The USS Enterprise is a name that evokes strong memories in the minds of many as it’s TV adventures inspired generations of people to explore the universe through science and engineering. But the prop that was used for filming the original episodes of Star Trek is now in the caring hands of the restorations department of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum which has restored such historic planes as the Enola Gay and the Bell X-1 Glamorous Glennis. The model is need of repairs after decades without proper maintenance combined with the fact that it was originally built to be a temporary model and was never expected to survive for more than a few years. And there is good news, the team working on the model reports it is in great condition and will be ready to for the 50th anniversary of the airing of the first episode. Once the fix is complete, the model will reside alongside the Spirit of St. Louis and the Apollo 11 capsule; truly distinguished company for the most important fictional vessel of all time.
See Michael E. Ruane, The starship Enterprise is in the shop for repairs, The Chicago Tribune, January 31, 2016.
Special thanks to Brian Cohan (Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Brian J. Cohan, P.C.) for bringing this article to my attention.
