The Polar Lights Enterprise lives up to the hype over the past year. I write this because Polar Lights has given modelers an opportunity to construct an accurate representation of the Enterprise, her sister ships; or variants at a great price. The quality of the kit combined with the price makes this model a must have for all Trek modelers. Keeping in mind the price combined with accuracy, this kit outdoes any AMT release and Bandai's 1701-A. I must say this is one of the more thoughtful Star Trek models released. The attention to detail (everything from the box art; instructions and the parts themselves ) captures the "spirit" of The Original Series. Looking over the box and the contents, one would think The Original Series was still being produced. Kudos to Polar Lights!

It is too bad that this model wasn't released thirty years ago but at least Polar Lights got it right! That is not to say that the AMT 18" and cut-away Enterprises doesn't have its merits and charms but it doesn't compare to this kit in terms of overall accuracy.

I was particularly pleased to see the absence of the grid lines on the top and bottom of the saucer! I don't know if that was due to budgetary reasons or a conscious decision to do away with the now-accepted grid lines but I give Polar Lights and Thomas Sasser credit for this! Let modelers add those lines if they want them.

The possibilities for this kit are awesome. The ability to construct three variations of the Enterprise along with markings for five Starships is commendable. In addition, the potential to light this kit is there. Clear pieces for the nacelles and saucers give modelers that opportunity. Furthermore, this model looks great. Compare this to any AMT release and you'll see how far this kit has come. The fit of the kit is very good and Bandai could learn a thing or two by looking at the design of this kit. The parts fit together nicely and the seams were acceptable for a snap-kit. Construction and the instructions are logical and clear.

Deciding to build the production version, I had chosen to snap the kit together and use glue to strengthen the bond and help reduce the seams. Some filling and sanding was done to minimize the seams. Since this is not a pre-painted kit, one can easily do this. I painted my Enterprise with Model Master's Flat Gull Grey.

The kit comes with an extensive decal sheet with markings for Enterprise and other ships, including the Mirror Universe Enterprise. Great idea! Stickers are provided for novice modelers and water slide decals for everybody else.

Keep in mind the price everybody. How many of these models can you buy for one Bandai Enterprise? I'll let you figure that out.

My only gripe is that the model relies a little too much on the decals. Most notably the windows. It would have been nice to have the windows molded in.

I won't criticize the size of the model keeping in mine how affordable it is combined with all of the parts.

This model is easily accessible to anyone due to it's affordability; ease of assembly and potential to embellish the kit with more detaill. Novice modelers to expert modelers will enjoy this kit.

Congratulations to Polar Lights and Thomas Sasser for a job well done. Now get working on a refit Enterprise!

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