As Spock would say, “logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end.” So, shall we find the best Star Trek model kits using logic? To do that, you’ll need straightforward reasons each model kit outshines others. Fortunately, I’ve been at this hobby long enough to distinguish a good model kit from a menial one.
Let me help you with 13 years of experience in the collectible business and a collection of pop culture replicas, statues, and action figures. In addition, I can go from classic collectibles to modern Funko Pops and Nendoroids in no time. I hope my blend of traditional and contemporary pop culture obsessions will meet Spock’s logic.
So, let’s beam up Scotty and find the best model kits for your Star Trek hobbies.
Bottom Line Up Front: Live Long & Prosper
Spock’s famous quotes resonate well with me, and I’m an avid Enterprise and Starfleet fan. In addition, I enjoy model building, even though I wish I had more time to partake in it. However, I love using a scale, skill level, and famous starships to pinpoint the ultimate Star Trek model kits that appeal to many hobbyists.
But first, let me share the top Star Trek model kit I enjoy and intend to finish. The Star Trek Classic USS Enterprise Model Kit is my ultimate wish because I love the original series more than Next Gen and Discovery. Spock’s original Starfleet starship is a wonder of model building, and it’s a simple level-two experience.
It requires some assembly work and glue, but the decals make the starship look fantastic. I enjoy any iconic starship that turns into a beautiful collectible on my display shelves after I finish the model. However, I have more favorites to share before giving tips on the different skill levels and scales.
More of the Best Star Trek Model Kits at a Glance
Star Trek has a long history of fans, even appealing to modern fandoms and hobbyists. However, I won’t allow my best choices to miss the mark by exposing every detail now. So instead, check out three more top picks for Star Trek model kits and why they’re incredible choices:
- The Star Trek DS9 Space Station Model Kit is a highly satisfying build for hobbyists who want multiple starships. It includes the iconic DP9 space station and two battle cruisers. In addition, it remains a level-two model for novice and experienced hobbyists.
- The Star Trek II USS Reliant NCC-1864 Model Kit is another top pick because it has battle-damaged decals. Few Star Trek model kits allow you to change the design with decals that show how tough the starship was in battle. It’s an excellent choice for novice hobbyists.
- The Star Trek Klingon Amar Battlecruiser Model Kit is my fourth favorite pick because it invites novice hobbyists to experiment with resin and cement models. However, the kit isn’t too challenging for beginners, and it would appeal to experienced hobbyists with a level of detail and decals.
Tips about Star Trek Model Kit Skill Levels
Star Trek is an enterprise of classic proportions. People would have to have lived under rocks not to know Spock, the Enterprise, and Deep Space Nine. The franchise has a massive following, and hobbyists popularly find magnificent pieces among the many model kits available.
However, let me break down the quick basics of Star Trek model kits before you buy one. Firstly, there are different challenge levels for various hobbyists. Various Star Trek model kits will range from a skill level of one to five, meaning:
- Skill-level one model kits are easy to assemble and often include snap-kits, which appeal to beginners. In addition, some level-one models require minimal paint and glue and have up to 30 pieces.
- Skill-level two models require paint and glue and appeal to novice hobbyists. These kits typically have between 31 and 80 pieces, using various materials. Many of these models have snap-kit pieces you can paint or leave. Some also have clear parts to light them up with additional kits.
- Skill-level three model kits require much more work, including fitting, shaping, and cutting. They appeal better to experienced hobbyists. These kits are around 100 pieces and include intricate decals.
- Skill-level four model kits have tiny decals, intricate pieces, and fine work that expert hobbyists enjoy. These models often have interior details and decals to finish and have around 150 parts.
- Skill-level five model kits are for the experienced hobbyist who spends a lot of time on each model. These kits typically have more than 150 parts. They require super-detailed work, refined painting, soldering, cutting, designing, and piecing together miniature decals.
My advice is to pick the skill level for your Star Trek model kit before targeting the best collectible to soothe your hobbies and passions. In addition, I recommend buying scale model kits. For example, the Star Trek Deep Space Nine Space Station Model Kit is an exact 1:3300 scale of the show’s iconic spacecraft.
Scale Star Trek model kits are far more collectible than non-scale models. Meanwhile, you can imagine the Starfleet and spacecraft’s original sizes by knowing that your scale model is 3300 times smaller than the real thing. It makes the model building more interesting to learn these scales.
Finally, some model kits come with LED lights. However, they fall into higher skill level categories because they require complex internal work. In contrast, they’re also super satisfying models once completed. For example, the Star Trek USS Enterprise Lighting Kit has 90 LEDs to light up your matching starship and increase difficulty.
How I Selected the Best Star Trek Model Kits
I shared the tips about Star Trek model kits to help you understand why I picked the best options I did. So, my first selection requirement is that the model kits appeal to skill-level two hobbyists. It offers most hobbyists an incredible opportunity for their favorite Star Trek model kits.
In addition, remember my lighting kit advice because you can increase your model kit’s challenge by adding the lights and internal works. Next, I want various famous starships to ensure I share a favorite model kit with every Star Trek fan. Some will include the Enterprise starship, battle cruisers, and the USS Voyager, to name a few.
Finally, each Star Trek model kit must be a scale model.
Best Star Trek Model Kits: My Top Picks
The best Star Trek model kits include the epic starships and fleet that turned every fan’s living room into a world beyond the stars. So, I’ll share why each level-two model kit offers a brilliant challenge, including what makes them a challenge or letdown. However, each kit has something to offer for novice and experienced hobbyists.
Star Trek Classic USS Enterprise Model Kit
USS Enterprise starship’s original series is likely the most iconic choice among the model kits. It would appeal to nearly every Star Trek hobbyist who enjoys piecing together a masterpiece. In addition, this model kit is an upgraded version with extra decals. It will require some paint and glue, but it’s an easy 29-piece starship.
Star Trek Model Kit Specs
- Starship: USS Enterprise Starship model kit
- Scale: 1:650
- Series: Star Trek Original Series
Star Trek Model Kit Pros
- The Original USS Enterprise is an iconic collectible model
- The model kit appeals to various hobbyists and skill levels with optional instructions
- It’s a simple glue-together model kit with optional paint over gray pieces
- The finished model will reach 18 inches for an impressive display
Star Trek Model Kit Cons
- Unfortunately, I can’t find a lighting kit for this model’s scale
- The painting would turn the model kit into a level-three challenge
Star Trek DS9 Space Station Model Kit
The Deep Space Nine model kit includes a space station with a Keldon-Class and USS Defiant battlecruiser as a multi-pack of hobbyist dreams. Star Trek fans will enjoy hours of fun building this easy-to-assemble kit. It requires paint and cement, but the instructions are straightforward to make it a level-two model kit.
Star Trek Model Kit Specs
- Starship: Deep Space Nine space station and two battlecruisers
- Scale: 1:3300
- Series: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek Model Kit Pros
- The Star Trek model kit includes three famous starships from the DP9 series
- It’s a highly collectible set with beautiful work and decals for a low-level challenge
- The paint is optional to increase the skill level required for the set
- The instruction manual is far more detailed than most, inviting beginners
Star Trek Model Kit Cons
- Some novice hobbyists might not want a level-two model with paint and cement features
- I can’t find the lighting kit for this exact DS9 scale model
Star Trek Discovery USS Shenzhou NCC-1227 Model Kit
This metallic gun-metal gray starship is a beautiful model to build. It also welcomes various hobbyists by adding optional details you can complete, like painting the ship. Unfortunately, the Discovery series wasn’t my favorite. Still, I promised to share a variety of famous starships into which the Shenzhou ship falls.
Star Trek Model Kit Specs
- Starship: USS Shenzhou model kit
- Scale: 1:2500
- Series: Star Trek: Discovery
Star Trek Model Kit Pros
- The Shenzhou model kit is a snap-together assembly for novice hobbyists
- It includes optional paintwork for more advanced hobbyists
- The model kit has clear pieces to allow for a lighting kit
- It includes various decals for improved displays and comes with a stand
Star Trek Model Kit Cons
- You have to buy the model’s lighting kit separately
- Star Trek: Discovery isn’t everyone’s cup of tea from the franchise
Star Trek II USS Reliant NCC-1864 Model Kit
The USS Reliant model kit is another favorite because it includes battle-damaged decals to decorate the model with battle scars. The Star Trek starships are well-known for epic battles. So, why shouldn’t you display this factor on your collectible models? I would undoubtedly add the battle-damaged decals to improve it.
Star Trek Model Kit Specs
- Starship: USS Reliant model kit
- Scale: 1:1000
- Series: Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
Star Trek Model Kit Pros
- The USS Reliant model kit is a highly collectible piece
- It’s easy to assemble with optional paintwork to increase the challenge
- It comes with battle-damaged decals to improve the model
- You can find cover decals to change the design of this model
Star Trek Model Kit Cons
- This model kit doesn’t include clear pieces for lighting kits
- The challenge might not be sufficient for experienced hobbyists
Star Trek III USS Excelsior NX-2000 Model Kit
The USS Excelsior is another legendary model kit with potential for novice and experienced hobbyists. In addition, the starship is famous in the third and fourth series, making it an incredible option for various fans. Meanwhile, the starship seems to have more details and better decals to bring more color into your collection.
Star Trek Model Kit Specs
- Starship: USS Excelsior model kit
- Scale: 1:1000
- Series: Star Trek: The Search for Spock
Star Trek Model Kit Pros
- The USS Excelsior model kit is collectible from two Star Trek series
- It’s easy to assemble and paint, providing you have glue and paint
- It includes various decals that make it more colorful than most
- It comes with a supportive stand you can reposition in your collection
Star Trek Model Kit Cons
- The model kit doesn’t include the much-needed paint and glue
- It doesn’t have clear pieces for lighting kits
Star Trek Klingon Amar Battlecruiser Model Kit
The Klingon Amar K’t’inga class battlecruiser was a legend in the Star Trek movie. Meanwhile, this model kit is another icon because it introduces novice hobbyists to using resin and cement. But don’t worry; it’s an ideal model kit for level-two hobbyists. Meanwhile, it’s also challenging enough for higher-level fans.
Star Trek Model Kit Specs
- Starship: Klingon Amar Battlecruiser model kit
- Scale: 1:350
- Series: Star Trek: The Motion Picture
Star Trek Model Kit Pros
- The Klingon Battlecruiser model kit is an exceptional piece of collectible quality
- The kit includes clear and resin parts to add lighting kits
- The customizable paintwork and decals can increase the challenge
- It’s a gorgeously collectible model with more color and details than most
Star Trek Model Kit Cons:
- You’ll have to buy the model’s lighting kit separately
- Some novice hobbyists might feel this model is beyond level two
Star Trek Romulan Warbird Battlecruiser Model Kit
The Romulan Warbird Battlecruiser is another exquisite model kit representing a legendary Star Trek franchise starship. The starship had a nearly eerie design with a ghastly feel. In addition, it had more color than the gun-metal gray ships at the Enterprise. Finally, the ship’s a favorite for being an iconic beast.
Star Trek Model Kit Specs
- Starship: Romulan Warbird Battlecruiser model kit
- Scale: 1:3200
- Series: Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek Model Kit Pros
- The Romulan Warbird Battlecruiser model kit is a collectible beast
- It has a beautiful design with brighter colors for collectors
- It requires paint and glue for the assembly, but the instructions are clear
- The Romulan Warbird Battlecruiser’s plan was way ahead of its time
Star Trek Model Kit Cons
- It would appeal mainly to Next Generation Star Trek fans
- I can’t find a matching lighting kit for this model
Star Trek USS Franklin Starship Model Kit
The Starfleet also had the USS Franklin, a modest yet mean starship that did the job in the Beyond series. Scotty had the USS Franklin in a special corner of his heart. Indeed, Scotty was capable of feeling things, unlike Vulcans. So, I had to add the USS Franklin to the best model kits because of how Scotty loved the ship.
Star Trek Model Kit Specs
- Starship: USS Franklin model kit
- Scale: 1:350
- Series: Star Trek: Beyond
Star Trek Model Kit Pros
- The USS Franklin model kit appeals to collectors for nostalgic reasons
- It’s a gorgeous starship with intricate details
- You’ll use paint and glue to assemble this easy-model kit
- It’s an unusual Star Trek model kit for novice and experienced hobbyists
Star Trek Model Kit Cons
- Unfortunately, you’ll have to buy paint and glue separately
- Not every Star Trek fan knows or likes the USS Franklin
Star Trek USS Grissom NCC-638 Starship Model Kit
The USS Grissom comes from another favorite series of mine. In addition, the starship looks more modern than most Star Trek models. This model kit offers a few challenges if you’re up for the task. You’ll be able to add custom lighting kits and other details inspired in the manual. It’s a challenging custom model for beginners.
Star Trek Model Kit Specs
- Starship: USS Grissom model kit
- Scale: 1:350
- Series: Star Trek: The Search for Spock
Star Trek Model Kit Pros
- The USS Grissom model kit is a modern collectible from the Star Trek franchise
- The model kit is more customizable than any other Star Trek version
- It has waterslide decals with transparent and white parts to add lighting kits
- It’s one of the newest Star Trek model kits from Polar Lights, a famous, quality brand
Star Trek Model Kit Cons
- You have to buy the paint and glue separately
- The customization you can do is better suited to experienced hobbyists
Star Trek USS Voyager NCC-74656 Model Kit
The USS Voyager model kit represents the epicenter of the Star Trek: Voyager series. It’s another iconic model kit for novice and experienced hobbyists to enjoy. In addition, it has blue and clear parts to add a lighting kit, making it look insanely impressive in your collection. The details are also fantastic for a 1:1000 scale.
Star Trek Model Kit Specs
- Starship: USS Voyager model kit
- Scale: 1:1000
- Series: Star Trek: Voyager
Star Trek Model Kit Pros
- The USS Voyager model kit is an iconic collector’s piece
- Novice and experienced hobbyists can enjoy the snap-together assembly
- It requires some paint and glue to increase the challenge
- It has beautiful details, like deflector dishes and windows for LED lighting kits
Star Trek Model Kit Cons
- You’ll have to buy the USS Voyager lighting kit separately
- It might challenge novice hobbyists more than most level-two kits
FAQs
Question: Can I Find Star Trek Model Kits That Aren’t Starships?
Answer: Most Star Trek model kits are starships or space-related. However, there are two non-starship model kits. Firstly, you can buy the Star Trek USS Enterprise Bridge Model Kit. Alternatively, buy the Star Trek Galileo Shuttlecraft Model Kit. Neither model kit represents a starship. Instead, they’re vehicles and scene settings.
Question: Which Star Trek Model Kit Comes With Lights?
Answer: Unfortunately, you’ll need loads of luck to find model kits with lighting included. Instead, you can buy the Star Trek Klingon K’Tinga Class Battlecruiser Model Kit. Then, add the Star Trek Klingon K’Tinga Class Battlecruiser Lighting Kit of the same scale. However, always make sure you buy the same scale model kits.
Question: Which Star Trek Model Kit Scale Is Popular?
Answer: Two Star Trek model kit scales are widespread. Firstly, the 1:350 Star Trek Scale Model Kits offer a brilliant challenge with a model that doesn’t fade into the distance. However, the 1:1000 Scale Star Trek Model Kits are smaller. They offer more intricate work, even with the exact skill-level requirements.
Best Star Trek Model Kits: Conclusion
The best Star Trek model kits welcome novice and experienced hobbyists because the franchise’s fans are in each category. However, I wouldn’t call myself a professional model builder because I stick to the level two and three options. Anything more will take too long, and I’m scared I’ll mess the model up before I finish it.
So, level-two model kits are my sweet spot. They beam me up with Scotty’s unusual personality and make me live as prosperous as Spock. However, I recommend buying the Star Trek Classic USS Enterprise Model Kit, especially if you’re starting a Star Trek model collection. You can’t begin without the beginning.
In addition, remember my logic rule from Spock. So, buy yours today, and start enjoying the hobby.
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