Galileo's Odyssey: The Untold Star Trek Prop Saga 🚀

[@RichardHartness]

6.3k subs but a 222k video. Congrats man. That's the power of the algorithm paired with a really amazing video! I'm only a passing trek-fan but I loved every minute of this. I'm definitely going to have to check out the rest of your channel.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Hi Richard, thanks for the kind words. You are right, I seemed to have wandered into a sweet spot with KZbin

[@christopherhamilton5557]

Now it’s 247k! (7-1-22) Nice!

[@carlosrivera7352]

My understanding is that The Galileo is now finally resting at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Glad to see the old girl finally made it. Now all can benefit. For the three years I had the pleasure of housing her I did my best at keeping her fresh in the 102 degree heat during the Coachella Valley summers. She was displayed to the public at the opening of Star Trek four at the Century theater in Palm Desert, California. Many people enjoyed it. It was covered by KESQ TV. She's preserved now for everyone to see. Godspeed Galileo! :)

[@TREK-WORLD]

Hi Carlos! I would love to chat with you about the Galileo. Please drop me a line at my email address [e-mail] and I will email and explain. Thanks for dropping in!

[@madisonlivingston5851]

The Galileo is currently at the Intrepid Museum in New York City next to the Shuttle Enterprise.

[@ThatEngin3rd]

Yes, sadly the Galileo is no longer here in Houston at JSC.

[@carlosrivera7352]

I was unaware it had been moved. At least it's in a place where it can be appreciated. Has anyone pictured her kn it's new place?

[@carlosrivera7352]

I'm from NYC. Where is the Shuttle Enterprise and her displayed? Only place big enough would be near JFK Airport.

[@elusive1970]

It's just jaw dropping that with the fan base ST has that the Galileo has come this close to being scrap through the years. So good to know that she's safe and sound now. Thanks to all those that helped along the way.

[@vortexgen1]

I'm so glad she finally has a place where she can rest, be adored, watched over, be appreciated, and taken care of. The Galileo has earned it, and to all the people who helped her to get to this point by keeping her here, when she could have been scrapped many many years ago, do deserve our thanks. They might not have been able to restore her, but they kept her from complete destruction, till she could be fully restored.

[@TREK-WORLD]

The previous owners are very gun-shy of the internet now. Which is a tragedy, because there is so much they could tell us about their time with the Galileo. I have spoken to the last owner, and Carlos Rivera has comment on this video; but other than that I have not been able to chat with them. If I get the chance, I would love to do a video of the events from their point of view.

[@x15galmichelleevans]

Thank you so much for doing this great documentary about the Galileo. I am honored that you used my photos of the shuttlecraft from 1975, and very glad that I had my little Instamatic 126 with me that day to do so. I was on leave from the Air Force, and was visiting my friend Phil Broad, who I had gone to high school with. He told me about the Galileo at his friend's house, and asked if I'd like to go check it out. Duh! We jumped in my little green Datsun 1200 and headed down to Palos Verdes. One nice thing when I was there is that he did open it up so Phil and I could see inside. Unfortunately, I didn't have a flash cube, so taking a photo of the interior was not possible. However, it should be noted that he had also acquired one of the seats that was used in the Galileo, and his hope had been to reproduce those, and do the entire interior restoration. Of course that never happened, but it's nice to dream. In his backyard we also saw the Lost in Space B-9 robot that day, but I have no idea whatever happened to that. I've seen many reproduction of the B-9 over the years, but never again the original.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Hi Michelle! I am so glad you liked the video. I’ve seen quite a bit of Phil’s stuff in my research. I am humbled that you let me use your photos. I really do think they are far more important than any of the photos that were taken afterward. There is just so little documented. As I worked on this, I got to speak to a few people who were key players. And I really think that I may come back and revisit this same topic again in the not too distant future. I would love to do a small series of videos where each video just simply shared the story of the person who had ownership from their point of view. I mean, if you look at everything that’s been done (and I mean everything), it is absolutely crazy that no one has talked with Lynn, Adam, Steve, or Roger (I understand that Roger has transitioned) and simply wanted to tell *their* story and not the story of the shuttle. Unfortunately, so many of them have been mistreated by a small, but rabid, set of trek fans who really do need to take Shatner’s advice and “Get a Life”. Adam was concerned that the players be shown in a positive manner. And I was totally in agreement. I haven’t actually had my one on one with him just yet. But I am looking forward to it. If I actually believe I can get some traction, I may reach out to you to get whatever the last known contact info for some of them. I don’t know…. I would love to see that next step. But it may or may not be the right time for everyone involved. Anyhow - once again, Thank You for sharing your story and photos with me. I will never forget it. And if there is anything I may be able to help with in the future; please do not hesitate to reach out.

[@x15galmichelleevans]

@@TREK-WORLD You are most welcome, Jim. Just so glad that I was able to contribute in a small way, to what is a really great project that you have done. That includes not just this Galileo video, but all the videos you have done with regard to tracking down the various models. Your research has been exemplary, and I can't wait to see what you come up with next. I love the idea of reaching out to the various people involved, and telling their stories. I'd be glad to help in any way that I can, but I haven't seen Roger since the 1970s, and I am not sure of her new name. I was a good friend of Phil for many decades, but several years ago he simply dropped off the map and doesn't respond to communication any more. The last time I saw him was at an event I worked on for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences for 2001: A Space Odyssey several years ago. As for me, if there's anything you ever want to know about the X-15 research aircraft, let me know. :-)

[@TREK-WORLD]

Will do Michelle. Thanks again!

[@stevebishop9468]

I wonder what happened to the space pod from lost in space?

[@KingOFuh]

@@stevebishop9468 It was lost in space

[@geekhillbilly2636]

I turned a 1997 Ford Aerostar Cargo Van into a good drive able likeness of the Galileo 7. Took me 5 years to get the front,rear and the drive pods right. I drove it for a few years. It was sold to a Trekkie collector, who still owns it and does drive it. The Aerostar normal front end was pretty close to the studio model to begin with. Using a neon light kit underneath, you had to look close to see any tires, when driving it in the dark. It looked like it was hovering just above the road. The Kentucky State Police stopped me many times, not believing what they were seeing. (BTW, The Aerostar van had the 4.0 V-6 with the odd all wheel drive those vans had and a 5 speed automatic Transmission, and could run on pure ethanol, E85 or normal 87 Octane gasoline.)

[@davidb6576]

Neat! Got any pictures of it on a site?

[@wyldelf2685]

@@davidb6576 it would be cool to see those images if they exist somewhere , , , ,I often thought a 1990s era minivan such as an Oldsmobile or a Toyota might be ripe to convert into a shuttlecraft from the Enterprise D TNG version, also on occasion Data used what's called a shuttlepod and the traffic cop vehicle called a Cushman would be prime cannidate to make into a SHUTTLEPOD , , ,🖖👽🖖

[@lorigearhardt2371]

Totally awesome!!!

[@lesliedeana5142]

Any photos???

[@TREK-WORLD]

I would love to see photos of that.Do you have any?

[@aaf709]

The shot at 16:56 of the people in front of the shuttlecraft has me with Jim Kirk, Steve Stockbarger and Greg Turnbow (upper left picture). I'm the one in the blue uniform. This was taken in 1974. I took other pictures and loaned them to Franz Joseph when he was making the Tech Manual.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Hi Greg! Nice to see you here. You and I traded messages on Facebook after this video was made. In the meantime since then; I've done several followup videos on the Galileo. One of them covered the Roger Hiseman years exclusively. And in that video I identify everyone on that photo based on your message. *_However_* I would love to chat with you about Franz Joseph. I have a video coming on the 1970s reference books; and of course, that was one of the best well known.

[@aaf709]

@@TREK-WORLD No prob;em

[@lwriker1304]

Thanx! I loved the Galileo. 20 years ago I had a Ford Escort painted to look like the Galileo. I used 'Surak' for the name and called it a land shuttle. Markings and paint scheme were from Star Trek episodes.

[@damienlucifer1000]

Would love to see pic of that car

[@victorvance2573]

You could have also refered to it as an Escort Shuttle.

[@tyharris9994]

I bet it was a real chick magnet.

[@jol1958]

Time for electric car knock-off don't you think?

[@toms3664]

Please post a link to a picture!

[@ricktatum]

Wow that was a great story. Thank you for taking the time to put this up on KZbin. As a kid I grew up watching Star Trek the original television series. Until this very day I still watch the original series. Star Trek was a great achievement. For Gene Roddenberry. He started a new generation ensure that prejudism is wrong. And that all people can get along with one another no matter of their nationality are beliefs. And gave us a new generation science fiction enthusiasts. Astronauts. And open up a career in movies and television shows. A opportunity of new actors in new jobs. Keep up the good work and thank you. Live long and prosper.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Thank you for the kind words. I am so happy you enjoyed it. I have found that working on research material associated to the original series has really taken me back to when this was all new. A lot of people don't like all of the shows; I get that. But I can tell you that if Gene could see today the extent of the diversity of the shows, he would be proud.

[@twinwankel]

The Galileo 7 was one of my favourite episodes. It showed Spock's resilency as a great leader even when confronting a potential mutany. Im glad its reached an institution that will care for it as well allow public viewings. If a museum had bought it in first place it wouldn't have to endure the abuse it took. Great story. Thanks.

[@BrianRPaterson]

Mine too. It's a brilliant story, well told.

[@brianmatthews2503]

You misspelled ‘mutiny’.

[@buck4yergold498]

@@brianmatthews2503 It's "mutony".

[@martinhanke1670]

Thank you, for this. The Galileo, should be kept safe, and many thanks to all who helped her survive the decades.

[@pootle5095]

Wow. I had no idea she was still around, so thank you for producing this video and THANK YOU to all the fans over the years who kept her and looked after her as best they could. Maybe one day I'll be able to visit from England and see her in person.

[@marktaylor6553]

I remember how painstakingly I applied the decals to my shuttlecraft. I used to love building models. I had all the ships hanging from my ceiling.

[@keithdaniels1994]

My favorite childhood memories are of My dad and I watching the original run of Star Treck. Sure, we had a Galileo. It was made out of an old refrigerator box; my brother and I went where no man had gone before many times (in our minds). It's good to see the original shuttle in ship shape.

[@gaxiola1701]

What a fun video on this classic prop! I was at the Creation 20th Anniversary Convention when I was 12 and got a couple of photos next to it. I didn't know the history at the time and just knew that was in the middle of a restoration. It still looked impressive to me back then! I'm glad to see it finally was completed and found a home that's not exposed to the elements.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Very cool! If you still have those photos, I would love some copies. I'm thinking of doing a different video that tells the stories of fans who came in contact with her while she was still "in the wild".

[@crazexskater]

I was involved with the search for the Gailao 7. I live in Ohio and was interested in the Galileo and found that after being purchased by a woman who was storing the 7 in a scrap yard in Northern Ohio and people were asking for a visual confirmation that the 7 was still there. It disappeared from Google maps. She had moved it just prior to the sale to the group that bought it and restored it.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Actually, the amount of time and effort you guys spent just trying to keep tabs on it was phenomenal! For a long while there it really looked like we would never see her again.

[@kdrapertrucker]

Northern Ohio? It didn't end up in Wally soplata's yard with all the old warbirds he saved over the years did it?

[@ogeegonesoon8549]

Fletcher

[@Clay3613]

You have any social media or FB? From one Ohioan to another?

[@MoviesMusicMonsters]

GREAT video. 1 correction however, whoever you mention that wanted to buy the Lost in Space Robot did not buy it. There were 2 robots in the show. A "hero" that the actor wore which was heavily altered for another TV show in the 70's, and a fiberglass shell "long-distance" robot for far shots. Both have been "restored" today, but were never sold to private individuals at that time.

[@ChrisTuttle]

Clap clap clap clap. I didn’t expect to be rooting for the little guy by the end. Loved it. Totally worth every minute to watch.

[@tonyb6007]

Great and amazing story. So glad this piece of cinematic history is in a safe place.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Thanks so much! I agree that it’s important to preserve these pieces of history.

[@Tillersweep]

You missed one fun fact. The Galileo (or the lack there of) was responsible for the birth of the transporter. Originally Enterprise shore missions were to be done using the shuttlecraft. The mockup wasn't ready for the early episodes so some way had to be invented to get the crew to the planet. So, the transporter was invented.

[@ColinMaple]

Excellent video! I saw the Galileo in a hangar at the Akron/Canton airport in the late 90's while doing maintenance on the hangar.

[@xray86delta]

I fell in love with the Galileo the moment I saw it in that episode "The Galileo Seven". Great that the prop still exist!

[@catherineshoemaker9106]

Thank you from a trek fan. Great story, narration and photos.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Thanks for the kind words Catherine. Keep an eye out, I will be doing another Galileo video during the summer. So many people have reached out to me with their stories of how the found and interacted with it that I simply feel I need to do the second video from the point of view of the those fans. They've helped identify people in photos, they've provide new photos and videos. The list goes on and on. This little video touched a lot more hearts than I expected. Which is why I am so proud to be a Star Trek fan after all these years. Because the things that bind us together are far stronger than the things that push us apart.

[@johnturner8286]

I remember my older brother getting the Galileo model as a Christmas present when he was ten and I was eight. It didn't turn out too well; we were using that "kid safe" fruit-smelling styrene cement in those days, and it didn't bond well and caused sinks and spots. His model got left behind in a move and today it's worth more than a TV set.

[@Number6_]

Yep, liberals need to be stopped before they destroy the world.

[@CrusaderSports250]

I cannot understand the logic of making something your not meant to sniff pleasent to smell !!!.

[@ernestgalvan9037]

@@CrusaderSports250 … because that Revell ‘Kid-Safe’ glue did NOT contain any noxious ingredients…the solvent was not considered ‘noxious’, but it was also very bad at welding plastic. The ‘fruit-smell’ was the result of that solvent.

[@michaelhall2709]

Wow. This may be your best video yet, and that’s saying a lot. Given the amount of restoration involved I’ve always regarded the Galileo as a modern-day “Ship of Theseus,” with so much of it having been replaced over the years that it’s arguable as to whether it’s really the same prop at all. Still - what an amazing story!

[@TREK-WORLD]

Thanks! That's actually a really good question that I wish I had asked when doing my research. Drat. I know that the metal skeleton is completely original. And the strut is. But I don't know if any of the original fiberglass-covered masonite is left at all. To be honest, I would be shocked if there was. Lynn's restoration identified that they still had original masonite in some places. But that was literally 30+ years ago.

[@michaelhall2709]

@@TREK-WORLD That was a really nice rendering of Matt Jeffries’ original shuttle concept, btw. Where did you find it, if I may ask? Amazing how these designs are still living on a half-century later. I just saw the trailer for “Strange New Worlds” and the shuttle that flies over the horseback-riding Pike definitely has some touches of the Galileo.

[@TREK-WORLD]

The rendering of Matt's concept came from the Eaglemoss website. They did a small model of the shuttle for their StarShip collection. I was very happy to see it as all the other renderings I saw really looked more like concepts rather than like a physical object.

[@lepterfirefall]

Exactly....this is true.

[@cjdubuisson]

Great video! As a footnote, surprised that you mentioned hurricane Camille. As a small boy, I too rode out the storm in Gulfport, Mississippi in 1969. At over 200 MPH winds, she was the benchmark of hurricanes.

[@dwmzmm]

I was living in Niceville, FL (almost right next to Eglin AFB, Florida) during hurricane Camille. I remember it well.

[@dixiecyrus8136]

Yep, I remember that one, was in Pensacola at 6 yrs old. Talk about scary!!

[@jondrew55]

Wow, that was a Warren Commission quality documentary of the life of the Galileo. Thanks for your hard work and dedication.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ChipLorimer]

Back in the early 1990's I was contacted by Lynn Miller via my old BBS I used to run (the Metal Cloud BBS) for assistance in fund raising. I had hosted some Star Trek message boards. She was looking for assistance in fund raising for the restoration and sent some photos. I still have my BBS archived and my be able to find those photos, though it would be a while before I could go digging. You've done a great job with this video; thanks so much for your in depth research and collections with this and your other videos!

[@ChipLorimer]

As I continued watching I see that you have far more and better photos than I do!

[@TREK-WORLD]

Thanks for stopping in! Lynn definitely tried her very best with the Galileo. There's been a lot of back and forth amongst the fans with some supporting her and others criticizing her. But in the end, she made a tremendous investment that didn't pay off. So I kind of feel sorry for her.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Chip, can you drop me a line at jim@weirdnashville? I'ld like to chat with you on this.

[@UrbanOasisMarina]

Great video! Thanks for doing all the research and putting it together. We stumbled upon Galileo near the food court at Nasa Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas and my wife was kind enough to take pictures of me next to it as I regressed into my 12-year-old self smiling.

[@TREK-WORLD]

That’s soo cool! I’ve never had the chance to see her myself. I would love to include your photo and story in a Galileo video coming up. I have done 3 out the 5 which tell the journey of the Galileo as it was seen through the eyes of fans who encountered it in it’s travels. You can drop the photo(s) at submit.trek-world.com or via email to [e-mail].

[@triskellian]

Excellent documentary of one of the most storied TV props! In November of 2013, some friends and I visited the Johnson Space Center in Houston ,Texas to see the Galileo up close. Five of us originally planned to meet at NASA but one of the guys had a family emergency and returned home. We belonged to an online SciFi model forum called Trek Works where the host had a KZbin channel by the same name. Our forum lasted for a few years with thousands of photos and build logs of mostly Star Trek models. Our host (Boyd Crompton) made a short video log while we were there and took a limited amount of photos. It was awesome to see this famous prop and share our fondest memories with each other and friends. With the exception of myself, the four other friends had never visited this NASA facility and the ones that stayed took a tour of the grounds. I had been to the Johnson dozens of times and the last I saw of the Galileo was maybe 8 years ago. It was moved from the main lobby of the visitor's center to the food court. Since then, we talk to one another from time to time about looking at the Galileo that day, all those years ago!

[@TREK-WORLD]

I regret that I never had the chance to see her. I hope to do a followup one day from the points of view of the various folks that owned her over the years.

[@triskellian]

@@TREK-WORLD We look forward to seeing an update video about that. It'll be worth the wait! In the mean time, I have an update about the Galileo's location. I saw a tweet from this month that it's still in the food court at the Johnson Space Center 's visitor's center. When you get to chance, we welcome you to Southeast Texas to see the grand shuttle for yourself. I think you'll be delighted in how well she was restored. Until then, happy trails and good travels!

[@TREK-WORLD]

I am SO happy that she is back on display again. Thanks for the update. Also, I've seen the Trek Works channel; I've always been in awe of the skills of you and your fellow model builders. I couldn't possibly build a Lego kit correctly, let alone some of the amazing work I've seen on that channel.

[@triskellian]

@@TREK-WORLD Thanks! Boyd had come a long way in the world of scale modeling. We don't have the old forum anymore but he still maintains his Trek Works channel. The original members still post on the web from time to time.

[@studiomiguel]

Most things make me hate the internet. This, this makes me love it. Great work.

[@seitzme]

Thanks for the video! I enjoyed the reference to Paul Harvey's "The Rest of the Story" at the end.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Glad you liked it!

[@jezuzfreek777]

Fantastic presentation! Thanks for keeping the facts and history moving at a nice pace.

[@Eremon1]

I had no idea AMT was involved in building the set prop. Neat little tidbit of info. I've also never seen pictures of the original design of the TOS Shuttlecraft. I will always love the one they went with but that original certainly would have been something. Very interesting design. Matt Jefferies was a legend.

[@g-manstoyreviews1041]

First of all, you did an awesome video! The research materials and photographs in your video is truly amazing. I been collecting STAR TREK TOS items like toys, props, books, art, original autographs of the cast and other merchandise for 35+ years. I am truly grateful that someone like yourself took the time to complete the mystery of …. “ What ever happened to the Galileo? “ This old man (Trekkie) really appreciates what you did and for passing this information on not just to us fans now but possibly to future Star Trek fans to come. As my favorite Vulcan would say many times in the original series… May You Live Long And Prosper 🖖! G-MAN

[@TREK-WORLD]

Hi there! Thank you for the kind words. My hope with this channel is to document as best I can the various items that came out of the original 1960's Trek. Once that's done; then I'll move to the next decade (and so on). I've been blessed by very kind people in these comments who reach out with additional information; or just enough information to start my searching. Like you, I'm a long time fan. And I have to admit that these videos have awakened the "little boy" in my again. And that's something I thought would never happen again.

[@fireballxl-5748]

Fabulous! Great information and great narration. Plus a very respectful attitude to all the owners of the prop. I congratulate you on a very well done presentation.

[@JSB1882]

"Star Trek Continues" was such a great series. Thanks for the historical info because I was one of those that thought it was found and restored just once.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@fragalot]

So before i watch this video I have my own experience with the Galileo. When I was a kid back in the early 80s, I had to be between the age 9-11, I was with the friends of my parents (i guess they were baby sitting me) and so we went out to some junk yard, somewhere in Southern California, probably around LA., or Long Beach. My adult friends were interested in something else there, probably a car, which I found boring. So I started to wonder around the lot (it was not very large lot) and ! SAW the Galileo next to a few junk cars. I knew what it was, but it was before I ever became a Star Trek fan. I was able to walk around it and peek inside the entrance door, but I didn't go inside. It was outside in the open, it wasn't in great shape but it was recognizable even to a kid who wasn't a fan of Star Trek (yet). That was a good 40 years ago, my memories of that are very fleeting. Hopefully this video will help me remember more.

[@stevecam724]

Great detective work, thanks for sharing this story 👍👍👍

[@camerongrubert9073]

Very respectful of you to include serious hurricane stuff

[@paulm.newitt3246]

My photo @19:41, sent to my pal Doug Drexler. That was at "Rebel Storage" in L.A.. I also knew Richard Datin, who provided me with a high rez scan of the decal sheet and photo of the forced perspective model. Also, the rear landing gear (from a 1950s Beechcraft, we think) was found at an aviation junk yard in Tuscon, by Gene Winfield. The two holes in the nose were sized for rectangular "Cibie" driving lights that Gene also used on his custom cars at the time. The lights were not used "on set" because they were too bright.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Hi Paul! It is so nice to "virtually" meet you! I knew about the "driving lights" from Dave Arland, but didn't know that they weren't used because the brightness. That makes perfect sense. I never knew much about Richard Datin before I started this little channel. I did go out and buy the book that his children sell - I needed it for research on something that I had a "hunch" about. Reading through that book really showed me just how hard of a time he had just getting the credit for the 11ft model. I would like to do a video on him specifically if time permits. Thanks again for checking us out.

[@paulm.newitt3246]

@@TREK-WORLD Thanks! I'm on FB. Recently, a prop I made of the NOMAD satellite (28") was seen in Picard 2, EP 6 (scene with Renee' at the ball). I worked with John Eaves, Geoff Mandel, and Dave Blass. I'll keep in touch.

[@roberthughes6981]

Thank you for showing that I lived through Sandy and it was really brutal and some of the places I used to go to as a child are now gone. I am glad the Galileo is not.

[@2fathomsdeeper]

As an IATSE stagehand, having sets brought in from scenic houses and assembled on stage is commonplace. No infraction of rules there. Most scenic shops are IATSE anyway.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Hi there! I would love it if you could drop me a line at [e-mail]. I’m doing research on a situation with the original series and would love to chat with someone at least familiar with the relationship between the union and it’s members.

[@BestEachDay]

Wow! What a story! May it forever be preserved and not lost to time again.

[@houstontxdave6876]

Memories of my childhood now restored and looking great!

[@toaf6467]

and now i know way more than i wanted too about the Galileo.. good video.

[@paulpixphotos]

I have more photos of the jersey restoration if interested. have to dig them up. But my old station did a story and i have some photos from when i was out there.

[@TREK-WORLD]

HI Paul. If you can find them, I would appreciate it. I plan on doing another video that looks at the entire journey from the point of view of the fans that followed it and encountered it during the time it was in the "wilderness".

[@paulpixphotos]

@@TREK-WORLD nevermind, found your email, will send shortly.

[@paulpixphotos]

@@TREK-WORLD found them and video. I emailed you at address in your bio, Write back and I'll share a folder with you.

[@MatthewCaunsfield]

This was really comprehensive, thanks for bringing it all together

[@TREK-WORLD]

Hi Matt! Thanks for checking us out!

[@jameshaley8162]

...Once again, Jim, you've made a great Trek video that not only for fans, but for Science fiction history books. I say Thanks for those who have had custody of the shuttle over the years. You can tell they did it not for money, but for love of Star Trek. ...I look forward to watching more of your Trek videos.

[@TREK-WORLD]

So true. These people actually paid a price far more substantial than money. But in almost every case they were hounded and mistreated by fans almost continually. Which is a shame. I would love nothing more than to talk to them as their stories are even more compelling than the Galileo. But they are so gun-shy after being treated so bad; I doubt I'll get chance to ever talk to them.

[@canadiankewldude]

@@TREK-WORLD I pray for posterity they open up to you in time. For all who gave them grief, there are many, many more of us fans who are grateful indeed and would love to know the full history involved.

[@chrisddawson]

Wow! - really enjoying these videos - thanks for making and posting them. BTW, James Van Hise also has a book out on the Galileo, it's "Files Magazine Focus on Galileo"

[@TREK-WORLD]

I'll see if I can find it, thanks! I've bought maybe a dozen or so of his books in the past 6 weeks or so. He really had a knack for collecting the small detail stuff. But it seems he stopped his Star Trek stuff in the mid-90s or so. I know that he sells his photos (or his kids do) on eBay. But other than that, I haven't seen anything new. But I'm glad you mentioned this one.

[@208467]

Awesome that some collectors were able to restore the Galileo. Great show. btw, when I was a kid in the early seventies my family was on vacation in Wildwood where we had to evacuate our camp and wait out a hurricane in a school.

[@TREK-WORLD]

It must have been something about Wildwood, huh? 😀 Glad you and your family made it through that alright. And thanks for watching!

[@mikesmusicden]

Great research and video; thank you for taking the time to make it!

[@TREK-WORLD]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gustavoborgo775]

02:59 As for the estimated cost of the "Galileo Seven" model, $24,000 in 1966 is equivalent to $216,236.73 today.

[@dwmzmm]

Saw the Galileo at Space Center Houston while it was there (I live about a one hour drive from SCH). Was hoping they'll keep her there permanently, but that wasn't the case. Nice video and history lesson on this amazing star of Star Trek!

[@missingremote4388]

Sound like SCH museum actually owns the Galileo. But for a small fee, loans the display to others

[@TREK-WORLD]

Actually, the Galileo is on permanent loan from Adam Schneider. They have loaned her out to other museums and exhibits over the past few years. But if she were to ever leave SCH, she would revert back to Adam. This is standard with museum donations.

[@truetech4158]

I saw one for sale that i nearly bought just because of what it looked like about 20 years ago cheap. It's basically sheets of foam insulation sanded to a shape and hit with fibreglass. You could make one over a weekend with the proper stereo system blasting out the shop tunes. You know you could. You know you will, maybe perhaps or if not, perhaps maybe.

[@missingremote4388]

If laid down right will be too heavy weight, #7000 glass

[@ytSuns26]

I am thinking towable RV .

[@ytSuns26]

Half scale?

[@truetech4158]

@@ytSuns26 as a float in a parade for LGBT, or something unrelated to specific naughty themes where you only sleep in it because of it being an rv as you said.

[@bobbova8708]

Thank you for an outstandingly fantastic video! The pictures and other research materials here are to coin a phrase " fascinating "! As fans we are fortunate to still have the Galileo and the storyline of her history is really a testament to how much the original Star Trek has meant to so many of us over the years. Your series of videos are truly a treasure of history for original trek!🖖llap!

[@TREK-WORLD]

Thanks Bob! It's always good to hear from you. I hope to come back to the Galileo again in the future. There's a whole bunch of human interest stories there. Each owner's life was impacted by the Galileo while they owned her. There's so much written about the work. But next to nothing has every been written about the people. Hopefully, I may be able to change that in time.

[@colorin81colorado]

This personal interaction between fans is really heart warming. It is 2022 and the Pop Culture fandoms of Star Trek, Star Wars and Doctor Who have been under attack for over a decade if not more! Most of the loyal fans that supported these franchises have been told to go away by the current copyright owners as they move to squeeze every drop of blood possible out of them while trying to rewrite history to fit a new "narrative"! We salute you!

[@jayabramson6702]

I remember seeing the Galileo in the front yard of the home in Palos Verde, a Los Angeles suburb. If memory serves I heard about it from an article in TV Guide magazine. The next I new of it was the final restoration in New Jersey. This video filled in a bunch of gaps, and I’m happy to know Galileo is safe and whole!

[@davidanderson4091]

@Bob Bova _"The pictures and other research materials here are to coin a phrase 'fascinating'"_ . Indeed! 'fascinating' is a far more appropriate term than merely _"interesting"_ .

[@TREK-WORLD]

Ricardo, I most certainly agree with you. I have rediscovered "fandom" through this channel. I had not "talked" with Star Trek fans about our shared passion since I attended conventions in the 1980s. I had thought that part of my life was over. But you guys gave me such a gift when the comments started flooding in. In addition to thqt, I've also had the pleasure of talk to actual Star Trek professionals associated with the various Star Trek TV shows and even the fan productions. So yes, this fan to fan interaction is amazing to watch.

[@paulbennett4548]

Thank you for a wonderful piece of ST history. I have been a lifelong fan of the show since it first broadcast on the BBC in the UK. But I did not know that August 66 when it was built was the same month my Daughter was born we lost her at age fifty two but the shuttle sail's on. I see it in a different light now, it has more significance for me now.

[@otakop67]

I lived through Hurricane Camille when I was 3 years old and living in central Virginia. Here we had entire communities wiped off the map and the course of a river changed. Being young as I was, I don't remember much, but two things stand out in my memory; Watching as a +250 year old tree was uprooted by the storm and the next day finding a manhole cover nowhere near a manhole in my grandmother's back yard.

[@capedwonder2833]

Awesome video. Thanks for this. Hope you do more in depth Trek videos. Especially from the TOS.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Hi there! I am definitely not done yet with TOS. LOL. I suspect I'm not even half way through. And the more I dig into things.... the more I learn. Thanks for the kind words.

[@williamscoggin1509]

Nicely done, amazing I'm out of History attached to this little shuttlecraft. It is truly gone where no other shuttlecraft ever went before. I will have to see if it is still in Houston, I'm only a couple of hours away.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Hi William! It’s still with the museum; but it is not currently on display. They’ve not announced when it will be on display again.

[@benbrown5159]

Very well done documentary video! Thank you for all your hard work researching this and putting it all together.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Thanks for watching!

[@24tanksalot]

Very well done enjoyed it immensely

[@TREK-WORLD]

Thanks !

[@williammcdorman6426]

I remember Camille, wouldn't quit raining, so much rain....The ship looks to be finally appreciated, good video.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Thanks!

[@Kotv6Vfg1]

Excellent documentary...nice job!

[@TREK-WORLD]

Glad you enjoyed it! There will be a second one which tells the stories of fans that crossed paths with the Galileo while it was on it's journey. The story of these fans is actually more interesting than the story of the restorations!

[@bryangrim6021]

Amazing assembly of research and information. Very interesting! 👍

[@grovedas]

What a magnificent video! Thank you for all your brilliant work. I want to add a little correction: The Galileo was donated to the Foundation for the Junior Blind, not the Braille Institute. I lived near the Foundation, and saw the Galileo every day--and watched, over the years, as the weather tried to destroy it. Fortunately, this wonderful icon was eventually restored.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Thanks for that insight. I haven't spoken with anyone who saw it at that point. Do you know how long they had it at the Foundation?

[@grovedas]

@@TREK-WORLD I was a kid, and I can't quite remember, but I'm guessing about 10 years, possibly starting in 1968. I'm thinking it was still there in 1978. Its deterioration broke my heart, as I am a big, big trekker, but I'm thrilled that it was finally rescued. Although the Galileo was separated from me by a chain-link fence, it was still an honor to behold its beauty, every day.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Ironically, I was contacted last night from someone who still works for the foundation; they said they were even there when the Galileo was on property. I send them a note asking if there were any photos still left from back then. As well as in what year did it go to Hiseman. Let's see what info I can get back.

[@grovedas]

@@TREK-WORLD Please, please let us know everything that you learn. Also, I guess the Galileo would have come to the Foundation in 1969, wouldn't it? That's when "Star Trek" TOS ended. A huge crane lifted the Galileo over the chain-link fence and gently deposited it onto what seemed a huge, grassy playground. As a kid, I was in awe, as though this beauty were landing from space. Man, I haven't thought of this stuff in a hundred years. Thanks again for your wonderful video.

[@oldsoldier4209]

I don't comment often, nor do I often enter giveaways. But, as this deadline is on my 53rd birthday, and the book is one likely beyond my meager budget to otherwise acquire, I am commenting to enter. I will comment on all 4 videos, since the poll hasn't ended yet. 🤠👍

[@autobot111]

Fantastic video! Very well researched and presented. I’m impressed! Thank you for presenting the history and its multiple efforts at restoration.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dcb1138]

I had a Star Trek Shuttle Craft in my basement in 1976. I made it out of a Refrigerator box and spray painted it grey. I flew that thing everywhere in the galaxy until Star Wars came out.

[@davidanderson4091]

At 4:35 you show a concept drawing. The people who made the remastered version of the original series used a design similar to this for the stolen space cruiser _"Aurora"_ in the episode _"The Way to Eden"_ . Actually the original version of _"Aurora"_ also shared aspects of the concept drawing, most noticeably, the _"gull wing"_ shape of the warp drive mounts.

[@austinevplab7167]

Very well done! Thank you for posting!

[@MichaelRichartz]

Great video. A few years ago I was working in Houston and planning to visit the Space Center. I was excited to hear the Galileo was displayed there. But unfortunately, when I got there, they told me it was on loan to a museum on the East Coast. Still hoping to see it one day.

[@jimgpayne]

Hi Michael Richartz, welcome to our community! Thank you for sharing your experience. It's too bad that you missed the Galileo exhibit, but hopefully you'll get a chance to see it in the future. It's a remarkable piece of history.

[@aw3752]

You are amazing, sir. I throughly enjoyed this history of the Galileo. Thank you for loving Star Trek as you do. Keep on making these videos!!!

[@TREK-WORLD]

Thanks! Will do!

[@camerongrubert9073]

I loved every second of this even tho I was never a shuttlecraft fan. It looks like a butter dish to me. But I love cause its part of Trek. Fantastic research and well done video! 👍🖖

[@TREK-WORLD]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@jackgibsxxx0750]

Re: Butter dish. It does. I never noticed that. Oh well I still love it. Live long and prosper.

[@jayabramson6702]

In retrospect it DOES look like a butter dish. I’ll go one better; how hard would it be to make a pontoon boat look like the Galileo?!?!

[@jackgibsxxx0750]

@@jayabramson6702 ... Depends on how much money you have/want to spend.

[@jayabramson6702]

@@jackgibsxxx0750 some paint and decals would do. I wasn’t thinking to replicate the Galileo……

[@manlystranger4973]

Amazing Star Trek Video!!! Truly an impressive Trek documentary which every fan of TOS will love! Keep up the great work! The Galileo represents the very moment when Spock discovered the difference between logic and leadership and in which Dr. McCoy's feelings for Spock blossom into a deep respect. Almost all future TOS and especially the TOS movies depend upon Spock's leadership and McCoy's love and respect for Spock.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Wow, thanks! You're right about that dynamic between Spock and Bones. That episode also foreshadows the conversation they have together in ST IV when Spock confides in McCoy that he is unsure of the variables involved in beaming the whales aboard.

[@TheRealCobraBurnout]

It is crazy all the money spent on it over the years and how it sat outside at different locations. It is amazing it "survived". Awesome vid and history.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@raincoast_bear]

Thanks for sharing WN. I am enjoying your TOS series very much.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Thanks for the kind words! I’ve been having a ball doing these. The more I research, the more I stumble on things I didn’t know. Or thought I knew.

[@earth2006]

I actually had the original model of the "Enterprise" the big one with lights in the primary hull, their models are worth a fortune if in their orginal unassembled box's today. Also had the shuttle.

[@davidnco1]

Lmao

[@pauld6967]

I too have that kit from my early days of model building. It is broken into pieces due to mishaps over the decades but I will not part with it. Partly due to nostalgia and party because I stubbornly hold to the idea that I will restore it when I find some free time.

[@Manco65]

Yeah, I built every single one. Wish I would have been able to set back an unopened model of each. But who knew back then

[@pauld6967]

@@Manco65 I suppose it would be nice and pragmatic to buy a thing & just have it collect dust and one day sell it because it appreciated in value. However, I think it is much better for the soul, as well as being more fun, to take the thing out of the box, assemble it and play. The purpose for which it was created, the exercise of imagination.

[@TREK-WORLD]

You know what they say, "A loved toy is a played with toy". The reason we don't have those things with us today is because we were too busy "loving" those items.

[@davidrice3337]

Wow - Star Trek's influence on astrology should never be questioned - Galileo's mammie and pappie named him after one of their episodes! Shatner must be proud ....

[@miketalas7998]

About Half way thru, I began to cry! I did cry for the poor memory of my Star Trek Shuttle Craft!!! I am glad it is well for now! I hope & pray it will never again be disrespected as it was when it was being shuttled around with no place to call home!!! thank you for the story, and survival of the Galileo - 1701 / 7. IF I COULD, I WOULD GOLD PLATE IT FOR GOOD!!! :D

[@jonadams8841]

I went to UCLA engineering school starting in 1973. The Engineering Society of the University of California (aka ESUC) was in the process of building a full-scale segmented bridge. Each segment was on wheels, and we had a captain’s chair as well. One enterprising individual had even built a copy of the nifty little targeting sight that would rise out of Chekov’s side. I was part of the freshman group who got to do all sorts of otherwise mundane activities like looking through catalogs for lights, push buttons, and other bits to finish the set. Each section was built of plywood, then covered in fiberglass cloth, resin, and a final black color coat. We used egg-crate ceiling light grills sometimes to create the computer light boxes that were on the various bridge segments. It was because of this set and visits to various trekcons (with us in costume, of course) where I met Heisman. I always remember Roger telling me the correct way to spell his name: “he is man” “Heisman”. Went to his house several times up in PV Estates? The shuttle was somewhat decrepit by then, maybe 1975? At 16:25, there are 4 photos of various people posing with/on the Galileo. The young man in the upper left frame, dressed as Capt Kirk, had the legal last name of Johnson, I believe, and was a friend of Roger. He ALWAYS went by Jim or James T Kirk, might have even been in process of changing it legally. Johnson’s brother was always dressed as Spock. His legal first name might have been Charles. The photo’s too small to allow me to see if I could recognize the other guys. Fun fact: it was on “Capt Kirk’s” motorcycle that I learned how to ride a motorcycle! My driver’s license still has the “M” endorsement!!! He lived in a apartment near Gower and Franklin with his brother. There was a neighbor with the stage name of “Con Covert” too. Heisman had metal molds made for the original communicator. I have two of the communicators from those molds, including the hydro-formed metal antenna screen. I believe Heisman had one or more of the original set communicators, as well. I know that there was a tricorder floating around, think it was a replica. Blasts from the past…

[@TREK-WORLD]

Thank you so much for this information. Especially the correct way to say "he is man". I love the story you've told me. I hope one day to get a chance to tell this story form the perspectives of Hiseman and the other owners. The background information on the photo with the four people in it is also appreciated as well!

[@RobertWilke]

One minor correction the targeting display would come out of the helmsman's position where Sulu sat. Otherwise everything was great.

[@jonadams8841]

@@RobertWilke Darn. You're right! It was a fidgety bit of kit, and made a heck of a lot of noise when the motor came on to drive the screw jack.

[@gregskuza7166]

Amazing story! Thank you!

[@chrismayer3919]

With my being a natural-born Trekker, I’m SO proud that I got to see the Enterprise’s ‘baby sibling’ the Galileo at the Houston Air/Space museum. AWESOME SAUCE

[@TREK-WORLD]

I'm envious! Hopefully, one day I will be able to see her in person as well.

[@dtvjho]

Awesome back history, thank you all! It reminds me of the landram/snowram from 1978's Battlestar Galactica, the Landmaster vehicle from Damnation Alley, and the Ark II / Seeker.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@guyjackson132]

If you do a Google map satellite view of Gene Winfield's Mojave shop - you may still be able to see the Landmaster along the fenceline...

[@esra_erimez]

Paul Harvey would be proud. Well done

[@xtremecustomizr]

Outstanding! I knew some of the story many years before the "documentary" of the restoration, as the rumor mill around the Trek conventions in the 70's & 80's would always circulate information/stories about "missing" props and the like.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jaredharris1970]

There should be a museum dedicated to Star Trek and have memorabilia from every Star Trek series and movie I hate to think all the set pieces was destroyed or torn apart and recycled into parts for other sets

[@kgmlb2]

If you love Star Trek....and I do, THIS IS GREAT!!! THANKS!!!!

[@paulhudson8321]

Excellent history of our beloved shuttle craft. I thought it was going to be it’s left outside again. Glad to see it’s being looked after. Love to see it one day and the full scale mock up of the bridge set and studio sets in Ticonderoga New York.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Me too. But NY is way too far away for me. The ST Continues sets are down on the GA/FL line area. So hopefully maybe sometime this year I may be able to go see them.

[@uncommonlogic1698]

Excellent video, well done.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnwhitley2898]

This is very cool, finally...😎!!! What a crazy trip to the finish line......

[@robertnasser9937]

I lived in the San Fernando Valley from 66-80 and I was in a full size model, it was empty with some old chairs. I sat in it, and wish cameras were as common then as they are today. I am 65 now

[@samuelmorado70]

Glad to see she resides in my home state of Texas. I live in Lubbock Texas like 15 hours away so I may have to make a Trek that way before I die. This was so much an informative ant thorough video. I never wondered what happened to it. I assumed she got scrapped years ago. Live long and prosper

[@BarbaraA.MertzRN-CCRN]

Thank you, thank you, thank you!! You don't know how much knowing all of this means to me!

[@TREK-WORLD]

Hi Barbara. So glad you enjoyed the video. Trust me, it is a true labor of love. I had long ago felt that my Trek fandom years were far behind me. And just digging around in my little niche sandbox has made me feel as passionate about Star Trek as I ever did. It really rolls the years back to start at the very beginning and then work my way forward. The good side effect of that is that I think I have enough topics & material to keep me busy on these videos for years to come.

[@BarbaraA.MertzRN-CCRN]

@@TREK-WORLD I grew up with ST-OST. My father was an architect and a mathematician. It was like growing up with Mr. Spock as a father and HE enjoyed ST to no end (It was just LOGICAL). I miss the old days and the old ways of doing things. Your videos really take me back. I had a sister who (somehow) always knew the back stories of ST and what happened to many of the props and set pieces. I don't know HOW she knew and she is gone now too. But, now I have YOU to give me the low down and I look forward to your next vids with MUCH - anticipation!! Please, do not tarry too long...

[@none-mw7ic]

Very well done!

[@speederscout]

That was GREAT! Thank you for the excellent documentary.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@JarOfRats]

That's an amazing story. I'm glad she's alive and well.

[@PositionLight]

Wow, really interesting. Lots of very similar stories from the rail preservation world.

[@TREK-WORLD]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@aylmer666]

If anyone is curious - the giant spears used in Galileo Seven were at the natural history museum in Clovis, New Mexico. That’s my memory from 30 years ago anyway, not sure if they are still there or if the museum still exists.

[@ericbarnett6771]

KZbin never ceases to amaze me.