Original U.S.S. Enterprise Model - Hanging in Smithsonian

This is the original model used for filming on the original Star Trek Pilots and Series from 1964-69. I was lucky enough to see this in the flesh. Great looking model, so i thought i would get some detailed shots for those who have never seen it. It is currently hanging in the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. Rather randomly, it is on the bottom floor of the gift shop.

[@GianfrancoFronzi]

The sweetest starship ever dreamed of .

[@cinematic35]

Some idiot ruined it by over detailing it and made it look like the Starship Boobyprize. I'm glad it has recently been restored to it's original condition!

[@woodythecow73]

I remember when it was hanging from the ceiling at the Smithsonian years ago. It looks in much better shape now than it did then

[@opusmax1]

Yep. When I first saw it there in 1988 it was in sorry shape, hanging in a very out of the way spot on a lower level near the gift shop.

[@jeffjames4064]

Hats off gentlemen you're in the presence of greatness.

[@Darryl6636]

This must be a pre-restoration video 🖖🖖

[@kitt2000car]

Love those close up shots!!!!

[@JSYBen]

The Air and Space museum. Not the one that has Concorde and the Discovery shuttle in it, which if i remember is near Dulles airport, but the other one, which again if memory serves is within walking distance of the White House. Randomly it's in the gift shop :)

[@lothean2099]

I really wished they would have done a hotel in vegas using this design. But the deal fell through

[@opusmax1]

Imagine the terrible shape that would be in today after COVID.

[@mem1701movies]

@@opusmax1 that’s what the guy who ran Paramount thought. At first it might be great but then the I upkeep...it would eventually be a gigantic eyesore.

[@doginstine]

I wonder why they never finished the starbord side of the model. I mean they had no idea when it was made what side would be filmed at that time.

[@marccuster9278]

doginstine ...the Enterprise was only filmed from one side so they only detailed that side... if they needed it from the other side they just edit the film and flip it

[@mem1701movies]

@@marccuster9278 they had to reapply decals in reverse. Really the original model maker asked Roddenberry if he wanted lighting but he declined because he thought it would be too much. The model maker said it wouldn’t be that much more but if he changed his mind later it would be. Well he did and they had to crack it open. Then they added Christmas lights for the engines and all of the wires were ran outside of the port side.

[@MARSHOMEWORLD]

I suppose they figured they could just reverse the negative and it could double for both sides.

[@mem1701movies]

They had to apply new decals in reverse

[@nythawknight6577]

It is illogical to assume that full grown adults are able to fit into that ship. Sorry, just a little humor I heard at Pon Farr night at the Vulcan Embassy.

[@richardwillett]

She does not look like that anymore!

[@steveriddle313]

Absolutely take better care of our girl she looked old and feeble there no color in her face a pale rider please take better care of our are Star Trek icon she's a good girl

[@crzycras8895]

which building is it in, i had trouble trying to find it while in DC at one point

[@kennethdavis7903]

Yeah it's too bad she has to be behind glass it would be much more enjoyable if she was Free but I know she's better off

[@MRMOGAVERO]

My wife and her girlfriend are there today April 26th on tour and my birthday is april 28th and i have to work some 43rd birthday gift :>( Whaaaaaaaaa !!!!!!