I like this Matt Jefferis design being used as a Orion cruiser in STAR TREK CONTINUES episodes-https://youtu.be/4mOpmIFTxkE?list=PLhvh2eq-XLgqNxH6npvQxGxLCUHy90IpZ
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Lou Ferino - TVs Incredible Hulk stars as the Orion capt.
I saw that! You're right too; this was a cool ship.
It had an interesting Star Trek History.
A ship similar in design to the one from the original, fan produced Start Trek episode Lorani, that is pictured above. It was developed by Matt Jefferies; the designer of the NCC-1701 and many spacecraft and props on the original Star Trek. He had agreed to create a parallel series of models to sell as "kind-of" Trek, marketed by AMT as another space series. The company saw the opportunity in having a model series not depending upon Star Trek as their primary science fiction source for model kits. The plan was that this ship design [see below] marketed as the Leif Ericson; a main craft featured in a series of comic books that would be marketed along with AMT's model series. The Interplanetary UFO/Lief Ericson form was taken from an early design for the USS Enterprise that was rejected by Roddenberry, then passed over for the Interplanetary Space Freighter, DY-100. Jefferies,a brilliant and educated designer, liked the look and figured he'd make some money off it in another life. He'd tried getting it included into the Animated episodes, only to have it cut from the finished versions that were broadcast. When AMT was seeking a money-maker, he'd tried using it as the flagship for the project.
But it wasn't to be...
Though the design did look good, the comic production never lifted off and the rest of his accompanying designs (which would have included a larger shuttle and other ships) never were ordered. AMT re-issued the failed effort as the "Glow-In-The Dark" UFO model, with a bit more success. They AMT changed hands, and priorities several times. The Interplanetary UFO was lost in the shuffle.
I have to admit; I liked this model. I built it as a kid and it held up well over 50 years. I have always respected the clean, Jefferies-futuristic style and the logic in where components were placed.
BTW: someone sent me a paper version of this, many years ago, that was never completed. He offered it to me to make the project work after he'd lost interest. If I have Zathros' luck in getting my computer up, and a graphics system for it, I may take a turn to try cleaning it up and making it available for everyone as a paper kit. I'll just have to search my emails for the designer to give him the credit for there pdo that I would be developing the finished kit from!