[MOC] USS Enterprise NCC-1701 Midi Scale - Alternate Build of 75440 AT-AT

[Wurger49]

The model is 13.5 cm wide, 28.0 cm long, 13.0 cm tall (including stand)
Or 5.3 inches wide, 11.0 inches long, 5.1 inches tall (including stand)

After completing my first ever Millennium Falcon alternate build, I wanted to take what I learned and apply it to another iconic saucer shaped starship, the USS Enterprise from Star Trek.

The Constitution Class USS Enterprise NCC 1701 is one of the most iconic starships in science fiction and a lasting symbol of exploration, optimism, and discovery. First introduced in Star Trek The Original Series, it features a distinctive saucer shaped primary hull, an elongated secondary hull, and twin warp nacelles. This design became instantly recognisable and set the visual language for Starfleet ships.
 
Features

• The saucer shaped primary hull is built using various plates and tiles stacked together, with the centre bulging outward on both the top and bottom. Black pieces are used to represent the ship’s name.
• The secondary hull is formed using a combination of 4x4 round bricks at the front with the sensor probe. Six 1x6 black bricks combined with plates form the core structure, with various slopes used to smooth out the hull.
• The dorsal neck connecting the primary and secondary hulls required quite a bit of trial and error. In the end, I achieved a solid and accurate representation using two large brackets with multiple bricks acting as support.
• The twin warp nacelles are constructed using 2x2 round bricks and tiles at the front to showcase the tubular shape. The core of each nacelle is built from two 1x16 black bricks, with light bluish grey elements covering the top and bottom surfaces.
• The pylons connecting the warp nacelles also went through several iterations. A simple and effective solution was ultimately used, combining clip connections with a 2x6 plate acting as a backstop to maintain the outward angle.
• In addition to the main model, I was able to build a display stand using spare pieces, as well as a small shuttle pod for fun, inspired by LEGO’s GWP designs.

The secondary hull is very solid, there are weakness around the saucer dish. Since the engine pylons are mounted on clips, they may move inward during handling. I recommend holding the model with your index and middle fingers supporting the top of the secondary hull, while your ring finger and thumb support the bottom. This prevents the pylons from shifting inward.

I am extremely pleased with my first USS Enterprise alternate build, and it is ready to be swooshed around or proudly displayed.

Instructions are on Rebrickable: https://reb.li/m/247351