If there’s one science fiction model that rises above all others in terms of longevity and legacy, it’s the original AMT release of their 18” U.S.S. Enterprise from the original Star Trek TV series.

It's been in production virtually non-stop since its debut in 1967! So, let’s explore the development and convoluted history of this classic model kit. Pack a lunch…this is a long one!

Do you want to download your own copy of that collage featured at the end of the video? Visit https://liftoffworks.com/?p=1122 to celebrate over half a century of AMT Star Trek Models! This FREE commemorative poster is suitable for printing.

Refs:

Jay Chladek, “AMT 18” Enterprise Reissue – Review”, https://culttvman.com/main/amt-18-ent...

Jay Chladek, “History and Evolution of the AMT 18” U.S.S. Enterprise kit”, https://culttvman.com/main/a-history-...

Memory Alpha, “Constitution class model (original)”, https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/...)

Memory Alpha, “Star Trek Model Kits”, https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/...

Nick Ottens, “Designing the First Enterprise”, https://forgottentrek.com/the-origina...

Star Trek Fact Check, “The Truth About Star Trek and the Ratings”, https://startrekfactcheck.blogspot.co...

Scalemates, “Star Trek U.S.S. Enterprise”, https://www.scalemates.com/kits/amt-s...

Logan Skeele, “AMT Model Kits History, 1 to 1 Star Trek Movie Prop Galileo & Model Kits, & AMT Plastic Kits Today!” https://farmtoysandmore.com/wordpress...

Glen Swanson, “The USS Enterprise, Star Trek, and the AMT Corporation”, http://www.glenswanson.space/uploads/...

Wikipedia, “Aluminum Model Toys”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminu...

Images:

“A 1960s Summer Day at The Maxwell Market Chicago Illinois - Vintage Street Scene Footage”, G Cast / YouTube,    • A 1960s Summer Day at The Maxwell Mar...  

“Desilu Memo – Roddenberry to Guzman, 1964”, image shared with permission by FactTrek.com, https://www.facttrek.com/blog/emblematic

“Enterprise reference footage for modellers”, Nik Barnes / YouTube,    • enterprise reference footage for mode...  , CBS Studios Inc.

“Forbidden Planet” (1956), Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

“Gene Roddenberry Interview (August 14, 1988)”, Larmon / YouTube,    • Gene Roddenberry Interview (August 14...  

“It! The Terror from Beyond Space” (1958), United Artists

“Map of Interstate 696 / Michigan” created by Fredddie and is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/...

“Matt Jefferies 2001 Video Interview” (2003) Star Trek.com, Paramount Pictures, https://ca.startrek.com/watch_video/m...

“The Munsters” (1964-1966), MCA Inc. / NBCUniversal Television Distribution

“Rare Behind The Scenes Star Trek Footage”, PlanetSciFi / YouTube   • Rare Behind The Scenes Star Trek Footage  , CBS Studios Inc.

“Star Trek” (1966-1968), CBS Studios Inc.

“Star Trek Original Series Enterprise Reference Shots”, Doug Drexler / Vimeo, https://vimeo.com/153272017, CBS Studios Inc.

“Star Trek: The Motion Picture” (1979), Paramount Pictures

“Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” (1982), Paramount Pictures

“Steve Jobs iPhone 2007 Presentation”, Jonathan Turetta / YouTube,    • Steve Jobs iPhone 2007 Presentation (HD)  

“Timeline: 1983 - The Year of Sally Ride, The Moonwalk and Lucky Stars”, Weird History / YouTube,    • Timeline: 1983 - The Year of Sally Ri...  

“Wagon Train” (1957-1965), Revue Studios / NBC Universal Television

“What is Injection Molding and How Does it Work?”, Hubs/Youtube,    • What is Injection Molding and How Doe...  

“When Worlds Collide” (1951), Paramount Pictures

“World Map Line Business Connection”, stock video by Vecteezy / Prakasit Khuansuwan, https://www.vecteezy.com/video/162251...

“Vintage London | Oxford Street | 1978”, Thames TV / YouTube,    • Vintage London | Oxford Street | 1978  

Music:

“Blockbuster Cinematic Adventure” – Blue Sky Audio, Envato Elements https://elements.envato.com/, license certificate # MFL2WEC9SP

“Cavalcade of Stars”, Aaron Paul Low, Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/c..., License code: EK1LRD0GZPNDSNQ4

“Space Fiction” – PaBlikMM01, Envato Elements https://elements.envato.com/, license certificate # 2XBKTZV483

“Space Force Theme” – Rafael Krux/Orchestralis, Envato Elements https://elements.envato.com/, license certificate # GWQ2BPYFHX

“Space Quest” – 8th Mode Music, Envato Elements https://elements.envato.com/, license certificate # XMEVNY8JBF