Introduction
Here's what you need if you want to reconstruct your own Wolf 359 fleet. All models have been built using parts of the 1/1400 Enterprise-D and 1/2500 Enterprise-D model kits, plus some additional material. As of 2016, the original sets have been out of production for years.
However, many of the high profile sets (which of course include the Enterprise-Ds) tend to be re-released frequently. The 1/2500 Enterprise-D, originally released as a three-piece set, has been re-issued as an individual release in 2015 and is still easily available, the currently out-of-production 1/400 Enterprise-D is getting a re-release at the end of 2016. Also, if you are just hunting for some spare parts, you can look for half-finished model kits on ebay – they usually sell at a low price.
Getting the parts
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The 1/1400 Enterprise-D
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First off, it does not matter which version of the model kits you can get a hold of, as the mold has not changed over the years. For the 1/1400, you have the option of using the original 1988 AMT/ERTL issue (No. 6619), the 1995 Generations re-issue (No. 8793) or the 2010 AMT re-issue (AMT656), as well the special edition with fiber optics (No. 8772) or the plus pack with additional brush, paint and glue (No. 8400) around 1995. The regular three boxes are pictured below. All of them are currently discontinued (and most shops don’t carry them anymore), but AMT/Round 2 has announced a re-release of the clear 1/1400 Enterprise-D kit around Christmas.
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The 1/2500 Enterprise-D
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The original 1988 AMT/ERTL issue was a 3-piece set of the Enterprise-D, Enterprise-A and TOS variant in scale with each other (No. 6618). The 3-piece set was re-released in 2005 (No. 38387). In 2010, the Enterprise-D got a stand-alone re-release (AMT662) as part of their cadet series, this time with full aztec pattern decals that required next to no additional painting of the model. The 3-piece set received special issues as a chrome set (No. 6005) and a flight display (No. 8787) in the 90s. As with the 1/1400 releases, the mold has not been changed, so it does not matter which version you use. The boxes of the two regular releases and the Enterprise-D stand-alone release are pictured below.
 AMT 6618 3-piece set, 1/2500First release, 1988 |
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 AMT 38387 3-piece set, 1/2500Re-release, 2005 |
 AMT 662 Enterprise-D 1/2500Re-release of the Enterprise-D from the 3-piece-set, 2010 |
 AMT 6619 Enterprise-D 1/1400First release, 1988 |
 AMT 8793 Enterprise-D 1/1400Generations re-release |
 AMT 656 Enterprise-D 1/1400Latest re-release, 2015 |
image source: scalemates.com
Parts overview
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Here’s an overview of the parts included with each model kit. I have assigned letters to each piece to help you identify the correct ones (not included are the parts for the stand).
Additional parts needed
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Depending on the model you want to build, you will require some additional parts. These fall into the categories (1) parts from other model kits, (2) other parts (toys, stationery), and (3) custom-made. As of the writing of this, most parts used to build the kitbashes have been identified. The parts that have not been identified yet will be described in more detail below. So far, the New Orleans, Cheyenne and Challenger classes are 100% buildable using only authentic parts.