News Archive for January 2005

Starcrafts Nova Class Starship
Stardate: 09.17.2006

This month's review is on the 1:1400 scale Nova Class Starship resin kit from Starcrafts. Although this kit has been around and there has also been a couple of reviews on this little ship. I felt a need to add my "two cents".

"Description?" - This is a simple "one piece" all resin model kit and yet there is nothing simple about the amount of detail that has gone into it. This is one of the best resin kits that I have seen and even though other resin kits have been produced by Starcrafts, this is definitely one of my all time favorites. I have not yet had the pleasure of working on this kit, but upon inspection I do see "flash" and "bubbles" usually present in resin cast kits. This is common on resin cast kits and will require trimming the "flash", filling in the "bubbles", and sanding. The nacelles on this kit are not perfectly level with the rest of the body; this is also common with resin kit where longer thinner parts may warp or bend out of shape. I'm not saying that if you buy this kit that you will have this problem. Every resin kit is different and sometimes you'll get one that looks perfect, and then there are times when you'll get one that is not so perfect. However, soaking the kit in warm (not hot) water will allow you to bend the warped part back into it's correct position until it cools.

"Reference Images?" - Since no physical studio miniature was ever created by Paramount, the Nova Class starship only exist as a CGI image. There are some detailed CGI images floating around the internet and even in some Star Trek magazines. I have only seen this ship a couple of times on Star Trek: Voyager - Episode 220 ("Equinox" Part I - Season 5), Episode 221 (Equinox" Part II - Season 6), and Episode 271 ("Endgame Part I - Season 7).

"What do I get?" - The kit comes in a small rectangular shaped box which is slightly bigger than the kit itself. It is well packed and includes: (1) Nova Class Model, (1) Starfleet Insignia shaped stand base, (1) Water slide decal sheet, and (1) detailed instructions for painting and placement of decals. The model itself is 6.5" long, , 1.5" depth, and 3.25" wide. The Insignia shaped base is about 3" long, .50" depth, and 2.15" wide. Nothing is included to connect the model to the base.

"Aftermarket" - The kit comes with the basic decals, however if you want to really make this starship look extremely detailed, you'll want to purchase aftermarket decals from either PNTModels or JTGraphics. You can purchase the JTGraphics decals by sending an email to JTGraphics or from Starfleet Models, Federation Models. The Model Base also has a great selection of Star Trek model bases which is perfect for displaying your model.

"Where can I get one?" - Unfortunately Starcrafts doesn't have an online store, but there are other options. Starfleet Models, Federation Models and Link & Pin Hobbies still carries the full line of Starcrafts models.

"How much does it cost?" - The retail price is around $35.00, not including shipping.

"Conclusion?" - Well I think it is pretty obvious how I feel about this wonderful kit. It has all the right stuff and then some. As far as I can tell from an accuracy point of view, it is about 90% and while there are some minor inaccuracies, it's still worth the money. This is definitely a "must buy" for any Star Trek modeler!

Comments:
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