AMT/ERTL Star Trek Klingon Bird of Prey

Background

We were first introduced to the Klingon B'rel-class Bird of Prey in Star Trek III. Since that time, we've seen the original cast haul whales through time in this vessel in Star Trek IV, and others make appearances in various other Star Trek movie and television episodes.

The B'rel class features a torpedo launcher in its forward hull below the bridge, while armed with a pair of phaser cannons on the tips of its variable angle wings.

The Kit

AMT/ERTL has re-released the Klingon Bird of Prey kit. I remember buying an expensive resin version of this ship, which all-but-guaranteed a styrene version would follow. Since then, this kit was released as it appears in this reissue, then once more with an innovative clear disk to mount the ship on to depict the vessel in flight.

Molded in light gray styrene, the Bird of Prey kit is an easy build with an oustanding set of instructions and painting guides. There are no provisions for displaying the wings in any other angle than provided in this kit.

The detailing on the surface of the model is nicely done and will definitely make painting the red feathers on the underside of the wings much easier.

The kit includes a display stand, though I am a bit skeptical about how steady that stand will be - I'll probably apply that stand to a larger base just to make sure.

Clear parts are provided for the torpedo tube launcher and inpulse engine, so you can install lighting in the model to replicate the appearance of the Bird of Prey on the prowl.

Conclusions

This is a nice little kit. I just wish this re-release was part of some larger movement to add another movie or TV series to the Star Trek universe. This kit is definitely recommended.