Polar Lights Star Trek TOS Enterprise 50th Anniversary Edition - 1:350 Scale Model Kit

Firstly, this kit is big and it comes in a big shiny box that’s so beautiful I can’t throw it out. The attention to detail on the kit itself is similarly amazing. I understand that for this 50th Anniversary Enterprise, the manufacturers took detailed measurements from the actual 11-foot long model that Gene Roddenberry commissioned for the original series. Careful note was made of the precise colours and contours of this original prop and it really shows.Inside the box of this impressive kit is a large, highly detailed colour schematic which is absolutely essential. The kit is actually moulded from plastic parts of the right colours. However, to get the right texture and reflective properties many people paint it anyway. The box says that it’s suitable for a skill level of 2 and for ages of 10 and up but I think that’s something of an underestimate.It’s misleading to think you can just pop the parts off the sprues and just glue them up. This is a kit that actually needs a fair amount of prep. Some sanding, filling and fettling are necessary if you want to end up with something that looks really special. So it’s going to take some time and a bit of patience but that’s what model builders enjoy isn’t it? In the USA there are model makers who will construct this kit for you to a very high standard including superb lighting effects but this costs a couple of thousand bucks. However, it is absolutely possible to do it yourself. I am no expert model maker at all and I managed to complete this kit (with lighting), to a very high standard. And I must say that the results are pretty stunning. But to do it well is a long process, so don’t expect to snap it together in a few hours.One thing definitely worth knowing is that the shuttle bay floor is a bit too wide. You’ll find that the two halves of the secondary hull won’t fit together snugly unless you’re prepared to trim it back with a blade.I fitted lights inside the kit and the preparation for this takes quite some time. There are LED lighting strips for the interior and LED FX systems for the nacelles that are available elsewhere and they’re really worthwhile if you want the Enterprise to look stunning. You’ll have to light-proof the model by painting the inside and there’s a fair bit of soldering so you’ll need a decent soldering station. Planning the lighting installation takes this kit to a whole new level of thought and prep.However, the rewards are great. This is a superb kit and bloody huge. Even if you go for the non-lit option this thing looks amazing. When it finally sits on its stand the impact is startling. It’s so exact, so right. Highly recommended.

The detail of this model is excellent as is most from POLAR LIGHTS, I purchased the upgrade kit with the TV early series bridge etc I also ordered the Tena Controls Lighting Kit with working Engines I recommend these to anyone interested

I've been umming and arring over buying one for a while now and went ahead and ordered it.What a kit, its massive, well made, upgradable with photoetch parts and you can also light it up.There's plenty of reference videos on YouTube and loads of photos online to help build every aspect of the kit.Really glad I bought it though its very expensive, but its screen accurate and very upgradable.

Huge amazing model

The grail at great price