WIP: 1:350 Scale Reliant (Art)
This build is a combination of the Polar Lights Enterprise Refit kit and a Reliant conversion kit produced by Don Shoko.
I will be using the Refit lighting kit built by Trekmodeler, with some modifications of course.
Last update: 12/15/2021 - COMPLETE!
The resin conversion parts require a good bit of cleanup. Also, I must cut large holes into the bottom of the hull to facilitate lighting.
Light blocking the pieces from the 1/350 Polar Lights Enterprise Refit kit that will be used in this build. Several coats of paint are used to block light, starting in this case with a brown color; the last coat is a silver that will help reflect light to fill the body. With the saucer halves, you'll see I didn't fully paint the rear of them - that's because I'll be removing the back of the saucer to fit to the Reliant body.
Cutting the top saucer half from the Polar Lights Enterprise kit so that it will fit the Reliant body. Test fitting.
I've begun wiring/lighting.
Perspective makes it look smaller than it is... But here's taking a look at the first few lights.
Fiber optics sticking out of the back... I'll cut them flush once the hull is painted.
Attaching the upper saucer.
Most of the internal wiring/lighting is done for the main body.
Closing up the main body.
Bottom saucer half is attached... Now sanding down the joints.
Bottom pieces are all together, then the underside is primed. There are still some spots that need to be smoothed out, as revealed by the prime coat.
Applying Aztec masks to paint the nifty Aztec pattern over the hull...
Finished up the Aztec masks. Next - painting a coat of white over it all.
Aztecs painted and beginning to paint other elements.
More painting...decals...and finally connecting to the stand.
Working on the one good warp engine...
Jumping ahead now...she's finally complete! I'm posting a few photos here but will be adding a lot more to a new gallery very soon.
