Built in the early 80's, the U.S.S. Galileo has some interesting history behind it. Originally built for a 15 minute student film, the model was named the U.S.S. AURA. As with many ideas, we had in our youth, the film never materialized. The model went back on the shelf. The model was then featured in an article that I wrote for FANTASY MODELING magazine titled; “SCRATCH BUILDING SPACESHIP MINIATURES FOR FILM”. After sitting for a few more years, it did finally end up in a film. Bob Balaban (David Laughlin in CE3K) was directing a short independent film of his own called SPFX 1140 and through a friend I was contacted about using the model in his film. I was introduced to Mr. Balaban and he wanted to use the model in his production. I changed the name to “GALILEO” and my friend and I filmed the model (in 16mm) in his NYC loft and the footage was cut into Mr. Balaban’s short. You can even see my name in the film credits. My personal 15 minutes of fame!

Designed primarily as a research vessel, I wanted to pay homage to the VALLEY FORGE as seen in one of my favorite films “SILENT RUNNING”. Thus, the center structure and the three “research” domes were patterned after the VF. The model was scratch built mostly from sheet styrene, Plastruct tubing and K&S brass tube. Internal LED’s, grain of wheat bulbs and fiber optics provided the lighting for the model. The entire surface of the model is detailed with .020" styrene plates shaped and cut to fit the various shapes on the model. Some of the panels are attached with jewelers screws to provide access to the internal lighting. You can even see the screw heads in some photos. The shuttle is from an old Lindberg kit, modified slightly and positioned on the rear section of the model. I recently made a new base with a graphic panel and internal battery power for the lights. A real “blast from the past” but still in good shape after 20 years.

Image: Silent homage

Image: Engine strut detail

Image: Ventral array

Image: Shuttle detail

Image: Coming together