The NX class and NX refit belong to the same early-exploration design family, but they create different impressions on a display shelf. One foregrounds the pioneering shape associated with the original era; the other offers a revised interpretation for collectors who enjoy alternate and transitional designs.
Choose the original NX class for the most familiar profile
The original NX-class silhouette is the straightforward choice when you want the ship as it is most commonly recognised. Its compact, purposeful proportions communicate an early stage of exploration technology, which makes it a natural anchor for a timeline display.
It also works well as a first model from this era because it does not require the rest of a collection to explain it. Pair it with later Enterprise generations and the design progression is immediately readable, or display it alone as a focused centrepiece.
The original hull is printed at two sizes: the 13-inch NX-class model and a 16-inch large NX-class model. Both hulls are printed at 13 and 16 inches, so the size decision and the ship decision are independent of each other.
Choose the NX refit for a more distinctive collection
The refit is better suited to a collector who already knows the original and wants a related silhouette with visible revision. It can create a stronger conversation piece because the comparison is part of its appeal: familiar design language is retained while the overall impression shifts.
A refit model is especially effective beside the original. Displaying the two at similar scale lets changes in proportion and surface layout do the storytelling without a label. If you only have room for one, choose the refit when rarity of subject and an alternate-design feel matter more to you than instant recognition.
The current catalogue includes a 13-inch NX refit and a 16-inch large NX refit. Use those listings for current images, format and availability rather than assuming that every size shares identical options.
Compare shelf impact before choosing a size
Nominal length is only the first measurement. Check the full footprint created by the ship, stand and viewing angle. A model displayed diagonally may need more depth than its body dimensions suggest, while a lower stand can make a longer ship feel visually calmer.
Measure the usable shelf width and depth, then leave clearance around protruding details. If the model will sit in a cabinet, check door movement and the height of the shelf above it. For open shelving, consider the main viewing direction: a larger model needs enough distance for its silhouette to read as a whole.
When comparing the 13-inch and 16-inch listings, do not choose by number alone. Look at the live photographs and ask whether you want a supporting piece within a group or a more dominant single display.
Build a pairing that looks intentional
- Timeline pairing: place the original before the refit, using equal stand height and spacing.
- One-model display: give the ship enough negative space that its profile is not lost among unrelated objects.
- Mixed-size collection: organise by visual balance rather than pretending every model shares one exact scale.
- Lighting: use a soft neutral source that reveals the outline without creating glare or heat.
If lighting is part of the plan, follow the guide to lighting 3D printed models safely. For a broader tour of Enterprise designs, see the Enterprise model collector's guide.
Quick decision
Choose the original NX class for the familiar pioneering profile and a clear starting point in an Enterprise display. Choose the NX refit for a less common interpretation or a comparison-focused collection. Then select between the verified live sizes by measuring your shelf, checking the exact listing and deciding how much visual weight the model should carry.
Sizes at a glance
| Model | Length | Shelf space | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13-inch NX Class Enterprise | 33 cm | 37 cm | AU$199.95 |
| 16-inch NX Class Enterprise (Large) | 41 cm | 45 cm | AU$239.95 |
| 13-inch NX Class Enterprise Refit | 33 cm | 37 cm | AU$199.95 |
| 16-inch NX Class Enterprise Refit (Large) | 41 cm | 45 cm | AU$199.95 |
Both ships exist at both sizes, so a matched pair is possible either way. At 13 inches the two sit comfortably on a standard 40 cm bookshelf; at 16 inches you need a dedicated 45 cm run each, or 90 cm if you want them side by side. The refit is the same hull length as the original, so pairing them at different sizes will look like a mistake rather than a scale comparison.
Browse the models
Original NX class: 13-inch · 16-inch (Large).
NX refit: 13-inch · 16-inch (Large).
Both sizes exist for both ships, so a matched pair is possible at either scale. More in the Star Trek collection.