Welcome to a model-building adventure that has kept me busy for five intense months: the construction of the U.S.S. Voyager by Revell in 1/670 scale. This project was not only a return to a beloved hobby after 15 years, but also a journey into the world of Star Trek, which has fascinated many of us since childhood. The Voyager, a technical marvel of the Intrepid class, is a symbol of the spirit of discovery and adventure. In this article, I will guide you through the individual steps of my construction project, from the challenges and decisions to the small victories and the final presentation.
Personal experiences and challenges during construction
When I held the Revell kit in my hands, I felt like a child rediscovering my passion for model building. The U.S.S. Voyager isn't just any spaceship—it's a piece of television history that aired from 1995 to 2001 and thrilled generations of fans. The kit itself consists of over 100 parts, which are detailed and precisely manufactured. But despite the quality of the kit, there were a few challenges during construction that tested my patience and creativity.
The choice of colors and materials
Deciding which colors and materials to use was one of the first major challenges. I opted for Vallejo acrylic paints, which are known for their coverage and the variety of shades available. The paints were easy to apply and allowed me to faithfully reproduce the subtle color scheme of the Voyager. For the finish, I opted for products from AK Interactive, which gave the model a realistic and authentic look.
Lighting – A setback and a learning curve
One of the model's highlights was supposed to be the lighting, for which I wanted to use SMD LEDs. The idea was to illuminate the model in such a way that it would give the impression of actually gliding through space. Unfortunately, I encountered unexpected problems: one of the LEDs failed, and I was unable to replace it without damaging the model, which was already at an advanced stage of completion. With a heavy heart, I decided to abandon the lighting project and focus on detailing and painting instead. Although this decision was frustrating, it allowed me to refine my skills in other areas.
The challenges of accuracy of fit
As with many Revell model kits, there were some fitting inaccuracies with the U.S.S. Voyager. In particular, the swiveling pylons and warp nacelles required a high degree of precision and patience to fit the parts together cleanly. My experience and a little creativity helped me here: I was able to smooth the transitions and ensure a seamless look with filler and sandpaper. These steps were time-consuming, but they contributed significantly to the final appearance of the model.
Decals – A matter of patience
Another tricky part of the project was applying the decals. These small stickers, which add the final details to the model, can quickly become a test of patience. Using tweezers and a lot of dexterity, I applied them piece by piece—a task that required not only a steady hand but also good planning. The decals were carefully applied, and to achieve the best possible result, I sealed them with a clear varnish that also protects them from fading.
History and background of the U.S.S. Voyager
The U.S.S. Voyager made history not only on television, but also in model building. As an Intrepid-class ship, the Voyager was Starfleet's most advanced vessel, equipped with technologies that enabled it to reach a maximum warp speed of 9.975. With its bio-neural gel packs and hybrid organic-electronic computer system, it was a technological pioneer in the Star Trek universe.
The series „Star Trek: Voyager“ took viewers to the farthest reaches of the Delta Quadrant, where the crew experienced countless adventures and was repeatedly confronted with moral and technological challenges. The Voyager became one of the most famous ships in the world of science fiction, not only because of its mission to find Earth, but also because of its symbolic significance.
completion
After five months of hard work, the U.S.S. Voyager now hangs in all its glory in my son's room, reminding me of the joys and challenges of model building. This project was more than just building a model; it was a journey into the past, a rediscovery of an old hobby, and proof that patience and dedication can lead to great results. Even though not everything went according to plan, I am proud of the end result and look forward to tackling the next project.
If you are considering building the U.S.S. Voyager yourself, I can only advise you to be patient, plan your steps carefully, and don't be afraid of setbacks. They are part of the process and make the success all the sweeter in the end.
If you would like to follow the entire construction process, you can watch my YouTube video, which I created during the project. It shows all the steps from preparation to the final presentation of the model.
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My favorite Voyager model.
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