Star Trek visual effects artist gives an exclusive tour of the amazing fan-built Enterprise

By: Peter Greenwood     Posted: October 31, 2016, 2:51PM   

Image: James Fazar

For years, Trekkies have dreamt of setting foot on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise. Thanks to an Elvis impersonator in Upstate New York, the dream has come true.

 

Ticonderoga resident James Cawley began constructing a full-scale replica of the original Star Trek sets in 1997, after inheriting a copy of the Matt Jefferies' original blueprints. Earlier this year, the 50-year-old entertainer, who sports the hairstyle of the King, completed his passion project. We told you about it back in July. For $20, visitors can explore the beautifully reproduced and detailed Enterprise, right down to the multi-tiered chess set. Tickets can be purchased at StarTrekTour.com.

It seems too good to be true, but it's more fun than a barrel of Tribbles to walk the halls of the classic Enterprise set. We are proud to present a personal photographic tour led by none other than Oscar and Emmy winner Doug Drexler.

Drexler's Star Trek credits stretch back decades, having served as a graphic designer, illustrator, makeup artist and/or visual effects artist on The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise and several Star Trek motion pictures.

As a teenage, Drexler was also part of the letter-writing campaign to save The Original Series. Needless to say, he has a deep respect for all of the design elements that make up the vast Star Trek universe.

These set photos show the total commitment to technical excellence and function that was demanded by Gene Roddenberry and executed by Jefferies, a former aircraft designer. These visionaries saw these environments not as a mere soundstage, rather a real environment where space exploration takes place.

While Doug Drexler is not a permanent fixture of the exhibit, he may in fact return to host another guided tour in the near future. Watch the exhibit website to see if you can get experienced insight into the workings of the Enterprise.

Image: James FazarDrexler commands the bridge.

Image: James FazarCawley, left, with Drexler at the captain's chair he brought to life.

Image: James FazarTake a closer look at the instrument panels on the bridge.

Image: James FazarEven the furniture is perfect.

Image: James FazarDo not drink the liquids.

Image: James FazarThe lighting perfectly captures the mood of a starship in action.

Image: James FazarDozens of props have been reproduced.

Image: James FazarKeep your ears peeled for a Red Alert.

Image: James FazarNo Redshirts were harmed in the making of this tour.

Image: James FazarDon't go in there.

Image: James FazarScotty would be right at home here.

Image: James FazarDammit, Jim, he's a tour guide, not a doctor.

In this vintage pic, Drexler stands by an Enterprise model.