Restoring Old Toys

About 2 weeks ago, I picked up these two relics from eBay for just over GBP10.00. A real bargain in deed. They arrived early this week. The package came with a 1992 Playmates Star Trek Federation Type 5 Shuttle craft (No. 15, aka Goddard) and check this out...a 1989 Galoob Star Trek Federation Type 7 Shuttle craft Galileo.

For those of you who aren't really aware, these are amongst the USS Enterprise, NCC 1701-D's compliment of support and executive shuttle transport.

Goddard looked okay
I tested the electronics which works fine and
the hull and decal application was left more to be desired

Galileo on the other hand needed work
Notice the cellophane tape over the windows and warp nacelles?

The seller emailed me about the condition of these 2 shuttles...left in a loft too long and from the browning and discoloration, I'd say they had been exposed to UV rays at some point in time. There were signs of moisture damage on the decals, especially with Galileo. She was, amongst others, Cmdr. Riker's executive transport of choice for medium range destinations.

Galileo had what appears to be water damage

The roof needed a good cleaning

The first task was to wash them down. With Galileo, it was easy. Since it didn't contain any electronics, I brought the hippopotamus-looking craft into the kitchen sink and rinsed it out, followed by a good scrub with dish washing detergent and warm water. When that was done, Goddard was wiped down with a damp cloth and lather.

Later in the night, I applied lighter fluid to facial cotton and gave Galileo a good scrub! Zippo worked liked a charm as I noticed the shine on her hull began to show.

After a good clean-up and the painting detail, I added a couple of
black landing pad supports for Galileo's warp nacelles. Notice the
transporter annular confinement targeting scanners on
the front...

That's more like it.

Phase two involved restoring the details; bussard collectors and the field release grill on the warp nacelles. Aerosol spray cans and a paintbrush mostly. I did some masking and started repainting the details. It was actually quite therapeutic doing this after a long day's work. Nothing like spending some quality time indulging in my Trekker moods.

Galileo's blue field release grills warp nacelles
are actually automotive stickers cut-to-shape

For phase 3: decal replacement, I kept a decal sheet containing various Trek fonts with which to give Galileo her identity back. I also recycled some used automotive stickers to add the port and starboard navigational lights. Of course, no Federation shuttle craft is complete with Starfleet's delta shield logo and stripes!

After I was done with Galileo, I started work on Goddard. She didn't need much work. A simple clean-up job was required and some detailing. I added a gold tint to the warp nacelles and removed the cheesy decals. I replaced some of them with recycled automotive stickers.

There was however one thing that irked me. Enterprise's registry number on the bow was lobbed sided. I applied some Zippo magic and peeled it off slowly to correct the alignment. Thankfully, the sticker was salvageable. Much better.

After replacing some stickers with new ones and
giving a good polishing, she "rolled out" of
Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards looking spic and spam.

The Type 6 shuttles are favorite away mission landing crafts during the first 2 seasons of Star Trek:Voyager and also their favorite shuttles to crash or destroy!

Finally, the two former derelict shuttles are restored to their proper glory

Soon to come: How to repaint a TOS classic Phaser.

eFX Star Trek Prop Prototypes for 2011: Tricorder Mark VII TR-580, EM-33 Pistol, Laser Pistol & Communicator and TOS Type 1 Phaser

As Trekkers are eagerly anticipating Star Trek XII set for release in 2012, eFX Collectibles showcased their prototype props about 2 months ago making the wait even more anxious. The Trek fever is starting to brew as many are left guessing what's left in store for the forthcoming year leading up to the latest J.J. Abrams' Trek film.

The spy photos of the TNG Mark VII TR-580 Tricorder reveals the prop-maker's appreciation for nostalgia. Observe the tricorder's casing. The glossed over light dull gray is reminiscent of the screen used prop on many TNG episodes. The prop has really curvy corners; staying true to form. The 80's creation was said to be a box of flickering lights, but I believe I speak for most Trekkers when I say, who cares? For one, this design was one serious attempt to imagine a future hand-held multi-purpose scanner.

A first look at the fully-deployed TR-580. The LCARS display is true to it's screen-used prop having more blue and reds compared to the yellows and orange in Star Trek Voyager and Star Trek Deep Space 9 (DS9).

The sensor array hints that this would be the version set after the 3rd season of TNG, with sweeping LEDs and the lower assembly...

... as opposed to the earlier version; Mark VI TR-580 which incorporates a small hand-held sensor at the bottom of the unit.

Following behind the tricorder is the Star Trek Enterprise EM-33 Pistol, a pre-cursor to the newer Phase Pistol which you will see Captain Archer brandishing in many episodes of Enterprise. The latter was introduced circa 2151. According to canon sources, one of the disadvantages of the EM-33 was the need to compensate for particle drift, making the transition to the next generation, point-and-shoot phased pulse weapons difficult for some Starfleet personnel.

Next, the TOS Laser Pistol and communicator set. These were seen in the episode "The Cage". Crude but effective. The laser pistol was introduced circa 2250s but this seem to contradict the Enterprise timeline during which the Phase Pistol had been around since 2151. It makes little sense that Starfleet would issue lesser-yield handheld weapons.

Then, a little teaser for the TOS die-hard fans. A prototype cast of the Type I Phaser is shown here. This hand-held weapon was normally seen incorporated into the the Type II Phaser circa 2260. I've always personally liked this one, equipped with a targeting sight and is always considered a "back-up" weapon for Starfleet personnel.

If eFX is consistent, these things will be announced on their website a pre-orders and fans could lock in one with a payment of a small deposit and the balance upon completion of the prop. Usually, eFX limits these things to no more than 1,000 units in a run, possibly less.

If eFX is planning to replicate all the tricorders in range...well, let's just say it'll be a long way to go...

Cheap Display Cases @ Daiso, One Utama (New Wing)

Fellow collectors...If you're looking for small dimension display cases, you should pay a visit to the RM5 shop Daiso Japan located at LG308e, One Utama Shopping Centre (new wing). If you're coming up the escalator from the Reebok store, it's only your left, right at the end near Cold Storage.

This store has approximately 200,000 items for consumers of all ages. Don't expect electronic wares in here, but you'll find a myriad of useful wares, tools, receptacles, toys and even Japanese snacks and munchies.

These plastic display cases are found on the second last aisle from the back of the store near the other plastic ware and opposite the gardening section.

The one shown here is a 69 x 69 x 59mm (Width x Depth X Height) plastic display case with my Star Trek:TNG comm badge in it. This gives me incentive to bid for a screen-used comm badge going on eBay now. :)

Next, we have a 8.7 x 9.3 x 9.3 cm display case with a flat base. Ideal for porcelain figurines and 1:64 scale die cast cars. I house my 2008 Hallmark Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan diorama Ornament which makes a snug fit. Now it's free of dust and actually enhances the "dramatic" moment of the USS Reliant ambush on the bridge of the Enterprise..."on screen Mr. Sulu..."

This one has the same dimensions as the former, save as it comes with 2-semi circular mounts on the base designed to raise flat items to give it some character like this TNG Type 1 hand Phaser.

The other variant I purchased is a 21 x 7 x 8cm plastic case in which my Type II hand Phaser rests. In fact, the fit is so perfect, the phaser hardly jostles when I move it around. This variant has somewhat a octagonal design which frankly, I think they could do without but instead have smoothen, rounded corners. I think the design was deliberate to make these versions for stacking as depicted by the pictogram on the packaging instructions. I can't have my cake and eat it too...

One thing to bear in mind though, there is no refund policy. I suggest visual checking your merchandise before checking out.

Type-III Phaser Rifle Kit

Yes. Another prop from the Star Trek universe. Call me a big kid, but I do really get surprised when I walk into a workshop and stumble upon stuff like this. I was at the My Sci-Fi Outpost at Cineleisure to see Kenny Gordvyn put the finishing touches to a rebel X-Wing fighter helmet prop when I saw this leaning against the wall. Yeah! The one Picard used to kick the Borg's ass in ST: First Contact.

In the meantime, I learned that sandpaper could make something look worn and weathered. Kenny is my kit building si-fu. He's been tinkering around with model kits for years. Somewhat of a maestro of kit building and a paint expert. Many hobbyists have sought his counsel in the area of plastics, resin and vinyl kits. Planes, trains and automobiles and of course, starships!

Coming back to the subject, this is a resin model of a Starfleet Type-III Phaser Rifle, a standard compliment in Starfleet vessels from 2373 onwards. Being resin, it's solid and does not creak when being maninpulated. It's around 80 per cent of the 'real 'sized weapon is one of 3 known variants.

Still, whoever put this together could have taken more time doing it. The rifle only has a dummy targeting scope; no sight and no lights. I read there are after market parts to form a functional scope. The beam intensity and beam width buttons are incomplete and the power settings indicator was not detailed. Could have drilled a chamber to house some electronics. Painting detail on this model could have been better. The surface is rough and the paint job uneven. The parts weren't assembled together properly with some misalignment and unpolished corners. Not to mention, the entire piece wasn't sanded down properly to get rid of the undulations and moulding marks. What a waste. If I could take possession of this kit, I'd do a complete repainting job to do it some justice, after having consulted Kenny no doubt.

New Trek Updates!

Classic Duo and the "New" Classic New Duo

(...a little surreal don't ya think?)

Space, the final frontier.... Apparently the new Trek XI trailer is out in theaters and is said to play before the newest James Bond flick, Quantum of Solace. I was just having a chat with my buddy (and naturally, fellow Trekkie) Kenny Gordvyn this evening who described the prediliction of many Trekkies for chasing even the slightest glimpse of the teaser trailer back when Cloverfield was on the silverscreen not too long ago. Not suprising, considering the still immense support for the Roddenberry's franchise.

The bridge of the USS Enterprise. Apparently, JJ Abrams wanted all buttons and toggles 'functional' to perfecting dramatic story telling. Facinating!

USS Kelvin (presumably named after William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin,
the British physicist)

So, logic dictates that some will be watching the new Bond flick for the sake of catching the new Trek trailer. After all, the new pictures are out of Trekmovie.com (click on the link) tantalising Trekkies accross the world in anticipation of the movie's release in May 2009. The men in tight uniforms and baggie dress pants are back, with the exception of first glimpse of Kirk's black tunic which JJ Abrams, director of Trek XI discloses that it's part of the story. (remains to be seen...)

Reminiscent of the pose of the original crew of the USS Enterprise

She's beautiful...

What I think I really like about the movie is the "re-refitted" version of the USS Enterprise and Zoe Saldana (hot!) playing Uhura (and for the first time, I found out that her first name is 'Nyota'). Chris Pine plays Kirk whislt the quirky Zachary Quinto plays Spock, the indispensable duo in the classic series. Miracle worker and engineer, Montgomery Scott is played by Simon Pegg whilst Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy is played by Karl Urban. Let's not forget the helmsman, Hikaru Sulu, played by John Cho.


On the other side, Eric Bana plays Nero, a Romulan Commander bent of precipitating war and threaten interstellar peace. Bana looks menacing with those pointy ears, tattoos and the cane he carries around. From Hulk to Romulan.... I think we have a worthy adversary against which the Enterprise's crew will attempt to thwart his plans of destruction.

If the Abrams hold true to his worth, then this movie will be a worthwhile adventure. I am keeping vigilant for updates and news. Hopefully, the latest instalment of the 'boldly goers' will be enought to set phasers to kill!

Diamond Select Enterprise D and More...

I know I've been dabbling on Trekkie stuff recently, but I can't help it. It's part fiction and part science...and I love Star Trek by reason as said...so here goes...

Diamond Select Toys is releasing a new wave of collectibles and memorabilia and the Enterprise D is amongst them.


Enterprise D: A Galaxy Class starship and the 5th starship to carry the name "Enterprise ", the Enterprise D was launched on 4th of October 2363 (happens to be my birthday, approximately 355 years from now), under the command of Capt Jean-Luc Picard. This sizeable starship is capable of seperating saucer section as a means of abandoning either hull in the event of a catastrophic emergency.

The Enterprise D is capable of reaching speeds of up to Warp 9.6:

(That's approx 1,019 x the speed of light or 2.06 trillion kmh, although, USS Voyager has a stable cruise velocity of Warp 9.975 approx 21,473 x the speed of light! or 6 trillion kmh!!!...but then again, Voyager is equipped with a Class-9 warp drive with variable nacelle-geometry... BUT that's another story)

In 2371, Enterprise D was lost when the saucer section crashed on Veridian III after a battle with the Duras sisters. Although their warbird was destroyed by the Enterprise, enough damage was inflicted to cause a warp core breach. Shortly after the saucer had separated, from the stardrive section (where the warp core is), the core breached and the shockwave from the explosion forced the saucer section into the planet's atmosphere and a crash landing. Although most of the crew survived, the ship itself could not be salvaged.

It's been some 4 years since Art Asylum came out with any starship replicas. Years ago, AA did a commendable job with the:

• USS Enterprise A (launched in 2286, the Enterprise A is a redesignated Constitution Class starship, the USS Yorktown which was renamed after Admiral James T Kirk had to self-destruct the former ship in the Mutara Sector and the 'Whale Song crisis') and
  

• Starfleet's first Warp-5 vessel, the Enterprise NX-01 (launched in 2151, under the command of Capt. Jonathan Archer).

But since AA's merger with DS, I noticed that the quality of merchandize has just been amazing. (from the pictures laid out on the net that is) I thought AA was very detailed., but a preview of the internet pictures of DS' merchandize shows that many fans and collectors out there will be able to own ships which accuracy and scaling are close to studio/shooting models.

Forbidden Planet says that DS is also planning to release an alternate future timeline version of the Enterprise D in 'All Good Things', the final episode of ST:TNG. It'll be exciting to see whether this model will materialize (no pun intended) in the collectible market.

This version of the Enterprise D had undergone several significant modifications, including the addition of a third nacelle*, a cloaking device, and a heavy phaser bank/cannon mounted underneath the saucer section.

(Digressing a bit)
*It's worthy to note that the creator of Star Trek, Gene Roddenberry prescribed several 'rules' when it comes to starship designs:

Rule #1 Warp nacelles *must* be in pairs.
"The 'All Good Things' Enterprise is explained not to violate these because it has two warp field coils in each nacelle, thus creating three pairs. The Franz Joseph Designs single-nacelle ships are not official canon..."

Rule #2 Warp nacelles must have at least 50% line-of-sight on each other across the hull.

Rule #3 Both warp nacelles must be fully visible from the front.

Rule #4 The bridge must be located at the top center of the primary hull.

For you ardent Trekkies out there, the DS Enterprise D could be yours at USD50.00. You could try Ebay. I saw some sellers putting this collectible up for pre-order and it may be slightly cheaper, albeit, exclusive of shipping and handling. Or, you could see whether Area 51 Toys at 1 Utama, New Wing is taking orders yet.

Live long and prosper.

Mark X Tricorder

TR-590 Tricorder X

Science Fiction:

A tricorder is a sophisticated handheld device used by many Alpha and Beta Quadrant races. The tricorder is designed as a portable sensing, data analysis, and data communications device, with many specialized abilities which make it an asset to crews aboard starships and space stations as well as on away missions.

Science Fact:

The first "real-world" tricorder was developed by a Canadian company called the Vital Technologies Corporation in 1996. The scanner was called the TR-107 Mark 1; Vital Technologies sold 10,000 of them before going out of business in 1997. The TR-107 could scan EM radiation, temperature, and barometric pressure.

The TR-107 is properly referred to as a true "tricorder" due to a clause in Gene Rodenberry's contracts with Desilu/Paramount dating back to the time of the Original Series. The clause specified that if any company could find a way to make one of the fictional devices actually work, then they would have the right to use the name.

Project Phaser: Phase 1

Captain's log...

Let me explain what "Phase1" is....but before that, how "Phase 1" got its impetus...

I recently touched based with my old friend, Chow Fook Cheong, a fellow Trekker (amongst others) and blogger (check out his blog "Oh!Penions"). Ever since that bloke got married 5 years ago, we hardly kept in touch. Chow is also an electronic-ian extraordinaire and has undertaken to revamp the electronics in my Starfleet Type II Phaser.

Chow's really got the neck for tinkering around with electronics. Check this link out for a sample of his projects. He's posted a few on YouTube and he goes by the pseudonym ,"Mr. Engineer" (how appropriate).


I've had this cool 'weapon' since I was 18 years old. Remember paying an arm and a leg for it. I've tinkered around with it years ago. I incorporated a switch to power up the power setting bar and I pushed the emitter 'crystal' (clear plastic) back into the pre-fire chamber, making it look more realistic.

Chow showed me a prototype circuitry of a Phaser Rifle (aka Type III Phaser) lighting. When I saw the thing light up, I got very intrique. I noticed that the LED-bar could be wired up to a silicon chip and programmed to run multiple sequence.

So, there it was, the moment when my passion for electronics re-ignited! :)

So, "Phase 1" entails redesigning the electronics to accommodate a programmable chip and an LED-bar. Ideally, the power settings should go up to 16, but the LED-bar has only 10. On the bright side, I wanted to be different. I love what Chow did with the "sweeping" mode on the LED-bar...he programmed the LEDs to flash diametrically opposed to each other after a 1-minute elapse. (To see what that looks like, go watch one of the Star Trek movies. The same light sequence of the main viewscreen on the USS Enterprise's bridge.) A super-bright Luxeon LED will be planted in the emitter chamber, running on 15mAh in substitution for the present 1.5V bulb.


"Phase 1" may also entail incorporating a capacitance swicth beneath the Phaser's grip. When you place your hand on the grip, the whole unit will energize (it's like a touch screen but using dynamics of an electric charge to activate the switch). Although, this is strictly optional for want of space...may not be able to fit all the necessary electronics in the 'weapon'.

Terminology time: If you don't know what a Phaser is, here is an exerp from Wikipedia:

"PHASER is an acronym for PHASed Energy Rectification, though from a physics standpoint even this is of equal semantic content - ordinary incoherent light is not 'rectified', or synchronous, whereas Lasing and Masing emissions are rectified, or synchronous.

Phasers appear as both personal hand-held weapons and as starship-mounted weapons. Hand-held phasers are depicted to have a variety of settings, able to "stun", "kill", "heat", "disrupt", and "dematerialize". Capable of being used as welding torches or cutting tools, they can be set to "overload", whereby they build up a force-chamber explosion internally; the resulting blast will destroy most natural objects within a 50-yard radius. This process is marked by a distinctive sound that increases in volume and intensity until it is deactivated or it detonates. Hand phasers can also be set to fire in "Wide Beam" mode, to strike multiple targets at once. The weapon can also be useful for wilderness survival in cold weather with its ability to create a sustained heat source by shooting at a large piece of solid material like rock."

In a nutshell:-

• A Phaser is a directed-energy, particle beam weapon with no intermediary energy conversion (such as a laser).
  

• A Phaser discharge is achieved via coupling of energy stored in the weapon's power cells with a LiCU251 superconducting crystal, resulting in a narrow (or wide) nadion (artificially generated particles) particle beam.

• The higher the setting, more nadions are produced and the higher nuclear distruption forces (NDF) as opposed to simple electromagnetic effects (SEM) Distruptive effects increases geometrically with higher settings. (SEM: NDF ratio increases) The effects range from simple disruption in the central nervous system (CNS), causing unconciousness (at lower settings) to massive thermal effects to vaporisation of the subject matter (at higher settings)
  

Once "Phase 1" is completed, Chow may go to "Phase 2", to incorporate a sound-chip, programmable to store sound effects from the movies...gives the Phaser a nice "phzzzzz" firing sound. Again, subject to availability of space in the 'weapon'.

Last night, I surrendered my precious merchandise to him. Left it at his mercy now :) The project should take a few months. Our friend is now a family man and I can't expect him to put priority on this project. So, as in traditional naval practices, I wish him, "may the wind be in your back"...

Live long and prosper.