Polar Lights 1:000 Scale Discovery Enterprise Applying The Aztec Decals Pt 1

In this video I'm applying the aztec decal set on the Polar Lights 1:1000 scale
Discovery Enterprise model and overcome some issues with it along the way.

[@knight337]

This video is so instructive. It shows the difference between a master craftsman and an amateur. The master overcomes problems, refuses to settle for less, and has tremendous patience.

[@TheFlyingSailorYT]

The more I see Disco Connie, the more I love her.

[@chchzuzia]

When it's swaddled up in cloths like that and you're working way on the decals, I feel like I'm watching a surgeon do some delicate procedure on a patient. :D An absolute masterclass sir, thank you again for another excellent video!

[@israelislaromero4079]

A very nicely explained tutorial Boyd! Every time I see a video from you and if it is a almost fully build,I get so excited and happy,just because you really do explain EVERYTHING!!! Nice job Boyd... keep on going and rocking!👍🖖

[@nathanwilkins3039]

I’ve new to modeling and have appreciated your videos, Boyd. Thank you for thoroughly explaining things. I’m in Michigan and we’ve been in the teens as a high for the last few weeks. Hard to do anything model related. Much of what I want to do will have to wait until Spring. Thanks again for your videos. Always look forward to your builds!

[@1960imp]

I have a set of aztec decals for my NX-01 kit that I have been putting off doing as I suspect it will not be easy. Watching you do this has given me the boost to get the kit out and give it a go. Nice work, looking forward to seeing the finished product.

[@jarodcook2302]

I grabbed a couple cans of the duplicolor matte a few weeks back base in another one of your videos and it works great! Thanks so much for the recommendation!

[@Kens_Model_Shop]

Boyd awesome work on the Discovery Enterprise with the Aztec looking forward to the next update be safe have a great night.

[@fubarmodelyard1392]

Appreciate you plowing through. We're not going to thaw out until the weekend 🥶

[@constpegasus]

Excited about the Eagle.

[@ShawnMcClureModeler]

Disaster averted. Looks great Boyd.

[@TOSStarTrek]

Did not think they made a Disco Connie that big. I liked it and I grew up watching TOS reruns.

[@outsider238]

Excellent surgery done on those little chips. I've had decals that stick in one spot like that too and it's frustrating but it's always nice to have it all work out. I love the color you chose on the whole ship. Stay warm. It's -2 here in Denver right now!

[@TrekWorks]

Thanks, I think I was creating my own problems trying to work in the cold temps. Moving along the decals are going down with no further issues.

[@outsider238]

@@TrekWorks Oh that's good. I'm glad to hear that. Yeah I've tried painting in cold weather and that's always a bit risky. Looking forward to seeing how this beauty turns out.

[@scifimodelshop]

Tip for temp below 32 turn on a tap to just dripping, it will keep the water flowing and pipes will not freeze up. I am building this model as well, I looks like it does not a cold room for applying them

[@michaelhintzmikesminiature1812]

Great Video!!!!

[@tmseh]

9 degrees this morning in Western Massachusetts! ⛄ 22 is really cold with no insulation in Texas, yikes Great looking model. I really like the Discovery Enterprise. Looking forward to the new series.

[@henryschmitt7577]

🥶🥶🥶

[@henryschmitt7577]

The coldest day in Vegas was 47 for the high. Today it’s raining and nearly 70 degrees.

[@schuhmansmodelshop8657]

Looking good

[@TrekWorks]

The decals looked pretty wrinkled at the end of the video but by the next morning they settled down and looked great.

[@schuhmansmodelshop8657]

@@TrekWorks having done decals in the cold they take longer to settle down.

[@mimsnshine]

love

[@paulalanryder5397]

Hi Boyd Just finished two of these one for a friend and likre you i thought that the decals were a little grabby, glad its not just me, UK viewer and it's very cold over here -4 at times

[@jodyblackwell9012]

very nice work and i noticed you said your in San Antonio , Texas im in the Kerrville area in the Hill Country

[@thefalloutshelter7799]

Looking great as always Boyd. Nice save at the start. Im one of those weird people who enjoys doing decals haha I use Duplicolor clear as well and no issues either Its funny........67F is what I have my house set to all winter......and even sometimes I have to turn that down LOL

[@TrekWorks]

Thanks Gary, well you have to be part Eskimo to stand living where you do lol. I moved out of Wisconsin for a reason :)

[@thefalloutshelter7799]

@@TrekWorks Yeah I didn't miss the cold and snow shovelling when I was living in TX either

[@wraith20072007]

I was wondering, when you use craft paints do you use a product called easy flow that you mix in with the paint when using the airbrush for better paint flow?through the airbrush

[@BillTomaras]

Hi Boyd, Nice work as usual. I grew up watching the TOS reruns and always thought the Enterprise was real when I was real young. My favorite though is the Refit... I loved it instantly in all its glory... and still do... I still remember all the Star Trek TMP trading cards with preproduction lighting test photos of the refit showing it literally glowing in golden glory... I like the Discovery Enterprise very much but am partial to the 2009 Enterprise (Ryan Church did a very nice job I think). John Eaves’s discovery Enterprise is still very nice though - as well as his Kelvin). Question: when you mentioned the semi gloss clear in this video, were you referring to the matte duplocolor? Can that be used on the refit without muting all the iridescent Aztec colors from shimmering?

[@randygagliano4929]

What do you think would happen if instead of using soap, you used Finish jet dry? Both basically break the water tension.

[@davidward9487]

Crafty paint is alot less expensive however I was always concerned with adhesion over the long term. Did you use an adhesive paint binder or some primer? Id like to Terry this method with the craft paint. And phase out my tamiya and testors. Lol I have so much Enamel it's crazy. Love you'r videos. I'm using them to build my 1/350 refit. I would have never moved the bridge lol. I'm also going to try your deflector dish trick with that sheet styrene and canopy glue

[@LinearSeven]

Hey Boyd... I'm just now going down the rabbit hole on ship modeling... this kit looks like a good first project... I've done miniatures and terrain pieces mainly.. my question for you is... what is your opinion on using the decals vs a paint masking kit for the aztechs... which do you think looks better? Have you used a mask kit before?

[@eremiticwolf3499]

I just need to get a few things on my model started. How do you figure out how much paint you will need for the models you do?

[@ricardoortiz-wn6ff]

To be honest I really like that ENTERPRISE it's so cool the decals are nice too ...I can't wait for you to start the eagle to get some tips on the build I purchased the 14inch one its gonna be amazing take care boyd

[@TrekWorks]

It's my 3rd favorite behind the original and the refit. I never really liked the D or any of the others as much. The D always looked like a carnival cruise ship to be. The E looked ok because it was at least sleek looking.

[@ricardoortiz-wn6ff]

@@TrekWorks lol carnival cruise ship that's hilarious 😂

[@djangofett4879]

I bought the AMT kit that comes with all the Enteprise ships from NX-01 to 1701-E. it has A MILLION DECALS. luckily, my plan was to somewhat recreate the gold ship display from First Contact so i will save alot of headache with all those decals. i also bought a defiant and this Disco Enterprise (with decals) so i will have to take on this slightly intimidating task. Defiant seems pretty easy decal wise i went with the factory lighting kit because i was able to get a big discount on it (no, i didnt steal it 😆)

[@woobish9675]

What would you recommend to replace Testers Decal bonder spray now that it is not available any more ?

[@davidallen1213]

Excellent, helpful video....thanks. Was there ever a part 2.....can't seem to find it?

[@wraith20072007]

When is the best time to spray clear over decals?

[@TrentonBennett]

Honestly I personally don't do it in large sections like that. I cut out the sections but then cut it into the smaller triangle areas I'm working on. So that way it's not one big mess.

[@henryschmitt7577]

I am starting to see more modelers use these paint.

[@TrekWorks]

It's got it's quirks but with a little extra care, it yields excellent results. I love the color assortment and that it's non toxic. After being a painter for a long time I can really appreciate that.

[@scalemodelereric]

Great video as usual Boyd. I got a question about the Dupli-Color matte finish product. Instead of using the can, can we decan it and use it with an airbrush?

[@TrekWorks]

Sure, I do it all the time when I'm just doing a small spot.

[@CharlieTwoDelta]

Is it just me, or is there a line missing on the top saucer, right side, next to the impulse? is that on purpose?

[@alansimmonds9651]

The decal job looks good. Wondering if you have given thought to doing this build again but to mask and paint the aztec? Oh by the way - I’m in Edmonton Alberta and we’re around -30C.

[@TrekWorks]

When the decals dry, they look painted on. The modern methods used for making them fit is very impressive. I couldn't see going to all the trouble to paint them on when these are available and look so good.

[@JAFM112]

Hi Boyd, did you ever get the custom base built for this model? Would love to see it!

[@johnblack9885]

Hi Boyd, do you know if Testors has discontinued their Decal Bonder? I can no longer find it anywhere. Would any clear lacquer work to spray on the decal sheets to make them stronger before applying to the model? Thanks.

[@TrekWorks]

I've used both Testors dull coat and my Dupliclor matte clear on decal sheets with no problems.

[@henryschmitt7577]

My wife is in Dickinson between Houston and Galveston and it’s cold there too. Stay warm and what do you think of this Enterprise? I am thinking about getting one. Awesome work Boyd.

[@TrekWorks]

It's my 3rd favorite design behind the original and the refit. Was never a big fan of the Next Gen designs. The D looks like a carnival cruise ship to me. The E looked ok because it was at least sleek looking.

[@Headcase650]

Did you ever finish this project? Would love to see the finished model.

[@formerblueangel]

So, who made the Aztex decal set that you're using?

[@TrekWorks]

Round 2

[@dalestrange5817]

Boyd, have you ever mixed the paint with IPA, if not i do and the finish is smooth when it dries, plus drying time is minimal when the IPA evaporates. I mix it 70 30 ratio for spraying in my airbrush,

[@TrekWorks]

I may give that a try thanks.

[@dalestrange5817]

@@TrekWorks Boyd depending on how thick the paint is you may have to reduce it down to either 60/40 or an even 50/50 just depends on the paint and playing around with the reduction ratios IPA leaves a real nice smooth sheen when dried.

[@Nick-we7lf]

I am not a fan of big area decals. I think masking and airbrushing the tones on the model is always better even if it takes a bit more time.

[@brianmorrison4330]

Gotta clear gloss before decals

[@robertbeard8207]

The motion picture in 4K? You can get the 2009 JJ version but not the classic series so far. There was talk about doing the Robert Wise special edition in 4k.

[@johnc9546]

Just in time for 8K

[@trevoreb]

There is Trek II Wrath of Kahn in 4K available only at iTunes. I am not aware of any other 4K transfers aside from the unofficial versions.

[@robertbeard8207]

@@trevoreb Didn't know about the Wrath of Khan 4K. Do hope they do them all at one stage.

[@dustinparker9456]

I heard it’s going to be ridiculously cold. Like single digits.

[@TrekWorks]

Close to 0 early in the week which is super cold for this area.

[@MrChief101]

Taking the decal *off* the model -- just in time -- is not "Modeling 101"! It's more like 309-- because that's the move that gets the heart racing.

[@JDRhoads09]

I'm about to give up on this project... i've literally tried airbrushing about 30 times.... Createx Illustration paint looked like that perfect milk consistency... Just get a watery mess... its really discouraged me from continuing this project. Just trying to get an overall grey coat that covers and doesn't pool or look like water is impossible out of an airbrush. I don't know how people use them. I would have been done by now with a damn spray can... just super frustrated. =(

[@TrekWorks]

Createx Illustration paint is an ink medium meant to apply on canvas or paper. It is too thin to use as a base paint color. Get some Tamiya model paints and their matching thinner and you'll be painting perfectly with your airbrush.

[@JDRhoads09]

@@TrekWorks Thanks! I finally got it painted good. I tried that exact can of clear coat you had. I added a second coat... but it still looks really patchy, not uniform, grainy and flat in places ever since I applied it? What could I be doing wrong? I've tried 2 coats, 3rd coat on the top saucer... I think I basically ruined the model. Dark in some spots, not even.

[@AvengerII]

You think the water-based paint would work better on Bandai kits? A lot of those are notorious for the plastic reacting to solvents and enamel paints. Those chemicals cause the plastic to weaken and crack. That's one reason some people prefer the Revell and AMT/ERTL/MPC Star Wars kits to the Bandai kits besides the size. The word now is that Round 2 is going to re-release the MPC Star Wars kits now that they got the licensed from LFL/Disney. I guess the license fees went down and with Bandai withdrawing from Star Wars, I suppose Round 2 sees an opportunity to re-release the old kits. P.S. -- I have not commented on the STD Enterprise much. There are just things about it I don't like... The color of it and some of the lines really make me appreciate the classics that much more. I prefer the 1960s Enterprise, the Refit, and even the Phase II Enterprise to anything that's been designed in the last 15 years.

[@TrekWorks]

I'm becoming a big fan of these water based paints. The are very neutral, don't react with anything and they are super easy to clean up. Not to mention no toxic fumes which after being a painter for 40 years I can truly appreciate. I actually really like this design. For me it's the original, followed by the refit and then this one. I've never really cared for any of the others in between. The E looked ok because it looked pretty sleek. I always thought the D looked like a carnival cruise ship.

[@AvengerII]

@@TrekWorks The capper for the Enterprise-D for me was the SNL spoof with Patrick Stewart. Once they played that Enterprise as a stand in for the Love Boat, that was it for me! One thing I do respect is Andrew Probert justifying his choices for the design. I don't see anyone else making cases for their designs or doing very well-blended designs. I still think Matt Jefferies work was best; the Phase II Enterprise is basically the Refit. But those other starships past the Reliant -- which I think was the last classically good-looking model -- just don't do much for me. It's all about the proportions which I think are very lopsided and details which don't seem to be balanced after the Reliant. And, of course, there's the writing. I don't think there has been well-written, studio-produced (not fan-produced) Star Trek since DS9. Based on what I saw in the DS9 documentary, I don't think even those writers would do good Star Trek today... The political climate is just awful. The nihilists have completely taken over. I have no desire to give to or give into the mainstream. I'll keep my money for other things and buy the old stuff.

[@markbelsom3174]

Some of the decals are misnumbered on the aztec set.

[@p.j.c.2.0]

Hey Boyd I'm wondering if you've seen my Discovery ENTERPRISE Model on The Model Shop's Facebook page i posted it Last Year !

[@TrekWorks]

Yes, I remember seeing it. Nice job.

[@p.j.c.2.0]

@@TrekWorks Thanks .... Hope you like the Display Base i work just as hard on that as i did on the Model which by the way isn't finished just Yet i'm still waiting for the Effect Board i want for it to Come Out.

[@cabito1955]

hi Boyd . I sent you an E-mail twice in the last 2 weeks and haven't gotten an answer. Do do you have a new E-mail? I understand you are very busy , hope to hear from you. Stay safe & warm.

[@TrekWorks]

Probably got lost in the spam filter. i get a few hundred emails from each week and it has happened before. Try again?

[@mrandrossguy9871]

Gabriel Köerner Better

[@1701_FyldeFlyer]

Looks awful.