NCL/Kearsarge Visual Design Question

[Darzoni]

So I got some of the War-era designs on Monday and started working on them, with these results so far:

But I'm stumped on a few details, such as the little square bits on the back between the nacelles. What are those supposed to be? I'm also not sure what color those ovoid things on the inside of the nacelles are supposed to be either. Any help on coloration for these elements would be really helpful.

 

[Ben2]

I've seen a lot of people do the ovoids on engines blue, and the squares on the end of the engines grey. The little squares inset in the sides of the engines I don't know.

 

[H]

So I got some of the War-era designs on Monday and started working on them, with these results so far:

But I'm stumped on a few details, such as the little square bits on the back between the nacelles. What are those supposed to be? I'm also not sure what color those ovoid things on the inside of the nacelles are supposed to be either. Any help on coloration for these elements would be really helpful.

whatever colour YOU want, it's your ship, if you like it, then thats what matters.

 

[AdrianH]

For a TOS look, I'd be inclined to paint the ovoid pieces either the same grey as the nacelles themselves, or possibly a slightly darker shade. Otherwise bright blue or even bright pink! Take a look at the Ex Astris Scientia Starship Gallery for some inspiration.

If you want an official colour scheme, here are the front and back of the instructions for an older model. There's also an errata with some additional notes for various ships including the NCL.

On the other hand, we've seen various schemes for Klingon ships, so there's no requirement to follow any official scheme for the Federation either. As H says, it's your ship, you're the one who has to live with looking at it, so it's up to you whether you follow any of these suggestions or paint it completely differently.

 

[Darzoni]

That was pretty helpful, actually. Finished product!

Incoming photograph, Captain.

 

[Greg Smith]

Very nice!

 

[AdrianH]

That looks really good. Particularly impressive is the neat work on the lettering and red lines on the saucer - from table-top distance as opposed to a high resolution close-up, I suspect it would be hard to tell that they are not decals!

 

[Darzoni]

That looks really good. Particularly impressive is the neat work on the lettering and red lines on the saucer - from table-top distance as opposed to a high resolution close-up, I suspect it would be hard to tell that they are not decals!

Thanks! Decals and I don't get along (believe me, I've tried).

I borrowed a technical pen from my brother to do the lettering though, which was one of those "Why on Earth didn't I think of that sooner?!" moments. Using a technical pen is a really useful alternative for lettering in general, since paint brushes do not hold a consistent point (well, at least when I'm painting anyway). The downside is that I have to let the paint 'cure' to its final hardness because the acrylic tends to tear as the pen point is dragged across it.

 

[The Big D]

You could also put little extras like windows and stuff on with them. Little dots here and there.

You could try a coat of matt varnish before writing. That should help protect the paint but still give a surface they should write on. Might want to test it first just in case!

Cool ship!

Geoff