NOTE: You can click on most pictures to get a larger view of them.
Rewrites: None
Eaglemoss continues to produce ships under thier "Star Trek: The Official Starships Collection" label. I have been making pre-order purchases of these ships as soon as they go online, and then wait patiently for a few months for them to come to the United States. This has been the new norm when it comes to collecting under that "Finished" line of models, but in some cases, the wait is worth it.
The latest Shuttlecraft Collection went up for pre-order in the United states back September 2021, and I just received my set in February 2022. I truly believe though that this set was worth that wait for several reasons.
Image Credit: Eaglemoss
First and foremost, this set differs from the previous seven sets in that this one contains all alien, and no Starfleet (Terran) ships.
The set consists of four smaller than Standard Edition sized models, with accompanying half height magazines and something called Okudagrams.
I am going to borrow this next small tidbit of information right from my other reviews of Shuttlecraft Collections, because I am at heart, a lazy writer.
"What is an Okudagrams you might ask? An Okudagram is essentially schematics of of a ship. The first ones were created by Mike Okuda of Star Trek renowned. He was famous for his designing these for ship's computer displays.
As I mentioned, the magazines are smaller than the normal magazines that we are used to, and are more like little informational inserts that don't cover as much information as the regular magazines. They also do not fit in any of the Eaglemoss binders. I do have a remedy for this and you can read more about that at the end of the article.
Another thing to note about these Shuttlecraft Collection sets is that the stands for the models are much different than other models from Eaglemoss. They are basically tiny little tables that the shuttle rests on.
This review will differ slightly from my normal reviews in that it will cover four different Eaglemoss models. As such, the review will be a tad longer than what you may be used to from me. Last but not least, I will hold off my final judgement on the value of the set until the very end.
And so, let us jump into the shuttles and take them for a spin.
The first of the four shuttlecraft is of Vulcan design. These shuttles were typically attached to Suurok Class starships.
Another thing to note about these Shuttlecraft Collection sets is that the stands for the models are much different than other models from Eaglemoss. They are basically tiny little tables that the shuttle rests on.
This review will differ slightly from my normal reviews in that it will cover four different Eaglemoss models. As such, the review will be a tad longer than what you may be used to from me. Last but not least, I will hold off my final judgement on the value of the set until the very end.
And so, let us jump into the shuttles and take them for a spin.
The first of the four shuttlecraft is of Vulcan design. These shuttles were typically attached to Suurok Class starships.
We first get to see this starship in the Star Trek: Enterprise episode called "Fallen Hero".
Per Memory Alpha and Beta, "The Vulcan shuttle was a type of shuttlecraft or transport used by the Vulcans in the early 2150s. They were about two (or three) decks high, and had a warp-ring drive, similar to most Vulcan combat cruisers of the time."
If you would like to read more official stuff on this type of ship, feel free to check out the following links:
Suurok Based Shuttle Class Information: Memory Alpha LINK and Memory Beta LINK
While most of the Eaglemoss shuttlecraft sat on flat table like stands, this one, and one other, actually had a slightly modified stand so as to accommodate it's round bottom and to keep it from rolling onto the floor.
Per Memory Alpha and Beta, "The Vulcan shuttle was a type of shuttlecraft or transport used by the Vulcans in the early 2150s. They were about two (or three) decks high, and had a warp-ring drive, similar to most Vulcan combat cruisers of the time."
If you would like to read more official stuff on this type of ship, feel free to check out the following links:
Suurok Based Shuttle Class Information: Memory Alpha LINK and Memory Beta LINK
While most of the Eaglemoss shuttlecraft sat on flat table like stands, this one, and one other, actually had a slightly modified stand so as to accommodate it's round bottom and to keep it from rolling onto the floor.
And I do appreciate it because, this is a rather nice model to have to worry about it "flying" off my display shelf.
In my opinion, the paintwork on this model is almost perfect. The entire model is covered in the traditional Vulcan orange-brown paint scheme, with some subtle blotching, almost aztec like paint to give it some "texture".
The main control room window is painted in. Three decks makes for quite a large shuttle, and the tiny model makes it hard to imagine the size. With some tiny windows also painted a deck down, it makes it easier to understand the true size of the ship.
The warp ring has the leading and back edge painted with a light blue pinstripe to represent the glowing parts.
My only lament for the model is the lack of any sign of the impulse engines.
For such a small model, the sculpt work is well done too. Panel lines and other parts of the ship are well defined and able to be clearly made out.
The most important part of the ship, the warp ring has be nicely rendered on this model.
I also feel that the model's join seam is blended well into the natural lines of the ship.
With all these elements put together, we are presented with a rather nice little model that has been assembled well.
When I first took my pictures of this model, I paired it up accidentally next to the D'kyr class starship.
Honestly, it was an easy mistake considering that the ship shows it holding a very similar shuttle.
However, upon doing a lot of research, it appears that the shuttles on those ships are a bit different looking.
In the end though, I still decided to display the shuttle next to Eaglemoss' rendition of the D'kyr class (Issue #55 REVIEW LINK) and the Suurok class (Issue #34 REVIEW LINK).
We will end the review of this model with it sitting next to and then departing from it's mothership.
The next model in the alien shuttlecraft collection is the Xindi Insectoid Assault Shuttle.
We first get to see this starship in the Star Trek: Enterprise episode called "Hatchery".
Per Memory Alpha, "The Xindi-Insectoid assault shuttle was a type of shuttlecraft-sized two-person assault vehicle carried aboard Xindi-Insectoid starships. It was armed with a half dozen particle cannons and torpedo launchers. Much of its power was routed to structural integrity, allowing it to operate in the atmosphere of a gas giant or underwater."
If you would like to read more official stuff on this type of ship, feel free to check out the following links:
Xindi Insectoid Assault Shuttle Class Information: Memory Alpha LINK and NO Memory Beta LINK
Per Memory Alpha, "The Xindi-Insectoid assault shuttle was a type of shuttlecraft-sized two-person assault vehicle carried aboard Xindi-Insectoid starships. It was armed with a half dozen particle cannons and torpedo launchers. Much of its power was routed to structural integrity, allowing it to operate in the atmosphere of a gas giant or underwater."
If you would like to read more official stuff on this type of ship, feel free to check out the following links:
Xindi Insectoid Assault Shuttle Class Information: Memory Alpha LINK and NO Memory Beta LINK
Like the Vulcan ship, the Xindi shuttle is also rounded, thus a flat table stand would not have been heathy to the ship to sit on.
I feel that this is another well done model, even though it is rather small. I would dare say that this model is the smallest of the four models in this set. Although, the shape of the model made it rather difficult to take pictures, I still managed to get my normal photo shoot in.
Let us start with discussing the sculpt and mold work on this model. "WOW!" is a word that comes to mind. All of the molded details are crisp, dare I say sharply relieved, giving the model the sinister look it disserves. Panel lines, grills, and even that sharp pointed part on top of the ship stand out clearly.
The paint work is equally as impressive as the sculpting. The primary hull color scheme is a combination of a blue-grey, dark grey and light greys, all mottled together to give the model a dark and foreboding, yet heavily used look.
In stark contrast to the foreboding greys, Eaglemoss used a very light blue to paint in areas of the ship that would normally glow during operation. This idea works perfectly, and allows those areas to really stand out.
The end product is a very cool looking model. Although it is the smallest, I think I like this one the most of the four.
My reading did not really convince me that the other Xindi-Insectoid ships actually carried this one. In fact, it almost looks like those other ships may have been too small themselves to be able to carry this auxiliary vessel. So instead of my usual parting shots of this ship flying away from a mothership, I'll instead opt to just show it sitting next to the other two Xindi-Insectoid vessels.
Pictured with the Assault Shuttle is Eaglemoss Issue # 24, the Olaen Class, which you can read my review of it at THIS LINK, and the Eaglemoss Issue # 172, the Castroi Class Scout Ship, and my review can be found at THIS LINK.
The third of the four shuttles in the shuttlecraft collection is the Ferengi Na'Far Class Shuttle.
The third of the four shuttles in the shuttlecraft collection is the Ferengi Na'Far Class Shuttle.
We first get to see this starship in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode called "The Price".
Per Memory Alpha and Beta, "The Ferengi shuttle, also sometimes referred to as a Ferengi pod or Ferengi ship was a warp-capable shuttlecraft used as an auxiliary vehicle and utilized by prominent businessmen in the Ferengi Alliance during the 24th century."
If you would like to read more official stuff on this type of ship, feel free to check out the following links:
Na'Far Class Shuttle Information: Memory Alpha LINK and Memory Beta LINK
This next shuttle is not as elaborate as the last two we have looked at.
Per Memory Alpha and Beta, "The Ferengi shuttle, also sometimes referred to as a Ferengi pod or Ferengi ship was a warp-capable shuttlecraft used as an auxiliary vehicle and utilized by prominent businessmen in the Ferengi Alliance during the 24th century."
If you would like to read more official stuff on this type of ship, feel free to check out the following links:
Na'Far Class Shuttle Information: Memory Alpha LINK and Memory Beta LINK
This next shuttle is not as elaborate as the last two we have looked at.
While the Ferengi Na'Far Class Shuttle is not as elaborate as the previous two shuttles, it is still a nice addition to the collection.
The paint scheme of the ship is the traditional orange-brown that we have come to expect of a Ferengi ship. Upon closer examination though, we can see some mottled darker patches, that give the ship a scuffed up appearance.
The warp nacelles boast a bright yellow that represents the cooling grills. Both nacelles also boast the Ferengi logo on the tops and bottoms of the nacelle. There is grillwork on top of the shuttle that has some light blue highlights as well giving the vehicle yet more "glowing" areas. Eaglemoss also painted the cockpit window a nice jet black.
On the rear of the ship, the impulse engines have been painted in with dual colors, which is a nice touch. Even the rear access hatch has some highlight paint to help it stand out.
The sculpt and mold work is a bit simpler on this model than the previous two, however, it continues to be crisp and clear and manages to highlight important parts of the ship. The rear hatch I just mentioned stands out and bears some nice detailing.
Panel lines are etched across the entire model and the previously mentioned top side grill stands out nicely. Encircling the rear of the ship is a series of small circles that almost look like rivet points. They only serve to enhance the look of the model.
I keep saying that this model is less elaborate than the previous two models, however, it still a nice addition to the Eaglemoss alien fleet. I really did like this model in the end. If you get a chance to read my review of thier other Ferengi model, then you will know that I was disappointed with the paint work on that model. This one definately makes up for that disappointment.
Speaking of that other model, here is the shuttle sitting next to Eaglemoss' Issue # 16, the Ferengi D'Kora class Marauder. You can read my review of that model and a few other manufacturers versions of it at THIS LINK.
We'll end the review of the Ferengi shuttle with a quick parting shot of it leaving its mothership.
The last of the four alien shuttlecrafts is the Klingon Toron Class shuttle.
We first get to see this starship in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode called "Gambit, Part II".
Per Memory Alpha and Beta, "The Toron class was a type of small Klingon shuttle in service during the mid-24th century. It could be piloted by a single person. In 2370, Koral flew a Toron-class shuttle for his intended rendezvous with Arctus Baran. The shuttle was intercepted by the USS Enterprise."
If you would like to read more official stuff on this type of ship, feel free to check out the following links:
Toron Class Shuttle Information: Memory Alpha LINK and Memory Beta LINK
Per Memory Alpha and Beta, "The Toron class was a type of small Klingon shuttle in service during the mid-24th century. It could be piloted by a single person. In 2370, Koral flew a Toron-class shuttle for his intended rendezvous with Arctus Baran. The shuttle was intercepted by the USS Enterprise."
If you would like to read more official stuff on this type of ship, feel free to check out the following links:
Toron Class Shuttle Information: Memory Alpha LINK and Memory Beta LINK
The ship's design is very basic and we are presented with what first appears to be a rather simple model.
As you handle the model and turn the ship over and over and take in all the sides, you then realize the amount of sculpt and mold work that actually went into this tiny model.
Panel lines are clearly and crisply defined and you can easily make out the access door on the back of the model. The engine pods jut out from the ship and you can clearly see the thrusters embedded in those pods.
The sculpt and mold details are equally impressive across the entire ship. The joins and seams are blended well with the natural lines of the ship.
The paint work is simply fantastic, except for a slight blemish in on of the side windows and some issues on the bottom. The coloring of the model gives it a heavily used look, yet highlights all sorts of details. The overall paint scheme is a dull green-grey color with reddish brown speckled on across the whole thing. Eaglemoss chose to highlight all of the panels with what appears to be a reddish wash.
The bottom of the model is very interesting, which is a shame that you normally won't see it when it sits on its stand. The Toron Class shuttle bears the same kind of lift system that we see on some of the TMP, early TNG era shuttles. I like that Eaglemoss decided to paint it to appear that it is active for a landing, however, they were a tad sloppy with the paint application and we have some overspray that falls outside of the molded details.
Given the smaller size of these shuttlecraft, the paint smudges were bound to happen. Unfortunately, it happened on a relatively expensive model. I'll talk more about what I mean by that in a minute. Even with the two issues I found, I still really liked this model too.
We never get to see this type of ship operate from a base mothership, however, we do know that several of the larger Klingon warships have a shuttle bay, so we can safely assume that these ships might conceivably carry one or more of the Toron Class shuttles. Three possible ships, which Eaglemoss also produced models of are; Klingon K'Tinga Class Battlecruiser (Issue #7 REVIEW LINK), Klingon Vor'cha Class (Issue #20 REVIEW LINK), and Klingon Negh'Var Class (Issue #47 REVIEW LINK).
With that in mind, I chose to wrap up the review of this model by pairing it up with a K'Tinga, mostly because that was the first one I found in my storage boxes.
And we'll send the shuttle off to find its adventure somewhere in cyberspace.
And that is all the pictures and comparisons I have to share on this ship collection at this time. As for pricing, I will continue with the tradition of looking up pricing on eBay and finding the most inexpensive Buy-It-Now prices at the time of this article's writing. Prices were researched last on February 27th, 2022, and as of the writing of this article, I was unable to find the collection from a seller on eBay, however, the Eaglemoss US WebStore has it for around $100 (shipping cost unknown).
My feelings about these shuttlecraft collection sets has been hot and cold over the previous seven sets. This unhappiness is usually based around the pricing of the sets. I have always liked the Eaglemoss Standard Edition line of models, because I feel that for around $20 to $30, most of the time, you get a fairly decent pre-built and pre-painted model. While I do like to build and paint my own models, deep down inside, I am lazy and would rather buy an already finished model, IF the price is right. At $20 to $30 for those Standard Edition models, the price is definitely right for what you typically will receive. And so, we come to the discussion of price for this set.
At the above quoted price, you are essentially paying $25 per ship, for a model that is much smaller than their equally priced Standard Edition siblings. That's a lot of money to shell out for these smaller than normal models. Every time I would review these sets, I would lament on the price point, however, over the run of this review series, I still found myself to be pretty receptive to the shuttlecraft collection sets. Even with them being more pricey, I gave more than half of the sets a thumbs up.
In regards to the alien shuttlecraft set, I loved all four of the models. Even the Klingon ship's paint screwups didn't change my mind. They were unique looking ships, and very well produced. This set definitely had a "Wow Factor" through all four models. For the first time in a while, I actually feel good about that $100 investment and recommend that you make it too if you are into the alien ships.
BONUS ROUND!!!
Previous Shuttlecraft Collections
Every once in a while, I'll have a little extra stuff to share with you that sort of fits in with my comparison articles.
Here is all the shuttles from the previous seven shuttle sets, for your viewing pleasure. I have to tell you, it is quite the endeavor to unpack all 28 of those ships and then arrange them like that.
I had mentioned at the beginning of this article about how the shuttlecraft collection magazines were not standard sized. In fact, Eaglemoss does not sell a binder that can fit them. I suppose that if Eaglemoss ever sold a Discovery Line of folders, those would work as they are similar in size, but alas, there is no such item available.
I really liked having all my magazines kept nice and neat in those binders, so I did some experimenting on how to be able to store those magazine. This was my solution...
Rather than make this already long article even bigger, you can read about how I accomplished this and if you feel so inclined, do it yourself. I recently updated the article on binder modifications with some nicer instructions. You can read that article at THIS LINK.
Here is all the shuttles from the previous seven shuttle sets, for your viewing pleasure. I have to tell you, it is quite the endeavor to unpack all 28 of those ships and then arrange them like that.
If you are interested in reading about the other Shuttlecraft Collection sets, feel free to check them out at the following links:
Shuttlecraft Collection Set #7 - THIS LINK
Shuttle Magazine Binders
I had mentioned at the beginning of this article about how the shuttlecraft collection magazines were not standard sized. In fact, Eaglemoss does not sell a binder that can fit them. I suppose that if Eaglemoss ever sold a Discovery Line of folders, those would work as they are similar in size, but alas, there is no such item available.
I really liked having all my magazines kept nice and neat in those binders, so I did some experimenting on how to be able to store those magazine. This was my solution...
As always, I hope you found this article useful and informative. If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to comment below.
So for now, "Live long and prosper!!!"
Additional Links To Photos Of My Collection:
Eaglemoss:
So for now, "Live long and prosper!!!"
Additional Links To Photos Of My Collection:
Eaglemoss:
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