Building the Classic AMT Enterprise
The original AMT Enterprise has been around in various forms since the late 1960’s. The kit is often referred to as the “18” Enterprise” or the “1/650 Enterprise.” It is perhaps the most popular science fiction model kit ever produced and continues to be available almost 50 years after it was originally introduced. Over the years, the model has been retooled, adding lights, removing lights, improving assembly, and refining details. Jay Chladek has written a good overview of the history of the kit, though it could use some updating (hint, hint Jay!)
The popularity of this kit helped contribute to some misconceptions about the Enterprise. Up until the recent AMT reissue, the model had a prominent raised “grid” on the top of the primary hull. We know that the studio model had a grid detail, but it was drawn on with pencil and virtually invisible. From the second issue of the model kit in the late 60’s, until it was discontinued in the late 80’s, the model featured a photo of a built up kit with bright red “bussard collectors” on the engine nacelles. These were not actually red on the studio model, but a frosted translucent dome with various colored lights inside.
In general, this kit is fairly accurate, though many of the details are not correct. The shapes and proportions are pretty good and with a proper paint job and good decal work, this model can look fantastic.
This article will focus on products available to build the model in the CultTVman Hobbyshop.
First you need a kit!
The kit is currently available (as of January 2015) from Round 2/AMT as the “Tholian Web Enterprise” molded in glow plastic. It was also reissued in 2008 in a replica of the first AMT box with a painted image of the Enterprise. The 2008 reissue was also available in a metal tin box with a blue background or green background (second issue tin). Some people feel the tins are collectable. I’m not one of them. It is also supposed to come out in 2015 as a two pack “Build it Together” set with the 1:1000 Enterprise snap kit.
Extra detail parts
Several companies have produced “accurizing” parts for the model over the years. The CultTVman Hobbyshop carries some of these.
Replacement Deflector Mount from Don’s Light and Magic – This replaces the kit part on the secondary hull. It features rings that are more accurately sized and spaced and is based on the original kit part from the 60’s.
Replacement Bridge & Upper Decks
Replacement Bridge & Upper Decks from Don’s Light and Magic – This clear bridge piece replicates the actual teardrop shape of the upper decks on the primary hull and is also excellent for lighting the model. You’ll need to make some modifications and to the model to use this part.
Replacement Warp Domes (Bussard Collectors)
Replacement Warp Domes (Bussard Collectors) from Don’s Light & Magic – Another great set of replacement parts that are perfect for lighting your model.
Starship Detail Set from Paragrafix
Starship Detail Set from Paragrafix – this is a brass photo etch set that will add more accurate details to your model. It includes grills for the warp engines and pylons, a simulated bridge interior for the dome, impulse engine details, blades for the interior of the clear domes from DLM and more.
Shuttle Bay Interior from Paragrafix – this is another brass photoetch set for adding a shuttle bay interior to the model kit.
Window templates from Paragrafix – This isn’t actually a detail set, but a set of brass templates for proper window placement. Using these, you can accurately position the windows and open them up for lighting purposes. Or they can be used for paining the window details.
Lighting the model
The original AMT Enterprise contained lighting features for the primary hull domes and the bussard collectors. These were eliminated from later versions of the kit, but inspired a lot of people to light the model. Here are some of the options available.
Navigation/Strobe Unit from TenaControl – this little electronic unit can be used to add flashing navigation lights to your model
Duel Spinning Discs light set from Tenacontol – add a rotating nacelle effect with this chasing light set.
Deluxe Spinning Lights from Madman Lighting is another electronic circuit to simulate the rotating fan blades.
EasyLED from Paragrafix (white)
EasyLED lighting strips (white) are an easy way to add internal lighting to your models. These are perfect for lighting the windows in the primary and secondary hulls.
Finishing and Decals
The decals that come with the current AMT kits are pretty good. They include accurate markings but there is always room for improvement. The decals listed below feature some different markings and are much better than the old AMT and Ertl decals.
Constitution Class decals from JTGraphics – here you have various markings including the registry and names, pennets, stripes, and other hull markings found on the studio model
Starship Windows from JTGraphics – this is an additional decal set for the various windows found on the model
Grid decals
Grid decals from Acreation Models – We’ve established that there was a faint grid on the primary hull, and here you have a set of decals that help depict that fine detail. It also features the faint brown “rust ring” that can be detected on the primary hull
Starship paint masks from Aztek Dummy – The TV Enterprise didn’t actually have an Aztec pattern in the paint, but some people choose to add this detail. The Constitution ship featured in the Star Trek Enterprise series did have a faint Aztec design to it. This paint mask set from Aztek Dummy will help you add that detail.
The StarFleet Assembly Manual!
StarFleet Assembly Manual – Back in 1975, Paul M. Newitt published the StarFleet Assembly Manual. This detailed how to build and paint the 18″ AMT Enterprise, adding all the detail that was missing. It demonstrated how to take this basic kit and turn it into something special that looked like what you saw on TV. SFAM 2 and 3 added lighting info for the TV Enterprise, as well as details on the Romulan Bird of Prey and the Klingon Battle Cruiser. A few years ago, Paul and I collected these first three volumes and added another large section, updating all the information.
