Do Not Read This Sign?


As well documented on The IDIC Page, the original USS Enterprise studio model underwent an overhaul at the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum (NASM) during December 1991-January 1992. This was in preparation for the NASM's 1992-93 Star Trek exhibition. The model was renovated by model-maker, Ed Miarecki, who we consider to be one of the finest model/prop makers in or out of Hollywood. During the exhibit, we noticed that the original "Tail Pipe Socket Adjustment Access" sign decal, just below the starboard pylon on the secondary hull, had been removed. The first photo below shows the original "Tail Pipe" sign, and the second photo shows the Miarecki-renovated model without the sign.

[Starboard secondary hull, pre-Miarecki renovation]


[Starboard secondary hull, post-Miarecki renovation]


Now comes this photo from the 1992 display, courtesy of Frank Allen, which shows that the original "Inspection Door Vent Systems Connection" decal on the lower saucer section was replaced with a "joke" sign, which says, "Do Not Read This Sign!" We asked Ed Miarecki about this, who responded, "I never believed that those little signs were original to the model, since the model was repainted by NASM (during a previous renovation)...if you have evidence to the contrary, I'd love to see it."

[Lower saucer section, pre- and post-Miarecki renovation]


Well, the only evidence we have are copies of the original decal sheets for the 11-foot Enterprise model. These decal sheets have mini signs, such as "Inspection Door Vent Systems Connections," "Tail Pipe Socket Adjustment Access," as well as numerous others, which are identical to the one shown in the 1982 photo. The NASM never had access to the original decal sheets, which The IDIC Page got from a former Desilu/Paramount employee who obtained the sheets during 1972. To our knowledge, these decal sheets are the only surviving originals for the 11-foot model, which had been stored by the owner in a closet for 25 years. Further description of the original decal sheets is shown on this page: The IDIC Page - Original Enterprise Decal Sheets.

Hopefully, the original signs can be re-applied to the model during the next NASM renovation. Incidentally, the "joke" signs were removed from the model for the NASM's year 2000 exhibition.

Return to The IDIC Page - Enterprise main page.

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What do you think about the joke signs on the original Enterprise model? Please send your comments and suggestions to The IDIC Page.