AMT Star Trek Model Kit (The Wrath of Khan U.S.S Reliant)

Good models

Great details

This was squished into a larger box with some heavier items, so the box was completely crushed upon delivery. Unfortunately cannot keep as a collector item. Not the seller's fault, though.

Good detai. Joining the top to the bottom is challenging due to poor part design process. Other parts fit together with good precision.Instructions: A better guide about what the wing position options are for and how to switch between them should be included.

easy to assemble

For those not in the "know", this is a re-issue of the U.S.S. Enterprise model, previously released for Star Trek:II thru VI, starting 1984. (The original released 1980 for ST:TMP did not have engraved Aztec paneling.)The one notable modification is the adaption to use the current Round2 display stand: a metal shaft mounted to a domed base. (A piece was added to the kit to adapt the large "squarish" opening for the previous stand to accept the new. The assembly instructions for the secondary hull are not modified to include this part.)As with any model kit of this age, there are flaws. They only bother the builder if expecting perfection. The kit is actually good despite any flaws. (For certain generations it would have been a first build.) Nice to have it back. It does require glue and paint, and it lends itself to lighting and modifications as the builder can imagine (kit-bash your own starship).Water based acrylic paints are easier to work with and more forgiving than the solvent based paints.A host of reference material (ex. StarshipModeler.com, CultTVMan.com) and resources are available online for those so inclined (including more accurate parts - search Lake Monster Details or HDAMODELWORX). It comes with a basic set of water slide decals for the registry markings and "strong back" section of the secondary hull.An "Aztec" pattern is molded into the surface. This is not accurate and an experienced builder will fill this in. Water slide decals and paint masks are available through third party sources for a more accurate result. Check out JT-Graphics, HDAModelworx, or Federation Models, for the series of decals and masks they carry. Round2 alzo offers expanded decal sets.The fun that can be had with the kit depends on the builder. If this is being considered as a first model kit for a beginning model builder, keep in mind the finished kit is about 24 inches long (not small). A suggestion is to consider the smaller, snap together version (1/1000 scale at under 12 inches, or the 1/2500 at around 5 inches) of this iconic ship for the first time model builder, and remember this one for when the builder has gained a little more experience.

I built AMT Star Trek models in my teens from the '70's. I'm taking up model building again and The K7 station will be my first one to start off with. Everything is perfect and realistic to the details of the station even though we saw the station for a few seconds during the tribble episode. Im also going to have the Playmates Star Trek figures next to each model I'll by morel from the seller as they have more items.

I like the bigger model sizes as they are easier to detail! Although you have one wing position option, it does leave you with alternate drives which you could construct a way! (More for the expert level modelers!) But with the options and then the new landing gears and back ramp you have a bit more room to create!