357 Klingon Battle Cruiser

DINKY 357 KLINGON BATTLE CRUISER (1977-1981):

The Klingon Battle Cruiser was based on the D7-Class Battle Cruiser in the original Star Trek TV Series. It appeared in later Star Trek films as a K’t’inga-class. Both were very similar. The model was released to partner the 358 U.S.S. Enterprise. The ship was captained by the Klingons’ arch nemesis, Captain Kirk. There was even a picture of him and his first officer, Spock, on the front of the box.

Both ships were approximately the same size and both fired ‘photon torpedoes’, out of a frontal firing mechanism , imagined as white discs for the Klingon ship

FEATURES:

The main play feature for this model was the firing torpedoes. The disc was inserted into the top of the front cabin. Flicking one of the small side wings would eject it at speed.

The accessory pack included with the model had 8 discs and extra decals.

TV SERIES:

In the Star Trek TV Series, the D7 class battle cruiser was a 23rd century warship. It was designed and used by the Klingon Imperial Fleet.

The bulk of the ships overall mass was incorporated in the aft section of the ship. The bridge was located on the bulbous head. This head was separated from the aft section by a relatively thin neck. This neck flared out into the wings. Jutting from below these wings were a pair of outboard warp nacelles. The ship’s impulse engines were located on the rear fin sections of the ship.

PROP v ACTUAL:

The model was reasonably in proportion to the prop. However, the front section was attached at a downward angle for some reason. This gave the ship a stoop.

VARIATIONS

The first models had more pointed rear wing tip and plain detailing on the white plastic underneath rear edging. Later models had a more rounded edge. This was probably for safety reasons. The sharp point would have been hazardous on a toy. It would be even more dangerous if the plastic underneath was chipped away. The moulding underneath was also modified to enable a better fit. Additional detail was added on the bevelled edge.

The first version with the sharper wing tip came in two variants, one with raised top wing detail (lozenge shaped) and a variant without this detailing.

There were two commercially available box types

The first box was an all cardboard type and the second the hanging box type with a window. The first box type has two versions one with the back illustrated below and the other with the back used on the second box type.

The second box type:

Prior to the release of the first Star Trek Movie, ‘Star Trek – The Motion Picture’ in 1979, Dinky produced a sample box promoting the film which had cardboard cut out figures on the rear. It was never issued commercially.

The 357 Klingon Battle Cruiser was paired with the 358 USS Enterprise in Gift Set 309 and the unreleased 306 Space Gift Set .

ODDITIES AND RARITIES:

There was a photographed model used in Dinky adverts. This included Meccano Magazine, which featured a Klingon Battle Cruiser with a red underbody and engines. I can’t be sure but the red detailing looks hand painted, perhaps to enhance the photo.

A sales pack of six boxes still wrapped in cellophane

CATALOGUES:

The Klingon Battle Cruiser made its first appearance in the 1977 trade catalogue with red engines and then strangely on a later page as artwork with blue/white engines.

Both Star Trek models featured on the front cover of the UK and US 1977 consumer catalogues but with different artwork.

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