A Journey Through the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour
Visiting an attraction that has become a mecca for Star Trek enthusiasts is always an exciting endeavor. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour in Ticonderoga, New York. This venue, crafted with precision and passion, faithfully recreates the iconic sets from the beloved 1960s television series, making it a must-visit destination for fans around the globe.
The brainchild behind this incredible experience is James Collie. He gained recognition for producing a series of fan films known as Star Trek New Voyages in the mid-2000s. These works were not just typical fanfare; they showcased an intense dedication to recapturing the authentic aesthetic of the original series. The attention to detail in the sets, costumes, and scripts reflected his passion for Star Trek, transforming his fan films into a labor of love for aficionados.
Collie's venture into creating the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour has turned into an exciting attraction, attracting visitors who wish to immerse themselves in the vivid world of Starfleet. It has operated for approximately eight years, blossoming into a pilgrimage point for fans worldwide.
Traveling to the tour, I opted to fly into Albany, New York, which, while situated a tad further from Ticonderoga, proved to provide an equally spectacular view along the route. The lush foliage and charming landscapes of this region are a stark contrast to the dry, brown terrain of Southern California, making it an enjoyable drive. Upon arrival, my friend David Lee and I were greeted with anticipation as we stood before the tour's entrance sign.
Our day began with a brief orientation, where we learned about specific tour guidelines and enjoyed a demonstration on recreating the show's legendary door mechanisms. Walking through the main entrance, feelings of nostalgia took over, as I stepped into the 23rd century merely by crossing the threshold.
The tour commenced, allowing us to explore iconic locations such as the briefing room, transporter room, and sickbay. Each set was strikingly detailed, helping us relive memorable moments from the series. The briefing room, with its atmospheric lighting and vivid color palette, felt hauntingly familiar, transporting us back to many of the famous scenes that took place there.
In the transporter room, complete with working recreations of the original controls, I found myself enthusiastically awaiting the command to "energize." Each room contained nostalgic references, including replicas of props that sparked poignant recollections of the show.
Sickbay made for another thrilling stop, filled with familiar tools and artifacts reminiscent of doctors McCoy's treatments aboard the Enterprise. The combination of meticulous detail and authentic designs in every stop ensured that every moment was loaded with awe.
Perhaps my favorite part of the tour was the engineering section, a treasure trove of intricate replicas that depicted the heart of the ship’s operations. Standing beside the dazzling impulse engine, I could not help but imagine the countless adventures that unfolded within these walls.
No visit would be complete without entering the bridge of the USS Enterprise. As I stepped onto this legendary set, the sense of command and adventure washed over me. Sitting in what might not be the original captain's chair, I could almost hear Captain Kirk's commanding voice issuing orders across the galaxy.
As we concluded our exploration, I took one last look around the bridge, indulging in the feeling of belonging to this extraordinary universe. Exiting the bridge led us back to the present, surrounded by an array of collectibles capturing the essence of Star Trek history.
While perusing the collectibles, we had the extraordinary opportunity to meet James Collie himself. Engaging him in conversation unveiled tales from his experiences in the Star Trek: The Next Generation costume department, along with anecdotes of how this set tour came to fruition.
After browsing through the collectibles and spending time in the gift shop, David and I indulged in some classic diner fare nearby before deciding to take a second tour. This allowed us to relive the experience at a leisurely pace, soaking in details we may have missed in our initial venture.
As my visit drew to a close, I wrapped up the day wearing a green wrap tunic, designed by talented artist Dennis Cheu. It served as a fitting reminder of the magic I had just experienced.
We also briefly visited Fort Ticonderoga, a beautiful site just down the road and a nice complement to the day.
Looking towards the future, the prospect of a return trip lingers in my mind. Mr. Collie mentioned plans for the display of the restored Galileo shuttlecraft, promising many exciting experiences yet to come.
In essence, the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour is not merely an attraction but a tribute to the far-reaching impact of Star Trek. For fans and newcomers alike, it offers an unparalleled experience to step into the world that shaped generations. If you ever find yourself in the area, I wholeheartedly recommend taking the time to visit—you won’t be disappointed.
Part 1/9:
A Journey Through the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour
Visiting an attraction that has become a mecca for Star Trek enthusiasts is always an exciting endeavor. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour in Ticonderoga, New York. This venue, crafted with precision and passion, faithfully recreates the iconic sets from the beloved 1960s television series, making it a must-visit destination for fans around the globe.
The Birth of a Star Trek Sanctuary
Part 2/9:
The brainchild behind this incredible experience is James Collie. He gained recognition for producing a series of fan films known as Star Trek New Voyages in the mid-2000s. These works were not just typical fanfare; they showcased an intense dedication to recapturing the authentic aesthetic of the original series. The attention to detail in the sets, costumes, and scripts reflected his passion for Star Trek, transforming his fan films into a labor of love for aficionados.
Collie's venture into creating the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour has turned into an exciting attraction, attracting visitors who wish to immerse themselves in the vivid world of Starfleet. It has operated for approximately eight years, blossoming into a pilgrimage point for fans worldwide.
The Journey Begins
Part 3/9:
Traveling to the tour, I opted to fly into Albany, New York, which, while situated a tad further from Ticonderoga, proved to provide an equally spectacular view along the route. The lush foliage and charming landscapes of this region are a stark contrast to the dry, brown terrain of Southern California, making it an enjoyable drive. Upon arrival, my friend David Lee and I were greeted with anticipation as we stood before the tour's entrance sign.
Our day began with a brief orientation, where we learned about specific tour guidelines and enjoyed a demonstration on recreating the show's legendary door mechanisms. Walking through the main entrance, feelings of nostalgia took over, as I stepped into the 23rd century merely by crossing the threshold.
Immersed in Iconic Spaces
Part 4/9:
The tour commenced, allowing us to explore iconic locations such as the briefing room, transporter room, and sickbay. Each set was strikingly detailed, helping us relive memorable moments from the series. The briefing room, with its atmospheric lighting and vivid color palette, felt hauntingly familiar, transporting us back to many of the famous scenes that took place there.
In the transporter room, complete with working recreations of the original controls, I found myself enthusiastically awaiting the command to "energize." Each room contained nostalgic references, including replicas of props that sparked poignant recollections of the show.
Part 5/9:
Sickbay made for another thrilling stop, filled with familiar tools and artifacts reminiscent of doctors McCoy's treatments aboard the Enterprise. The combination of meticulous detail and authentic designs in every stop ensured that every moment was loaded with awe.
Perhaps my favorite part of the tour was the engineering section, a treasure trove of intricate replicas that depicted the heart of the ship’s operations. Standing beside the dazzling impulse engine, I could not help but imagine the countless adventures that unfolded within these walls.
The Ultimate Place of Command
Part 6/9:
No visit would be complete without entering the bridge of the USS Enterprise. As I stepped onto this legendary set, the sense of command and adventure washed over me. Sitting in what might not be the original captain's chair, I could almost hear Captain Kirk's commanding voice issuing orders across the galaxy.
As we concluded our exploration, I took one last look around the bridge, indulging in the feeling of belonging to this extraordinary universe. Exiting the bridge led us back to the present, surrounded by an array of collectibles capturing the essence of Star Trek history.
Meeting the Mind Behind the Magic
Part 7/9:
While perusing the collectibles, we had the extraordinary opportunity to meet James Collie himself. Engaging him in conversation unveiled tales from his experiences in the Star Trek: The Next Generation costume department, along with anecdotes of how this set tour came to fruition.
After browsing through the collectibles and spending time in the gift shop, David and I indulged in some classic diner fare nearby before deciding to take a second tour. This allowed us to relive the experience at a leisurely pace, soaking in details we may have missed in our initial venture.
Reflections on a Memorable Journey
Part 8/9:
As my visit drew to a close, I wrapped up the day wearing a green wrap tunic, designed by talented artist Dennis Cheu. It served as a fitting reminder of the magic I had just experienced.
We also briefly visited Fort Ticonderoga, a beautiful site just down the road and a nice complement to the day.
Looking towards the future, the prospect of a return trip lingers in my mind. Mr. Collie mentioned plans for the display of the restored Galileo shuttlecraft, promising many exciting experiences yet to come.
Part 9/9:
In essence, the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour is not merely an attraction but a tribute to the far-reaching impact of Star Trek. For fans and newcomers alike, it offers an unparalleled experience to step into the world that shaped generations. If you ever find yourself in the area, I wholeheartedly recommend taking the time to visit—you won’t be disappointed.