Polar Lights 1/1000 NX-01 Refit OOB Review

[nicholassagan]

SUPER excited this kit came out. I ordered mine from Starship Modeler on Thursday night and it came in this afternoon and I wasted no time getting into it. It’s amazing how quickly something can go when you choose not to light it. Next time.

It’s pretty much the same kit as previously released, with the exception of a couple of new sprues for the refit hull parts and a couple more domes on the clear sprue.

The plastic itself seems a little softer in detail compared to the release from a few years back and there is a little more flash in some areas. The color is a little odd, too.

The main hull has now been retooled so the impulse crystal wing is now a separate piece and there are now plugs to put in the joints if you build the refit version.

The kit is marketed as a Snap-Kit and it pretty much lives up to it. The seams are practically airtight and smooth. The only exception is the joint where the new refit hull piece is supposed to match up with the spot on the lower saucer.

She builds up pretty well.

I have 2 sets of Acreation’s decals so I’ll be using some parts from the spare set for the new refit pieces.

 

[YOULI]

Thanks for sharing this build with us

How will you proceed with the aztec paneling for the secondary hull ? That was not done by A-creation, Right ?

 

[nicholassagan]

No, Acreation didn't do a set (but MIGHT still...). JDecals did a set for the Starcrafts conversion but they would mis-match if I used them. So I have this extra Acreation sheet I'll cut apart carefully to get to fit the secondary hull.

 

[Quaralane]

Looking forward to adding this one to my own stash
Thanks for sharing this breakdown.

 

[nicholassagan]

Black primer

Testor’s Metalizer Titanium (buffed)

and some Testors Brass for highlighted areas. And some gloss white for the lit windows. Next up are decals!

 

[Grendels]

Thank you for posting this. I have been curious about what this kit would be like since I heard about it a while back.

 

[Quaralane]

Looking really good so far.
Keep it up

 

[nicholassagan]

Decal process has begun! I’m going a little slowly though. Had about a half an hour to do some areas. I’m finding it’s best to cut the “numbered” pieces apart on the larger panel lines so they fit better. They will also sit nicely into the deep panel lines on the kit with the help of some Micro Sol. It’s still a touch dark in some light but I really like the look of it so far…

 

[Quaralane]

Going to look sharp when you're done with this one

 

[nicholassagan]

Decal process continues slowly. The Polar Lights decals have a really thick and foggy film. I hope the Sol will negate it a little bit before the clear coat…The ALPS layer also seems to be a little out of register.

 

[YOULI]

Excellent progress

It will look fantastic once the final black wash applied.

 

[Solander]

Wow, man, You're moving on this so extremely fast!
Great job so far, waiting to see You progressing on the secondary hull.

 

[nicholassagan]

Thanks guys! Although, Youli, I don't think I'll be doing a black wash on this one. And thinking back on the decal coatings, maybe I should have put the red striping down BEFORE the aztek....

 

[dogfish7]

She's looking good! 8)

 

[Grendels]

Looks good!

 

[myhobbyroom]

Beautiful detail work.

 

[Quaralane]

Definitely looking sharp.
Makes me want to go back and redo my Mirror NX-01

 

[nicholassagan]

Ok gents! All wrapped up! The decal process was a little slower than usual. I wanted to be very careful to avoid bubbling. After each section was laid on I brushed with Micro Sol, let it dry, went back in to break seams and panel lines, then re-applied Micro Sol. Very smooth!! Enjoy!

Full Gallery: http://nicholassagan.wordpress.com/2013/10/04/polar-lights-11000-nx-01-refit-review-pt5-complete/

Top Ten:

 

[Quaralane]

She looks pretty sharp.
Nice work on her

 

[Grendels]

She looks really good!