Collector Model

You know those extras on DVDs, where you can view scenes that were ultimately cut from the final edit of a film? Sometimes those provide a fascinating glimpse into what might have been. Occasionally, those scenes add another level of character or plot detail that heightens one’s appreciation for the work. What does that have to do with model kits? Well, sometimes product development is like that: many things might be developed that end up never being part of the final product, in some cases, entire product lines might make it through concept and mockup stage and never see the light of day. We hope to occasionally be able to highlight such lost treasures (or discarded trash, depending on your point of view), whether it’s concept work, product or packaging, both here and on our sister blog, foreverfunblog.com.

For starters, here’s an image of a version of the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-E packaging that actually made it all the way through a press proof. What’s the story? Well, most of our Star Trek packaging has 2 incarnations: a version with illustrated art for the hobby market, and a version with photo or digital art for the mass market. We had developed this packaging for the mass market version, but the kit only ended up being released to the hobby market. (So – this art is waiting in the wings should any of our mass accounts choose to carry it!)

The cool thing about this packaging is that it really shows off the kit nicely – those are shots of the actual buildup, enhanced with some Photoshop  window lighting and phaser effects. As usual, Jim Small did a fantastic job putting together and finishing this kit, and provided the photography of the buildup as well. Jim has a great understanding of how to “pose” and light a kit for dramatic effect – I had to do very little digital tweaking to the ship itself. The flares and glows added to areas of the ship and the background are a part of our Star Trek packaging graphic vocabulary, and helps to provide a cohesive look to all our Trek packaging.

The new “Star Trek” film showed it’s box office muscle this past weekend, surpassing industry expectations by bringing in over 75.2 million in domestic ticket sales – that’s the biggest opening for a Trek movie, like, ever. So – that said, it looks like Trek is going to keep on Trekkin’ for quite a while. (And, hopefully, so will our Star Trek model kits!)

How cool is it that Star Trek is part of the general public’s consciousness again? Paramount has done a stellar job of marketing the new Trek flick, and that’s bound to have a positive effect on all Trek-related merchandise, classic Trek or “new” Trek. Interest in our Star Trek kits seems to be pretty high, and the positive buzz surrounding the new film should help further interest.

Stop by our booth at WonderFest this weekend to see what we have planned for Trek the rest of the year. Let us know what you want to see from us – both classic re-releases and new kits. Fill out one of our questionnaires and get a cool freebie that you can use to show off your Trek pride. (Don’t worry – our tattoos aren’t permanent!)

So, we keep hearing that a 1/350 scale Star Trek Original Series Enterprise might be popular. I’ve heard it from a few folks that model builders of all shapes and sizes think it’s a grand idea… well those that have the room anyway. It is probably the most iconic spacecraft (or any vehicle for that matter) of all time and we are giddy as little school children to do it.

So we’ve begun planning, gotten some excellent consultants involved and we’re off and running. We’ve got tons of ideas to make the ultimate Enterprise kit. Now here’s my question to you modeling fans, what would you include in your dream Star Trek Enterprise model kit? Come one, come all and leave your remarks here in the comments area of this blog entry. All ideas will be considered but on the other hand nothing will be promised.