As with any complex project, it’s all in the details.  Here’s a look at our back-and-forth with the factory about the upcoming Enterprise D ship designs.  I’m setting my phasers to stun, just in case.

First we have our comments upon receiving the latest samples from our factory:

1- Windows and some details in general seem sloppy please make sure in final product windows and details are straight and uniform.

2- Scribe lines on prototype in general are too wide, thick and sometimes very sloppy make finer and thinner.  I can even see where the drill bit for the CNC machine slipped.  This is not acceptable.

3- Magnets holding saucer need to be in center and NOT on the sides.   Is there going to be a problem with the button on the saucer?   Seems to make the saucer fall off…   Will magnets be strong enough to hold a button push or should we use the button on the back of the ship as the main button?

4- Wrong shape on Saucer Section missing layer below bridge.

5- Engine Nacelles, we did not need to tool a new one for the variant, Variant was just to utilize the same ones with a top add on piece.

6- Transparent Impulse engine pieces need scribe line details, see model kit reference

7- Display bases need to nest within each other for storage.

To which we received:

For FIX #4, it mentioned that revise saucer top contour to supplied line drawing and this detail to remain horizontal when viewed from the side. Would you mind to explain in more details and send us some photos to explain it.

For FIX #7, in order to stack the bases, we will cut through the large base (refer to attached photo). Please advise if it is correct.

So we went back to the source to get a more in-depth explanation of exactly what changes we’re looking for.  These ships have GOT to be 100% accurate since Star Trek fans are amongst the most detail-oriented in existence.

“Attached is a line drawing of three orthographic true vies of the intended design. The saucer top contour should be true to the line drawings here. Note the profile in the drawing labeled ‘Forward Profile’. The model contour should remain consistent with the line drawing. If true to the line drawing, the hull will allow the phaser strip to remain true horizontal when viewed from a true side or forward view.

As the model is now, the top sides are too shallow and do not follow the line drawing specifications. This error shows in the phaser strip
appearing to sag when viewed from the side.”

It’s a labor of love, but we won’t give up until this ship’s perfect -  which will definitely be soon!  Until then, we’re working on the packaging so the designers should have more updates for you in a couple days.  Now, back to the TNG Blueprints…