Pawing through the Drex Files last night, and hokey smokes! I come across images of the only once seen Romulan shuttle used on DS9. I designed it for Gary Hutzel, it was built by Meinenger. An exquisite job by his Brazil Fabrications. “It’s a brief, almost throwaway shot of the shuttle landing at DS9’s mid ring, and riding the elevator down into the station’s hangars,” explained Gary. “We’ll need a design for the shuttle, plus the hangar interior… can a guy like you, do a thing like this, for someone like me?” I can’t resist Gary. Not only talented, he has a great sense of humor, and like Richard Benjamin said in the commentary track for My Favorite Year, “There’s nothing better than funny.”
I’ll probably add to this post over the next day or two as I dig up more. In the meantime, enjoy these shots.
Great little model! So, romulan letters on the hull as well as the nacelles, I don´t recall mention of a romulan language but did you intend them to signify a name of the shuttle?
There were about 25 letters to the Romulan language. The style was to place them in blocks when used on interfaces. The Romulans, like most Trek races, are very much like us, so it’s a good bet that the demarcations are registry number, who the shuttle belongs to, and possibly a name for the shuttle itself.
Wow…what a beautiful ship!! Only used once?? Too bad. Did the model survive?
Now is it just me…or does the front view (1st picture) look a bit like a Cylon Raider?
Must be just me…lol
Awesome entry…THANKS!!
Gooch
Hi Gooch! Fancy meeting you here! I have no idea where the model is today. The facial resemblance is no surprise when you consider that the design ethic for both comes from ancient Roman armor. Romulans= Romans. Cylon Centurions= Roman Centurions.
Snazzy. Looks like a bit more time was taken designing this one than the ship used in TNG’s “The Defector.” Also, genuinely birdlike. I’d certainly display one of these above my desk.
Usually you all get about the same amount of time to design something like this… none! It was a delicious, exquistive model! Used only once… now you see it, now you don’t!
Thank you very much for posting these pictures of the Romulan Shuttle. This is indeed a treat.
This just in: I turned up the rest of the Romulan Shuttle shots. Watch for them in a future article. – Doug
I had no idea that was a model. I thought it was a painting. That shows your level of talent. Looking forward to more Ships of the Line…
–publius
I’m a big fan of this obscure shuttle. Any chance there will be other images added?
Great design by the way.
Don, it just so happens that I’ve turned up a cache of pics of the Romulan shuttle. I’ll post then in the near future. – Doug
Wondering if there was a numbering system established as well as the 25 letter-glyphs…?
I’ve been playing with Bridwell-derived Kryptonian alphabet font design myself for a while now, not being entirely sure if Al Turniansky ever got around to doing his own version of it, among other amateur typography projects. Hence the curiosity.
Beauty, eh.
Funny good.
LLP,
deg
PS. Looks a bit like Beaker.
Doug, that’s awesome! I had never seen this one! Teach me to not pay attention….
In case there is any doubt, that’s Rob Bonchune, ladies and gentlemen.
Great looking ship. One of my favorites from DS9. It’s a shame it wasn’t seen more in the show. I would love to see more pix!
In case there is any doubt, that’s Rob Bonchune, ladies and gentlemen.
Oh wow, good to know Doug. Huge admirer of your work there Rob. Huge.
PLL,
deg