Behind the Design: Lighting the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D™

For Star Trek fans, the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC 1701 D is more than a starship. It represents optimism, discovery and the thrill of boldly going where no one has gone before. Decades later, that sense of wonder still holds strong.

So when the Enterprise D LEGO® set was announced, it instantly became a must-have for both LEGO® fans and Star Trek fans. For the team at Light My Bricks, though, building the model was only the beginning. The real challenge was clear from day one: how do you recreate the Enterprise’s iconic glow and give it the same cinematic presence it has on screen?

According to our resident Star Trek expert and lighting designer, Brett, the process started long before the first brick was placed. Rewatching every episode of Star Trek The Next Generation was not just nostalgia; it was research. Every nacelle glow, deflector shimmer and subtle lighting cue mattered.

When the set finally arrived on Brett’s table, the first step was to build it in full. This stage is essential for understanding the structure of the model, identifying potential lighting positions and planning where cables could be hidden. In this case, the build itself became part of the research, with each section assessed through the lens of lighting.

Light Kit for LEGO® Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D™ #10356

Total Price

$239.99

View product

The Journey Begins

The lighting process started at the base with the display stand. While it might seem like a small detail, subtle lighting here instantly adds vibrancy and gives the ship a sense of motion. Multiple spotlights were tested in different sizes and configurations.

“I started with three spotlights and tried a few different setups,” Brett says. “But once I stepped back, one central light just felt right. It balanced the ship without stealing attention from it.”

With the stand complete, attention shifted to the Enterprise itself. At this early stage, flexibility was key. Lights were swapped constantly, docks were chained together in odd combinations, and cable management was completely ignored.

“At this stage, it has to be messy,” Brett laughs. “If everything’s too neat, you stop experimenting.”

The first parts to light up were the Bussard Collectors at the front of each nacelle. While relatively straightforward, colour accuracy and intensity still needed careful testing. Reds, Warm Whites and Cool Whites were all trialled across different Astro Light sizes.

“The Bussard Collectors look simple, but they’re iconic,” Brett explains. “If the colour is slightly off, the illusion breaks.”

In the end, Astro Large Red lights were chosen for their consistent glow from every angle.

Lighting the Warp Nacelles

Next came the Warp Coils, the glowing bands that wrap around each nacelle. In the LEGO® build, these are represented by transparent light blue tiles, so the initial goal was to work with the existing structure. Astro Lights and Astro String Lights were tested beneath the tiles in different orientations.

“I really wanted to make it work with the tiles,” Brett says. “That’s always the first goal.”

After testing, it became clear that the glow needed to be smoother and more uniform than standard lights could provide. That’s when the idea for a custom solution emerged.

“When the right part doesn’t exist yet. You stop forcing it and start designing exactly what you need.” Brett explains.

Custom Designed Components

The Warp Nacelles were always going to be the star of the entire lighting design, so getting them right was non-negotiable. The first step was confirming the lighting effect itself. Existing Flare Lights were tested and immediately proved promising, offering a smooth, even glow along their entire length.

“That glow was perfect,” Brett says. “Once we saw it, we knew we were on the right track.”

From there, it was all about refinement. Multiple prototypes were produced in different lengths, colours and LED spacing, then tested against reference material from the show.

“It’s easy to get stuck in your own head,” Brett admits. “So we brought in the rest of the design team to help decide.”

The final choice came down to Dark Blue versus Light Blue tubing. While Light Blue diffused slightly more, Dark Blue felt closer to the on screen Enterprise. Authenticity won.

After weeks of testing and iteration, the final design was locked in. Each nacelle now features a custom 49-stud-length Flare Light, packed with 750 individual LEDs per side, creating a smooth, continuous warp glow.

Finishing the Ship

With the Warp Nacelles complete, the Navigational Deflector was lit using two Large Astro Light Blue lights positioned behind the windshield pieces to achieve a balanced, screen-inspired glow.

The Impulse Engines followed, with all three engines lit to give the ship a stronger sense of energy and balance.

“For this build, it was about capturing the feel of the ship,” Brett says. “Lighting all three engines made the Enterprise feel alive.”

The Saucer Section was finished with subtle lighting underneath and a series of carefully placed spotlights on top, inspired by cinematic Star Trek moments where the registry is illuminated in deep space.

“The moment those lights went on, it felt complete,” Brett explains.

A Starship Ready for Display

With every light in place, the final step was cable management. Wires and docks were carefully hidden so the ship could be viewed cleanly from every angle, while still being practical for fans to install themselves.

The NEW Enterprise D Light Kit is the result of hours of testing, trial and creative problem solving. Every glow was carefully considered to honour the legacy of the ship.

For Star Trek fans, it’s the closest way to bring the flagship to life at home. For LEGO® fans, it’s a fun look behind the scenes at how lighting can transform an already iconic build into something truly cinematic.

Find the Light Kit for LEGO® Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D™ #10356 here.