By Justin "Bluesman" Miller - images & text © 2005

Scale: 1/1000

Parts: 3 resin

Instructions: 4 pages including paint/decal guide

Decals: ALPS-printed waterslide, markings for two ships

MSRP: $32 USD (~$39.45 CAN/ € 24.47 EUR) available from Starship Modeler Store

Overall Rating: 9 - see review

The Federation Frigate conversion from Starship Modeler will turn your classic Connie into a hot rod. Based on the Andorian Loknar starship design, the ship features no lower hull, distinctive rear hull cutouts, and an extended rear hull with the engine pylons.

What You Get

The parts were mastered by Terry Miesle and cast by Blap Models. Decals are from JT Graphics and include names for two ships: the Loknar and Chicago.

The parts are simply upper and lower saucer halves and the rear hull/engine pylon extension. The parts were very clean and well cast. I found very minor flash and not one bubble or warp in the resin. There are pour stubs the saucer halves that are easily removed with a hobby knife and sanding sticks. On my sample, there was also a pour stub on the secondary hull, again easily removed with sanding sticks. The line in the photo of the lower saucer hull was drawn for my reference and to prevent “squish out” of super glue or epoxy.

As with all resin model parts, soak the parts in a cleaner such as Formula 409 or Simple Green to remove the mold release agent and always prime the parts prior to final paint.

Taping the parts together found no fit problems.

As this is a conversion you will need parts from the Polar Lights TOS Enterprise. Those parts are the upper and lower saucer domes and the engine nacelle assemblies. Assembly is straightforward. Attach the saucer halves with super glue or epoxy, attach the hull extension, then the nacelles. There will be a slight gap from the slots on the engine nacelles, but this can easily be filled with putty or strip styrene.

The instructions are well written and easy to follow, and a decal placement guide is included.

Conclusions

A reasonable price ($32.00 plus shipping), excellent quality casting and simple assembly make this conversion kit highly recommended for modelers of any skill level.