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Round 2 Model Kits: DO… YOU… WANT… TO…PLAY… A… GAME…?
This may not turn into “Global Thermal Nuclear War” (well at least I hope it doesn’t), but I always like to post about things I’m kind of jazzed about when I’m working on Round 2 model kits. Usually when there is a lull in posts, it is because I’m busy working on a package or instruction sheet. Both are major time hogs but generally aren’t much to talk about. So when inspiration hits, I always try to write something out real quick.
Anyways, I’ve been working on some decals this week that have been pretty fun. Rather than come right out with it, I figured I’d make a game out of it. (Michael, our new creative director LOVES games. I hope he is proud of me.) So, the pic shows what I’ve been up to. I’ll give you twenty guesses as to what it is. Whoever correctly guesses first is the winner. I’ll send the winner a proof of the decal sheet when it arrives.
UPDATE: OUR WINNER… CHIANGKAISHECKY
I knew it wouldn’t take long but I figured I would have to drop at least one hint. We are bringing the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-C back out by the end of the year and it will feature a nice size decal sheet featuring ALL NEW battle damage decals based on the original filming model. When I first started figuring out how much I would be able to include, I discovered that the ship was pockmarked with relatively small spots of damage. Once I had a map established, I discovered that if I concentrated on the hull opening itself but not include the black burn marks, I would be able to include every spot I could detect in the reference I had on hand. I figured most modelers could handle the little bit of freehand airbrushing that would be needed to complete the look. Even without the additional airbrushing, they look pretty good on their own. I’m showing one of the decals below along with the reference shot and how it will look with a little airbrushing.
Besides revised Enterprise-C registry markings, U.S.S. Yamaguchi registries will also be included. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like I will have room on the sheet for the U.S.S. Excalibur registries. The sheet size is determined by the bottom of the box and it looks like it will be pretty well packed. We will have a product page up our website soon.
Enterprise decals
Ecto-1 decals?
Enterprise-C battle damage?
Leif Ericson Cruiser decals?
Taking Pictures of Assembly Steps for Instructions.
I’m with bats, and I must say, very excited to see them.
1:1000 Excelsior Class or Enterprise B decals
It looks like a vent with webs on it.
illuminated and non-illuminated windows?
DING! DING! DING! We have a winner.
oh PLEASE do these in 2500 too!!!
also…will these be included in the kit or as bonus sheets?
The New decal sheet is for the re-issue 1701-C 1:1400? will you sell it separately? because i have the old kit still un-buildt
Ach! Ya stole my idea! LOL!
Hi Jamie,
I’m wondering what the status is of the deluxe Batmobile. Is it still slated to come out in December? Also, have the registration of the decals in that kit been fixed? Thanks.
I would like to see all of the new and improved decals made for sale separately, because just like Usagiman (and several others no doubt) I have many of these original kits. I hate to buy the same kit again just to get the improved decals in some cases. I am aware that some of the models have also had improvements made to them.
One final plea to end this rediculous notion:
To the person or persons continually voting for the showcases in the latest poll- What is wrong with you people??? Is there a name for it? Why on earth do you want to pay extra for something that’s already widely available? Why wouldn’t you want the money Polar would spend on this to go towards something more worthwhile? Better decals, better quality in the kits themselves? This makes absolutely no sense to me, but there’s at least one person out there continually voting for the showcases. What a waste! Of the available choices, bigger or at least better decals makes the most sense. To want showcases added to the kits means an increase in the price of those kits due to the added case, larger packaging for said case and of course the expense of running one or more injection molding machines to make them.
It makes much more sense to get better quality decals in the kits than showcases. The showcases can be found almost anywhere kits are found. You people (or person) need your heads examined! If Polar Lights starts adding showcases to thier kits and raise the prices of said kits because of them I for one will stop buying.
Jamie, this is sooooo a bad idea! Please dear god, for the love of the hobby and all things styrene…DON’T DO IT!
Might want to take a look at what the informed masses have to say.
http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=48489&pid=529927&st=0&#entry529927
I thought that we were going to see a 1701 Club update in September. Is an update close?
Jaws- Yes. Very close.
Jamie, at iHobby Expo I want to have my Batmobile kit autographed by you and Tom. Will you both be attending the first two retailer days?
I might have to get a red or silver marker as a black marker autograph will blend in and disappear on the box.
PS
BatToys is Frank. I wrote articles before on Polar Lights.
Thanks to Tom Lowe and Jamie Hood for autographing my sealed Batmobile kit at iHobby Expo. As soon as Alex Ross signs it, I’ll post a picture.
Jamie, I wore my 1701 club t-shirt Thursday to iHobby and Michael showed me the hidden scribed display which was very cool to see. It does look much better. Were there other surprises Saturday for club members?
BatToys- Sorry I missed you. I didn’t think we would have any club-wearing members come until Saturday. I was at the show from Friday through close on Sunday. I did have something cool to show club members as a reward for wearing their shirts. I failed to make Michael aware of it though. No worries though. It will be included in the next club update along with a slew of comments to the factory regarding the mockup. The next update should be out in couple weeks.
We need a whole new enterprise D, there really isn’t a quality one on the market. The 1:1400 has the awful raised aztec lines on it and the fit is really not that good at all. You guys should put your attention into it to make it rival the quality of your 3, 1:350 scale enterprise kits. Speaking of 350 scale, why aren’t you relasing more kits in that scale, Like the USS Reliant? and the DS9 USS Defiant? they would be great sellers.