AMAZING new pics of the Enterprise inside and out 2016
- Thread starter spockboy
- Start date
Not that it hasn't been settled a zillion times before, but for anyone who still feels unsure, check out the pencil lines on the IR saucer pic. 
Overall this is tremendously interesting, kinda the science-y version of the stuff we geek out on here. Thanks for the link!
Overall this is tremendously interesting, kinda the science-y version of the stuff we geek out on here. Thanks for the link!
NextGenMaker
Active Member
No motors, mirror plates, or fans is a shame, but perhaps the reason is to keep weight out of the nacelles? Like, part of the problem with the model is that most of the thing is made of popular without much in the way of metal supports. If I remember, the pylons the nacelles are on were sagging and starting to break, and cutting out the weight of glass and motors might be a conservation choice.
At least this project got off the ground and it will look right again, and actually be on display. I was appalled when I discovered the ship was "on display" in the back of a gift shop off to the side on a lower level with no illumination when we went to DC for a middle school field trip, especially when one of Mr. Spock's jumpers and some phasers are hanging out in full view in the TV section of the American History building.
At least this project got off the ground and it will look right again, and actually be on display. I was appalled when I discovered the ship was "on display" in the back of a gift shop off to the side on a lower level with no illumination when we went to DC for a middle school field trip, especially when one of Mr. Spock's jumpers and some phasers are hanging out in full view in the TV section of the American History building.
feek61
Sr Member
I don't think the weight on the nacelles is the issue; I think it's purely maintenance related. On the nacelles; forward of the pylon is wood but it's only sheet metal behind the pylon so even though they extend so far behind the pylon it actually balances out pretty nicely. Certainly any motors in the front could easily be balanced out by counter-weights in the back if needed.
Borjis
Sr Member
agreed.
No doubt whatever they do will be "better" than the led kits available for the 1/350 model kits, but it won't looks the same.
They didn't say no motors... they said the original "lights" did not survive but they could replicate those with programmable LEDs... I would sincerely hope that they replace the existing motors with modern ones that run cooler and are not as heavy... but those babies have to spin or its not good enough...
Jedi Dade
Jedi Dade
SImulating a spinning blade effect may be possible with clever use of LED. I know it won't be spot on but don't be too bummed out.
I think it all means they can leave lighting on more often.
I think it all means they can leave lighting on more often.
Last edited:
asalaw
Master Member
No motors. Dr. Weitecamp doesn't want the thing to catch fire, or have motor heat stressing the wood and plastics. It's 52 years old. All of the lighting will be LEDs, for reasons like like power requirements, long life, and low heat.
They're going to build an exact replica of the original mechanism, including motors, lights, mirrors, domes, etc. They're going to test it like crazy, and exactly simulate the effect with LEDs. They will be comparing it to the original effect the whole time. Yes, they can replicate it with LEDs. How do you think big screen TVs work?
They're going to build an exact replica of the original mechanism, including motors, lights, mirrors, domes, etc. They're going to test it like crazy, and exactly simulate the effect with LEDs. They will be comparing it to the original effect the whole time. Yes, they can replicate it with LEDs. How do you think big screen TVs work?
feek61
Sr Member
Are you saying the entire nacelle cap is going to be an LED matrix containing thousands of LEDs that can operate like a TV? I can't believe that. BTW, I think the LEDs on TV's are used for backlighting the LCD screen. They are not actually forming the picture image that you see.
I'm curious how often they will have the lights on once it's on display? All the time might be expecting too much.
Aztek Dummy
Well-Known Member
I asked Margaret that very question and she told me that they are still working on the amount of time the lights will be "on". It won't be 24/7 but something like 10 minutes every hour or so. often enough that the most people can see them and take pictures, but not all of the time
here is her full presentation from Jan 30, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc9HS9zDAsE
here is her full presentation from Jan 30, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc9HS9zDAsE
That's great, this avoids visiting on a day when they are off.
I'm curious also what kind of plaque will be displayed with her too.
I got a free guided tour from Margaret because I corrected them on some bad info on the plaque years ago.
The registry numbers did not come from Jeffries aircraft as it mistakenly said.
Commander Max
Sr Member
Not using electric motors? I was never impressed with the led blinky effect.
I'm confused, there is no load on on the Big E spinners. Motors today are cheap and really reliable. Ventilation isn't much of an issue either.
I'll bet they are more concerned about something coming loose, and running for weeks without anybody noticing.
I'm confused, there is no load on on the Big E spinners. Motors today are cheap and really reliable. Ventilation isn't much of an issue either.
I'll bet they are more concerned about something coming loose, and running for weeks without anybody noticing.
