ANT Forum

Hey everyone, I just started printing the USS Enterprise NCC‑1701‑D model and honestly, I’m a bit overwhelmed. It’s my first big-scale build, and I’m not sure how to handle the supports properly without messing up the details. I spent hours prepping the files and setting up my printer, but I’m stuck figuring out the best scale to print for a decent display size without it taking forever. Has anyone here done this build before? Would love to hear tips or tricks on managing supports and what scale you recommend so it looks great but doesn’t take weeks to print. Also, I’m curious how you all keep the assembly clean and precise once the parts are off the printer. Thanks in advance!      

I’ve printed the Enterprise a couple of times, and it definitely takes some planning. What helped me a lot was finding high-quality 3d stl files that are optimized for supports and easy assembly — it makes the whole process way smoother. If you want, you can check out some great 3d stl files on Gambody; they have detailed models with built-in support suggestions and step-by-step assembly instructions. For scale, I usually go around 1:350 — it keeps the details without turning it into a giant project that takes weeks. Just be patient with the sanding and glueing parts afterward. Overall, it’s a fun challenge once you get the hang of it!      

Hey, just dropping by after seeing this thread. I’ve never printed a model this complex, but I’ve always admired the Enterprise designs. It’s crazy how detailed these 3D prints can get nowadays! Honestly, I’ve mostly done smaller projects, like miniatures and gadgets, but I love seeing people take on something big like this. It must feel awesome to have such a massive model sitting on your shelf once it’s done. Looking forward to seeing how your build turns out!