Star Trek

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Deliberate mistake: Special effects of the ship in space were very expensive in the 60s and couldn't be wasted. So when a larger model was built with slightly different nacelles, shots of both versions became common, even within the same episode. This is why the Enterprise sometimes had red needle-tipped nacelles and sometimes lighted "spinning" ones, and in aft views she had either round white spheres or perforated vents at the nacelles' ends.

Jean G

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Revealing mistake: While the interior sets for the shuttle craft provided adequate room for the actors to stand, the mock-up built for exterior shots was undersized, and too short to stand up in by several inches. So when entering or exiting the shuttle, the actors always had to duck.

Jean G

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Factual error: In several episodes, when the Enterprise has to turn "hard about", we see it banking to one side like a jet plane. The Enterprise has no wings, and they're in space. No banking.

Spock: Live long and prosper.

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What Are Little Girls Made Of? - S1-E8

Question: When the Enterprise is in orbit, it uses the Impulse engines to maintain orbit. The Impulse engines are located on the back (aft) of the primary saucer. Why were these not on or lit up? Unless they're using gravity, but there are the familiar engine sounds.

Movie Nut

Chosen answer: If they're in orbit, they're being pulled along by the planet's gravity well, therefore, impulse engines would only be used for minor corrections and would be "on standby" while in orbit, but not active. (Like keeping your car idling without revving the engine and creating plumes of exhaust).

Captain Defenestrator

Thank you for the info.

Movie Nut

Answer: Happy to help.

Captain Defenestrator

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