Hope you guys haven't lost interest in this build.
I know it has been a long time since my last post but, take heart, I can see the finish line now.
Thanks to everyone who has replied with comments and suggestions.
Here we go...
Finally got warm enough to apply a coat of Glosscote lacquer. Now is time for some serious decal work:
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USS Enterprise E - Nemesis-WIP - Glosscoted for Decals by Steve J, on Flickr
Light test after first Glosscote:
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USS Enterprise E - Nemesis-WIP - Glosscoted for Decals Light Test by Steve J, on Flickr
Bow port quarter. I see where some small spots along the rim will need a little hull color touching up when I'm done decaling and before sealing coats:
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USS Enterprise E - Nemesis-WIP - Glosscoted for Decals by Steve J, on Flickr
When she's all done she will have a satin to more flatter finish:
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USS Enterprise E - Nemesis-WIP - Glosscoted Ready for Decals by Steve J, on Flickr
Above aft ready for decals:
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USS Enterprise E - Nemesis-WIP - Glosscoted for Decals by Steve J, on Flickr
Various tools/supplies used for decal application. Most are well used:
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USS Enterprise E - Nemesis-WIP - Decaling Station by Steve J, on Flickr
One new addition I made recently was the purchase of a coffee cup warmer.
Warm water makes a big difference getting the water slide decal adhesive to release the film from the backing paper prior to sliding
it into place on the model; reducing this process from an average 10-15 seconds using room temperature water to a mere 5 seconds or less.
Considering how many decals are involved this is a significant time savings.
Another item recently purchased is the long metal tray which I got mainly for longer aztec decals like the ones for the nacelles and along the sides of the secondary hull.
First wallpaper decals went on without a hitch...
The deflector trench looks great:
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USS Enterprise E - Nemesis-WIP - Trench Decals by Steve J, on Flickr
The upper strut decals went on fine except for a blotch on the starboard strut near the nacelle.
I fixed that by brushing the decal with liquid decal film under a coat of Future:
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USS Enterprise E - Nemesis-WIP - Strut Decals by Steve J, on Flickr
The lower strut decals weren't a perfect fit but close enough for government work:
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USS Enterprise E - Nemesis-WIP - Strut Decals by Steve J, on Flickr
Next time I should have pics of the lower saucer which I figure to touch the least least after decaling.
I'll do the secondary hull last, at least the area forward of the nacelle pylons, as I am more likely to grab the model there when changing its position.
I must remind myself to wear gloves when doing that.
