Building the AMT Star Trek Klingon Bird-of-Prey Model Kit

AMT’s Klingon Bird-of-Prey Scale Model Kit

I was excited when AMT/Ertl released a kit of the Bird-of-Prey in 1995, branded for Star Trek: Generations correctly labeled 1/650 scale, due to it being a K’vort class (bigger than B’rel) in that scale. It had optional parts to pose the wings in cruise or attack positions. The kit was reissued several times with minor changes until 2010. Then Round 2, the new owner of the AMT brand, added new radiator baffles and landing gear. Also, these allowed the ship to be posed on the ground as seen in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.

The Klingon Bird-of-Prey is the coolest ship design in Star Trek, in my opinion. Please don’t hate me. Certainly, it stands out from the Enterprise with its menacing, utilitarian, and even beautiful appearance.

Reference used in building the Klingon Bird-of-Prey.

Reference comparison.

The AMT 1/350 scale Star Trek Klingon Bird-of-Prey plastic model kit is now available again in updated packaging. This time, labeled for Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, which introduced the Bird-of-Prey, B’rel class. In one kit, you get two different scales to choose from: K’vort class 1/650 or the B’rel class 1/350 scale. Now, if AMT made a K’vort class in 1/350 scale that’d be something.

The Beginning

While the parts are molded in green plastic and have decent surface detail that may differ to the studio model, some of the panels have soft edges that make it look worn out through high speeds in sandy storms in the atmosphere.

Extra Parts for the Klingon Bird-of-Prey

Thereafter wanting more detail, I went ahead and purchased the FruitPACK resin and photo-etched parts by GreenStrawberry.

Please click on all images to see them closer.

I decided to build the ship landed, so I used the appropriate radiator parts.

There were various other parts to get cracking on. The gear doors, legs, and entry ramp were left off for painting. A hole was drilled on the ramp to later put in lighting.

Painting and Lighting

I kept the wings, hull, and radiators separate for painting. Hence, to make the final assembly easier, I enlarged each of the locating holes for the radiators in the hull and wings. Then painting it in sub-assemblies made it easier to handle.

Additionally, the painting instructions provide detailed drawings of the top and bottom and suggest Tamiya colors. I, instead, followed those recommendations given in the old 1995 version of painting instructions that used Testors and Model Masters paints, since I still have a shipload of them. Then, I masked some areas and freehanded others to give that natural paint job.

During the whole process, I kept in mind that lighting it would enhance the look of the Bird-of-Prey, so, I opened windows for the light to shine through. and then glues the lighting system in as I went along.

All Those Wires…and More!

The decals applied well over a layer of clear gloss, but the Klingon insignia at the cannon fairings needed several applications of Testors Decal Set and heat to conform to the detail. (above images)

Unquestionably, the landing gear legs made of cast metal is probably a good choice, considering the weight of the finished model. I glued each leg together with CA glue and left them bare before installing them in the bay with more CA. While the metal is flexible enough, I could make minor adjustments to align them. (above images)

I suggest adding the wings to the hull before attaching the feet to the legs. The ship balances exactly where the legs touch the ground, so the feet will be level when attached with the wings in place.

Surprisingly, attaching those feet was one of the easiest parts of the build. I placed each foot in position and held it flat as I applied superglue. The result looks great, but one has to be very delicate when handling.

The model looks impressive, but the weak joints make the feet prone to falling off if they are disturbed. Consequently, I suggest attaching the model to a base with glue to prevent damage. But I chose a rotating mirrored base.

The kit comes with one of Round 2’s black dome stands with a metal rod and an adjustable mount, but I ditch that in favor of a rotating mirror display that can be programmed to turn side to side.

I had fun building the AMT 1/350 scale Star Trek Klingon Bird-of-Prey plastic model kit. It took me about 20 hours, mostly for lighting, masking and painting. Truly, it is not a beginner-friendly kit, but with some effort, it can turn into a stunning replica. In this case, I decidedly to dub this one the IKS Rotarran, named after General Martok’s Bird-of-Prey in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine series.