Conjectural Trek XI Enterprise

[Vektor]

I posted this on TrekBBS but I wanted to post it here as well. Technically, the model isn't 100% finished, which is why I chose to post it here in the 3D Wips forum.

Almost four years ago, I had the idea to create an "updated" version of the original USS Enterprise as it might appear if anyone were ever to revisit the TOS era of Trek with a modern television or film production. I sketched out some ideas for it and even did some preliminary 3D modeling of a few parts and pieces, but mostly the idea just languished while I focused on other projects.

Then, around the middle of last year, I had a conversation with someone who was interested in compiling some concept designs of what the new Enterprise in Trek XI might look like, nothing official or in any way connected with the actual fim, just some creative speculation. I was one of several people approached for this idea, most of whom were industry professionals that put my meager credentials to shame, so there was no way I could pass up the opportunity, especially since I already had a good start on something very similar.

It took me about three months to finish modeling and texturing my submission and I sent in the final renderings around the middle of November. Unfortunately, the original plan for exhibiting these designs never quite came together and is still in limbo as of this writing. Given that the official unveiling of the real design is now less than three days away, I have opted to go ahead and unveil my design on my own here on TrekBBS and a couple of other venues. Hopefully the original exhibition will go forward eventually and I will still be a part of it.

My design approach to this project was pretty simple: Make the ship more detailed and more visually realistic while preserving the essence of the original design. I didn't want the differences to be immediately obvious; I wanted people to have to study it a little to really figure out what I changed. Most of the changes are fairly cosmetic, things like added hull texture, visible maneuvering thrusters and weapons ports, or the glow of the inboard nacelle grills. Other changes are more significant, like softening some of the harder edges and angles, and adding subtle, elliptical curves to various cross-sections, the deflector dish broken up into concentric rings, the revamped impulse engines, the thicker, gently backswept nacelle pylons, and numerous alterations to the nacelles themselves. In almost every case, the key elements of the original design are still there and still recognizable, just slightly transformed and embellished. I wouldn't presume to be able to improve on Matt Jeffries' brilliant creation, but I'd like to think I did succeed in updating it a little.

So, without further ado, here is my take on what the new Enterprise in Trek XI might look like. Click the thumbnails to enlarge.





Obviously, there's been a lot of speculation about what the new Enterprise might look like and assertions made about what it should look like. I think these renderings adequately convey my own opinions on the matter, but I am always open to critiques and suggestions.

[2cvbloke]

Apart from the deflector dish, I like it a lot!!!

The deflector though, I don't like the holes, there's a lot of "updated" designs where people seem to have gotten a little trigger happy with a hole punch, I'd personally like to see a solid dish as the original was. Plus the Pilot episode enterprise had a much bigger dish, but, I'd say that was silly and this size should stick...

[Knight26]

I like it, subtle changes but nice overall and won't make matt Jeffries roll around in his grave, well done I say.

[eagle[200x]]

really like it - stays true to the original but brings it more to a modern look - and the model itself is very very good

[floodcasso2]

ahh vektor, you certainly haven't lost your touch. This is a fantastic model, absolutely gorgeous!! Though I have a sinking feeling that the enterprise they use in this new movie will not be very faithful to that old enterprise we know and love. we'll have to see!

[Falin]

You did the old girl justice, i really like it, and aside from theprevious comment on the deflctor dish, upon close look, it's really well don and looks nice, i just don't like the color much, maybe a brighter hue.

[RAF-MX]

Maybe those friends at PARAMOUNT see your incredible work and are as amazed as I am..
Subtle and elegant....INCREIBLE

[PixelMagic]

Your work, I'd say, is extremely badass.

[Falstaff]

This is the sort of design I'd like to see used in a prequel series that's supposed to part of the current continuum. It's extremely reminiscent of the original, but more contemporary, and it complements the refit from TMP perfectly. Unfortunately I have little faith that the new movie will treat the original series with as much respect that this design does.

Excellent work.

[JeffrySG]

nice work! I like the renders and the lighting as well...

cheers!