[THE DC]

Only a few more decent pics, so...

Pic 1; Upper saucer portion:
Here's an odd angle of the aft portion of the upper saucer. The model was lit at the time it was taken, illustrating how flush the imbedded upper sensor rectangular pad is.

Also of interest are the graphics along the impulse housing strip (note the color difference too if the engines and the main hull too). The yellow squares are barely visible.

The very subtle deflector grid can be made out with this pic.



Pic 2; forward upper saucer:
Here's another view of the starboard bow, illustrating again how the sensor pads in the hull are flushly embedded; the very smooth design.

The deflector grid is also visible; note how subtle it is compared to most posters and professional plastic kits that are offered. For building a replica, it would almost be penciled on, rather than indented.

The three circular space-energy sensors, short range, along the front of the saucer rim are also flush with the hull.

The red bulbs coming off the side of the raised portion on the bridge assembly are clear with this angle.

The slight weathering is notable.

Look closely and the blistering of the original paint is apparent near the very front (remember that this part of the model is the only one not restored...it was left original as the last, third season renovation left it, before donation to the museum).



Pic 3; top of the saucer:
The subtle deflector grid, on this unrestored portion of the model, is visible in this pic.

Note the rectangular upper sensor, lit up.



Pic 4; upper saucer lit up:
In the background, the bussard on the engine is lit up.

Note how visible the unrestored portion of the painting, with the large blisters in the front.

Note that the lighting along the hull, under the bridge assembly, is slightly in different coloration.

Other replica matching details would include the matching of the font type.

The very subtle coloration differences along grid patterns, both atop the hull and along the rim might be viewed.





These pics illustrate the concept of advanced technology that was promoted; different from the greeble-filled perceptions of today's entertainment schema. The hull was coated with material to protect sensor systems and other components, instead of leaving sensitive machinery exposed to radiation and other space threats. It was as if the ship was covered in an ablative armor.