Star Trek: The Original Series Set Tour to Open

[KirkPicard]

Trekonderoga is now a corporate run abomination of its former fan driven self. What a disappointment. After driving 5+ hours to fully indulge in an experience that was exemplary last year, I expected the same and even more this year. So confident was I that this would be a fun romp for my father, who introduced me to Trek at a young age, that we arrived as early as possible. Upon arrival, eager to bask in the ambience and sets of the Enterprise, we were halted at the entrance for badge inspection. Patrick Cawley interposes himself and declares that he has no idea when the next tour will start. OK, we wait while another female fan inquires if we can go through as many times as we want. Oh no, she is chastised, your badge only entitles you to attending the event and to 1, yes 1 walkthrough. Any subsequent tours are now $20 each and every time! Patrick clumsily snatches our badges and marks an X as an indication that we have expended our single tour pass. Then proceeds to demand that those there for photo ops identify themselves. I offer my badge for another seal of approval and ask if my father and I can be in the same shot for the captain's chair photo. At first he is vehement that it is not possible, lest they lose out on another $20 from us, then relents and reluctantly authorizes it.
I think back to last year, prior to the official partnership with CBS, when fans were roaming about and encouraged to walk about and take as many photos as we wanted-even in the Captain's chair, all the while partaking in vendor wares and speaking to the actors and writers. I must stress that there was previously NO LIMIT to the amount of times an attendee could go through the sets with a tour group. Now it is a museum and you are charged accordingly each and every time, which is not explicitly noted on the Trekonderoga website.
The tour itself was brisk and we were ushered along hastily with snide commentary, "can't stand on the bridge all day, next tour is coming through" "Think you took enough photos?" No we did not, and could not as 2 of the actor guests were chatting at the helm/nav console with a pet dog hindering shots from that vantage point and of the actual console and not one staff member requested they kindly vacate for our paying tour group. My father and I were not shelling out another $20 for more brusque treatment. Even when I was speaking to a colleague afterwards for a few minutes in the open area with Roddenberry's desk replica, sans typewriter, a volunteer looks us over and scowls, "I know him, but not sure why those two are there." Excuse me, but I am a paying fan who felt ripped off not only in terms of money but also in the overall experience. As we were hustled through, our guide comments that the thrum of Engineering could be heard and felt last year. No more, everything is muted not a sound effect heard as one is escorted through, save for the random red alert. Why not enliven the illusion of being on the ship with the commercially available sound effects on some loudspeakers? Spock's scanner light off, bridge carpet fraying in places, paint needing touch up in some of the sets, areas in various states of construction. For now $20 per walkthrough, one would expect more care to be invested in the presentation of this now monetary driven "enterprise." Our guide even lamented how awesome it was to view TOS episodes on the bridge at one time. Yes, I can attest to that myself having screened "Trouble With Tribbles" and "Mirror, Mirror" last year, but a pity for those Trekonderoga attendees who will never be party to that.
The photo op was an illogical debacle with the photographer standing by a camera set for shots, yet we were instructed to come back at 5:00 at the prescheduled time. Why not do it right after the tour is concluded with that particular group? Instead, one has to schedule it in and remember to return, since one dare not mill about too long on the grounds of this CBS "attraction." My father and I did not return for day 2 and I felt compelled to apologize to him for aggrandizing the experience of last year, only to have been subjected to the slings and arrows of this year's "con." 5+ hours of travel for approx. 20 min in the studio-cum-museum. I commend those fans who would be willing make the trek for such an abrupt and brief set tour bereft of any panache. Just know that your partnership with CBS has robbed the fans of experiencing the best fan run convention I had ever attended last year. I suspect that your CBS deal will be lucrative for a time, but in the end it pales so much in comparison with the feeling of walking about leisurely on the Starship Enterprise with a tight knit group of fans passionate about Star Trek as it was once upon a time. All good things...

 

[MarsWeeps]

Wow, that really sucks. I doubt I'll make the trip if that's what the experience is like.

 

[YJAGG]

Trekonderoga is now a corporate run abomination of its former fan driven self. What a disappointment. ...

Sorry you had such a bad time. But this was a completely different experience for me, this my first time heading up there driving up from Baltimore with my 7 year old son and father-in-law, for him this was his first convention (2001 is his favorite film and for father's day I got tickets for him to sit in the 2001 session) and he even wore a costume. I agree there was a fair amount of confusion (but you will have that at any function). We went up to the college, got our badges hauled ass back to do the pic. I bought two photos one for the three of us on the bridge and one for just me (I waited almost my entire life to sit in the big chair and yeah for an extra 20 I did). I confirmed a few times that we could take the group shot and the answer was yes. The only pain was we got there at 9:05 and waited, I asked about the bridge photo, one guy said I'll check and then said they were settign up. A few moments later a woman who was working there was miffed that they were not doing the photos yet and ran back into the building. I again asked they same guy and he said they were setting up, he disappeared and she comes back and when I spoke with her, said it's after 9:30 we are done for the morning, but could come back at 5:30 ...I explained we had been there since 9:05 and I'd rather do this now while the 7 year old is clean. She stormed off and minute later the first comes out and grabs us, then he even offers to take a few shots w/ my camera while the photographer sets up his tripod...so ok our official shots are just house lights, but they were great.

We did the tour, yes there were a TON of folks, and they said we do need to move a little quickly, but one lady (Kelly) was so nice to me, Coop and Dan, she let me hang back for a sec and take an extra pic, offer to take a photo of all of us. When Cooper almost grabbed something she very nicely reminded him not to.

Even with the event set out across three buildings the studio, the college and the elks lodge it all worked, once we understood it and figured out on we need to go from here to here, but if they build in some buffers

The next day, we went back before bugging out to get something from the vendors, while waiting I pop in and thanked James, who was looking for some paper work, pulling his hair out going crazy, yet took 3 min to take a picture and ask me, how I liked it and if we had a good time. We hit the vendors get what we wanted and Cooper asked if we could walk the tour again, we go back and I asked, we get some dumb looks and someone asks James who said, I am not turning anyone away, sure go walk it.

My only complaints was not enough vendors, one was a comic book shop selling comics and some toys, another was an artist selling prints, another was selling random trek and wars toys a jeweler selling crystals and rock jewellery and lastly a lady selling hand made stuffed dolls. But with a 7 year old who wanted everything under the sun that was a blessing.

and Lastly my only negative thing was I would rather that Brain Halloway had some meatier presentations for us, they felt a little light, but again, but I would go up again, and suggest others go.

 

[jamesmc]

Trekonderoga is a separate entity from the Trek Tour which was already in place a full year before the license. Just like last year, your ticket entitles you to ONE TOUR, much like any other attraction held anywhere else on this planet. Last year you were brought thru with guides the same way, and you were not entitled to go thru more than once without a second ticket, if you did so, then you did so without the staff knowing. To expect anything else is just silly.
Trekonderoga is all volunteer and like any fan driven event, there is some confusion with volunteers. It happens, it is not intentional, it just happens. It happens at big corporate conventions as well, not as much, but it does. The tours averaged 40 to 45 minutes and I know, I led many of them myself. We have received MANY compliments and many folks saying it was even better than last year. I realize you can't please everyone, even though we tried.

 

[Ronald Held]

James, what details can you relate on your exhibit at the Mission con in Manhattan?

 

[scifib5st]

What about Bread and Savagery, Origins: The Protracted Man and Torment of Destiny? Are they being finished or staying in limbo?

I have been a long time fan and contributor to New Voyages.... I have seen the few clips of "Origins" This really needs to be completed! James has made me Jump for Joy, cry a little in "In Harms Way" the teaser trailer I lost count how many times I watch it during the months awaiting the episode release. World Enough and Time is a treasure.

I think that "Origins" would be a Great gift for the 50th Ann. of Star Trek. It would make Gene very happy.


Today is Gens' birthday.... Happy Birthday

 

[mybandy]

Our new license came through:

http://www.startrek.com/article/the-original-series-set-tour-to-open

****************
If you ever wanted to experience what it would be like to visit the set of Star Trek: The Original Series, now is your chance. Star Trek super-fan James Cawley is honoring the 50th anniversary of the iconic franchise with the opening of his meticulously designed TOS set tour. Located in historic Ticonderoga, New York, and under license by CBS Consumer Products, the set tour brings memories to life by allowing fans to boldly go and tour the sets of the legendary Starship Enterprise.

Stage 9 at Desilu -- now Paramount Pictures -- in Hollywood comes back into focus, as the sets have been re-created exactly as they were laid at Desilu during the original run of TOS. Visitors can step onto the soundstage and be transported directly back to 1966. Additionally, beginning later this month, visitors will enjoy guided tours, photo opportunities and an immersive experience into the world of the classic television series.

Cawley started creating the sets in 1997 after receiving a copy of the original set blueprints from TOS costume designer William Ware Theiss. He then spent 15 years researching, crafting and refining his set replicas alongside other dedicated fans and craftspeople, including Trek alumni and fellow fans prop fabricator Ed Miarecki and concept designer and SFX supervisor Daren R. Dochterman. Pouring over stills and frame captures from TOS and sourcing vintage materials and antiques, Cawley ensured that even the smallest details were accurately and lovingly reproduced. This spanned from an array of props to set decorations. The result is a stunning achievement offering the most complete and accurate reproduction of the original TOS standing sets.

“To me, there is no other franchise around that is more enjoyable and more socially relevant than Star Trek,” James Cawley said in a statement. “I’m very thankful for all the support I’ve received on this project and can’t wait to begin welcoming my fellow fans this summer.”

For more information about James Cawley’s Star Trek: The Original Series re-created sets and how to tour them, go to www.StarTrekTour.com.

http://startrektour.com/

I'm in CT so hope I can make it to see the sets. Any chance "Torment" will be seen? Really enjoyed Mind Sifter. Have been a fan since 1966 and always wanted to see that story filmed. Great job and Jeff Bond was among the best McCoys since De. Seemed that "Torment" was prominently displayed just before the plug was pulled. Greg, I assume the CBS license was the reason for the oh so sudden stop?

 

[GSchnitzer]

I'm in CT so hope I can make it to see the sets. Any chance "Torment" will be seen? Really enjoyed Mind Sifter. Have been a fan since 1966 and always wanted to see that story filmed. Great job and Jeff Bond was among the best McCoys since De. Seemed that "Torment" was prominently displayed just before the plug was pulled. Greg, I assume the CBS license was the reason for the oh so sudden stop?

Yes, recently-acquired license is the main reason for shutting down. Recently released Fan Film Guidelines also factored into it. I don't know the plans for the three episodes which were shot and are in our postproduction pipeline.

Thank you for being a longtime supporter.

 

[Ronald Held]

Without highjacking the thread, when I was at the Mission con yesterday there was a long line of people waiting to get pictures taken n the bridge, as well as people viewing the prop cases

 

[JonnyQuest037]

I don't know the plans for the three episodes which were shot and are in our postproduction pipeline.

I asked both David Gerrold and James Cawley about "Origins: The Protracted Man" at Star Trek: Mission New York yesterday. David said that he hadn't heard about it in a while, but that James was still editing it as far as he knew. David also said that the George Kirk sequences would have to be refilmed with a new actor, as Phase II isn't working with Vic Mignogna any more. James confirmed that he is still editing it, and also said that some bits of the young James T. Kirk will be shot with over-the-shoulder shots with a body double and voiceover, as the actor playing the part has noticeably aged. But James said that they were still planning to release it, and wasn't anticipating any difficulties with the new guidelines. No word on when it will be out, though.

 

[Vger23]

So, I made the 3 1/2 hour pilgrimage to this attraction last weekend. What follows is my "review"

I can tell you that my initial impressions were skepticism. I figured that Ticonderoga would be a fairly robust community if it was hosting an attraction like this. I can tell you that when we were 3 mins out and there was nothing but trees, meadows, distant mountains and some sparsely-spaced houses...I was very concerned. I thought maybe we'd be looking at some giant blow-up pictures of the original sets hung in a barn somewhere, and we'd be taking our pictures in front of them for $25 a pop. But, once you get into the middle of town (which is pretty slim), at least you see that there is some civilization.

The attraction location is a somewhat sad looking, run down building (in the midst of other sad looking buildings) that probably used to be a mom-and-pop independent grocery or department store. But, there is modern signage announcing the presence of the Trek attraction, and the exterior of the building, upon closer inspection, had some cool features like a "Desilu Studios" replica sign and a "Quiet- Cast and Crew Only" sign or something like that.

The entry lobby did not inspire a lot of confidence either. You can tell that this whole thing as an "attraction" is still very much a work in progress. But, it was adequate and not uninviting...just "raw" for what I may have expected.

Once inside, you are greeted by a tour guide who outlines how things are going to proceed. There are very few rules, (except for children not touching buttons and things) and photos are strongly encouraged. Depending on your level of fandom, the tour guides can range from mildly informative to annoying...but that's not really their fault. I'm sure they're geared toward providing background info to less "ravenous" fans than myself.

From that "staging" area, the tour begins as if you were entering the corridor set from the main shuttle bay door. I can tell you that, in that exact moment, as I stepped with my family from the lobby / staging area onto the corridor set...all of my doubts melted away in seconds. I was, in all honesty, immediately transported aboard the USS Enterprise from all my childhood fantasies and dreams. The corridor set was so meticulously built, so immersive in the way it was lit and decorated...so accurate, that it was just like being aboard the ship. The tour guide explained the process of how the sets were re-created, explained the colorful lighting schemes, etc. I think I missed about 90% of what the man said because I spent too much time marveling at the font on the wall plaques outside the various rooms and the paint scheme on the walls. Unbelievable. Just standing in the corridor alone would have been worth the trip. They had access ladders (same lighting, same reflective paneling behind the ladders, same "grate" that you look through, the Jeffries Tube entry...just unreal! They even had the little access hatch with the fuses and circuits that Lazarus sabotages in "Alternative Factor" recreated EXACTLY as it was in that episode. Heck, even the wall intercom units signal the red alert klaxon if you hit the red button on them.

Next was the transporter room. I was more than a little disappointed to learn that the transporter console was missing as it was being used in a local Trek convention in NYC that same weekend. So- major bummer...no sliding the sliders and saying "energize" for me. But, I got to stand on the transporter platform with my wife and two sons...and that's pretty f-ing cool if I do say so myself. I also got to play around with the back console in the transporter room (where Scotty plays around while they look the rocket while they look for Gary 7 and where Chekov monitors the Defiant's disappearance in "The Tholian Web," so that was good enough I suppose.

The sick bay couplex was next. Again, it was a very immersive and cool experience. The details are painstakingly re-created...right down to the fabric on the beds, the viewer consoles for the patients, and the cabinet filled with random trinkets. McCoy's office, the medical vital sign panels...everything was lovingly recreated. They were in the process of creating the medical lab (where Kirk ends up in the decompression chamber in "Space Seed" and McCoy and Spock discover Kirk's message in "Wink of an Eye," which sort of took me out of the illusion unfortunately...but it was cool to see things "in progress."

Next was the Captain's cabin. Again, unreal. Even Kirk's mirror where he looks and hides his scratches in "The Enemy Within" was there. The books and trinkets...all screen-accurate. His desk, computers...man how cool is that? The briefing room was equally impressive. with the curved wall supports, library computer at the head of the table, monitor screen used in "The Menagerie" and "Space Seed"...just awesome. Again, every thing lit and furnished just as it was in the show.

Engineering was amazing. It looked like there was still some construction happening there as well (the console Riley sits at, for example)...but the re-creation of the main side of the set and the false-perspective engine chamber were very very cool. It was a pretty amazing set.

Finally, we went to the Main Bridge. As you can imagine, that was pretty awesome. It's not a complete set (either that or portions were missing for the NYC Trek conference) as the consoles from the hooded viewer at the science station to the view screen were missing. That didn't matter much though. The bridge was awesome. Yes, you can sit in the Captain's chair! Yes, you can sit at the helm, look into Sulu's scope, and turn the astrogator. Yes, you can sit at Spock's station and flip the switches on the library computer console. I mean...seriously dude...this is ridiculous. All the while, you can take as many pictures and selfies as your heart desires. At no time did anyone feel rushed or put off, and everyone had their fill of exploring the set, looking at the fine details, and taking great joy in being there.

So, it was a great experience. I will go back...without question. Perhaps more than once. I certainly want to see how it progresses and continues to be built upon and improved.

A few recommendations I'd have (and I know this stuff just comes with time...so take it with a grain of salt):

1. Major opportunity for improvement in the lobby and entry way. Maybe I'm just thinking too much about the Star Trek Experience in Las Vegas...but for a "main event" that is THIS awesome (meaning, the quality of the set re-creations)...I think if they could sink some money into the entry way and lobby experience, it would go a long way. Right now, it's really quite bad. If they could fill that space with a small gift shop (selling memorabilia, diamond select toys, etc) and display some other collectibles...it would be huge. Clean that area up, retool it into a classy, clean, sleek entry, and that's a home run!

2. In the staging area, you can actually see the bridge set. I think they should either keep that curtained off or otherwise hidden so that you don't see the bridge until the last leg of the tour. It's kind of like seeing the bride in her gown before the wedding...not a disaster, but for "theatrical" purposes...it would be cool if they kept that hidden until the very end.

3. Improve the quality of the tour guides. Our person was well-meaning, patient, kind and informative...no doubt about it. But, you could tell he was fairly new and he had a few details wrong (geeky uber-fan checking in here). Not really a huge issue (and again, likely a product of this being a new experience), but definitely an opportunity for improvement. A little more "showmanship" and confidence I'm sure will come with time.

4. Offer different tour packages, perhaps. The tour package we got (under the current format) could be the "Lieutenant's" package where you have a guided tour with 6-8 other people, etc. You could have a "Captain's Package" tour, however, that maybe is a little more private and free-roaming. I'd be willing to pay double to go through those sets, supervised but not on a sequenced or guided "tour" and allowed to take pictures and study small details without worrying about other people's space or ignoring the poor tour guide while he is trying to talk through his script. To me, this would be a tremendous value, particularly to a "hardcore" fan like myself who may find the detailed font on a button in Engineering worth looking at for a few minutes rather than hearing an old story about "The Trouble With Tribbles" that we've all heard 100 times. Again...I'm sure this could be logistically difficult (maybe they do one per day at the end of the day, or by pre-arranged reservation only...or whatever)...but it would be SOOO worth it to me. I would (literally) pay almost triple just for that opportunity (are you listening JC? Haha!). After all, if you're going to take a trip to Ticonderoga NY...you might as well make it really worth your while!

Anyway...this is bucks-list stuff in my opinion. Very cool. I took this as my own personal way of celebrating the 50th, and it was worth every penny and every mile. I'm hoping they can iron out some of the bumps in the coming months and years and turn this into a true "Field of Dreams" experience for the fans!!

 

[YJAGG]

I gotta disagree seeing the little bit of the bridge was like getting a little flash of cleavage :P
I agree the lobby needs work, but the hard core fan has all the toys so I selling a rubies costume I think they will sit on the shelves unless it is kids sizes ... maybe a mannequin or tow with uniform costumes orginal or NV ...

 

[jamesmc]

Very Happy You came and visited! We literally opened at the 11th hour and our working on many Things. We will be closing for part of the winter and are in fact turning the vestibule into a gift shop/ Trekkie entrance, and adding many more things to the tour. Yes the main staff was in NYC for Mission 50, and we had some new guides that weekend who jumped in and learned quickly and we hope did a great job. I myself generally lead many of the tour and it is so much fun see everyone's faces and the smiles. Thanks to all for the smiles and memories!

 

[Ronald Held]

Looking forward to seeing the changes at next year's Trekonderoga, James.