ALANOODLE'S SCALE MODEL PORTFOLIO

This Old Starship Kit


Chapter 10: FINISHING UP; MARKINGS AND DECALS
 
 
    Having used the Estes decal sheet the first time, it was necessary for me to find another source for correct markings for my model. (The Estes kit was a rarity at the time and chances were slim that I'd find another at a reasonable price.) Decalex, among others, makes an aftermarket sheet with correct markings.

    While many of the Decalex markings were used, some were replaced with markings airbrushed directly onto decal film to help avoid positioning problems . The T-shape and rectangle were portrayed incorrectly on the decal sheet (bottom row, right) and were replaced with the markings above.
 


Some of the markings photocopied onto decal film. The shapes in the top-left corner were made with
dry-transfer striping. The NCC-1701 markings were made as spares after damaging one of the
Decalex decals. The blue marking was added to the photo to illustrate scale.

    As final additions to the model, the button in the middle of the lower saucer dome (left) was added using a small piece of styrene from my spare parts box. This part was missing from the studio model when I first photographed it and so was missing from this model the first time around. A pair of tiny red lights was also added to the Bridge (right). These were simply 3/4 inch long strands of optical fiber which were lit by the bridge bulb.
    Four more light mist coats of Tamiya clear were sprayed on, sanding lightly with 1800 grit sanding film between each coat. As before, the clear coat was thinned with a mix of alcohol and water to prevent any stressing on the color coat or whatever it was lurking below the surface of the plastic. Finally a coat of clear mixed with Flat Base was lightly airbrushed on which gave the model a satin finish.
 
 

ON TO PAGE 11:
THE STARSHIP ENTERPRISE



introduction chapter 1  chapter 2  chapter 3  chapter 4  chapter 5 chapter 6  chapter 7 chapter 8  chapter 9    chapter 10

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