One day I was surfing You Tube and found a video of the Polar Lights large 1/350 Enterprise. It was cruising around majestically in a large swimming pool all light up. Not a proper submarine but the best way I could see to actually make functional a Star Ship.
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The gentleman did a masterful job of making this model control so well. I just had to do this model too. I got the model from Smith Brothers in Reseda, brought her home and got started with the daunting task.
This model first had to be light proofed. Styrene plastic with light inside will only make the hull glow. So I first used flat black on the inside followed by flat white primer.
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Next I put the engineering hull together, added the nacelle supports and allowed the lower section of the hull to snap on and off for the installing and removal of the water tight compartment. As it turned out the WTC I had on hand fit it like a glove. All I needed to do was add a small multi blade prop and a clear plastic dive plane and rudder. Batteries for the lights and the WTC would fit inside the engineering hull.
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Next I had to install all the many clear windows that the kit included. Drill a bunch of channels to pass the wiring through and rough assemble the ship. The top of the saucer section removes for access to lights and foam later on for trimming.
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Additionally my good friend Wayne Frey sent me a PE kit for this build and I've so far placed the grids over the impulse engines.
Then it was time to take a trip to All electronics and purchase and install nearly 60 LEDs. This was the hardest part. I used hot glue to place them as well as a sealer on the poles and connections against the water. I also used Deans micro connectors on the saucer section and nacelles. The nacelles are removable and can be opened for foam ballast and servicing.
Next I need to fix all the light leaks and then I can start painting the trim before I add all those Aztec decals the kit provides. They nearly cover the entire hull so you don't have to mask and paint the Aztec effect. These decals are amazing and save one lots of time.
Below are pictures and video of the model to date. I will post more as I go and some pictures of the insides with the miles of wiring!
Another light test. This time most of the saucer rim section is sealed. The engineering hull is sealed. I still have the nacelles and top and bottom of the saucer section to do yet. I turned off all the lights in the room to shoot this short video. This ship is bright!
