The general idea behind this kit is that you can build Star Trek's Enterprise lineage, all at 1:2500 scale. Its a nice thought... but here is the downside: 1:2500 is positively minuscule for Trek ships. Moreover, you are obviously meant to coat each ship in decals. There literally HUNDREDS of decals. Ribbon-shaped decals are to trace across odd hull contours. Decals tinier than a pencil point are to be in precise locations. Decals of all sizes are to intricately wrap around curves and edges and bumps and 90 degree angles. Several times you will find yourself laying decals on top of OTHER decals. I thought I was pretty good decal-wise, but a quarter of the way through this kit I realized I had drastically underestimated this challenge. My Enterprises look less like starships are more like hunks of plastic in multicolored saran wrap.
When completed, the various iterations of the Enterprise look great. But be prepared to spend most of your time working on the decals. The assembly is easy, however you will have to fill seams with putty. I recommend painting and decaling as sub assemblies otherwise applying decals will be tricky. Once painted, be prepared to spend a lot of time applying decals. There are many many decals, some of which are tiny. And because the scale is so small, the decals will have to wrap around curved surfaces. Be sure to have Microsol and Microset to improve adhesion and softening to fit the surface contours. Be patient with this process- it takes a couple of days for reapplication of decal solvents to get it right. Note: the instructions for decal placement are confusing or outright wrong (incorrect decal numbers), so use the box art for reference. Once complete, you will be pleased with results. Just be patient.
