Scale: 1/211 (about 30"/76cm long)

Parts: 90 resin

Instructions: 2 pages: Too simple for such a complex model.

Decals: None

Molding Quality: 6 - Ranges from excellent to horrible, some parts require a LOT of reworking.

Detail: 8 - Most parts clear and crisp, but some are very soft, though still workable.

Accuracy: 8 - Most accurate rendition out there, but there are a few modifications needed on some parts.

MSRP: $149.95 USD available from Lunar Models, or for slightly less from Modeler's Vault

Overall Rating: 7 - Would be a 10 if all the parts were the same quality as the engine module.

Image: From the backside

Image: The bottom of the pressure sphere has a few surface flaws

Image: EVA pod

Image: The three spine pieces

Image: Antenna mount, front

Image: Antenna mount, rear

Image: Antenna dishes

Image: Detail view

Image: Detailing on the reactor module

Image: Another view

Image: Close-up

Thirty years later, I discovered the Internet, and more specifically Starship Modeler and other sites devoted to Science Fiction modeling. Through them I found an array of model companies that sold non-mainstream kits, including models of the Discovery. Now the question was, "Which one do I get?" The first one I came across, and the one I eventually purchased, was the offering from Lunar Models. A first, the price tag of $125 seemed a bit too steep, and I had no idea what a "resin" kit was. So I waited and looked around at two others I became aware of. The one from Planet X looked good at first, but after reading a couple of reviews on it I decided to pass. Then there is the version by Comet Miniatures, which after reading Pat Sklenar's preview on this site I knew I would pass on also. So I was left with the only other kit currently available, and from several reviews and buildups I've seen, the one from Lunar was the way to go. So, I finally bit the bullet and ordered one through Modeler's Vault, which sold them at a lower price, a "mere" $106. (it's no longer available at that price - now it's $127). They immediately emailed a confirmation of my order and said it would be shipped in 2 - 4 weeks. Four weeks later, it arrived. Excellent service, MV!

Lunar Models USS Discovery is a mixed bag of parts that run the resin gamut of horrible to excellent. The kit comes in a sturdy clamshell cardboard box. Inside, the main parts were all individually bubble-wrapped, and the smaller parts contained in zip-lock bags, and man, what a lot of parts! - 90 in all. Most of the major parts thankfully fall into the categories of the fair to excellent range, and only a few will have to be either completely reworked or discarded altogether. I'll begin with......

Actually I should say the EXCELLENT..... is the reactor module. This is an exquisitely cast hunk of creamy white resin with not a bubble or pit anywhere! And the seams? What seams? Well, they are detectible, but just barely, with a tiny bit of flash. The joint where the cast parts come together is perfectly aligned, and only a couple of minutes of filing and sanding is necessary to clean them up and make them disappear. The detail is outstanding, and there's plenty of it. All the panel lines, raised panels and piping is crisp and sharp. Very well executed.

Also in the excellent range are the 62 fuel pods that run the length of the connecting spine. All are as finely cast and detailed as the reactor module, with not a dud in the lot. The only areas that will need cleanup are the undersides where they'll connect to the spine, but even that will be just a matter of a few passes of the file.

Rounding out the good range are:

So do I think this kit was worth the $106? Yes, but only barely. Until a better version comes along, this is the best that's out there. While the majority of the parts are exceptional, there is no reason why the problems with the less than above average parts should be there at all. I'll probably feel differently after I've built it and fixed everything, and if I had it to buy over again seeing it firsthand for what it is, yes, I would. Besides, I like a challenge!