This third in a series of posts on Star Trek: The Exhibition; now open at the Detroit Science Center (http://www.detroitsciencecenter.org/) until Sept. 7, 2009; focuses on the Display Panels of the full size Original Series USS Enterprise Bridge replica. This TOS Bridge is just one of several simulated Star Trek environments on display that provides fans with an unequalled opportunity to immerse themselves and interact with the world of Star Trek. Startrekpropauthority.blogspot.com was allowed to photograph the exhibition on Feb. 14th, 2009 and Feb. 21st, 2009 and is presenting posts on some of the exciting TOS-related components of this comprehensive collection - which features screen used costumes, props, starship filming models and set recreations that span all 5 Star Trek television series and 10 feature films. Many thanks to the staff of the Detroit Science Center for their kind assistance; with special recognition to Kelly Fulford, Kerri Budde, Amanda Jackson, and Todd Slisher for their outstanding support.
The introductory post on Star Trek: The Exhibition which provides a general overview of the event can be seen at: http://startrekpropauthority.blogspot.com/2009/02/star-trek-exhibition-beams-into-detroit.html
The photo immediately below shows an authentic Bridge display panel from the 1960's Desilu TOS Bridge set. This Engineering station panel was backlit with ceramic 25-watt light sockets and wiring that could randomly flash the bulbs to generate the on-screen appearance of a dynamic, functioning starship display. While the graphics panels on the Detroit Bridge replica were static and always steadily lit; visitors to the simulated TOS Bridge on opening day were told that many of the backlit panels were authentic screens that were present during filming of the series from 1966-69.
Below are some views of the different sets of display panels as they are arranged at the various workstations on the TOS Bridge replica. Mr. Spock's Library Computer Station ...
Lt. Uhura's Communications Station ...
The Engineering Station, used by Mr. Scott while on duty on the Bridge ...
The Environmental Systems Station ...
The Engineering Sub-systems Checkout Station ...
Below are selected screenshots from some first season TOS episodes that illustrate well many of the display panels which were seen around the Bridge perimeter. Indeed, many appear to be identical matches to those on display at the Detroit exhibit...
Some close-ups of the Original Series display panels in the simulated TOS Bridge environment at Star Trek: The Exhibition ...
