The Enterprise - From Plans to Reality
We all know Matt Jefferies was responsible for designing the Enterprise but what happened once he had his blueprints approved and ready to be built? At that point, the production of the first Enterprise model was turned over to the Howard A. Anderson company who was responsible for the majority of the series’ special effects. In turn, they subcontracted the production of the three foot (actually 33 inches) model to Hollywood model builder, Richard C. Datin Jr. Datin’s construction took approximately three weeks and was delivered to Gene Roddenberry on December 14, 1964 on the 40 Acres backlot where “The Cage” was being filmed that day. Datin can be partially seen on the left in this image. Its cost was approximately $600 in 1964 dollars.
Once Gene noted the modifications he wanted, Richard Datin made the adjustments and then supervised the construction of the eleven foot model. The photos below show the final result before the eleven foot Enterprise was sent to the Howard A. Anderson studio. In case you cannot read the large photo caption, it is a photoshopped image of all four individuals responsible for this model. From left to right: Richard Datin, Mel Keys, Vernon Sion, and Volmer Jensen. Jensen was the owner of Production Models Shop and Keys and Sion were the modelers who worked under the direction of Datin. This eleven foot model, 225 lb. model was delivered to the Anderson studio on December 29, 1964. Cost in 1964 dollars? $3000.
The last one in color above is Richard Datin helping out during a specials effect shot of the Enterprise. A few more in black and white of the Enterprise eleven foot model and of Datin and crew.|
We all know, of course, that the first pilot was rejected and the models were put in storage. But when Roddenberry got his second chance and began making preparations to film “Where No Man Has Gone Before,” Richard Datin was asked to revise both models. This time, he added rotating lights in the nacelles along with some other changes. Datin made subsequent modifications on both models and their decals including extra sheets as spares, in 1965 and 1966.
Top half of photo - the 1964 Enterprise model
Bottom half of photo - the Enterprise 1966 model.
Datin’s contributions to Star Trek did not end with the two Enterprise models. He also built the models for the K-7 space station (”The Trouble With Tribbles”) and the shuttlebay, first used in “The Galileo 7.” Datin claimed in an interview that the starboard side of the model was supposed to be removable so they could film a scene from more than one side. However, for whatever reason, the wall was not built that way. He also made decals for the Class F shuttlecraft model, including additional detailing and repairs in 1966.
Datin also was frequently around the sets during the first two seasons to help with the handling of the models and served as a model rigger/operator as needed on a paid basis. Despite his many contributions, however, he was not acknowledged for several decades. Even the Smithsonian refused to believe his claims while they were exhibiting the Enterprise from 1992-1994. Finally, a series of magazine interviews, especially a two part article in Star Trek: Communicator, corrected this injustice.
The information from this article (and photos) were gleaned from many sources, including Memory Alpha and Forgotten Trek. But much of the credit goes to the site Star Trek History for its excellent article on the Enterprise models and their creator, Richard Datin. I highly recommend you read the entire article here : https://bit.ly/2QZKFD9
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