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Delta Quadrant Surak-class Kit Preview

By Scott Scariot - images & text © 2010

Scale: 1/1000 about 13”/ 330mm long
Parts: 13 resin .
Instructions: Mine did not have any but generic instructions and paint guide will come with production kits.
Decals: None (none needed)
Molding Quality: 8 - there are some bubbles and some flash but nothing major
Detail: 9 - everything is VERY crisp
Accuracy: 9 - Matches the studio 1st season CG Model closely.
MSRP: $60.00 USD (~$60.88 CAN/ € 44.53 EUR) available from Starship Modeler
Overall Rating: 9 - This is a nice kit. The model is nicely done as one would expect from a grown kit. The casting was nice as was the work to make the model hollow.

[Please click to enlarge]

One of the things I liked about Enterprise was the designs of the alien starships. One of the coolest was the Vulcan Surak class. The ship made its debut in the first season episode "Breaking the Ice". The design is simple and striking.

[Please click to enlarge]

^ Nicely detailed

Image: Main hull detailing

Image: Rear plate

Image: Pointy bit

Image: Another

Image: Easily fixed with a heat gun

Image: Ring

Image: Size

Image: Bussard scoop size

Image: A little rough at the edges

Image: Hull halves

Image: Looks almost like a mainstream plastic kit....

I immediately wanted a model of the ship. Now finally after many years a good quality model of the Surak class is here.

This is the first model in 1/1000 scale by Delta Quadrant. The master of the

Surak

class was stereolithographed ("grown") using computer-aided design. The result of this is a model that has very crisp detail. The model is covered with lots of crisp panel lines that are straight and are not overly deep. The impulse engines on the rear are very nice. The windows are round and are symmetrical and are a nice touch. My sample was the first pull out of the molds.

What You Get

The model is made up of 13 parts. Four parts make up most of the warp engine ring; three parts that I think are the Bussard collectors. The main hull is made up of 6 parts: a nose cone, two side parts two parts to fill in the tail and a tail piece. One of the two main hull pieces was warped. No big deal; a little heat from a heat gun and I had it back in shape.

The parts are all keyed so assembly will be very straightforward. A test fit shows that the parts fit together very well. The tight fit also means that pinning should not be necessary. I plan on building the model in two subassemblies: the main hull “spike” and the warp nacelle “ring”. That should be the easiest way to fill the seams and paint and detail the model. My only issue with this model is that it is covered with such nice details I'm not sure where I want to put the hole for the stand!

Conclusions

I think Delta Quadrant has a winner on their hands. I know I have been a bit lavish with my praise but the kit really is that nice. I hope that this is just the first in a collection of 1/1000 scale kits.

Please click here to see the kit buildup review.


Many thanks to Delta Quadrant for providing the review sample. Manufacturers and retailers, interested in getting your wares reviewed and publicized on a site averaging 6000+ readers a day? Contact us!

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the reviewer.
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This page copyright © 2010 Starship Modeler™. First posted on 19 April 2010.