AMT Star Trek Classic U.S.S. Enterprise (50th Anniversary Ed) 1:650 Scale Model Kit

I built this thing some 40 years ago and it ain’t changed much. It’s a good buy for the bucks with a small parts count good for the younger model maker and decals to build all 12 ships of the line. As with the older kit removing the parts from the spur will require either a sharp exacto knife or good sprue cutter (recommended). Even so some slight damage will occur especially with the saucer. Keep file and putty handy but it won’t be too bad at all. Expect some gapping in parts. Aligning nacelles and saucer are as troublesome as always patience required here. I made mine into the constellation that was a blast. Try that yourself it made this build lots of fun. Not recommended for lighting.

For the last 2 years I've been re-collecting the Star Trek model kits that I once had when I was a kid. This ship from the Original Series was one of the few that I hadn't yet acquired, due mainly to the cost and/or availability of the older kits here on Amazon. However, a couple weeks ago, all that changed when I found this kit while searching the Round2 Models website. I quickly hopped over to Amazon and was even more excited to discover a cheaper price here, plus free Prime shipping. (The Round2 site was going to charge me $10.99 for UPS ground.)One of the primary defects of this classic kit that I distinctly remember from my childhood was that the nacelles never glued perfectly in place and in perfect alignment with the secondary hull and saucer. No matter how much I tried, my completed model looked terrible for that one reason. (And that's why I threw it out when I was a teenager.)I'm happy to report that that defect has been pretty much corrected with this new re-issue kit. The right nacelle glued perfectly in place on the first try, but I did have to slightly brace the left nacelle so it would dry in perfect alignment. That's still a vast improvement, though, from the many hours of frustration I had when I was 10 and trying to get both damn nacelles to dry in place in perfect alignment.In addition to everything gluing together as it's supposed to, this kit also includes FOUR decal sheets. Yes, four. Not only can you re-create all the ships from the Original Series fleet, you can also build the ISS Enterprise from the mirror universe if you so wish.My only real complaint is the flash that came with the upper section of the saucer. Removing it was a severe pain in the ass, even with a hobby knife, and I came very close to gouging my fingers in the process.I was tempted to leave the base color of the ship alone, to go with what it was out of the box. But then I decided to spray it in camouflage gray instead. I'm very pleased with that choice, and I absolutely LOVE the final result. This has made a fine addition to my starfleet.

There is a love/hate relationship with this specific model kit and model builders. Yes, there are issues with the kit where fit and accuracy are concerned. What is often missed is that the mould for this specific kit is 50 years old. This kit has been sold off and on during that same time. The mould was made well before the introduction of computer modeling and has had some alterations regarding the removal of the grid lines on top of the saucer, as well as a change to the base.This kit was a first build for many. Yes, it is not the most accurate out of the box, which is an expectation of younger model builders.Much has been said for what this kit is not. Despite these type of comments, this model kit is primarily an exercise in problem solving. As such it has helped to develop the skills of many a creative mind, including some well known model builders. Model building is more than just glueing pieces together for the final product. This kit has led some to builders to produce more accurate replacement parts.The scale of 1/650 may be too big for some, being 18" when completed. On the upside it is an excellent scale which allows for sufficient interior space to install lighting and electronics. The original edition of the kit came with a rudimentary lighting system powered by big D cell batteries in the lower cylindrical hull.If a screen accurate, quick and easy build is being sought, the 1/1000 scale kit is likely the answer. If a challenge is being sought, this kit fits the bill. Yes, it has issues but that is part of the fun.

Fast response from seller. Packaged well and product in mint condition with 50th anniversary sleeve. The mold is the original AMT with the original tooling. This original format is a challenge to assewmble so patience is needed (and some level of skill). No "Snap-It" with this legacy model. That original tooling gives you a harsher upper deck prow that the actual ship and the deflector dish is, well, original, with harsh lines and not representative of the filming model. But again, this is for the modeler looking to capture some nostalgia. Up-to-date decals (slide on and sticker) add an air of authenticity. New Round 2 base is a plus as the original base (which is included in the package) was always the flimsiest ever made. All in all, exactly as advertised just like back in the day!

This is a cheap model kit. The pieces don't fit together well and the decal sheet is absolute crap. The decals fall apart as soon as you touch them.

Accurate

Even though there aren’t many pieces, this took quite a while to complete. Quite a bit of sanding and filling in seam lines and lots of decals to apply. Looks great once finished.