For all the technology brought to bear in applying the aztec pattern, why in God's name did Bandai decide to vary the contrast from one area of this thing to another? The primary hull appears perfect. The pattern on the engines and pylons is as good as invisible, and the secondary hull finish looks like something I might have done by hand in this scale.

The deflector dish should be pale blue overall, nearly clear at the centre to suggest the intensity of the power source and then darkening toward the rim. This can be simulated by tacking a very small ball bearing on the inside surface, dusting the inside with transparent blue aerosol from a perpendicular position, then removing the ball.

The seams an occasional black spots from sprue removal are a (excuse me) snap to fix. Apply PollyFilla using a damp fingertip. Wipe off the excess. It dries the exact shade of off white required, and fills the sprue chips at the same time. The filler is only visible when a seam crosses a darker surface colour, but you'd need to be a seriously maladjusted obsessive to care.

With these simple steps, you're a lot further ahead.

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