Restoring Old Toys

About 2 weeks ago, I picked up these two relics from eBay for just over GBP10.00. A real bargain in deed. They arrived early this week. The package came with a 1992 Playmates Star Trek Federation Type 5 Shuttle craft (No. 15, aka Goddard) and check this out...a 1989 Galoob Star Trek Federation Type 7 Shuttle craft Galileo.

For those of you who aren't really aware, these are amongst the USS Enterprise, NCC 1701-D's compliment of support and executive shuttle transport.

Goddard looked okay
I tested the electronics which works fine and
the hull and decal application was left more to be desired

Galileo on the other hand needed work
Notice the cellophane tape over the windows and warp nacelles?

The seller emailed me about the condition of these 2 shuttles...left in a loft too long and from the browning and discoloration, I'd say they had been exposed to UV rays at some point in time. There were signs of moisture damage on the decals, especially with Galileo. She was, amongst others, Cmdr. Riker's executive transport of choice for medium range destinations.

Galileo had what appears to be water damage

The roof needed a good cleaning

The first task was to wash them down. With Galileo, it was easy. Since it didn't contain any electronics, I brought the hippopotamus-looking craft into the kitchen sink and rinsed it out, followed by a good scrub with dish washing detergent and warm water. When that was done, Goddard was wiped down with a damp cloth and lather.

Later in the night, I applied lighter fluid to facial cotton and gave Galileo a good scrub! Zippo worked liked a charm as I noticed the shine on her hull began to show.

After a good clean-up and the painting detail, I added a couple of
black landing pad supports for Galileo's warp nacelles. Notice the
transporter annular confinement targeting scanners on
the front...

That's more like it.

Phase two involved restoring the details; bussard collectors and the field release grill on the warp nacelles. Aerosol spray cans and a paintbrush mostly. I did some masking and started repainting the details. It was actually quite therapeutic doing this after a long day's work. Nothing like spending some quality time indulging in my Trekker moods.

Galileo's blue field release grills warp nacelles
are actually automotive stickers cut-to-shape

For phase 3: decal replacement, I kept a decal sheet containing various Trek fonts with which to give Galileo her identity back. I also recycled some used automotive stickers to add the port and starboard navigational lights. Of course, no Federation shuttle craft is complete with Starfleet's delta shield logo and stripes!

After I was done with Galileo, I started work on Goddard. She didn't need much work. A simple clean-up job was required and some detailing. I added a gold tint to the warp nacelles and removed the cheesy decals. I replaced some of them with recycled automotive stickers.

There was however one thing that irked me. Enterprise's registry number on the bow was lobbed sided. I applied some Zippo magic and peeled it off slowly to correct the alignment. Thankfully, the sticker was salvageable. Much better.

After replacing some stickers with new ones and
giving a good polishing, she "rolled out" of
Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards looking spic and spam.

The Type 6 shuttles are favorite away mission landing crafts during the first 2 seasons of Star Trek:Voyager and also their favorite shuttles to crash or destroy!

Finally, the two former derelict shuttles are restored to their proper glory

Soon to come: How to repaint a TOS classic Phaser.