do the blade effect on the domes as we see it in the enhanced sries... Anyway, hopefully you can see the aztec a little better now..

Chris

Well Ed, before I move on to the decals, I need to finish the nacelled and the last of the painting. Then I will begin.. I also have to do the domes.. This is proving to be a little tricky..

Chris 

Chris_in_Japan wrote:

Thanks Ed.. Happy you like it.. Maybe I am breaking tradition and a golden rule of Star Trek building. But I thought it would be a fun project.. Cant wait to get the decals on and show her in all her glory! Chris

TOS was breaking traditions when it first aired so, don't trip  It's been fun watchin' you build this up & I can't wait to see her in ALL her Glory too!!

Thanks Ed.. Happy you like it.. Maybe I am breaking tradition and a golden rule of Star Trek building. But I thought it would be a fun project.. Cant wait to get the decals on and show her in all her glory!

Chris 

Chris, I think Scotty would say "She's a fine ship laddie" I personally think this is a great way to bring her into a "modern existence".  Steady as she goes

Eddie 

UPDATE: 

I have finished all the aztec but for the life of me tonight, I cant get a decent picture under this light. So I will wait till morning, and take a few more so you can see the secondary hull and the nacelles..

Next I will be doing the copper deflector section and the warp nacelles, and then adding the extra parts to the nacelles.. The red plasma domes are not finished and will resemble how they look in the enhanced series. Or how I think they should look..

I must stress, that this TOS-E is not, and was never intentioned to be a canon build. It is a version of how I would bring the old girl into a more modern existance..  

Chris 

Remco, I am glad you missed it, and its good that we are a little more civil over here.. In all honesty, there is alot more to life, than getting upset about certain things.. Kinda why I joined this board in the first place.. Most of the members here are genuinly approachable and helpfull.. 

joey.. Its a shame. I looked over at that board every now and then, and noticed that it didnt get far.. As a rule, I normally dont participate in Group Builds, because I build too fast, and as I am not a one subject guy. The builds that start, I am usually interested in something else at that point in time.. (For example. I was building Modern Jets about 3 or 4 months ago, and then did a WWII Mustang.. After building a few aircraft, I looked at my stash, and saw a few sci-fi kits that I had and felt in the mood to do them.. After I finish these Enterprises that I am doing. I will probably go back and build a Jet to break the manotony (spelling?) And might even get in the mood for a ship. It all depends on what takes my interest) 

I only said that the group build was dead, because it pretty well is.. There has been no input since remco's Voyager (and he has a big job ahead of him, so understand if updates are a little slow in comming), no banner made, no nothing.. Not trying to upset anyone. Just being honest.. I just feel that you need more than a handfull of people to keep it going. And if you want to start and run a group build. Then you actually get it moving. Not rely on everyone else to do it..  Again, just trying to be honest..

Chris 

Chris_in_Japan wrote:

The fact is. I have better things to worry about, than what annonomous people thousands of miles away, sitting behind a computer key board think of me. And so that is why I decided that after this build, I will step away a little, and return to other boards where it isnt so touchy.

I guess that you are hinting about a nasty discussion or flame war that I completly missed. It's a pity that these kind of things happen and drive active members away from the board.

Thanks for offering some insight in why you have made your discission.

Oh, I definately understand what you are saying.. I guess my thing is, that I and a few others enjoy participating on the boards.. So much so that it seems that we are the only ones that do.. I sometimes feel guilty about that because, it feels like I am trying to be a board hog as I always have something going..

We have alot more members that frequent this board than you know, and the fact that they just pop in every now and then is kinda dissapointing, and feel that the other sci-fi boards are more of a social event than I dare say this one..

I guess because I do build so much, and I do post so often, I have just felt that it has left me open for critisism because by some, I am seen as a know it all, or a show off..  And the fact that I am honest and say what I feel also rubs people up the wrong way aswell..  I also build in many subjects, and not just only sci-fi, and so I find that some people that are strait down the line sci-fi guys, can sometimes get a little full on if you dont do the right thing, or stick to what is canon or not.. For me, I model planes, helicopters, cars, armour ships, space everything. So I guess I dont have the same full on-ness as that...

The fact is. I have better things to worry about, than what annonomous people thousands of miles away, sitting behind a computer key board think of me. And so that is why I decided that after this build, I will step away a little, and return to other boards where it isnt so touchy.. 

Infact a couple of the guys that do post regularly on this board, I met through the other boards, and they know who they are and have always been supportive of not only me as a friend, but also the members on most of the boards on this site.. 

UPDATE: Here is just a pic of the nacelles that I have started working on.. I have fixed the seams thtat connect the saucer to the neck, and so have just resprayed it, and tomorrow will mask it up ready for the aztec on the neck.. After that is complete, I can then start the rest of the painting, and get her done..

Cheers Chris 

Once again a very good job on the aztecing. You build on a fast pace!

 As for your comments regarding the SF forum. I have only been here for a short while so I can't comment on everything.

However, I am a little bit suprised by your comment on the ST GB. Since the activity on the SF forum is lower then on the aircraft forum, the response rate is going to be lower as wel.

I thought that the response rate on the ST GB was reasonable and comparable (even higher) to the other GB's I have participated in. (maybe I have been participating in the wrong GB's?)

No offence taken..

I did actually make up the grid in order to make up an aztec to fit. But as for lines, I  am still undecided as to what I will do. And if so, how noticable I will make it....

 Chris

Thanks..  Well I am a little scared, because I need to get my extra coats to exactly match the top part of the saucer.. But thanks for your comment.. Back to work today, so wont have any new progress..

Chris 

Thanks for that Capt..

Jerry, Thanks for having a look... Dont be shy, and take a few pics of your builds. I am sure everyone would be interested in taking a look.. The Excelsior is a beautifull ship. And in my eyes, should have been the E-B..  Maybe you should join in on the Star Trek Group build that we started, a little slow at the minute, but I am sure more will join in..

Ok, as an update, I have just taken another pic of my progress.. As you will see in the picture, I have all but done the aztec on the secondary hull and pylons.. The warp nacelles will be done next.. You will also notice that the neck has also been left bare.. I have decided that I will join the saucer, and fill the seem. although it would be unoticable, and will look fine, I dont like the idea of a seam where the saucer meets the neck, so want it to be completely flush.. Once the final aztecing is done, I will finish the bottom of the saucer section and lay down the over coats.. The sensor section is also being given a special  bit of love...

Chris