Sorry if this has already been discussed. I did use the Search function to check if there was a thread about this topic already.
Does anybody out there know the real story behind the Constitution kitbash model in the episode "Booby Trap"?
Was this just a kitbash of the AMT/Ertl model kit built specifically for set decoration for this particular episode? Or was it a study model like the McQuarrie/Adam Enterprise model built for Star Trek: Planet of Titans, Excelsior study models built for Trek III, et cetera?
I cannot remember the source, but I recall that there was discussion about making the Stargazer a Constitution-class starship and the original dialog recorded for the episode called it a Constitution-class starship. In post-production authorization was granted build to build the Constellation-class filming minature (that we all know and some of us love)and the dialog was looped to replace the word Constitution with Constellation. But since I cannot seem to locate the original source where I read this, this story could be completely untrue. So I was speculating that the model in "Booby Trap" might be a study model for the Stargazer that someone put together for the episode and was lying around unused in the art department.
Has anyone associated with the production of TNG made any comments about the creation or history of this model?
Posted by Harry (Member # 265) on :
Are you talking about the yellow Constellation model (NCC-7100)? Or the Constitution with flipped nacelles and window-parts missing?
Posted by Triton (Member # 1043) on :
Thanks for your response Harry.
I am referring to the silver-grey Constitution-class variant model made from the AMT/Ertl model kit with the nacelles turned at 45 degree angles and with the window inserts missing. This model appears in the episode on the desk at the office at Utopia Planetia Fleet Yards when Geordie is consulting with Dr. Leah Brahms and the partially completed NCC-1701-D can be seen through the large windows.
I am not referring to the sulfur yellow colored NCC-7100 model found in Picard's Ready Room.
The Neutral Zone Star Ship Database names this ship "Federation Constitution Variant 2". A few pictures of this design can be found at the following link on the Neutral Zone Star Ship Database:
It also appeared as item number 6 in Masaki's Unfamiliar Constitution Class Evolution Chart.
Posted by Harry (Member # 265) on :
I know that one.
It also appeared in that second season "cryosatellite" episode, IIRC.
But I think it's nothing more than a quick kitbash of the AMT/ERTL model, without any real reason.
Posted by Jason Abbadon (Member # 882) on :
It's the AMT model with the model's saucer pieces removed...and NOTHING inserted in their place! It can't represent an actual ship...unless the ship is a huge hollowed out saucer (mabye the aborted "pinata" class). The Nacelles are slapped on horizontal for no real reason.
Posted by Dr. Phlox (Member # 878) on :
While we're on the subject, does anyone know why Picard's Stargazer model is yellow?
Posted by Jason Abbadon (Member # 882) on :
It's an unpainted resin casting, I believe. Many resin models have that kind of cream color.
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
It also uses AMT movie Enterprise parts (specifically the nacelles). Perhaps it was coated with something that would protect it under the hot studio lights?
I have also heard the Stargazer was going to be a Constituion story. In fact, if you look at "The Battle", the Constellation model is missing from Picard's ready room, and a regular movie Enterprise AMT/ERTL model is there instead. I heard that Jein had to borrow it as reference when making the full size thing (which means they really WERE cut for time on that episode).
This whole incident isn't without precedent. Look at "The Neutral Zone". There's another movie Enterprise model in one of the 20th century human's quarters, except this one has the nacelles on backwards.
Posted by Triton (Member # 1043) on :
I suspected that it was something that someone put together as set decoration, but I thought that I would check since the history of the props and models seems to slowly trikle out in the official and unofficial behind-the-scenes books, late Star Trek: The Magazine, or the web site of its builder.
Thanks for letting me know about the kitbash Constitution in "The Neutral Zone." I will look out for it when I re-watch the episode.
Posted by Aban Rune (Member # 226) on :
PsyLiam: Yes, the stargazer was originally going to be a Constitution. In fact, if you watch LaForge's lips when he reports the ship coming in, he actually says "Constitution Class". They redubbed "Constellation Class" after the fact as they had decided to use a different model.
Posted by Dat (Member # 302) on :
They not only had to redub LeVar Burton's voice, but also Wil Wheaton's voice and Brent Spiner's voice. All three had mentioned the Stargazer's class name.
Posted by Makotokat (Member # 1041) on :
You'd be amazed by the amount of re-dubbing they do. After a first edit, they will get the actors to redo the lines with a flub that no-one noticed and reinsert over the original audio.
Posted by Jason Abbadon (Member # 882) on :
So mabye the crappy "deck 29" line from Nemesis will get fixed in the special edition! Yes!
Posted by Griffworks (Member # 1014) on :
Keep dreamin', paperboy....
And there's a LOT more that needs fixin' in that movie than just the line about deck 29.
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So I was speculating that the model in "Booby Trap" might be a study model for the Stargazer that someone put together for the episode and was lying around unused in the art department.![[Wink]](wink.gif)