Scale:
The model makes use of a reconfigured Excelsior model kit with after-market custom resin parts, including smaller nacelles and a larger bridge dome that instantly reduces the scale from massive starship to compact scout. The Excelsior parts I used were salvaged from a failed build from years ago. I stripped the original paint and decals, but used the deflector array with original decals and the rear torpedo launcher as it was originally painted. Additional modifications were constructed using balsa wood, styrene plastic, a metal washer, and a fair number of Lego bricks sacrificed for a good cause.
The ship's registry markings are after-market custom decals, but other markings, windows, and panel details were custom designed and cut out with a vinyl cutter. The lighted windows were cut from wood-textured vinyl, the soft vertical lines meant to provide the illusion of depth, hinting at objects and people within. The grilles on the nacelles were created using two layers of vinyl, gray and black, cut with two blades set at different depths. This allowed me to construct a grille-textured "sticker" that could be applied to the nacelle as one piece. Gradient effects on the impulse engines, warp reactor, and nacelle pylons were custom designed, printed out on photo paper, and cut to fit.
TThis was my first kitbash and I'm thrilled that it gives new life to an abandoned model that sat broken in a box for years.
