22 May 2017

James Tiberius Kirk, Starfleet Captain - Intro, pt. 2

This project will revolve around the AMT/Ertl 1/6th scale figure of Capt. James T. Kirk. . . 



The AMT/Ertl line of Star Trek figures was launched in 1994. By this time, the venerable AMT had been part of Ertl for a dozen years. 

This kit is comprised of 7 off-white vinyl parts, an
off-white polystyrene(?) phaser, and a black po- lystyrene circular display base. The casting quality is VG+++. 

Now to debunk some widespread falsehoods. . . Given the age of this kit, this is an excellent representation of Capt.Kirk--including the likeness! The proportions are to scale at 8 heads--IMO, much of the griping about the proportions is that people are viewing this as a human figure, which as we all know by now, should be around 7.5 heads tall. Most of the problems I see in the build-ups stem from the modeller--including that of the boxart! Anatomically, this is a pleasing, propor- tional rendition. Shortcomings in assembly, to say nothing of the painting, give this kit a very undeserved thumbs-down! 

As to what I have in mind. . . A 1/6th scale, 12" figure on a minimal 2"h. display base is going to take-up a significant amount of room--if there is room to be had! Since there are no unique iden- tifiers below the waist, I intend to convert this to a portrait bust. 

To date, I have removed all the "sprue" funnels and test-fitted the parts. So far, so great! I have a few things on order that are scheduled to arrive by week's end: these will allow me to execute most of the basic pre-prepwork over the forthcoming long weekend. . . 

Stay tuned! 

When the cost of a hobby exceeds the fun and doesn't attract new people, the game is over.” -
Oscar Koveleski, August 2003

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