My Homage to McQuarrie's Enterprise

Back in the 70's the idea was hatched to create a second Trek series with the original crew. Kirk and the gang would reunite for another "5 year mission". Not only would there be some new faces (Spock being replaced by Xon) but a newly designed 1701 was also ordered. Ralph McQuarrie, the renowned scifi design artist was commissioned to submit his ideas. What has become known to some as the "Phase 2 Enterprise" was a radical departure to traditional Starfleet designs (see picture above). Most fans hated it. I on the other hand love it and have been fascinated by it's "what if" aspect ever since. I have doodled on paper my own ideas for this ship many times and have now decided to flesh it out as my latest Wooden Rocket. My progress is documented below.

The pieces laid out and ready for painting.


My kids giving dad a helping hand.


The look so far.


This model is only based on the McQuarrie version and is not meant to be a duplicate. Once the model is complete I'll give more detail behind my motivation in the next post.

Finished: USS Hotspur

She's finally done. Although, as I've done in the past, I'll probably add bits here and there. Not sure of the classification as of yet, but her era is "post TOS/pre TMP". I named her the Hotspur in honor of Horatio Hornblower's first command. I figured since Captain Kirk was inspired somewhat by Hornblower that this would be a good tribute and tie in. She's just slightly smaller than a Constitution class vessel. I put lifeboats on the hull although they were not visible on ships during this time. I just like the added detail it gives. I'll add more if I think of anything else to say about her. Probably will. Enjoy the pics. -Brent

Progress: USS Hotspur

Here's the latest on the Hotspur. I've put in some windows that I made with a glossy poster board that I found at Hobby Lobby. Each one is 1/4" X 2/8". I've lettered the saucer and put on the name so it's officially the Hotspur now. I added the deflector dish and some armor plating (greebling) in different areas. The greebles are made from cracker box cardboard which is what I most always use. I'll update again when complete. I still need a stand and a little more detailing to the model itself. More to come.

On The Bench: USS Hotspur

Parts laid out in order after cutting and sanding.

This one is my largest to date. Probably won't build another one this big. Takes too much time and patience.....and paint and glue and sanity. It's 14" in length approximately and is built to scale with the AMT 1701. I've named her Hotspur after one of Horatio Hornblower's commands. There was also a real Hotspur in the Royal Navy (Victorian era) that will probably help me decide on the registry numbers. I'm in the process of detailing and greebling now. Since these pics were taken I've added the deflector dish and some other tidbits. Will update with completion pics when finished. -Brent