Starship, the proposed 1970s Series

[Maurice]

If you look at the U-shaped dotted line in the command center, it marks a raised section labeled computer banks. You can see it in the 2 elevation drawings. The raised section appears to be about 3 feet high and 4 - 5 feet deep in the forward elevation; and, in the floor plan, ranging from 3 feet deep along the sides to 5 feet deep by the main view screen. This unnecessary use of floorspace would confound directors, not only for camera positions, but also for blocking actors. I realize that some of the wall are wild, but it would still hamper camera placements and the placements of kickers and other stand lights. I'm surprised that a designer with Matt Jefferies's experience would make that choice, unless he was directed to do so.

The U-shaped dotted line on the blueprint is the ceiling line.

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I think this illustration will clear up matters. Basically, the Omniputer is in a pit. The "Computer Banks and Ship's Automated Systems are under the main floor. The plans call for a "grille deck" and my guess is all of that would have been wild so they could get the camera in right around the Omniputer for closeups. Again, these were concepts not actual set construction plans, and had this ever been made I'm sure they would have discussed all the practical matters (like is there a step up out of the pit that doesn't require using the ladder tube).

 

[Doctor Jeffrey]

Thanks, Maurice, where did you find this?

In the blue prints floor plan, the pit is created by a U shaped platform containing the computer banks. It is sort of a U on the outer edge and a circular C in the inner edge, defining the pit for the crew. The same blueprint shows in the elevation that you walk right into the pit from the ladder.

I agree with you Maurice. There would have been a lot of tweaking had this been made into a pilot, and then more tweaking had the series been sold.

 

[Doctor Jeffrey]

Maurice, thanks so much for these postings. Two of them are clear enough to give me an answer I've been hoping for here. The cylinders are 75x25 and 55x15. Just what I wanted to know. Greatly appreciated, Maurice.

 

[Maurice]

Thanks, Maurice, where did you find this?

I don't recall. I have a huge archive of images related to film and TV projects and when I see something related I add it to that.

In the blue prints floor plan, the pit is created by a U shaped platform containing the computer banks. It is sort of a U on the outer edge and a circular C in the inner edge, defining the pit for the crew. The same blueprint shows in the elevation that you walk right into the pit from the ladder.

All of which is apparent in the rendering I posted above.

 

[Doctor Jeffrey]

You wondered if there was a step out of the pit. The pit is not defined by stepping down into it. It is defined by stepping into a ring shaped platform. Not really a pit, but closer to an alcove. The rendering you posted, which is really helpful (thanks again), but is a little unclear in floor elevations, due to some color shifts. If I just had that one rendering, I would have wondered about the need for a step out of the alcove, too. The blue print floor plan clearly shows the continuous stage floor (labeled on the right), and that there is no need, once leaving the alcove, to use a step into the ladder tube or to walk around the ladder to the low ceilinged accessway beneath the Metatransfer deck.

Again, Maurice, what you posted really completes the design questions I had. I'm so happy that you posted them all.

 

[Doctor Jeffrey]

When I started this thread a few weeks ago, I only expected about 30 replies and a couple of hundred views. I started by responding to a STARSHIP thread that has been dormant for many years. One of the moderators suggested that we close the old thread and that I start a new one. Because of the obscure nature of STARSHIP, I never expected over two hundred replies and close to 4,600 views. In the process I gained all the information that I was hoping to learn. More importantly, your insights and opinions, along with the number of views, confirmed the biggest hunch I had about STARSHIP.

All of the discussions have been fun, and I want to give shout-outs to Christopher, Mauice, Cmdr Forst, and a big thanks to King Daniel.

Thank you all for an enjoyable experience that exceeded my expectations and told me everything that I wanted to know.