Hello everyone, welcome to The Kit Cave.
On this channel I’ll be going through out of the box model kit reviews, works in progress and sharing some hints and tips in relation to scale model building.
In addition to this I’ll be show casing model builds created through the medium of 3d printing along with doing tutorial videos for adding lighting to projects and circuit board builds.
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Audio is terrible!
It is on the video due to low quality microphone, sounds a lot better in person.
It's been at least a month and I still haven't gotten my Enterprise Refit (1/537) coding the way I want. I'm learning as well, but you have got it together with sure tenacity and stubbornness. Kudos. I'll need to run through the other build videos to see how you mounted the news.
Keep at it, it is frustrating at times coding and figuring out what’s not working and why, but chip away, read articles on Arduino forums and what not, and you’ll get there. Have you watched the Arduino playlist series over on OstrichLongneck channel? He has links to download code for the Refit that he freely shares. Might be worth a look. Links to his KZread channel are always in my video descriptions for people to access.
Nice video mate, I get this kit off eBay a couple of days ago, Shrink-wrapped and only £80. These kits command stupid money nowadays due to scarcity; you can end up paying £150-£200 sometimes. All the best
Thank you 🙏🏻 Yeah, I’ve seen them rocket up price recently. Some of the clear editions are ridiculous money also, just glad I bought mine for £40, but that was about ten years ago 😂
Nice work mate! These kits are stupid expensive on eBay now, probably not many of them knocking around anymore. I bought one still in its shrink-wrap for £80, but they can go for as much as £150-£200
Thank you 🙏🏻 Yes, I’ve seen how expensive these old versions are becoming, the clear editions even more so . I’d hold onto your shrink wrapped purchase if I were you, it’ll be worth more in a few years time 😁 Just as well that round 2 did the recent re-release for anyone wanting to build the kit.
That lighting kit would be awesome if you could produce it! Or at the very least provide a very specific step by step on how to do the phaser and other effects, so people don't have to go through the same trial and error you did.
Agreed! I'd definitely be interested in buying the lighting kit, knowing all the obsessive work you've put into making it accurate as possible!
I will be looking into either producing the controller board/after market kit if I can keep the costs relatively low for everyone (myself included) or I have already thought about going the route of in depth, precise step by step tutorial. The electronic components are straight forward enough, it was the coding that needed figuring out.
I’m looking into how to produce the controller boards as one custom printed board and working out cost factors. As mentioned I’d ideally like it to as low cost to everyone as possible.
@@thekitcave2654 Is this something that could be adapted to the larger Helios kit as well? Or would the longer light strip require new programming?
No new programming needed, the only ‘setting’ that would need changing in the Arduino sketch, would be to assign the number of LEDs in the strip as they’ll be more of them, assuming you’re referring to phaser firing program element, and that is a simple thing to do. I’ve got my number for top and and bottom phaser’s set to 84 & 60 respectively. Thus could be 100, 120, 150 etc.
Massively impressive work on prototyping that circuit and programming all those features! That is no small feat. You're going to have a model fit for filming by the time it's done. We'll done, and thanks for sharing!
Thank you, appreciate the kind words. It’s been an educational process doing the coding. I’m glad to have got it finalised which will make it easier for this build going towards and future ones 😁
Nice to see you back, wonder'd where you had gone, I haven't done much on my build over the last month as i have been ill with a bad chest infection, 1st time in my life too and always been healthy, i have made a start back on the model a few days ago but now a month behind schedule, i look forward to your next video and progress 👍👍
Thank you 🙏🏻 It’s surprising how long it takes to code, test, de-bug programs. Sorry to hear you’ve been unwell, chest infections are not fun, had two myself over last two years. Good to hear you’re on the mend though and back on your build. Hope it’s going well 👍
It's coming along nicely
Thank you 🙏🏻
Amazing work, I'm working on the 1/537 refit and I'm having fun with my arduino. You have given me some great ideas Thanks from Canada
Thank you 🙏🏻 I’ve been working on more coding for more effects, ran into a snag with trying to have two neopixel strips running for phaser effect. Ah, the good old 1/537 refit. That was my first ever starship kit I built as a kid waaaay back when 😅 Good luck with your build, hope it turns out great 👍
Actually I've been studying TNG shots myself recently, and the nacelle running lights often weren't lit up at all for the first two seasons. Which is odd. And yeah on the newer shows it's pretty wildly inconsistent, and it feels like there's no set rule in place at all for these CG ships. But I really love the approach you're taking with this!
Thank you 🙏🏻, I decided ‘what the hell? Go for it.’ I’ve also noticed that there seems to be yet configuration - screen shots in orbit above a planet and on approach to Spacedock - bridge light flashing, rear torpedo launcher light flashing, forward, port and starboard saucer running lights illuminated and none others. As you said, just doesnt appear to be any consistency between filming models at all.
She's coming together nicely!
Thank you 😊
Thank you 🙏🏻
Now you gotta do the bottom phaser bank.
Yup, going too 😁
Loving the build! I think it's a good choice to incorporate all of the lighting modes because yeah, why the hell not! I know you decided on the Arduino Mega already but for complex future lighting projects you might consider linking the Arduino to a PWM controller like Adafruit's TLC5947 or TLC5911. It would give you effectively limitless lighting control. I'm building a Galor class cruiser with the 5947 currently and am really impressed with it. Just a couple quirks with using it that I'd be happy to guide you through.
Thank you 🙏🏻 Yeah why not have all lighting modes, make it a ‘USS Multiprise’ 😅 Thank for the recommendations of the controller boards, didn’t know there were any for extensions, but that’s down to my current limit of learning Arduino for first time with this build. I’ll definitely be looking at those for future builds 👍
I'm currently going through a similar process as I'm researching & planning for my build as well. Be careful with using Picard as a reference because 1. The stardrive and nacelles is from the USS Syracuse, so that could be an in-universe explanation for the differences and 2. it's a CG model. In any case, thank you for making these videos and bringing us along for the ride!
Thank you 🙏🏻 Good luck with your build, hope it goes well. Please share progress updates as you go along 👍 I know that there is a lot of differences with lighting due to different models being used throughout and although basing exterior look on the ‘Generations’ six footer, I figured why not make that most of the controller board. It will still be accurate to ‘Generations’ screen version - but with a little added extra to pay homage to the ‘Big D’ in all her glorious iterations ☺️
I love that you're going all-in on this build. The multi-mode blinker scheme is a great idea! Thanks for sharing with us.
Thanks 🙏🏻 I need to reign myself in a bit otherwise I’ll end up with multicoloured lights flashing in time to music like a disco 😂 But that’s the beauty of Arduino, you can program anything and everything. I’m considering even having the white internal lighting connected to simulate power on/off with sound effect as well as everything else.
Wow you really are going to town on this build, i can't wait to see how you progress with it, i have no idea about Arduino boards and how to program them!
Thank you 🙏🏻 I figured ‘what the hell?’ The availability is there, use it. I had no knowledge of Arduino or programming prior to this build and have learned it (and still learning it) as I go along. Ostrich Longnecks playlist series was/is really helpful to learn from. Suffice to say future builds are going have Arduino incorporated also.
Thanks for the name drop! Sorry I made you do more research and complicated the build! 😂 Whenever I build an Enterprise-D I always base it on the 6' model and if I went through all the work, you are doing her and then realized the lights were wrong I think it would drive me crazy which is why I wanted to point it out, plus I didn't realize they flashed in Picard. Great idea giving it all the option for all the modes. Really enjoying the build.
No apologies needed, thank you for pointing it out 👍 I’m glad you did as now I can add even more lighting and sound affects with the Arduino Mega to really go the whole hog on her 👍👍😁😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I have to rebuild my 1:1400 Enterprise D. My cat knocked it over and in the process when it hit the floor, the piece(this was the 2010 clear kit) I put in the engineering hull that held the stand in place broke off. It would of been to much work ripping the model back open, since the clear plastic is brittle. I wish season 3 of Picard did stuck with Generations and the series. They weren't red or green and the red and green navs didn't flash. Even when the ship was in battle in the tv series, the lights didn't change. Everyone has a different view. I just prefer the classic.
Sorry to hear your Ent D for got destroyed by your cat, always a disheartening feeling when that happens. I do agree with the sentiment of different interpretations. Just watched more vids of Generations and tv series and have seen even more variants of flashy lights from scene to scene/episode to episode etc. I’m just trying to reach a happy medium to incorporate the best of all three (Tv, Gen & Picard) into this build. But the thought did occur to me that I may be over complicating the flashy lights aspect……..
@@thekitcave2654 It's your model. at the end of the day. Honestly, the different rates are going to be a debate for years to come. Some people like it, some don't. I still want to rebuild mine as the Generations version plus also a series version. I still have to get the paint masks from Motion Picture Miniatures. I do appreciate your attention to accuracy and detail. I'm the same way and that's how I want my Enterprise's to look. Look forward to your future build videos.
@@nathanwilkins3039 Thank you, I just need to be careful that I don’t go overboard and turn it into a glorified disco ball! 😂 I think rather than doing one iteration, I’m inadvertently incorporating elements of all versions into one. A ‘multiprise’ if you will. Good luck with your builds, please share progress with them. Always interesting to see how others approach their builds and share hints and tips.
@@thekitcave2654 Thanks. I had a friend of mine say I should get a youtube channel and do a build. Perhaps a slideshow if I did. I'll think about it haha.
Be sure that the end of the Nacelles have two sets of lighting, one white for the cruise mode, and then green and red for escort!
Thanks for the heads up 👍 Just re-watched all scenes again - have also noticed that in ‘escort’ mode the bridge light doesn’t flash and only two of the saucer white ‘pendant lights’ (the ones by/on the neck) flash, not all four with the same two only illuminated in ‘battle mode’. Good job I’ve got the Arduino Mega coming, going to need all those extra I/o pins at this rate! Lol 😂
@@thekitcave2654 yeah, this is definitely an educational bit lol! I’m just gonna stick with the Next Gen/Generations cruise configuration for mine.
The classic ‘cruise’ configuration is good for TNG & Generations as a standalone configuration. I just like making more work myself and complexity 😂
If you are possibly looking for a Nebula Kit. Lake Monster Models has one out of the US. An upgraded kit originally from Don Mathys DLM products
Thank you for the recommendation, that’ll be a future build to consider once I’ve got through my existing stockpile of kits waiting patiently to be built 😁
I had such a big smile on my face after those phaser strips lit up! That looks epic! And thanks for showing how you solder smd LEDs. Using tweezers with helping hands seems so obvious in hindsight, but it never occurred to me. Thanks for that tip.
Thank you 🙏🏻 Does look good doesn’t it? I could sit there for hours just pressing the button and watching it 😁 Decided to do the phaser strips in the bottom half of the saucer also 👍👍 Those SMDs are tricky to wire up, just the easiest method I’ve found to do them.
Wow I'm really loving how smooth that phaser effect looks. I really need to learn how to do that.
Thank you 🙏🏻 It’s not as difficult as you may think. The hardest part was learning Arduino for the first time but after doing lots of research and learning, it’s quite straight forward. There are links in the video descriptions to resource vids, web pages, well worth a look at to learn how to do it with open source code freely shared.
@@thekitcave2654 Thanks. I've created some basic circuits before on a board, so hopefully this won't be too much harder to figure out.
@@davidjames1389 I would highly recommend watching the playlist series over on Ostrich Longnecks channel - very comprehensive and easy to understand/follow along. Bare in mind though that his playlist is for Arduino effects for the Ent refit and so some modification is needed for Next Gen ships - but a great start to begin learning from.
I have built and designed and 3D printed raised escape pod hatches for this kit. They are molded to the kit decals (the same trapezoidal shape) if built them in groups just like the decals are. I have them in two thicknesses .24mm & .33mm I’ve not been able to decide on which I like better. Let me know if something like this would be helpful for you.
Sounds intriguing, thank you for the offer. Think I’ll stick with decals to replicate the 6 foot studio model that were just flat decals/stickers. The raised lifeboats would be great if replicating the later four foot model that had then raised 👍
@@thekitcave2654 I can’t fault you there, I considered the same thing myself. Keep up great work and the content, I feel like I am following right along with you.
@wayne0220 I'm working on this kit as well and would be interested in the raised lifeboats!
@@wayne0220 Thank you so much ☺
@@JamesLeMosy Oh bugger, have I started something here with the concept of raised lifeboats?? Lol 😄 Fair play to you, hope your build is coming along grand.
The translucent plastic of this Enterprise 1701D model kit is very brittle! At least the upper saucer section! I cracked the top by applying photoetch phaser ring banks! Lightly pressing them down! So be careful!!
Sorry to hear it snapped on you, never a good thing when that happens. Very disheartening. Luckily this isn’t any of the translucent versions but the original cast done in grey plastic and not brittle at all. But always sound advise to be careful with kit builds 👍
This build is looking amazing, glad you can make use of the lifeboat decals, i love how you are doing those phaser effects 👍👍👍👍, i have gone the expensive and not so good effects by purchasing the Tenna controls board, wish i had known about this before hitting the buy button lol, maybe next time eh.
Thank you 🙏🏻 Still a long way to go but she’s getting there. That’s what I like about the Arduino, it can be tinkered with to tailor it to what is needed.
Looking great! When I did my old 1/1400 Enterprise-D years ago I just went with decals for the escape pods after sanding them all off with the grid lines. The hatches are almost flush and at this scale they actually looked really good. Just in case you didn't realize, the Enterprise-D didn't have the flashing running lights on the saucer, they flashed in some areas and of course the strobes flashed, but the saucers running lights didn't.
Thank you 🙏🏻 Progress is slow but steady. I will be going with the decals for the escape pods. I’ve been watching a lot of vids to get the flashing lights accurate and there’s a lot of different variations from tv series to Generations and even Picard, where the the final shot of the D along side the G has them flashing, but static illumination in the tv series, all lights static illuminated in battle mode in Picard (when.flying through the Borg ship) and even some of them not illuminated or flashing at all just after leaving space dock. Bit of artistic license being made here 😁 **just re-watching segments of the final episode of Picard (as I type this and can see that the saucer tuning lights are indeed static illuminated with ‘flashies’ on the bridge and warp nacelles and on the ‘belly’, but then towards the end of the episode, there’s a different configuration of flashing lights. Hmmm got me thinking now 🤔🤔
👍
Thank you 🙏🏻
I think in 1/1400 scale decal lifeboats would work more in this scale, they would be close to flush with the surface. Using the slightly raised parts on the kit and using decals will work well I think. Great progress so far, the modifications are looking good.
Thank you 🙏🏻. It’s good to finally start getting some lighting into at least one piece of the kit 😁 I’ll be going with the decals for lifeboats.
I mean...I'm working on this model as well...drilling out windows. But the level of detail you are aiming for is far beyond what I am. Insane. And I love it!
Thank you 🙏🏻 Trying to put in as much as possible to replicate six foot Generations studio model.
Looking excellent. I like the life boats, wish someone made a photo etched set (Greenstrawberry, if you're listening?)
Thank you, it would have been nice but understandable why someone hasn’t when decals do the job. Just me being overly fussy and trying to see if there was another element of detail that could be added 😁 Will probably be going the decal route though to be honest.
"Oh yes, she'll fly"
Eventually she will 👍
hey, is this the 2024 reissue?
btw are you going to use aztec decals?
No, this is the original 1989 release kit.
Nope, I’ve got a set of the four colour masks from MPM to spray the Aztec’s on.
Nope, I’ve got a set of the colour MPM masks to spray the Aztecs on.
Your attention to detail in this build is fantastic! I'll definitely be viewing all your videos again once I get to my saucer. I'm still neck deep in the neck for the time being...
Thank you 🙏🏻 It’s been a lot of looooong hours and monotonous work to get it to this stage, and still have all the other bits do also😫😫😂 Keep going with your build, you’re doing good stuff 👍
And I think your molded lifeboats look great! I'd love to do something similar if you wind up producing them. Maybe if you molded them in white or tan, you could then lay the decals over top?
Keep up the great work!
Thank you 🙏🏻 ☺️
You've made some great progress! I don't envy your decision on the lifeboats... But it's all looking good so far.
Thank you, it’s been good to make some progress on it. Don’t think I’ll go the route of cast lifeboats, wasn’t really looking right. Nice idea, but a bit too much.
Looking great👍, though personally i would not use those lifeboat hatches as they look too raised imo, i would just use the decals for these as the 6 foot studio model are flat stickers/decals and not raised, i love how the Arboretum windows came out 👍
Thank you 🙏🏻 The lifeboat hatches didn’t look the best to fair, being a quick botch on job. I am more so leaning towards the decals, just need to try and source some. Don’t really want to be buying the new release kit just for the sake of the decals. But that may have to be an option.
@@thekitcave2654 You could simply make your own decals, though cutting out 400 of them is a bit mind numbing lol, that is what i had to do on my latest build for client, if you need the image of the lifeboat hatches i made i would be happy to send it to you.
I would appreciate that, haven’t found (yet) a set for sale. Apologies to you also for your request on my last post (hadn’t forgotten), just been quite busy of late. I will get a set of the clear phaser strips made up for you if you still want them.
@@thekitcave2654 Do you have an email i can send you the image of the lifeboat hatches? i checked your about page but could not see any email address.
Thank you, I really appreciate it 🙏🏻: [email protected]
The grid lines are actually on the studio model. They’re just really thin.
They’re very hard to see on the studio model. I will be keeping them on the kit.
@@thekitcave2654 extremely hard to see 😂😂😂 but take a look at the pictures of the bottom saucer and you’ll see them there clear as day!
Yes, I did see them on an image I saw on Pinterest.
Those gridlines on the main shuttle bay of the 6' filming model are actually seam lines, that panel is removable to access the armature and mount the model upside down. You can see the 4 counter-sunk screws which fasten it in place, one in each corner. I don't remember anyone ever going to the lengths of reproducing the seam lines from removable armature cover panels, you're a man after my own heart...keep up the good work!
Thank you 🙏🏻 I did see the panel off in an image after posting the video, but have scribed the lines in. Just a nice added little ‘extra’ detail, may even add the counter sunk screw holes (slight recess in the plastic with drill bit) to replicate them.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there's no need to have the phasers cast in water clear resin to get the phaser firing effect, the white urethane resin transmits the LED's below perfectly fine. In fact, having them cast in white/translucent is preferable over water clear as it helps to greatly reduce the LED hot spots and blend them to recreate the on-screen effect. I have a quick and dirty demo video on my website showing to illustrate how well they transmit the LEDs below, which were just standard 3mm sitting directly under the strip
I did see your video on your instruction page, was just a little worried that the light may be too ‘dimmed’ even after a light spray colour coat (just me being overly fussy 😉) Once I get the addressable led strip in place (before securing it permanently) I’ll see how it looks, if the hotspots are too much, I’ll take off the clear parts and install the white ones 👍 I just like having options with things (and making hard work for myself 😂)
I did the same thing with the dorsal hull sides, got as far as sanding it all back, re-establishing the windows pretty accurately, and started assembly before shelving the project. It still sits unfinished...not enough hours in a day any more!
I hear that! 😂 the windows on this kit have been gruelling, and still have more to do including the dorsal ones on the re-cast clear parts. Every part of this kit is just taking hours upon hours of work. Still, that’s the price we pay for a labour of love…….or a bout of insanity, haven’t quite figured out which it is yet 😂
As I have been working on mine and thanks to you pointing to those nice references, I also noticed the hangar deck. I believe the round points are hex head screws as that whole panel looks to lift out, I would guess for accessing saucer/star drive section connection.
It does lift out, I came across another image showing it removed and internal ‘gubbings’ showing. Hope your build is going well 👍
Excellent work. That phaser effect just keeps getting cooler!
Thank you, I’m thinking about doing it on the bottom saucer half too 😬😄
If you don't mind me asking, can you make me a set of the phaser strips using your technique of UV resin? I will pay you obviously, i do have the set from motion picture miniatures but after watching your previous video discussing them i see they will be too much work, but yours will make life so much easier 🙏
To be fair to the MPM set, they are a great set -albeit with a little cutting and sanding needed and the only reason I made a mould of them to cast in clear was because I wanted the light to shine through a little more. I did notice that they are a little short in length and had to add a small piece in. I need to be careful about supplying clear parts to others as the originals they were cast from are not my intellectual property and therefore I cannot profiteer from them. I’m not saying I won’t supply them, but I think as a courtesy to the chap at MPM (and seeing as though you have already purchased his set from him) I’ll need to seek his blessing first before I fully agree to your request to ‘gift’ you a set. Just being careful my friend, I don’t want to be getting into trouble with anyone and certainly won’t profiteer from others work.
@@thekitcave2654 Fully understand, I could also ask Wayne if it would be ok.
Appreciate your understanding. I’ll run it by him (sure he’ll be ok with it) Just covering my backside 😉
Wow those phaser strips came out really good 👍, you certainly are going to town on this model, making everything you can accurate to the 6foot filming model, i look forward to your next video 👍.
Thank you 🙏🏻, I’ve set myself a very high bar with this build to go all out on it as it is the Big D.
Been watching all your videos for when I receive the translucent white kit at the end of the month. Also been talking to motion picture miniatures and he is a really nice guy as replies to questions and is really helpful. Keep up the amazing work
Thank you, it’s taking a long time, but it’s a labour of love, just wish I’d picked up the clear edition back in the day 😂 The chap at MPM is a very nice guy, really helpful and producing some good stuff. Good luck with your build, hope it goes well. Don’t forget to share progress vids 👍
I will be doing these phaser strips on an upcoming build soon, i would be careful cutting out all the original phaser strips at once as the saucer will become all wobbly and difficult to get it all aligned again, i would think about using some kind of temporary BRACE to hold it all together until the new clear pieces have been installed.
Good luck with your upcoming build, hope it goes well. Good advice, thank you. I think some stirring sticks (the ones you get in coffee shops) tacked to the back would do the job of keeping it aligned as a make shift brace or working on sections one at a time.
The bottle seems overpriced, when you can buy the 3D printing version by the liter. Essentially the same thing as with Tamiya extra thin, buy the expensive version once for the applicator and then refill with the more reasonably priced version (Tamiya extra thin is a 50/50 mix, their airbrush cleaner a 49/51 mix of the same ingredients).
True, but I tried transparent red 3d print resin in a silicone mould not too long ago and it reacted badly during curing. Bubbles up and started to give off fumes when the uh light was turned on.
Make sure to do those large phaser strips on the saucer in sections. I fear cutting out all off it at once will leave you with a difficult job getting them true and level. As much as the kit is anyway!
Thanks for the advice, I’ll keep that in mind. Good tip 👍
I am working of turning my model into a "Syraprise"
“Syraprise”?? Not heard of that before.
"Syraprise": Syracuse Saucer section. Enterprise d engineering haul. 😎👍 if you want to, go for it.
@@calebp.walden5556 ah I see 😀
@@thekitcave2654 😎👍
I am looking through the HVD copy of season 3 and I think I have all the areas mapped for the panels missing on the secondary hull and nacelles. I have a couple of views from Doug Drexler, when they were developing the texture maps for the Enterprise D saucer I have not decided on how to do that yet except by washes, painting the forward edge scorches by hand, and using model dust to represent the saucer's hull deterioration. I am going to use the decal set from G-Cals for the overall hull
I'm sorry to hear about your wife. I wish you both all the best. Thanks for taking the time to put out an update. The windows look fantastic!
Thank you for your kind words, life sends us these challenges to face and overcome. Glad the windows are done for the top piece and can finally move forward with it.
Sending positive vibes! As for the torpedo sound, it’s definitely Next Gen too, however there is an extra sound as the torpedo moves it’s like a high pitch swoosh!
Thank you for the positive vibes 🙏🏻 I did go back to Trekcore.com to check it, TNG Torpedo sound number 3 👍 It really is dependant on episode, scene etc. It’s a good solid though 😁