 The exterior model was created in CGI rather than as a physical model , with the production done by Pierre Drolet from Foundation Imaging using LightWave 3D . Two versions were created – a high definition version which was created for use in the television series itself and a lower resolution , which was also referred to as the " approved model " . The low @-@ res model was used for promotional purposes while work was conducted on the television model . The exterior of the ship made its debut in a centerfold spread in the July 14 , 2001 edition of TV Guide using the approved model . This version looked smaller as the windows on the ship were larger than used on the television version , and the hull had a bronze tint . Regarding this change in coloration , Drexler later said that he didn 't know when the change was made as both he and Zimmerman approved the prior version . 
