New Trek Goodies Announced

For all you ardent Trekkers out there who've been waiting for a glimmer of hope for release of Masterreplicas' Star Trek Mark IX Tricorder, there's hope yet. Although scheduled for release in Q3 of 2008, MR had ceased production after only having made and sold about 200 units (from the initial 2000 units targeted in 2008). Since then, Trekkers like me have been awaiting eagerly for any news of resuscitation of the prop. Of course, the affluent ones could easily pick one up at Roddenberry.com for about USD 799 to USD999, but even MR's RRP of USD 399 seemed pretty steep. Before that, there were some sold by Federation Surplus which also closed down sometime in 2007. Recently announced by eFX, a company incorporated in 2007 in Los Angeles, they have recently been licensed by CBS to make the Star Trek TNG Mark IX Tricorder prop replica and comes slightly cheaper at USD 350 in comparison to MR's version. eFX used to work with MR.

Each comes with a base signed by Brent Spinner (Lt. Commander Data) and has improved LED illumination compared to the MR version. Only about 1000 units will be made, so, Trekkers around the world vying for one would have to pay close attention to its release date and availability. eBay sellers would be cashing in on this one.

eFX also announced plans to make a ST:2: TWOK Phaser, a 20-inch Klingon Vor'cha class cruiser and ST: TOS Phaser for 2010 releases. Smaller ships are also said to be on the drawing board to make collectibles more affordable for collectors and Trek aficionados.

For those really keen on collecting affordable Trek starships and replicas, there's always Diamond Select Toys. There's a dearth of DST collectibles of eBay. Recently, DST announced that they are releasing the ST: TMP Phaser (which shape-wise is almost identical to the ST:2 Phaser). I've already pick up several DST starships from eBay and they look pretty damn good! The USS Enterprise D and the TWOK USS Enterprise Refit are my favourites! Sounds, lights and lines from the movies really rock my boat!


DST has announced that USS Excelsior (NCC 2000) (as first seen on ST3: The Search for Spock) and USS Enterprise-B (as seen on ST: Generations) will be released end of 2001. Knowing DST's track record for delays, hopefully by Q1 of 2010.


Complementing the year end release, DST also announced plans to come out with the ST:2 Communicator, although not confirmed. If you recall, these were the ones used by Kirk and Saavik on the Genesis Moon.