Polar Lights 1:350 Enterprise Refit - Part 15 - Light Leaks!

[@johnatsf1564]

Great progress ! thanks for sharing!

[@mattsmodelshop]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@Explore-Gobal]

I know this is old, but I'm sure lots of people are still building this kit. The problem with the tight fit of the neck and saucer can be overcome by taking some 320 sandpaper and gently, in measured increments, sanding off small layers around the pins. Cut a strip of sandpaper and wrap it around the first pin. Now gently sand in a clockwise, then counterclockwise motion. Apply gentle pressure. Check your progress often as you don't want to take off too much. Doing this makes the parts fit together easily like a glove.

[@mattsmodelshop]

I did that with my original refit, and it did work. On this one, I was going to attempt to make it work. I was able to, but just barely!

[@adeweyan]

Enjoying watching your build. Thanks! Did you add the photo-etch in the docking ports? I couldn't tell under the primer.

[@mattsmodelshop]

I sure did! I forgot to film them going in. They add a little flare, methinks.

[@johnharris5392]

Hi. Loving the work so far. I have just started my kit and have a question. Here in the UK I can't find the Tulip stuff you use. Can you tell me it's exact name and company that makes it? Thanks in advance JOHN.

[@mattsmodelshop]

Hi John! Thanks for the kind words! Tulip is just fabric paint that's sold in craft stores in the USA. It's pretty thick and comes in a variety of colors. The black version makes a very effective light blocker, and it comes with a pretty small applicator that can get into nooks and crannies. It's also sandable when it's dry which makes it really great stuff to use for light leaks. If they don't sell tulip in the UK, there is probably something similar which will work.

[@johnharris5392]

Mattsmodelshop. Thanks mate. Found it on Amazon here now I know what to look for.

[@MoonwalkerModels]

I hear a lot of guys hat have trouble with the dorsal! Have you ever thought about drilling out the holes slightly to alleviate that problem? If you open up the holes just a little it will slip right down into place without a fuss! Same for the saucer!!

[@mattsmodelshop]

I did that some on my last one with the warp nacelles. The problem is if you hog them out too far, then getting the thing on straight becomes an issue. If you're careful and go just right, there's no reason that wouldn't work. Great suggestion!