ACES_HIGH's plastic models

[eclipse74569]

Well, the pure white will show off the panels the best (I've made a 1701 18" model before), although the Modelmaster Light Gray is probably closer to the true coloring of the studio model.  You could (perhaps) cover the model in the light gray and then use subtle highlights of the Light Ghost Gray to offset on certain areas.

The Enterprise A is actually white...

Although I'm not sure what they used for the azteching pattern, I do believe they may have used a pearlescent type paint on the original TMP model.

[flarespire]

if your thinking of doing the enterprise E be carefull because the way the nacell pylons join onto the hull can break as mine did, the left nacells pylons insert peice snapped off in the inset in the hull is stuck in the hull and i cant get it out, plus my decauls ripped, but its still a good kit if you can avoid making the mistakes i did.

[CyAn1d3]

The Enterprise A is actually white...

Although I'm not sure what they used for the azteching pattern, I do believe they may have used a pearlescent type paint on the original TMP model.

still have mine assembled..... somewhere in my grandmothers attic
i miss that damn thing

[ACES_HIGH]

It always seemed like more of a beige to me, that's why I'd been leaning towards light ghost gray or light gray.  As I said before, whatever I use, I'll probably use flat as the base, and high-gloss for the paneling, so it'll take on the same kinda specular look that my Enterprise-D has in the right light.  the Hull is the only area that I'm having trouble with, I have a fairly good idea what I'm going to use for the rest of it, Although I'm going to basically ignore the kit's painting instructions. (blue and red phasers? yuck, maybe insignia yellow)

[Locke]

The Enterprise A is actually white...

While that is absolutely true for the studio model, for homemade models, having a slightly darker hue is probably better.  My model came out nearly flawless (aside from a bent nacelle ) but the coloring was as close as I could get it to what I saw in the movies.  However, when I took photos, it blanched out and bled.  It wasn't pretty.  Photos tend to make things brighter, no matter the settings on the camera, so I believe it to better to have a (slightly) darker color on the hull to enhance the paint.  Just my opinion on the matter, so feel free to find the color you think best to represent the 1701! ;)

[ACES_HIGH]

yeah, that's the same reason I went with Light and Dark Ghost Grey on the Ent-D, instead of the Blue and green of the studio model, because that's what it looks like on screen.

What should I use for the dorsal panels, the so called "Strong back"?

I was considering either:
a combination of;

Light Aircraft Grey:

and
Dark Aircraft Grey:


or

Dark Ghost Grey:

and
Medium Grey:

[Bones]

TWOK Enterprise was beige with rust/dirt covering most of the secondary hull, I've read about the colors used on refit as well as Ent-A and it is a mix of white and beige but more like white, aztecing was done with several layers of different pearlescent paint so each panel would appear as a different part, teal/blue panels on neck and secondary hull top side is matte paint IIRC, not 100% sure about it tho.

[baz1701]

pretty much what bones said. Been doing my own research (and a handy pointer from Andy Probert) I have had some advice from a guy who has scratch build a TMP connie.

And if Probert recommends it you know you can trust it.

Sneak peak of the new saucer aztec

[ACES_HIGH]

Yeah, I've been leaning towards the Ghost gray/medium gray combo, since on my other models that has taken on a blue tint.  If it makes any difference, the decals I've got are for the 1701-A not the 1701.

[CyAn1d3]

pretty much what bones said. Been doing my own research (and a handy pointer from Andy Probert) I have had some advice from a guy who has scratch build a TMP connie.

And if Probert recommends it you know you can trust it.

Sneak peak of the new saucer aztec

the aztech on my connie was a normal pattern, but i colored it so no 2 sections looked alike and i thought it looked great that way

[ACES_HIGH]

actually Baz's aztecing is closer to how it was done on the filming model

[CyAn1d3]

actually Baz's aztecing is closer to how it was done on the filming model

it may have just been my eye then (or the old ass tv i watch) but everytime i looked at the paneling, i just couldnt find a total overall pattern, i.e. every section looked the same. all i could catch was random colored paneling set the same way. am i making any sence?

[ACES_HIGH]

The model uses the same basic aztec pattern as the enterprise-D, it's really quite regular, but it uses alternating patterns to fool the eye into thinking they are random.

here's a good shot of my Ent-D that shows it:

[CyAn1d3]

thats more than likely what threw me off

[ACES_HIGH]

haven't gotten around to finishing either Enterprises, but I've been working on some 1:35 scale stuff, I just finished a WWII era Willys MB Jeep.  And now I'm finishing up a WWII M4(75) Sherman tank.  The Sherman is just waiting on some decals and stowage for the bow and engine deck.

[ACES_HIGH]

here's a pic of most of the gear that I'm going to put on the tank.
It also comes with a set of tools that attach to mounts on the back, which aren't pictured here.

Some of it came with the kit, some came out of my spares box.

[ACES_HIGH]

Decals are on, all the gear is stowed, she's done

[tiqhud]

that looks very good.

[086gf]

Looks fresh off the line, nice.

[deadthunder2_0]

Just a question, but have you done the Revell P-38 Lightning and the Black Widow night fighter??