THE EXCELSIOR CLASS STUDY MODELS

Here we're going to take at look at these Excelsior Study models, for which there are several, all created to present an impression of the new 'Excelsior' prototype concept for Star Trek III: The Search For Spock.

These images were taken from Star Trek: The Magazine, and the scans are used with the permission of The Mighty Monkey of Mim. The text I have written alongside the images is loosely based on excerpts from the magazine article.

Model 1

This is an early attempt at the four nacelle concept. Nilo Rodis provided the initial sketches, and from that basic design came this model, built by Bill George. George tried to convey the idea that this, and The Enterprise, were of the same starship design family. Primarily, the Excelsior would be designed to take on a more stretched appearance, providing the viewer with the feeling that it is a larger, more powerful ship, perhaps being a successor to the Constitution Class. And it also made better use of the wide-format cinema screen.

Model 2

Altered Model 1 - slightly different style, with two additional nacelles attached.

Model 3

This is just another slightly altered incarnation of the first model, again though with two nacelles. One interesting thing to note here is the registry.... Here it is blown up. 

Curious....

Here is this model making a cameo in 'Unification' (more)

Model 4

This is the last phase of Excelsior study models, and as such, is closest to the actual, final USS Excelsior that we know. George introduced a more curvy and nautical feel to this final version, and Nimoy, who would give the nod to which he liked best, picked this one. No doubt it was closest, and more consistent with the Enterprise.

compare with finalised version....

Other Pictures

A Comparison shot of two different images of Model 2

Model 4, from The Art of Star Trek

Model 1, from The Art of Star Trek

If you wish to use any of the images on this page, you must ask permission first - credits and links must also be inserted. Do not use excerpts of text. Further distribution of Art of Star Trek images is strictly prohibited, and are not to be used on any web pages. 

Acknowledgements: Thanks to Dukhat, for enlightening me to the new images, and to The Mighty Monkey of Mim, for providing the scans.

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