My digital camera died for unknown reasons a couple of weeks ago, so I have no pictures to offer.  I've been working on the puttying of the ship, and it's been quite an educational experience.

     I'm finding that puttying and shaping the ship is the most intimate experience the model builder has with his / her model.  This is the opportunity to refine or alter the shape and appearance of the model any way you please.  For a novice such as myself, it's pretty daunting because while I have an idea of the final product I have difficulty getting my hands and tools to get it to that shape.

     I've been trying a number of tools and Dremel attachments, but I'm finding that the very best way to sand the putty and get it to shape is with sandpaper and sandsticks of varying grades.  It takes longer, but the finished product is more refined.

     At this point I have completed first-round puttying and sanding of all joints / cracks in the ship except for the shuttle bay, and I'm working on second-round.  The second round is necessary because sometimes the putty doesn't go all the way into a crack or seam so bubbles form, and when it's sanded down a hole appears.  I'm also being very picky about shape, so the second round is for refinement.

     All in all it's pretty hard and time consuming.  The RCS thrusters on the saucer are detailed and complex, and the seam where the saucer meets the engineering section is pretty wide so that definitely took two rounds.

     The shuttle bay is last because it's the most complex.

     I have another camera on order, so I should have pictures for you soon! :)