Revell 04882 U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701 "INTO DARKNESS" 1:500 Scale Unbuilt/Unpainted Plastic Model Kit

A quantum leap for Revell, which until now has been a good-but-not-great kit manufacturer. This is almost a Tamiya or Dragon-level offering. The molding quality is excellent, with the parts showing virtually no flash or distortion. The detail is crisp and clean and there are no surface blemishes save VERY minor depressions around the saucer's locating pins.It's also a nice large size, but the indicated scale is wrong. It's not 1-500, but closer to 1-1000, which makes for a nice shelf comparison display if you have the Polar Lights - Round 2 1701 Refit.The kit's engineering is shockingly good. Having built Enterprise models from both AMT-Ertl and Polar Lights, I have to say, this is the first kit of this type of ship I've seen that actually mounts the nacelles to the pylons with NO drooping, at least from the side. Which is remarkable, considering how far forward the pylons mount to the nacelles.The NCC-1701 shape is difficult to make into a good, 3D-aligned model because of its mass distribution. Revell has done the best job I've ever seen in that respect.Additionally, the saucer parts are designed to go together with no visible seams, while the nacelle and secondary hull seams are located so that you won't destroy surface detail eliminating them.Unfortunately, the nacelles do splay laterally outward heading aft, necessitating surgery on the pylon-nacelle interface to correct. An experienced modeler will have little trouble with this.Don't let the promotional photo fool you. Whoever built that thing must've been either rushed or just didn't care, because the nacelles don't mount at such an extreme upward angle. My particular kit had a slightly warped port pylon, but a few minutes with a hair dryer let me bend it into alignment.If you're absolutely concerned with the 3D alignment of all four hull modules like I was, I'd recommend jigging the parts together with pieces of sprue while the glue dries, but it WILL hold its shape once fully cured. You can zoom it around the room just taped together - it's that well-engineered. All glued up, it's shockingly sturdy and stable.The instructions are a weak point. For example, many manufacturers, such as Moebius, use the model's CAD drawings in their instructions, giving them a crisp, clean, authoritative look. Revell is still relying on handmade art.Overall, this an excellent kit that will just about fall together, but will need a little help if you're concerned about 100-point geometric accuracy.Oh, and Revell designed it from the get-go for lighting. Even those amazing pylon-nacelle joints incorporate wiring channels, which makes them all the more impressive. Another plus.The only real complaint I have goes out to the aftermarket - Acreation, please make a set of Aztecs for this one!I'd buy this one again.

very good model is basically the first enterprise on steroids. i like it. not a kit for the beginner decal placement is very tedious . should be spread over two or three sheets. l painted mine with red bussard collectors and a light gray hull like the original it looks good i have every version of 1701 every scale. this is a very good model but i would like to see a bigger one. i would also like to see the new 1701A.

The latest iteration of TV and films most famous starship is presented in a large styrene kit from Germany.The design and construction of the kit is logical, but in places, especially the nacelles, the plastic is VERY thin. I felt the need to strengthen the engines themselves and whilst not lighting this particular model, I found there was ample room to do so.The detail on the kit itself is crisp and well defined.The decal sheet is comprehensive but as with all Star Fleet ships since 1979, the movie version featured fine "Aztec" panels that on Round 2 Star Trek kits are represented with decals. Simply painting the ship white leaves it toylike and so I had two options - leave it with a simple base coat until after market decals are released or attempt to paint the panels manually. Having painted several Enterprise kits over the past 30+ years that required this detail I'm afraid I've wussed out and decided to hang fire and complete the build and decals as and when Aztec sheets become available. For that reason I give this otherwise superb kit 4/5

Item arrived in great condition shame it wasn't packed inside another box for protection..checked it over and it's good quality can't wait to start building it

In essence this is a good kit. It's a faithful representation, a great size and looks great. It's relatively easy to put together, despite the instructions being vague at times - definitely check how the pieces fit together before thinking about applying glue.Where this kit lacks is the painting. You will need another £40+ of paints - and, despite the instructions telling you to wash the pieces first - this didn't help. When applied, the paint looked awful. I had to apply a primer aswell just to get the paint to stay on. Even after that, the suggested paint scheme does not apply in a nice way. If you don't have an air spray gun, I wouldrecommend one as well for large areas. That's about another £18. I'm quite experienced at painting these things, so I know what I'm doing and expected better.The model itself whough is good.

I haven't started it yet but inital inspection looks good, It's a clean well produced model. I have not built a model in some time but this one appears straight forward so ought to appeal to a range of kit builders. Those with limited skills will be able to produce a strait from box model with no difficulties, while because of its size and the way it has been produced kit builders with moderate abilities may want to try lighting it. All in all a lovely looking model, now we just need the dreadnought to go with it.

Fantastic model to lightup Revell have supplied two sprues of clear parts for this option, the rest of the model looks the part with very fine engraving all over,have started to work out how to light it up using images from the 2009 film,dry run fits look very good, well done Revell,delivery service from Model Hobbies was excellent arrived within two days from placing order,for the price of a large letter,exellent value/service.eat your heart out Polar Lights by cancelling their model they have missed the market on this one.