The Collective: The Return of Star Trek Model Kits

Model makers rejoice, Star Trek models are back. Round 2 is reissuing four popular Star Trek models (under the AMT and Polar Lights brand names) for this Fall, and there are more new models on the way for 2009 and 2010. Today TrekMovie’s Collective has an exclusive first look at the return of Trek models.

 

 

Model Behavior: Star Trek Model Kits Return

Old 1701 with some new features
The first new Star Trek model is a "Legacy" (or retro) reissue of the famous 1966 AMT model, including original styled packaging sure to be a nostalgic favorite. The 1/650th scale (18″) model will be available with two different kinds of packaging: either a cardboard box like the 1966 edition for about $20 or a deluxe limited (to 1701, of course) edition with a metal tin box, retailing for about $40.


AMT Legacy Models Kits, cardboard box (L), Tin (R)
(click to enlarge)

The original AMT model was available from 1966 to 1996, offered in slightly differing versions as new molds were required. The Round 2 "Legacy Edition" will feature the most recent mold, yet is eliminating the inaccurate "panel lines" from the top of the saucer section from previous editions.  A new feature allows fans to customize their model by choosing from decals with names and registry numbers for the USS Enterprise, the Mirror Universe ISS Enterprise or twelve other Constitution class starships of the TOS era (before you ask, TrekMovie will update with the full list).


The Legacy AMT USS Enterprise model

3 more re-issues
Also coming this fall are three re-issue 1/000 scale snap-together models (under the Polar Lights banner): the TOS Enterprise, the NX-01, and a Klingon Battlecruiser. Each will include decals and ship appropriate displays, retailing for about $15. These models will be packaged in two formats, one for hobby shops and one for the generic retail stores. While these kits are reissues of previously available Polar Lights starships, there have been improvements to the molds for better detailing.

 

 

 
Snap together models for the Fall
(retail packaging shown, click to enlarge)

All four re-issues come out this October and are available for pre-order at your local comic shop, or online at CultTVMan’s Hobbyshop. Round 2 expect Trek models to start showing up at major retailers like Toys R Us in early 2009.

More re-issues and new models on the way
2009 re-releases will include the AMT versions of Enterprise E and the Polar Lights 1/350 scale Enterprise A. Round 2 has the license for all versions of Trek except the animated show and the 2009 movie (although they are hoping to secure those rights). The first new kit for 2009 will be a 1/1000 scale kit of the Akira class U.S.S. Thunderchild (from Star Trek First Contact). There are also plans in 2010 for a 1/350 scale kit of the TOS Enterprise (which will be an amazing 30" long when assembled and incredibly detailed).


USS Thurnderchild coming in 2009
(click to enlarge)

Models long history with Trek
This is wonderful news because Star Trek model building is as old as the show itself. Star Trek model kit building is historically a favorite expression of fan artistry. In fact, one of the first Star Trek items ever licensed was the AMT 1960s model. It was of such good quality that the U.S.S. Constellation from "The Doomsday Machine" episode was actually the AMT Enterprise model bought off the shelf with redesigned decals and distressed detailings. AMT held the license for Star Trek models during the 1970s to the 1990s, releasing model ships and characters from the films, TOS, TNG, and DS9. Revell had the license in the late nineties for Voyager. Polar Lights acquired the rights in the 2000s, releasing both simple snap-together kits as well as more elaborate models with built in lights and electronics. In total, more than 100 different models are available from various companies during the previous 42 years. Now, Round 2 helps revive the hobby of Trek model making with should provide some great models, both new and reissues.

147 Comments
oldest
newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

30″ TOS Enterprise? I know something I’m getting in 2010 then! Thanks John.

: O thunderchild! awesome

I love gigantic, hard to build models (no sarcasm here). I like to stick LED’s in them so the windows light up. The more parts the better. Spaceships look best when complete.

I love it! Too bad there are so many “fans” out there that want to see a new looking Star Trek, they’ll never buy anything “retro”.

OK John
final warning for trolling

everyone here is a fan. You are not the one to decide who is a real fan or not. so calling people a supposed fan (“fan” in quotes) just because they dont adhere to your specific view of the world stops right now.

comments to https://trekmovie.com/about/feedback

How cool is this? Me and my friends use to put these together back in the day. Love the NCC-1701 and the Klingon ship. Any info on if there will be a Galileo Shuttlecraft, or the “Mr. Spock w/ the 3 headed alien” models coming out in the future. Loved painting those.

My brother got one of the original 1966 illuminated AMT models. I still remember him putting it together. That got me hooked on Trek ever since. Any info if the “retro” version will have the original lighting scheme? That would be awesome. Definitely getting the one on the tin (and maybe the regula edition too :)

Polar Lights did excellent versions of the TOS Enterprise and Klingon ship. They added so many options to those models, it was incredible (ISS Enterprise decals and different pilot versions). The Klingon ship came with Bird of Prey decals, too, to make the Romulan versions.

I can’t wait for the 30″ Enterprise, nearly the same size as the 2nd filming minature! The attention to detail will no doubt reflect on it. Curious if they’ll do all the options the smaller version has.

FYI, the AMT reissue is 1/650 and 18″ or so long. The PL reissue of the TOS E is 1/1000.

Just took a good look at the box art of the Polar Lights reissue. It’s the early version of the CGI remastered Enterprise, at least the images they released when the project was first announced

SWEEEEEET!

Well my girlfriend will be pleased that I have found something to keep me off the net for a while…….until she see’s that I’m locked in a room with the Enterprise and some glue!

want constitution II class! that one’s the best in my books.

Did anyone have the model of the bridge in the 70’s? That thing was awesome!

There was nothing like setting up a table and having friends over to build models back then…the smell of model cement wafting through the house…good times.

I’m still in love with the 36″ Master Replica I saw at the ST Experience in Balboa Park. If you love the Matt Jeffries original (no ‘A’, ‘B’, et al) as much as I do, this is as close to the real deal as you’re gonna get outside the Smithsonian (and maybe better than that, after Ed Mirecki’s disastrous paintjob). The problem, of course, is the price: at around $1000.00, that’s about a dollar per imaginary foot.

Good times indeed! We used to have model building parties! I had a lot of models but as I got older, I found less time to biuld them. I still have the cutaway Enterprise from 10+years ago! You could either paint the interior or use the decal provided. I WAS going to paint it when I got around to it…
The Polar Lights kits are nice. I will have to get new sets of the E and Klingon kits. I never saw the NX-01, so I’ll be anxious to pick that up!

BTW, are there any hardcore models buiders out there?

Whoa. Can’t wait to get my hands on the Klingon warship. Bach!

polar lights better get the rights for the 2009 movie, just imagine, a 36” model of the new enterprise

I love being a geek! Make all the fun in the world, I still love who I am. I love Star Trek, spaceship models, Sci-Fi movies, gaming conventions, computers and everything else involved. Long live nerds and long live Trek!

#15

I’m a model builder enthusiest (I’m more mid-core than hardcore LOL) and am currently biulding / accurizing an 18″ AMT TOS Enterprise (and taking my sweet time doing it too). I may not build alot right now, but I do frequent model websites and make regular trips to hobby shops.

Cool models.

I’ve always enjoyed building models and the few Trek models I have were a lot of fun to build. I’m looking forward to Trek’s return to models and picking some of these up. Model building is a great hobby.

I miss building models, this will be a great excuse to get back into it after 10+ years.
As much as I love the TOS Enterprise, it’s nice to see some other ships of the line like the Akira class. How about a Reliant or Excelsior model?

This is cool news. I had one of the early release AMT Enterprise models and loved it in spite of it’s now legendary design flaws. I’ve been wanting to get a hold of the Polar Lights version for a long time but they’re a rare find on Ebay. The upcoming 30″ model would make for a great project, especially with the aforementioned fine detail options.

*Hyperventalating*

Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god… 30″ Original Enterprise?!?!?!?! I almost kissed the delivery guy when I got my 1/350 scale Movie Enterprise. I’m gonna hafta break out the condoms for this one!!

I remember doing the AMT kit for a buddy of mine for his birthday. I glued, sanded, filed everything inch of that thing till she shone like polished glass! It was almost pretty enough just like that (except for the putty lines). Ahhh, the thousands of dollars spent!

3 months ago I found an old half-finished model in my garage and decided to finish it. The fun of building it brought back so many happy memories that I spent days on ebay buying every trek model I could find. Now, I’ve got to clear up more shelf space. lol.

Great News!!! A 1/350 Classic Enterprise is something I’ve been dreaming of ever since the refit came out! Thank god there making one!!!

Wow, this is fantastic. I have two hobbies…CGI, and building starship model kits. I am so excited over this news. However, I am running out of space to put all of my unbuilt models. :)

Oh well, I’ll find some more space for these.

I hope we might get Riker’s ship, Titan!

They must really think that this movie will be a major hit (300-400 million) Hopefully the marketers wont be screwed again like they were after STTMP and have stuff lining the shelves 5-10 years after the movie came out. Or at the end of the Berman years when Trek stuff that was 5 years old was put into the 3 for $10 bin

Would like to see kits that allowing all the Enterprise versions to be built in the same scale. That way you can compare the size of each consecutive class of the Enterprise (1701,A-E).

These ships look pretty nice though….

Finally! An Akira! :drool:

Its been 12yrs and its about time an Akira Class model come out!!!! I can not wait to get a hold of that thing and put it together. I remember my aunt giving me my first model and it was of the Enterprise-D. It was something my dad and I put together during Thanksgiving one year. Started putting those things myself and slack off on homework to work on them. I still have alot of my Star Trek models in my old room. Grandma put all of them in the closet lol. Always loved models so hopefully more of them will be coming back and I just don’t mean Star Trek models either.

Oh Wow! When I was younger I had the original Enterprise… the movie Enterprise and the Enterprise D. I also had the kit that had th eenterprise, a klingon ship and a romulan ship. I had bought two kits and make on of the enterprises into the constellation.. complete with battle damage! I had the shuttle craft kit.. but it was warped.. I had bought a total of 4 and each one was warped and I couldn’t put the top portion on to match the bottom. That was sad. I also built model cars too.

I can’t wait to get the JJ version of the Enterprise and build that! It’s been years. My mother still has my models back at her place still showcased in the basement in a cabinet! lol. I should make the ENTERPRISE NX-01 as well.

Nice to see that they are still going to make model kits!

Mmmmm Star Trek models. I love ’em.

Oh.. I also had the TMP Enterprise that had the lights too. I loved that one!

#12 — I had the model of The Bridge, gawd that thing was so much fun and interesting to put together and paint! I still have it, although the decals have “bubbled up” or split and raised from the surface.
I had the “exploration set” too, still have it, the communicator, phaser and tricorder seemed to be exact scale replicas when you were 10 years old with little kid hands!

To be a good modeler, you need a lot of patience.

I am not a good modeler.

Ooo, a 30-inch Enterprise model to go alongside my Master Replicas’ 1701. Another must-have!

I’m quite pleased to hear about the 1/350 scale tos enterprise, it’ll go nicely with my 1/350 1701-a, and the more 1/1000 ships the better. That way i can build the whole fleet =) (yeah, i know, i could do it now in 1/1400, but the smaller ships are way too small at that scale)

This is great to see. I was such a model-whore during my early teen years. :P Back in the 90s I had put together nearly every Trek model to come out. Thus far I have . . .

Two AMT 1701 Enterprises.
Klingon K’T’inga
Klingon Vor’cha
Adversary 3-pack (Romular Warbird, Bird of Pray, and Ferengi Maruader)
Enterprise 1701 A
Enterprise 1701 A (With lighting)
A small 3-pack with the Enterprises, 1701, 1701-A, and 1701-D.
A small TOS 3-pack with Klingon D-7, Romulan Bird of Pray, and 1701
Deep Space Nine
The Runabout
The Reliant

In recent years I got the newOne Polar Lights Klingon D-7 and their Enterprise 1701. I love this Enterprise (even though It’s not finished because it has the optional parts to make the Cage version with the larger dish, bridge, and pointy nacelles.

Sadly I did most of these when I was young and impatient, and the quality (or lack thereof) shows it. haha. But I always loved them, despite my lack of patience and skill. Something was just great about getting to build and hold the ships you had come to love so much. I might get back into it. I have long pondered replainting my old ones, and finishing up those I never finished. It’s a great hobby.

Woops, somebody mentioned this . . . I have the old bridge, too. I ended up finding a copy of it in a comic book store. I did a terrible job of trying to put it together though. haha

This is indeed great news. I have DOZENS of finished models on the shelves next to me and almost as many in boxes in our craft room awaiting my attentions. A 30 inch Enterprise would be an absolute blast to get totally wrapped up in for 5 or 6 months.

I had that bridge model and a Galileo and a TOS Warbird and D7 and a couple exploration sets. I also built about 5 of those AMT Enterprises, two of which became the battle damaged Excalibur and the Enterprise in space dock being refit for TMP respectively.

It would be a dream come true if they were to re-issue those other classic ships from the old AMT line.

And John–they used an AMT kit for the original “orbiting Enterprise” seen through Lurry’s K-7 window in “Tribbles,” don’t forget. (NOT in the Remastered, of course.)

The legacy 1701 model looks fantastic. What a beauty!

thank god they doing a 30′ original Enterprise!!!
the motion picture Enterprise is my favorite but i wanted the original too- especialy once i opened the refit & saw the size of that saucer!
glad the polar lights kits are still avalible and they are re-releasing the 18′ Enterprise- i made mine when i was 16 with next to no reference material- its white with bright red nacell caps lol.

my friends father had a pooly made 18′ Enterprise hanging in his house- i used to look at it for ages- i eventually brought it off him and still have the bridge secrion- with the clear green dome on my shelf.
i got my first star trek kit when i was 13- the three enterprise set original, the refit and the D.
i have about 55 kits and have only made 15 or so- 10 with finished paint jobs- so i have years of model making ahead of me- now with the reissues- new models and new movie line of models coming out- i will be in model heaven!

Does any one else want a Star Trek V: The Final Fronter Shuttlecraft model in scale to the original series Galileo 7??????
How do u start one of thoes good old fashioned pettitions?

I thought that I would mention this:

At the Science Fiction Museum in Seattle, they have the actual AMT model that appears outside that K7 office window in “Trouble with Tribbles.” It’s still in pretty good shape for it’s age. It’s kind of surreal because in a sense it is a canonical representation of the E, having appeared on screen as her in TOS. I’ve never been to the Smithsonian, so that’s as close as I’ve gotten. I just stood there for a half hour and stared.

If Anthony has no objection, can some of the members here share any pics they may have of their work or link to it on a model site if you have it up? I always love looking at built kits. Always gives me ideas and insights, and some of them are just plain beautiful to look at!

I’ve made one of the AMT Enterprises, and a bird of prey, as well as a smaller Enterprise from a company which the name of escapes me. Can’t wait to see the new ones.

Hey Anthony, your poll is missing “all of them”. :)

Ahh… Can’t wait for the Thunderchild. Finally, after waiting for twelve years, it will come! Hope they will annouce the release date for the ST-XI model kits soon.