Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

First off... as several other reviewers have pointed out, (a) this is not a TOY (despite the "ratings stars" pretending that it is) and (b) this is an absolutely HUGE model! There are currently two different versions of this kit. The original one, created by Polar Lights when they were a separate company, and a new, somewhat revised version which was re-released by "Round 2" after they purchased the Polar Lights label (so it will carry both names, not just one). The differences aren't too extensive, but they're definitely noteable. The original release was done in blue plastic, while the re-release is in white plastic. The original release has a "three point support" stand (two small holes in the aft underside of the saucer, and one slot on the underside secondary hull), while the re-release has a single-point support (using a solid steel rod) near the front underside of the secondary hull. The "three point" support is actually a bit more stable, but most people prefer the single-point stand, for appearance sake. And possibly most importantly (at least for the more casual builder), the re-release has a LOT more decals. The original release had all the appropriate detail decals, don't get me wrong. But when they re-released the kit, they also added in "aztec pattern" panel detailing decals, along with the original decals, making it relatively easy to create a very nice representation (not PERFECT, mind you, but more than adequate!) of the ship as seen on-screen, without requiring massive amounts of very detailed (and subtle) painting to achieve it. An "expert" model builder will likely not use these additional decals, and will instead choose to paint the ship (exactly as seen on-screen... and realize, the model was repainted several times, so each film has a slightly different paint job, all representing the same "real" ship). But that's a HUGE undertaking, and the average builder will be perfectly happy with the "aztec decals." This is one of the better replicas of the "movie version" USS Enterprise we've seen, to date, but there are some places where, between the "design" phase and the "mold making phase," errors crept in. Some of these are relatively easy to fix, while others are nearly impossible to fix. None are "really major" (and the model is, overall, far superior to the previous AMT/Ertl version so many of us are familiar with!). The issues are things like "this window isn't quite in the right location" or "this row of panels on the neck isn't quite located right" or "the underside of the engine housing is slightly too flat" or so forth. Stuff that, to the average person, will seem like pure QUIBBLING, and only the "scholarly studies" of the original studio miniature would really bring to light. The model is designed to permit it to be lit, and (relatively) EASY to light. There are lots and lots of clear bits in the kit, and there are places to run wiring throughout the model. There is no way to run wires out of the model, however, nor is there any way to mount a switch, or are there any actual lights included. So, if you want this kit lit, you'll have to put in quite a bit of extra effort. For the average builder, that's just too much to ask, I suspect. The kit comes with interior "set-pieces" for several locations around the vessel which have larger windows, through which the interior can be seen. In particular, there's a "botanical garden" (with rows of windows along either side of the secondary hull), an "officer's lounge" (aft of, and below, the bridge, on top of the saucer), and most notably, a complete internal "landing bay/hangar deck/cargo deck" facility, which reaches most of the way through the interior of the secondary hull... the parts are really necessary to provide mechanical structure to the kit, whether they'll be seen or not... but you have the option of leaving the landing bay doors open, and of lighting this large "set-piece" interior, which makes for a REMARKABLE display! And yes, there are several small shuttle and service craft included. The kit is pricey, but it's definitely worth the price you pay. The biggest issue, for me at least, is WHERE THE HECK CAN I PUT THIS? It's too big to put onto a standard 12" deep shelf, and it's three feet long! So, if you just want a simple kit to put into a small available space, this isn't the model for you! On the other hand... especially if you're not going to light this... it could be hung from the ceiling, using fishing line at several key spots, and would be a truly impressive display item! There are some aftermarket "fixes and add-ons" available... photo-etch brass detail sets, a few "fixed shape" replacement parts, decals which will allow you to name your ship to whatever you want (if you don't want it to be the Enterprise), more and different shuttles, and even little figures you can put inside of the various larger windows. These can be found through various "garage-kit" manufacturers, such as PNT Models, DLM (Don's Light and Magic), Paragraphix, and others. A good place to study the kit, if you want to really go wild, and to see other build-ups, would be on the "Starship Modeler" website, or on the Hobbytalk website... or just check "youtube" for videos, for that matter. If you want to see what this can look like... Google is your friend. I'd put up links to some example build-ups, but Amazon will likely remove those, so I won't bother. But you'll find some truly impressive builds... with everything from a "stock" build-up, to super-detailed builds which are virtually indistinguishable from the actual filming model. If you want a challenge, which can result in a fantastic-looking final product, this is the kit for you. If you want a "casual build" which can still look pretty nice, this kit is a good choice at the price it sells for now (~$60+ range). If you just want a very simple "toy-like" model you can stick onto the top of a bookshelf... this kit probably more than you're looking for. EDIT: Someone marked this review as "unhelpful." I'd love to hear what part of the review the person who did so is "unhelpful." If you think I'm mistaken about something, please, point it out and we can discuss it. Maybe you really hate this model and think I was too positive. Maybe you really love this model and think I was too negative. Maybe you don't care about the model at all, but just wanted to take a shot at the reviewer out of spite. There's no way to know right now. But if you felt strongly enough to criticize what I have to say, by all means, let's actually hear your criticism. If you have a strong point, and can support it with logic and reason, well... that'll be far more effective than merely posting a "check-box snipe."