For sci-fi modelers, one of the most anticipated releases of 2015 is the 1/1000 Romulan Bird of Prey, released by Round 2 Models. The kit was released in the beginning of July, and since then, our own HobbyTownUSA in Little Rock has had trouble keeping them in stock. In fact, every shipment of these kits has sold out within 24 hours of arriving! So, what makes these kits so popular, and do they live up to the hype?
The Romulan Bird of Prey has been a holy grail kit of many sci-fi modelers for decades. The original studio model was designed and built by Wah Ming Chang. The model appeared in the 1966 Star Trek episode “Balance of Terror,” then disappeared shortly after filming. It is believed that Chang was angry and destroyed the model when the propmaker’s union prevented him from being paid for his work since he wasn’t a member. There are other theories, but the absence of the studio model has made it difficult to produce an accurate kit, and the low resolution of 1960’s film doesn’t help. In recent years, a few photographs have surfaced, showing greater detail of the studio model.
The Romulan Bird of Prey has been a holy grail kit of many sci-fi modelers for decades. The original studio model was designed and built by Wah Ming Chang. The model appeared in the 1966 Star Trek episode “Balance of Terror,” then disappeared shortly after filming. It is believed that Chang was angry and destroyed the model when the propmaker’s union prevented him from being paid for his work since he wasn’t a member. There are other theories, but the absence of the studio model has made it difficult to produce an accurate kit, and the low resolution of 1960’s film doesn’t help. In recent years, a few photographs have surfaced, showing greater detail of the studio model.
For many years, the 1/650 kit was the only version available, and it is very inaccurate, the parts do not fit together well, the decals are hard to manage, and the kit has had limited re-released since its debut in the 1970s. A 1/1600 version has been available since the ‘70s in a set of three ships, but this version is also inaccurate. A new, more accurate 1/2500 version has been available since 2013 as part of 3 ship set, but the 1/1000 scale allows for more detail without being overly large, and fits in well with the already available 1/1000 Enterprise and Klingon D7. While there have been resin and vacuform versions available, this kit is the first mass produced styrene kit of the ship with this level of detail in a larger scale.
The new kit is a snap together kit, much like the 1/1000 Enterprise and D7. The ship is molded In 12 white styrene parts, and 2 clear parts. There was some minor flashing on 2 of the parts, but overall, they appear very clean with no visible mold lines or injector pin marks. It also comes with a stand that allows you to display the ship in a flying position. It has a detailed decal sheet that includes the large bird on the bottom of the ship, which is separated into 3 parts. There are also window decals for the front of the ship, and you have the option of using the light or dark windows.
The new kit is a snap together kit, much like the 1/1000 Enterprise and D7. The ship is molded In 12 white styrene parts, and 2 clear parts. There was some minor flashing on 2 of the parts, but overall, they appear very clean with no visible mold lines or injector pin marks. It also comes with a stand that allows you to display the ship in a flying position. It has a detailed decal sheet that includes the large bird on the bottom of the ship, which is separated into 3 parts. There are also window decals for the front of the ship, and you have the option of using the light or dark windows.
Initial dry fitting of the parts indicate that there shouldn’t be any major issues with the parts fitting together. Of course, cutting out most of the male portions of the snap together parts will facilitate an even better fit for gluing and should require only minor puttying.
Looking at the accuracy of the kit, there are many features that are not seen on the 1/650 kit. The angle of the wings as they meet the nacelles matches the pictures of the studio model. The recessed edge around the top of the hull, which is completely missing the 1/650 kit, is present and appears to be accurately scaled. The “V” shaped areas on the top and bottom of the hull are also improvements over the old kit, not the mention the overall shape and width of the hull.
The only complaint I’ve heard mentioned of this kit is about the raised ports on the top of the hull. However, when compared to the photos of the studio model, and even to the remastered CGI version of the ship from 2006, the raised ports are accurate. Close inspection reveals that there are small indentions within the port, so you can detail these with a wash or watercolors, or drill them out for lighting.
The only complaint I’ve heard mentioned of this kit is about the raised ports on the top of the hull. However, when compared to the photos of the studio model, and even to the remastered CGI version of the ship from 2006, the raised ports are accurate. Close inspection reveals that there are small indentions within the port, so you can detail these with a wash or watercolors, or drill them out for lighting.
Overall, I am very pleased with the quality of this model. It is much more accurate than earlier kits, and well made with no major indications of fit issues. The 1/1000 scale is large enough to make a nice display, but not so large as to take up too much shelf space. This model will look great built straight out of the box, but it is possible to add lighting as well, although it will be tight getting wires though the wings into the nacelles. I highly recommend this kit and consider it to be a must have for any fan of Star Trek modeling!
