Limited Edition

USS Voyager - NCC 74656

with Lights

(Click on each photo for a larger view.)

This is the Limited Edition release of the U.S.S. Voyager. As with most of my recent models, all the windows are drilled out to light up. Lighting was also added to the warp and impulse engines and both deflector dishs. The side marker lights are all fiberoptic and the center blinking lights actually work! The only problem is that there are so many lights in the model that my battery packs keep overheating after less than 2 minutes.

Voyager is painted blue/grey with darker grey details. For the most part, I followed the color suggestions in the EXTREMELY detailed instruction booklet. A little sandpaper and a LOT of putty helped smooth out the gaps in the model. Those of you familiar with this model will immediately notice the smoothness of the underside of the ship. This is not a trick accomplished by Photoshop. I spent a month just test fitting, gluing and sanding before I even applied the base coat of paint!

I decided not to use the included decals for the bay windows; I created my own by printing out very small photos of Voyager hallways on a color laser printer. The result is incredible. When the model is lit, it appears as if you can actually see the hallways inside the ship!

In addition to this, the decal sheet omitted 4 phaser markers and 2 lifeboat hatches. These were easily duplicated with my "handy-dandy" scanner, an inkjet printer and some transparent inkjet stickers.

Needless to say, this is now the best model on "The Wall." Completed on December 10, 1998, it will serve to remind me to take my time, because the results will be worth my patience.

Before building this model, I completed the general release version of the U.S.S. Voyager.