Hi, I'm looking to catch the interest of anyone who is connected with or has pull with the conservation/restoration project of the Enterprise model at the Smithsonian. I have some thoughts on it, but if I've drawn some erroneous conclusions, feel free to correct me, as I may have missed some information that's out there.
As far as I know, the model is currently laying disassembled at the Udvar-Hazy facility (I found reference to a plan to have it painted by April…so maybe not), but at some point, maybe not too long from now, it will be put back together, and ultimately placed on display, where it will most likely sit untouched for years to come, and the Institution's interests will move on to other subjects. That's why I'm interested in something occurring while the opportunity still exists.
Now, I know that the model has been photographed, measured, X-rayed, probed, and spectroscoped (amongst other procedures), but I have not heard that it's been 3D scanned. If it has, then forget all this. But if not, I really hope that it can be arranged.
A very high-fidelity scan encompasses an enormous amount of data points that can't be obtained via any other means short of molding the ship parts, which isn't going to happen. Even a detailed set of measurements, used to create a blueprint or 3D model, will require an estimation of an object's true and complete form. If one were to scan a marble bust, it'd be obviously superior in accuracy to a replica made with a set of key dimensions and an artist's skill. I think the deceptively simple shapes of the Enterprise model could convince many that a scan is not necessary. Perhaps it isn't, depending on your point of view. But it would be incredibly useful and superior to the alternatives.
A great scan, released to the public, would contribute to the ultimate documentation of the model, and provide the sound basis for all subsequent representations. The scan could be used to create a model more suitable for CG renders and animations, for model building plans and diagrams, for ship schematics, for injection molded plastic kits and toys, and for 3D prints. It would beget all these things, and more.
Perhaps the Smithsonian has already done or plans to do this. Maybe they have the technology in-house or through affiliates. But maybe they haven't thought of doing this, or dismissed the need. Or they don't have access to the resources to do so. If that's the case, then maybe someone here, or somewhere, can ask and encourage them to do this.
I know there is an advisory committee, and maybe one of them is reading this, or someone can refer them to this post. I would try to contact the Smithsonian directly, but I think an influential intermediary would be more effective.
I also want to gain the interest of the fans who care about this and could benefit from this. I really hope that I'm not alone in thinking that this should be done. I only explained my thinking to this degree because I worried my proposal would be shot down without consideration.
Also, I was hoping that the wisdom of the crowd could suggest what would be the best scanning technology to use, as there are a number of different methods, with, I assume, varying levels of quality and fidelity. Hopefully the highest standards of both could be obtained. If there are companies with scanning services near to the facility the Enterprise is at, maybe we could inquire if they would want to participate voluntarily, as this is a non-commercial activity, and could be fun for them or seen to have PR potential. If a company would have to be compensated, then perhaps the fan community could crowd-fund it.
It's possibly too late to scan the model disassembled, as opposed to whole, should its restoration have reached the painting stage. If so, they might be closer to moving it out on display than we know, and the window of opportunity is closing. I would appreciate any consideration of this as well as any help getting the right people involved. Thank you.
As far as I know, the model is currently laying disassembled at the Udvar-Hazy facility (I found reference to a plan to have it painted by April…so maybe not), but at some point, maybe not too long from now, it will be put back together, and ultimately placed on display, where it will most likely sit untouched for years to come, and the Institution's interests will move on to other subjects. That's why I'm interested in something occurring while the opportunity still exists.
Now, I know that the model has been photographed, measured, X-rayed, probed, and spectroscoped (amongst other procedures), but I have not heard that it's been 3D scanned. If it has, then forget all this. But if not, I really hope that it can be arranged.
A very high-fidelity scan encompasses an enormous amount of data points that can't be obtained via any other means short of molding the ship parts, which isn't going to happen. Even a detailed set of measurements, used to create a blueprint or 3D model, will require an estimation of an object's true and complete form. If one were to scan a marble bust, it'd be obviously superior in accuracy to a replica made with a set of key dimensions and an artist's skill. I think the deceptively simple shapes of the Enterprise model could convince many that a scan is not necessary. Perhaps it isn't, depending on your point of view. But it would be incredibly useful and superior to the alternatives.
A great scan, released to the public, would contribute to the ultimate documentation of the model, and provide the sound basis for all subsequent representations. The scan could be used to create a model more suitable for CG renders and animations, for model building plans and diagrams, for ship schematics, for injection molded plastic kits and toys, and for 3D prints. It would beget all these things, and more.
Perhaps the Smithsonian has already done or plans to do this. Maybe they have the technology in-house or through affiliates. But maybe they haven't thought of doing this, or dismissed the need. Or they don't have access to the resources to do so. If that's the case, then maybe someone here, or somewhere, can ask and encourage them to do this.
I know there is an advisory committee, and maybe one of them is reading this, or someone can refer them to this post. I would try to contact the Smithsonian directly, but I think an influential intermediary would be more effective.
I also want to gain the interest of the fans who care about this and could benefit from this. I really hope that I'm not alone in thinking that this should be done. I only explained my thinking to this degree because I worried my proposal would be shot down without consideration.
Also, I was hoping that the wisdom of the crowd could suggest what would be the best scanning technology to use, as there are a number of different methods, with, I assume, varying levels of quality and fidelity. Hopefully the highest standards of both could be obtained. If there are companies with scanning services near to the facility the Enterprise is at, maybe we could inquire if they would want to participate voluntarily, as this is a non-commercial activity, and could be fun for them or seen to have PR potential. If a company would have to be compensated, then perhaps the fan community could crowd-fund it.
It's possibly too late to scan the model disassembled, as opposed to whole, should its restoration have reached the painting stage. If so, they might be closer to moving it out on display than we know, and the window of opportunity is closing. I would appreciate any consideration of this as well as any help getting the right people involved. Thank you.
