Memory Alpha
Advertisement
Memory Alpha

David Merriman, Jr. is a professional independent model builder, who, since the 1970s, operated an one-man business building models on commission basis for museums, collectors, defense contractors and for movie, and television productions. For the latter he also provided services such as design work and technical advise. He ran his Virginia, US based business with his wife Ellie. While Merriman has never been directly contracted by the Star Trek franchise, he has been occasionally sub-contracted by his acquaintance Gregory Jein to help out with the build of several studio models for the franchise in instances where time was of the essence. "Greg has done the best he can to distance himself from union interference in his shop, but there is a limit to the number of people he can hire/fire as he tailors his work to meet ever changing work situations. That's were Ellie and I have been useful to Greg; we can go gang-busters on a job and get it done faster and better than the typical Guild member.", Merriman further elaborated. (Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models, Issue 29, 1998, p.55)

As far as Star Trek is concerned he has the following credits to his name:

Merriman has also written numerous articles about the craft of model building, published in various modeling magazines. Of particular interest to Star Trek is his two-part article published in:

  • So, you want to build effects miniatures?! Part One, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models, Issue 29, 1998, pp.51-55
  • So, you want to build effects miniatures?! Part Two, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models, Issue 30, 1998, pp.36-41

In the first part Merriman gives a detailed blow-by-blow description of the build of the Galaxy-class six-foot studio model, whereas in the second part, he gives a detailed description of the Star trek project he himself participated in. Both articles provided some insightful information into the art of model-making of the 1980s and 1990s.

External link

  • Template:IMDb-link
Advertisement