Enjoy this week’s Star Trek edition of AskDST while we’re setting up for San Diego Comic Con!  We’ll be back with another installment next week, but look for it later in the week as opposed to Monday.  So strap on your Tricorder, fire up the impulse engines and get ready to go where I guess a few people have gone before!

Steve Milburn
Do you think we’ll ever see any more Star Trek:Enterprise figures? Specifically from Seasons 3 & 4?? Thanks, Steve

DSTChuck: I think the chances of that are pretty slim to be honest with you.

Alex A
A few questions about the E-D: 1. Why were there no windows on the neck of the ship (just grey lines) when the AGT variant, and all the prototypes, have them? 2. On the Trektoy.com forum, several people have had problems with the voice effects being too high or low pitched or being to slow or fast on almost every ship. This problem is also on the (Med) tricorder and AGT E-D. Changing the batteries doesn’t help. Why might this be happening? Tricorder: Why is the medical scanner manual when the instructions say “Solid Cylinder will spin when this button is pressed” and the box says it’s electronic? The scanner sound is also very quiet, again fresh batteries made no difference. All three of these items are great and finely detailed which make these defects even more noticeable.

DSTChuck: There is some variation for tolerance when they make sound chips, it does seem that there was a wider variation then we would have liked on some of the Tricorders. If yours sounds “off” then contact CS for a replacement. The scanner is in fact hand operated.

Greg Ginn
With the recent release of the Enterprise-D (and the “All Good Things…” variation), is there any possibility of a Nebula-class ship being released? They’re very similar, and you could use the Farragut (from the end of ST: Generations) for a name and number. I’m not asking if you’ll make one as much as I’m curious if it’s likely. Since with the engineering hull, nacelles, and saucer, most of the work for one is already done.

DSTChuck: Right now we have a good stock on the standard D, and we’re focusing on development on the next two ships. However as demand goes we always look at new variants we can make to help cover the factory minimums for re-runs.

Donald Wilson
On the Star Trek Tricorder Medical version, can you tell me what happened with the scanner and display? The hand held scanner was apparently supposed to both electronically spin and have the sound but what came out was a mechanical thumb wheel to spin it and the electronic sound. The display also is bad where the backlighting bulbs show through the display. Not to mention that the Moire motor sounds like a coffee grinder. Seems like something went wrong in production and am hoping that the Science Tricorder will be better. Would really like to know that this is not indicative of things to come as I also have pre-orders for other AA/DST products.

DSTChuck: Sounds like you have a mix of issues with your Tricorder. Way back early on we had hoped to make the scanned 100% electric but that had to be cut out as we went along with production. The loud moiré sounds like not enough lubricate and the light bleed could be bad printing of the sheet. If you want to return it just contact customer service. Sorry about that, MOST of the Tricorders we checked and have heard from fans are fine but it does seem in the early run some bugs were not worked out properly.

Andrew Yau
Hey DST Chuck. Having just bought the Ent-D and comparing the size to the other enterprises I have I’m wondering with announcement of the Ent-B and Excelsior at the toy fair back in February, which scale size are you guys going to use for the two? The scale to the Orignal and Ent-A or the Ent-D and Ent-E? Either way it goes going to be awesome to have a chunk of the finest ships in scale to one another. Gotham Knight

DSTChuck: There is NO way to use an accurate scale for the ships so we do the best we can to represent larger and smaller ships. If we tried to be accurate to scale the Defiant if we ever did that would be very small and a Borg cube would be massive.

Damon Klempner
Hi was wondering if there’s was any new news with the development process of the USS Excelsior and Enterprise B, like new Images and if their on schedule for a production date. Really cant wait for their arrival always been a huge fan of your ship line!! Thanks, Damon

DSTChuck: We are still refining the CAD design to turn over to the factory. As for a schedule, based on the time it took to release the Tricorder and D, we plan to NOT give out  dates or actively solicit orders until the factory has a sample that is very close to the final product.

James White
Could you please help me put an end to a discussion going on at one of the Star Trek forums? Does the captains chair Season 1 Picard have the same head sculpt as the S7, Captains Jacket, and FC Picard with different paint apps or is it an entirely different sculpt? You have probably already received this question but if not here goes. Is the AGT Picard being re solicited again? It has started showing up on other toy sites again.

DSTChuck: We only have one Picard head sculpt (other than beard and Locutus) . Nope, no plans to go back and make more AGT Pciard,  right now.

Jeremy Killion
I am extremely disappointed with the lack of information and likley obvious cancellation of the borg wave of figures. These were scheduled for release and no news about them can be found. Please provide some information or way to get these figures into the hands of fans. Enough with the original and movie figures

DSTChuck: Sorry Jeremy I think I have been as up front and honest as possible. We are really lost with what to do with Trek figures, especily the Borg wave. We’ve had lots of request from fans for aliens and new sculpts and even figures like Marvel Select for Trek. Is what we designed and showed for Borg perfect – no but we really thought it was a good start of something special. The financial commitment from DST really showed we wanted this to work. The sales staff loved it as well. Problem is the economy really turned down as we moved along and retailers are really worried about investing their cash flow into something that’s not a sure thing. Orders are too low for us to really take a shot at this. The tooling is SO much to be honest it would affect other products we want to go forward with. SO we’re working on new ideas and sales has asked for more time to get to the target number we need to go forward with. We’ve been able to save lines in the past SO let us see what we can do, ok? I know it stinks and I wish we were big enough to be able to roll the dice on everything we believe in but that’s just not the case right now. We need to play it safe so we’re able to do things like the D (which BTW needs to sell many more units to break even). How’s that for honest…?

David SanMartin
I love your Star Trek line of action figures and hope that you continue to bring out more characters. Is there any chance that you’ll be reissuing ST Enterprise deluxe figures like Tpol? She’s the hardest one to find!!

DSTChuck: I’m not sure how possible that is, even if we wanted to- those tools might not have even survived the transfer when we aquired Art Asylum.

Shaun Baer
Well…I’m having trouble staying positive regarding the performance of the Star Trek action figure line as of late. I love the quality, I have loved the quantity and variety to a degree (the latter was true until the “All Kirk all the time”). I have become very selective in my pre-orders. Chapel, Rand,Kang, Salt Vampire…Yes. Kirk in Monday through Sunday uniforms…No. So, my questions are… 1. When will we learn what figures you have planned for 2010? 2. Will there be something new on display at SDCC? (I know there won’t be any sales…but maybe something new on display?) 3. Does pre-ordering only certain characters negatively impact your sales plan? In other words…by NOT pre-ordering a fifth Kirk (though you have actually released around 14) do I run the risk of not getting Chapel or Rand? 4. Do you visit trektoy.com or other forum sites as part of your market research to see what the fans are saying beyond this Q&A forum? Oh…and one other question…would you ever pair new figures with re-releases of old ones? I hope the answer is no. Or, if you must, please do a bagged option of the new figure separately for those of us who have bought enough Kirks and Spocks. I may be willing to buy a few more if they are new (Generations Kirk, Unification Spock, etc.) but I will be very frustrated if the only way to get a new character is to purchase a duplicate of one I already have. Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. I hope you know that though there is definite frustration here…it is only because I want more of the already great products that you have provided.

DSTChuck: Yea we hear you, we’re trying to stay positive about Trek figues too.
As soon as we know!
We will not have much new to display for Trek at SDCC but that’s NOT a lack of support for Trek –its more a change of marketing to hopefully please the fans. We’re going to try and NOT rush to show new stuff and then have you wait a year for it.
Here is the deal – do what is best for YOU. If you like an item we’re going to make and you have a store or web retailer that you support let them know that you want this item when it comes out. Many times we hear from retailers – we don’t have any Trek fans in our store. Tell them you’re a fan. We send LOTS of free Trek product to stores or consignment orders, hoping to show them if you put it out fans are there and will buy it.
I personally will check when I can – most times from home at night or on the weekends if my kids wake me up too early. DSTMATT checks pretty often and the mods will let us know if they see something going on we need to know. Plus I got to as many shows as I can and every panel I can. I have my badge on so come look for me or ask for me – that’s why I am there. If you love something we’re doing tell me, if you don’t like something or wonder if I was drunk when I did it – tell me. If you see me at a bar buy me a Bass and see what I’ll let slip!
Right now we have NO plans to pair a new figure with a straight re-issue.

James White
I just wanted to tell you guys that you are doing a great job no matter what a small handfull of petty naysayers may have to say about it. I would also like to throw in my desire for 3 3/4″ DST Star Trek figures. I would buy at least one (maybe two) of everyone you made. Now a real question. Have you given any thought to doing two packs crossing different Trek shows. For example: Kirk and Picard or McCoy and EMH? Etc…

DSTChuck: Hey man bring it on stuff you like stuff you don’t we’re not going stick our heads in the sand. We’re not perfect, if we can learn something and do a better item – lets do it. MAN I go back and forth on this 3 ¾ thing every day. If the current movie stuff were doing better I think I’d be working on them already but to do this right (Like Hasbro and the Marvel line) it’s a pretty big commitment so I’m just not sure yet. If you like or dislike 3 ¾ stop by at SDCC and tell me!

Madcap Wix
I just bought the Enterprise E and D today, and am in love with them to say the least. I immediately researched you guys to find out when the USS Voyager ship was coming out and was shocked, to say the least, that you had no plans to make that ship. Upon looking at the other ships that are sold, it seems as though there are a lot of “pallet swaps” and focus on the same TOS ship. I realize pallet swaps are easier to do than constructing an entire ship since the model is already made, but come on; there are six versions of the classic enterprise. You even did the NX-01, which was considered one of the worst shows by fans(not me). Why in the world would there not be a USS Voyager made to at least finish off the main ships from each show(other than the Defiant I suppose)? Please, I ask you as a die-hard Star Trek fan to please, please finish off the main ships and do Voyager before doing any more TOS ships. I’ll buy five of them if I have to, to get them made. I love the deta! il you guys put into your work and will cherish the ships I bought forever. Thanks in advance and keep up the great craftsmanship.

DSTChuck: Nothing better then love at first sight! Hey man we have nothing against Voyager ship or Romulan or Borg or Defiant. Its just with the development time, cost and sales needed to make these crazy ships work – I wish Robert would stop adding all these features—we’ll be lucky to do 2 a year. Heck I’d be happy if the next ship did not take 18 months, man the stories I could tell….

Andrew LaRue
Would it be possible to see an army builder red-shirt or gold-shirt figure offered with a future Toys R Us wave, and with alternate heads that depict the most prominent recurring crew-members? Such as Lt. Kyle, Lemli, Hadley and Leslie?

DSTChuck: I can’t tell you how many times we’ve discussed a Romulan, Kilingon or Red Shirt army builder figure. For now we’re just going to get as many “new” characters out as we can but that’s something we’d love to do and hope the support would be there.

Wayne Zachary
I’ve got a question and a suggestion . First , when will we hear more news or see pictures on the Klingon ship that will be coming in 2010? I’d just like to know if it’s a Bird of Prey , D-7, or something else? Second , I know that the Kruge Maltz 2 pack had to be cancelled due to lack of pre-order interest , but It hink if you took the Kruge figure , and sculpted a Klingon Captain’s chair for him to sit in and still gave us the monster dog ( Targ ) along with him , you’d have a pretty good seller on your hands . We need more Klingons !!! Qa’Pla!!

DSTChuck: We’re going to keep pretty quiet on the ships until we think we’ve got the production well in hand. I’ve seen the third round CAD output of the Klingon ship and the folks on the AA team have really outdone themselves this time…. As for the captains chair , personally I love then, they were my idea but MAN the tooling and expense on those is pretty steep, especially when we keep the retail as low as we can. I’d hope they would sell better because we had some ideas we thought were pretty cool, but for now, there are no plans for a Klingon chair, sorry.

Keiko Hamamoto
I recently purchased your Star Trek communicator and phaser set. I like the toys. However, I have some questions. Regarding the communicator: 1- I understand that there are 2 buttons. The one on the left for hailing with the red light. The button on the right activates the recordings of several phases. My question is can I press the hailing button first, then after it beeps, press the right button let a phase play then press the hailing button again wait and press the right button again OR do not interrupt the recordings and let all phases play out at once without using the 3 second diagnostic? Which selection is correct? Will playing different variations break the recorded device? In what manner of playing was the toy made for? I do not want to break the toy. Regarding the PHASER I understand that there are 2 phasers. Does the numbered dial on the phaser also control the bigger phaser? If not I am confused about how to achieve the override FX feature. I am not good communicating by writing, this is why I was hoping to talk to someone over the phone so I could ask these questions. But in talking to your distributor Diamond select they told me that this was the only way to communicate. Please let me know if this is the wrong department to contact and please provide me with the correct department or company. Sincerely, Keiko Hamamoto

DSTChuck:  Try pressing the buttons in any sequence and it wont damage the phaser. But yes, on the dial controls of the phaser use the “2″ function for self destruct. This is on instructions as well.
David Penn
In the quality control department, it would be helpful if whoever is inserting the screws in the battery compartments of these toys would please NOT tighten them so much. Considering that most of these toys need to be opened to take them off of the “try me” setting, it’s really unneccessary for the screws to be in there that tightly to begin with, Both the Tricorder and the AGT Enterprise I got had screws that were incredibly tight. The tricorder screw I got out with great difficulty, but the Enterprise screw is in so tight that I have ruined the head of the screw trying to get it out. I will probably have to send it back for a replacement. Sometimes you almost have to mar the finish of the toy whilst trying to remove the screw! Sad that such a little thing will cause me to have to request a replacement for the whole toy.

DSTChuck: That is not something we noticed on our samples. Thanks for the heads up, we’ll be sure to mention that for production runs going forward.

James Baez
First off, WOW!! Just recieved the AGT Enterprise D and regular D…AMAZING!! I love the detail you guys put into your work. On to the questions: 1.) Can you provide a list of ships you are considering to produce? The Defiant, Voyager, and most of all, Enterprise C, are top of my wish list. 2.) Also, please make the Mark IX Science Tricorder!! PLEASE!! I know it might be expensive, but many others, including myself, were willing to plop down $400 for the Master Replicas version. 3.) How about a Type 2 TNG Phaser(maybe a “Boomerang” Phaser and Tricorder “Away Team” pack)? Sorry if you have already answered similar questions, but thanks for your time.

DSTChuck:
I’ve been pretty up front with the fact that the B and a Klingon ship will be our next issues- to be honest we’ve not locked into anything beyond that at this point.
Best I can say is maybe. The next issue will be the TWOK phaser and for the next roll play after that we’re deep into development, after that who knows…
See #2

Jim McKeith
Dear Art Asylum, Would you ever consider making the Star Trek ship USS Defiant NCC-1764.This ship was in the original series “The Tholian Web” and the series Star Trek : Enterprise “In a mirror, Darkly Part 1 and 2. Thanks, Jim

DSTChuck: Maybe—Lots of ships and too little time!

Chris Coombs
I just have a couple of questions: 1) Will we ever see Spock and McCoy in their dress uniforms to go along with Kirk? Toys R’ Us Exclusive? 2) Would it be possible to raise the price for the Borg figures a couple of bucks in order to get them out to compensate for the shortage of pre-orders? Or drop the alcove to reduce the price? Or perhaps just do two-packs? 3) I noticed that Sisko in chair was on your updated shipping list. Does that mean he will get made? 4) Is it possible to let people know in your blog or by letting retailers know that if they don’t recieve a certain amount of pre-orders that the figures will be cancelled? Thanks

DSTChuck:
Maybe – TRU says they will keep buying of sales are there so….
We’ve looked at both and the real answer is maybe. We’re already at 19.99 the price of Marvel Select –how much more will a large qty of consumers pay. If we stay in specialty we look at maybe 25.00 and you get the whole alcove but right now we can’t make those numbers work either. We’ve got a good bit invested in these and we really think fans want these so we’re considering pretty much every idea.
We hope so but his sales have a bit of a ways to go too, seems there is a big drop off from Kirk and Picard to Sisko – stinks for me Sisko is my second favorite captain.

Tray Chester
Hello there, I have a couple questions that I sincerely hope you can shed some light on…. 1. Have the Borg figures been all-out cancelled, or are they “on hold until later?” 2. Do you still plan to release the Excelsior and Enterprise-B? What’s a ballpark release date if they are still a go?

DSTChuck: Pretty much covered these already—PLEASE don’t make me put down a date  for the next ship. If I do and I miss as badly as I did on the D we might need to start calling this ask DST Robert!

Benjamin Rogers
Hi, With the release of the Star Trek TOS Tricorders, many of the fans are dissapointed in the Medical Tricorder’s scanner, as it doesn’t spin and the sound is weak. I was wondering if you have considered the idea of releasing a deluxe scanner, or maybe just post the instructions on how to upgrade it? Thanks for your time.

DSTChuck: We’re not going to post anything about a guide to upgrade, I think there are fans already doing a great job at that.. As for the scanner as we added play features to the tricorder and cost and testing fee’s kept rising we were just not comfortable pushing the retail for a toy past 50.00. Keeping in mind it’s a toy not a replica something had to be sacrificed, some might argue we made the wrong call – if we did blame me…if I let DSTRobert make the call I think these things might even be able to detect alien life, but that’s just not something I can do. I hope overall your happy with what it is and not too disappointed in what it is not.

Mark T. Malachowski
Just a quick comment and question; love these Trek ships because of the attention to detail, truly amazing! I was wondering what the possibilities of purchasing an additional base for the TOS 1701 TV series version as mine snapped at the very tip just underneath the ball that the ship sits on. Without it of course there is no way to properly display this icon of Trek. Thank you for time and do plan to do an Enterprise B,C?? Sincerely, Mark Malachowski.

DSTChuck: Drop customer service a line, we try and keep extra bases in stock as much as possible for cases just like that!

Trumain Gray
I just wanted to so you guys did a fraken fantastic job on the enterprise -D aswell as the all good things enterprise. I just can’t express how great the ship look and sound. I really hope you guys keep up the great work you been doing. maybe with this magnetic thing you guys are definiatly onto something.Hey any thoughts about maybe producing a Prometheus Class? just a thought. the name enterprise Has definatly rememberd in history! Playmates ain’t got s#%* on ya’ll!!!

DSTChuck: So glad you like your purchase, we really tried to do the best we could. We think the magnet is really cool too. It took quite a bit of time to get that feature as good as we could. Frankly its one of the reasons we had waited SO long to ever try to do the D. We figured if we did the D we had to have a removable saucer section.

Andrew Matner
Hi I’m lovin the TOS line you guys are making. Looking to the next wave with Chapel, Kang, Rand etc. The original series is famous for the stunning female guest stars is there any chance we could see a couple of ladies from each season? Season 1. Yeoman Barrows from Shore Leave & Andrea from What are little girls made of. Season 2. Nona from A private little war & Lieutenant Palamas from Who Mourns for Adonais? Seaon 3. The Romulan Commander from The Enterprise Incident & Zarabeth from All our yesterdays Just a few of my personal choices.

DSTChuck: I think we’ll take it one wave at a time, there are still lots of cool characters from TOS that we could do, crew, aliens, females all sorts of ideas.

Cees Qualm
Hi Chuck, First of all, my compliments to whoever has been involved with the production with the Enterprise D. I received mine yesterday and I was very impressed! Over the years I have collected lots of the Star Trek stuff you guys have produced, but I think with this ship you set a new standard! One question on the action figure front. Have you ever considered doing more action figures for Scotty? Interesting would be a TMP Scotty in engineering radiation suit. This could tie in with the Wrath of Kahn line or you could consider doing a 2 pack with Will Decker in standard blue uniform( put a new head on the spock body). Another interesting Scotty would be the white sweater and vest version. Again this could complement the voyage home line or even the TNG line. Anyway thats my 2 cents worth. Main reason for this line was to complement you guys! Can’t wait fot the Enterprise B. The D was well worth the wait

DSTChuck: I think all of DST has a hand in the D from the PM to the accounting departments to the factory everyone did their part so I’ll send along your thanks – they love to hear good news. When we’re looking at the TOS universe we always consider Scotty to be one of the top characters.

Bill Ellis
Just got my Enterprise-D in today, and wanted to say that I am really impressed. I loved the one I had when I was 10, and now this has a place on my desk. Thanks again for doing a great job. Keep it up! Can’t wait for the Klingon ship! I hope it’s a bird of prey!

DSTChuck: As with any toy that comes out today you have to think WOW if this had come out when I was younger… Man I LOVE my FX lightsaber but how cool would that have been in 1977! Glad your happy with the D, we’ll keep doing the best we can to keep you happy.

Eric Walters
Another Enterprise-D issue that has ensued sense her release !! Why is the sound on one Ship normal, and on the other it sounds very slow and Patrick Stewart sounds like he is stoned drunk or has a 4 alarm hangover? I just replaced the AAA’s and the LR-44’s with a fresh set after i got the model. The sound still did not change or improve. Its still slow. Below is a video to demonstrate the sound issue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THC8XiCJt8c&feature=channel_page You guys just need to start getting the final product out of the box and checking it multiple times for any missing details prior to release and or shipping. Keep those manufacturing people on their toes !!

DSTChuck: Man I WISH I could fly to HK for each release and do just that but I think as it is sometimes my kids think the neighbors dad is really their dad and I am just this dude that stops in a few times a month. No honestly I think your issue is something we’ll be happy to replace. The chip variance on this load of chips for the D and Tricorder is broader then we would have liked so just contact CS and they will be happy to help you.

Rob Homan
Dear Sir/Madam, My name is Rob Homan and I’ve ordered one of your products (your beautiful Enterprise-D) here in The Netherlands at a shop. I expected the replica this week but I noticed that the shipping to Europe is going to take longer as expected. I’d like to ask you when the shipping to Europe, Netherlands, will be taking place. The Enterprise-D will be my third replica done by Diamond Select Toys and Art Asylum. Please let me know if it is possible for me to review upcoming ships, like the Excelsiors. I’m looking forward to your reply and thanks in advance, Best regards, Rob Homan The Netherlands

DSTChuck: Rob sorry all I can tell you is we shipped all the D’s on order some time ago, so it must be a delay from distributor to retailer. Hang in there I am sure it will be in stores soon.

Benjamin Rogers
Hello, I am pleased with your TOS line of Role Play releases, and I am wondering if you have ever considered a Medical Kit. It could contain a Hypospray, laser scalpels, a spray applicator, a protoplaser. It would make a great addition to a Trekikie’s collection. Just an idea. Thanks for you time.

DSTChuck: I do think a medical kit has been discussed but it has not moved past that stage yet.

Damon Klempner
Hi I was wondering if you’ll be getting any The Wrath of Khan 25th Anniversary U.S.S. Enterprise Ships back in stock Ive been trying to track one down for my ship collection and cant find any except for one or two on ebay selling for $100.00 which is way out of my price range…My ent D just arrived and I’m absolutely amazed at the detail the ships just keep getting better and better…and the refit NCC 1701 is the one ship Im looking for…Any help would be appreciated. Keep up the great work I cant wait to see the excelsior and Enterprise B!!

DSTChuck: As old ships sell out we always poll sales and see if there is enough demand for more – we’re always happy to make more of a ship and if we can improve it and add a new variant if possible.

Danny Marton
Hi Chuck, Thanks again for answering our questions. I just have one that I hope has a positive answer. How are the preorders going on TOS wave 5 and the 2-pack reissues ? I really don’t wanna see these cancelled like so many things lately. Thanks

DSTChuck: The two pack re-issues were not quite as strong as we expected but combine with the TRU re-issues we took a shot and went forward with them. They should be on stores by the end of July. Frankly we were SHOCKED at how low the orders for the TOS 5 wave were, but we’re not giving up, we think that wave will perform if given the chance.

Xavier Storma
Okay guys… BIG THANKS first! I just got my (huge) package with the 6 Enterprise-Ds and 3 AGT Enterprise-D, and have to say…. I am impressed. My jaw dropped when I helt the first E-D in my hands…. Huge, awesome paint job, down to the last detail exactly mirroring the CGI Galaxies used from Generations down to Voyager. An impressive job, no… a terrific job on this ship. Thank you all. I have been waiting for such a replica since I can think, and will now be able to throw the Playmates E-D out of the window. Okay… now the bad… What happened to the Borg line? I was so looking forward to this… preordered even 6 complete sets, just in order to support it… I mean, come on those are the Borg… probably the coolest, bad-ass, aliens out in the universe! Please do not tell me they were cancelled (just like the Sisko/Dukat set, which was on my TOP wanted list)… As much as your ships rock, your figure policy sucks. I mean, read your own Q&A…. people are begging for more 24th century stuff, yet you keep re-re-re-releasing those Kirk and Spock and Khan variants… Hey… Maybe you should pack one Kirk and Spock with each Borg, maybe then they would sell… TREK has a much bigger fan base, than StarGate or BSG, yet you seem to treat those two franchises (at least when it comes to figures… your ship department knows how to do their job right), much better than TREK. I would kill for a complete DS9 season 7 crew (including Quark and Jake) or a Voyager season 7 crew… not talking about the awesome Borg drones you had prepared for us. How many would have to be sold? Could you at least post how many certain buyers you would need to release such a wave? Did you consider going the MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE route? Making exclusive online sold figures (some of them are sold out the day they are announced). Come on, release at least the FC Locutus (you always should have used the Stewart scans for your figures) and the Borg Queen as a double set…

DSTChuck: WOW 6 sets, that’s impressive, we love the Borg wave too so keep your fingers crossed. Fans on the Q&A do seem to like TNG but they also love Enterprise, TOS etc….so we do what we can to balance all corners of the trek fandom as well as retailer request. Hmm a Kirk and Borg two pack – I like that! I know you think the Trek fans outnumber the BSG fans and maybe they do but you’d be shocked to see how much better BSG and SG1 sell over Trek! I mean come on would we really make BSG over Trek figures just to mess with you guys? We’ve discussed online exclusives in past AskDST and we’re just not set up to go around the retail community like that.

Daryl Bowlin
I was wondering if you will be re-releasing the movie refit Enterprise? I’d really like to get 1 & I missed out on your previous releases as the availability of your products in my area is spotty. Thank you.

DSTChuck: It’s  very cool how after this much time our stock on ships seems to chip away. We always look at re-runing roll play whenever possible, if for no other reason to offset the tooling expense and justify the new roll play item.

Michael Schinke
Greetings peeps. Recently I wrote to congratulate you on the success of your Star Trek products. Unfortunately, I return in less joyful spirits. I have ordered and received two Art Asylum products since my last writing, the Trek Tek Science Tricorder and the “All Good Things…” Enterprise model, both ordered from BigBadToyStore.Com. Each of these items arrived with a manufacturers defect; the Tricorder has a non-functional LED and the Enterprise is missing one of the upper saucer weapons. I have determined that these are not issues of shipping damage but, indeed, problems with the condition in which they left the factory. Big Bad Toy Store has, so far, agreed to replace these items at no cost to myself without even asking for a return of the original products, a move that is extremely generous on their part. You should be aware that your QC issues are costing retailers of your products money and product and shipping when they need to be replaced. Also, you run the risk of harming your reputation with your customers. These snafus will no turn me off of Art Asylum/DST Star Trek products as I do believe in the quality and effort that goes into designing and creating them. It is because of the affection I have for your work that I felt compelled to make you aware of these issues. As a side note, it would please me greatly if you could issue the missing the part for the Enterprise so that I may make it whole. The part in question is the weapon accessory that should be connected to the saucer to the right of the bridge dome, if you are looking at the model straight on. It would please me greatly and help to solidify and reward my confidence in your company if you could rectify this QC issue. Thank you again for your hard work. Sincerely, Michael Schinke

DSTChuck: Hi Michael, I am not sure I’ve ever been refered to as a soft yellow marshmallow Easter candy but..thanks? Sorry you had issues with your purchase and I am very happy to heard Big Bad was able to help you out. I hope your happy with the replacement items and we’ll be sure to take care of Big Bad and any other retailers that has issues. We all make mistakes but DST 100% stands behind its product and any manufacturing defect that might happen. We strive for 100% satisfaction, and while we wish we were 100% we know we and our partners can do better.

Jeff Weber
Hello first I boought the Enterprise D GREAT JOB i like the seperate lighting effect. I just have 2 questions question one: after the Enterprise Line of ships what other starfleet ships would you like to do and do they include the Akria class or Prometheus? question 2 will you be offering any other names for the starfleet ships for example for the class enterprise USS Excalibur NCC-1664?

DSTChuck: Glad you like the ship – yes we struggled with the separate power source for sometime but in the end it was decided it was key to the product. I think your asking if we’ll offer sticker sheets for ships to change the insignas. If that’s what your asking, sorry no we have no plans to offer anything like that.

Andrew Lehtola
Love the Science and Medical Tricorders (I actually bought two of the Medical one). My first question is if and when you will be releasing the Geological Tricorder? I love the Science and Medical ones so much I can’t wait for the Geological one, and am curious to see if it is coming wit ha scanner as well. As for my second question, I heard a rumor the Medical Tricorder sold out and you have no plans on continuing the product. If true, why?

DSTChuck: We are still finishing tooling all the new parts for the Geo Tricorder and looking for a partner but I thin even if we do not find a partner you will see that item in stores spring 2010. The medical version is NOT sold out but if it does sell out we’ll look into making more – for sure. We think items in this line should always be in stock – or in stock as often as we can ..

Eric Walters
You need to do a Q&A: Enterprise-D edition pretty soon. There are some issues that need to be addressed. This way we can tackle all questions and potential problems that have risen with the Enterrprise-D’s release. Regular version and the All Good Things version. Mostly the regular version. P. S. Hit multiple birds with one stone aey !!

DSTChuck: I don’t think we’re going to do something like that but we’re happy to answer all the questions we get in the regular AskDST Trek column every month.