David Merriman, Jr.

David Merriman, Jr. is a professional independent model builder, who, since the 1970s, operated an one-man business building models on a 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 colleague 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:
*Galileo-type shuttlecraft studio model –Three large break-away warp nacelles sets
*Ambassador-class studio model – Master for the warp nacelle
*Galaxy-class four-foot studio model – Master for the warp nacelle and wing structure
*Vor'cha-class studio model – Completed warp nacelles with mounts
Merriman has also written numerous articles on the craft of model building, published in various modeling magazines. Of particular relevance to Star Trek has been his two-part article published as:
*"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 gave a detailed blow-by-blow account of the build of the Galaxy-class six-foot studio model, whereas in the second part, he has given a detailed description of the Star Trek projects he himself participated in. Both articles provided some insightful information into the craft of physical model-making of the 1980s and 1990s. 
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Category:Special and Visual effects staff
Category:Star Trek reference authors