The AMT Round 2 Cadet series is aptly named for its simplicity (very minor painting required, comprehensive decals and simple snap-fit assembly) and I believe these kits were designed to mainly cater to the beginner. But I have found that many professionals opt on getting these as even at 1/2500 scale
(very small), they are quite detailed, and they all come in the same scale, giving them dimensions relative to their actual sizes if compared side by side. Who can say no when these are Starships we have come to love.
The Cadet series is basically a repackaged form of the old AMT/ERTL kits. Set 1 previously came with the Classic Enterprise, the Refit, and the Enterprise D, while Set 2 completed the range with the Enterprise B, C and E.
With the Cadet Series, the first set is now repackaged with the Classic Enterprise, the Refit and Enterprise B. Enterprise C, D and E comes in their own separate triangular boxes. They are basically the same, using the same mold as with their earlier predecessor, but they now comes with very comprehensive decals packed together.
The only things that were omitted out from the Cadet Series were the display stands for these kits. In the earlier issues, those fancy display stands took up most of the box space as the ships were relatively small at 1/2500 scale. By removing the display stands, the kits can now come in those cute but unworkable triangular box. I didn't like them for 2 reasons, the first being its harder to keep them among my stash as there's no way to prop the boxes together properly, and second, try putting the parts back in again - especially the Enterprise D. I had to spend some time test fitting its parts still on their Spruce to fit in just nice.
As for their display stands, its looking like you may need to get creative. The Classic Enterprise, Refit and Enterprise B no longer have those gaps underneath so you may need to drill through for a display rod to fit. I do have some suggestions later on in this topic.
(very small), they are quite detailed, and they all come in the same scale, giving them dimensions relative to their actual sizes if compared side by side. Who can say no when these are Starships we have come to love.
The Cadet series is basically a repackaged form of the old AMT/ERTL kits. Set 1 previously came with the Classic Enterprise, the Refit, and the Enterprise D, while Set 2 completed the range with the Enterprise B, C and E.
AMT/ERTL 1/2500 scale Enterprise Set 1 and Set 2 |
With the Cadet Series, the first set is now repackaged with the Classic Enterprise, the Refit and Enterprise B. Enterprise C, D and E comes in their own separate triangular boxes. They are basically the same, using the same mold as with their earlier predecessor, but they now comes with very comprehensive decals packed together.
The only things that were omitted out from the Cadet Series were the display stands for these kits. In the earlier issues, those fancy display stands took up most of the box space as the ships were relatively small at 1/2500 scale. By removing the display stands, the kits can now come in those cute but unworkable triangular box. I didn't like them for 2 reasons, the first being its harder to keep them among my stash as there's no way to prop the boxes together properly, and second, try putting the parts back in again - especially the Enterprise D. I had to spend some time test fitting its parts still on their Spruce to fit in just nice.
As for their display stands, its looking like you may need to get creative. The Classic Enterprise, Refit and Enterprise B no longer have those gaps underneath so you may need to drill through for a display rod to fit. I do have some suggestions later on in this topic.