During this very date one year ago I had the great pleasure of showing a studio scale model replica that had eluded the world for decades due to it’s size and complexity to make. Using parts from the fantastic TimeSlip Creations (George Takacs) kit that is still in development today, along with making our own parts that were unavailable back then,… we brought to life the world’s first studio scale replica of the USS Enterprise REFIT as seen in the 1979 film Star Trek The Motion Picture. There were many artists involved in the making of this fine piece, and while the project was lead and paid for by myself (Kurt Kuhn), it was truly artist Dan Grumeretz who made it larger than life, adding in incredible detail and form. For instance, while many whom would create such a model might have used decals, or dry rub-on markings, I am impressed with how Dan painted every marking on the model, nor matter how large or small. Even the interior hallways and rooms are finely detailed, revealing some rather fantastic “Easter Eggs” we decided to place within the model for all to find. People literally cried with tears of joy when they viewed it on display as it went through it’s Space-Dock activation sequence as seen on the film. I know this because I was one of those who cried! LOL. There were thousands of people who were able to view it that weekend. I cannot tell you how grateful I am of Dan Grumertez, George Takacs, Daniel Beck, Dustin Ashton, Clint Borucki, Marc Elkins, my wife Melanie, and so many others involved in the creation of this fine, and world’s first, studio scale replica of this model. I thank you all.
It was a great journey getting this piece to Escape Velocity, where the replica would then be handed over to The Museum of Science Fiction to display as they wish, and would eventually be fully donated to. While there, Dan, Melanie and I were able to meet some amazing people.. from Museum Staff and attending Celebrities to the thousands of participants in the Convention activities… we were elated to have met so many amazing people. It was truly a magnificent experience.
To view more on the creation and journey of this model, CLICK HERE.
One of those we mat was the head of Media for the Museum.. Keith Jodoin. He is a magnificent young man and he and his crew took the time to take these photographs of the model.. while it was being set up, and while it was on display. He also took some wonderful video that we shall share at a later date on this same page. Eventually adding to the video we are editing shall be Lou Dalmaso’s (AZTEK DUMMY) amazing videos that he also shot while working the Convention for the Museum. Below are the Keith Jodoin Photos of the Replica.. and photos he captured of a few of us with a few people we were honored to meet. I thank Keith his great efforts, and for these wonderful photos. I also wish to thank, and acknowledge Greg Viggiano (the Museum’s Founder) for bringing these items to the public eye, and Rachel Frederick (the Museum’s Curator), and all who are involved in bringing the Museum to reality. With luck, and of course funding, a physical location may come soon for the Museum to show these fine pieces on a permanent basis.
Of note: in a few of the photos it appears that the nacelles are sagging. Not to worry… this is only an illusion created by the angle. They are perfectly level.
By the way, for those interested, famed Appraiser Leila Dunbar’s official appraised value of this model replica is at $100,000 USD.
Enjoy Keith’s photos!.. and stay tuned for the upcoming video!
Kurt Kuhn
Kuhn Global Incorporated
Modelers Miniatures & Magic
Keith Jodoin
USA
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Kurt Kuhn
USA
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Dan Grumeretz
USA
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George Takacs
USA
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Marc Elkins
USA
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Clint Borucki
Elgin, Illinois
USA
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