Columbia & Challenger...the NX-Class Sisters UPDATE #2

Greetings!!  Happy New Year!

Back to work on the two NX-Class models as seen in 'Star Trek: Enterprise' with Captain Archer (Scott Bakula) which ended a decade ago.

NX-02 - COLUMBIA

My first step was to finish off the nacelles with the 'trim' paint.

Back in 2003, when the 1/350 model of the NX-01 was released, Polar Lights also released orthographic renderings (available online in a google search) of the digital studio model.  In referencing this, I realized there are some inaccuracies with it.  The 1/1000 version features 'heavy' gird lines and the 'cargo doors' on both the ventral and dorsal sides of the saucer should be filled in to at least match the sizing with the decals.

Once I was satisfied with the filling and sanding of the seams, I sprayed a base coat of Gloss Aluminum by Rustoleum as the base coat.

The next round of painting is gold sections which include the thrusters, bridge dome and engine components.

And for the the lower dome on the ventral side of the saucer, I dusted a coat of Tamiya Pearl White.

For the dark regions I airbrushed Testers MM Euro 1 Grey around the Deflector Dish housing and on sections on the saucer.

Now for the 'wall paper' decals!  This model has such an extensive 'aztec' patchwork, especially at this scale, it would be challenging to paint it.  That said, 'wallpaper decaling' offers it's challenges too, especially conforming to curves and compound curves.  This is where decal setting solution can help.

I couldn't resist adding the registry decal to the model; I always find that as soon as the name and number are on the ship (especially the upper saucer), the model takes on a life of it's own.

NX-03 - CHALLENGER

I haven't spent as much time on this ship (aside from the secondary hull - this is the refit) as I have to  work at finishing off 'Columbia'.  The colour palette is that of the 'Pilot TV version' of the USS Enterprise from both 'The Cage" and "Where No Man Has Gone Before" vs. the steel look.  I've been tempted to move forward the registry to NX-103 or NCC-103, or something like that but I figure this is a 're-fit' of the NX-Class ship vs. something new.  I digress...here are the nacelles:

The outboard nacelles have 'inserts' to fill in the cavity to closer resemble the TOS Enterprise.

All glued up, ready for filling, sanding, filing, rinse and repeat.

I have filled in the cargo hatch details, much like I did on 'Columbia'.

Anticipating the fit problems I had with 'Columbia', I cut off most of the 'snap together' posts.  I also painted the lower sensor dome with silver, like I did with 'Columbia'.

Now I await to cut out, sand down and fit the resin parts I cast as replacements which I lost over the years from Columbia. 

That wraps up this build for me for today.  Happy model building and see you soon!

Cheers!