VERY disappointing

[Warped9]

The real trouble with the nacelle domes was that your AMT model kit could never come close to looking that cool. The Smithsonian's 11-foot kit is going to turn out better in every way.

Some of the Polar Lights 1/350 scale kit builds have come out looking quite nice with their lighting f/x. It's due to the skill of the builders.

 

[scotpens]

The original effect was meant to run for only a few minutes at a time during filming. When the restoration is complete, the model will be on public display and the lighting effect will be running constantly.

Where does this come from? I never heard this in any of the updates I've seen. I was under the understanding the lighting would still be used only periodically albeit for longer periods than was possible under the original setup.

I just assumed the lights would be running more or less continually. But we all know what happens when you ass-u-me.

 

[Warped9]

^^ I didn't mean to call you out in particular. Here and on another site I have heard more than a couple of people say pretty much this same thing.

 

[Redfern]

This was the BEST thing about this thread. Well done.

Thanks! That means a LOT coming from the master of "gag reels"!

I've wanted to do that gag for years. During the weekend I finally remembered I purchased a toon styled vulture mesh from DAZ, an on-line store for 3D content. Got the bird years ago, but never installed it. The Enterprise is by David Metlesits and converted to Poser format by MattyManx. The nacelle dome energy effect is tweaked from the AVI graphic included with Vector's vintage Constitution mesh.

Sincerely,

Bill

 

[Kor]

Not to pile on, but not only did I not know what the thread was about from the title, I didn't know what the thread was about after watching the video in the OP.

The video shows that they are using technology in the Enterprise model that did not exist at the time the model was made, rather than re-creating the original lighting method.

I don't mind how they do the inner workings, as long as the end result looks accurate.

Kor

 

[JWPlatt]

My concern for the LEDs is that they do fade in time. LED lighting is rated for hours of operation to a specific lumen threshold. If the Enterprise actually lasts as long as they propose, constant operation of the lighting will result in the need to replace dimmed LEDs, possibly by whatever technology is in vogue when the time comes. That makes a reasonable case for limiting the hours of internal lighting in the Enterprise - certainly during museum hours at least, possibly during special hours, hopefully at least one or two hours daily to reasonably schedule your visit, and not just "special occasions."

 

[Forbin]

Considering the people involved - Doug Drexler, Rick Sternbach, Mike Okuda, Gary Kerr (who is responsible for the research on the Polar Lights 1/350 Enterprise, and whose lifelong pursuit of TOS E knowledge may even surpass those who actually worked on later Trek shows), I'm confident.

 

[Forbin]

Gary Kerr, btw, has been keeping us over at HobbyTalk updated on new archeological findings as they disassemble and examine the Gray Lady:
http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/showthread.php?t=512354

There's a second thread hosted by David Shaw, who is as close to a TOS E expert as can be found, without actually having access to the model:
http://www.hobbytalk.com/bbs1/showthread.php?t=519218

Some fascinating stuff.

 

[Search4]

I imagine the lighting would be running whenever the museum is open to the public.

The lighting will only run during special events. We've looked really hard at this (and at having a "button" to light it) but in Smithsonian's opinion there's just too much risk to the model. Think of it this way - they don't want to open that case for another 20 years.

 

[Trekfan12]

I didn't know they are restoring the Starship Enterprise, I live in the DC area and I see it will be on display again sometime this summer.

 

[Antonovus]

Seems like a well-planned effort by the Smithsonian. As stated in the video, the original mechanisms would not be safe for use in the museum. If you're 'very disappointed' your expectations are too high.

 

[Warped9]

Seems like a well-planned effort by the Smithsonian. As stated in the video, the original mechanisms would not be safe for use in the museum. If you're 'very disappointed' your expectations are too high.

Or unrealistic.

 

[JWPlatt]

I didn't know they are restoring the Starship Enterprise, I live in the DC area and I see it will be on display again sometime this summer.

The exhibition will be reopening July 1st. I'm assuming the Enterprise will be there on time. It always is.

 

[alensatemybuick]

I hope it is there on time, as I am planning on visiting DC for the July 4th weekend.

 

[JonnyQuest037]

The exhibition will be reopening July 1st. I'm assuming the Enterprise will be there on time. It always is.

Well, unless Spock goes into Pon Farr again...

 

[Trekfan12]

Well, unless Spock goes into Pon Farr again...

let's hope he doesn't I don't want to deal with a 'testy' Vulcan

 

[JWPlatt]

let's hope he doesn't I don't want to deal with a 'testy' Vulcan

There's a pun in there if you look for it.

 

[Warped9]

More on lighting the ship:

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