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Trevor Williams' Enterprise-E page 14.

Dave Merriman’s scrapbook page 32. Shown here are shots nos. 7, 22, 29 and 32.

The lost miniatures of Total Recall page 40 — —

shown here the Loader-Dumper and interior vehicle concept art.
—
Front cover: Interior of Holoship Picard and Data fire phasers; Data. Visual effects supervisor Jim Rygiel (middle) and modelshop
foreman Patrick Denver (right) adjust Drone; Worf swings his phaser rifle at incoming Drone. Copyrights as per main article.
 .

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

From the editorial desk... comprehensive section devoted to one specific “theme”. In the case
of Issue 35 that theme will be props and miniatures from the classic
’60s series of Irwin Allen (we hardly need to tell you that these were
Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea, Land Of The Giants, The
Look out for the new logo - Time Tunnel and... oh yes... Lost in Space).
Watch out for the Special Collectors’ Issue -
Making this Special Collectors’ Issue very special indeed will be
Important news for all readers of Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models magazine. exclusive archive photography of original props such as the Spindrift,
Jupiter II, Chariot and many other props and miniatures.
A breathless hello from SF&F and Effects Special We’ve hunted down original Irwin Allen kits from
central... Aurora too, and will have a full report on those. There’s
also a definitive article on Lunar Models’ history of Irwin
Effects Special 1.1 launched in November to a Allen kits, accompanied by photographs that will blow
very enthusiastic reception... thank you, everyone, your mind.
for your support. We’re hard at work on Issue 2.1 right
now for a May 12 release and the top secret contents Issue 35 will be packed with archive material and
line-up is looking very exciting. information, plus, as we’ve said, the usual mix of SF&F
goodies (no increase in cover price either) — you won’t
On the SF&F we
have big news for you
front want to miss this one, so why take the chance? Order your
regarding the next issue of this magazine: copy right now — demand for our first Special Collectors’
Issue is sure to be high.
New logo
We’re changing the way Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models magazine See you in six and a half weeks with issue 35 of
looks — from the next issue onwards SF&F will be badged Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models... same price; new look
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models International, in keeping and a Special Collectors’ Issue section.
with our growing worldwide readership, and will have
an exciting new cover logo and look- so keep an eye open Visitour new-look web site at
for die new-format mag in die shops ifyou’re not a subscriber http://www.nextmill.demon.co.uk
or don’t have each issue on regular order. Web site created and managed by Stuart Sumpter.

New concept
Issue 35 also happens to be the first of our occasional series

of Special Collectors’ Issues. What’s a Special Collectors' Mike Reccia

Issue? mix of news, articles,
Well, in addition to the regular
projects and unique features you’ve come to expect from Editor, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models magazine.
SF&F, Special Collectors’ Issues will also feature a lengthy, Editor, Effects Special magazine.

FX Miniatures/CGI: Star Trek Insurrection 24

Contents 34
FX miniatures: Dave Merriman 32
State of the Art — news roundup 6 Statescene: US kit/collectable roundup 38
Special Report:B-9 Robot Builders’ Club 8 U.S. Kit Report: news and reviews from Anthony Taylor 39
Special Project: Lighting the Enterprise -E Pt 14
II
FX Archive: Lost Miniatures of Total Recall Pt. I 40
Prosthetics: Creating a demon makeup 18
FX Miniatures: Victorian A irship Pt. 1 44
Kit Review: Timeslip Deforms 20 Review Special: Phase 2 future ordnance Pt 1 46
Kit Review: King Kong’s Thronester 21
Special Report: Gerry Anderson exhibitio if Superma donation
Kit Review: AT-AT andAT-ST ivalkers 23 puppets speak again 51

Editorial team
Co-Publisher/Editor: Michael G. Reccia • Co-Publisher/Art and Production: David Openshaw
Contributors this issue:
Ace Auhl • Karl Derrick • Chris Doyle • Cliff Erasmus • Marc Frattasio • Martin Gainsford • Bob Gould • Tim Hooper
Dewey Howard • Jim Key • David Merriman • Simon Roykirk • Anthony Taylor • David Tremont • Trevor H. Williams

Editorial address:
57 Lynwood Avenue, Clayton-Le-Moors, Near Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 5RR, U.K.
Web http://www.nextmill.demon.co.uk
U.K. publishing dates (1999): 10 Mar, 23 Apr, 4 Jun, 21 Jul, 9 Sept, 26 Oct, 8 Dec.
Distributed by Seymour: Tel: 0171 396 8000 Fax: 0171 396 8002

ADVERTISING RATES: On application to - 57 Lynwood Avenue, Clayton-Le-Moors, Near Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 5RR, England.
EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS: Readers are invited to submit articles and photographs for publication. The publishers reserve the right to amend such articles and cannot accept responsibility for any loss. Letters
intended for publication should be sent to: Incoming, 57 LynwoodAvenue, Clayton-Le-Moors, Near Accrington, Lancashire, England, BB5 5HR.
Please note: No personal replies can be given. Appropriate letters will be answered in the "Incoming’' pages.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by our contributors are not necessarily shared by Next Millennium Publishing Ltd. Every care is taken to ensure that the contents of Sci-Fi &
Fantasy Models magazine arc accurate,
but the Publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors. All news is accepted in good faith and responsibility for accuracy, copyright of photographs, artwork and illustrations lies with the contributor. Reasonable
care is taken when accepting advertising. However, the Publishers cannot accept any responsibility for any resulting unsatisfactory transactions or any inaccuracies contained within ads themselves. They will, however,
endeavour to investigate any written complaints. All resin and limited-run kits and collectables submitted to the Publishers' offices for the purposes of review are approached in good faith and at face value by the Publishers
and/or their writers for editorial purposes. Responsibility for any necessary licencing and/or honouring of copyrights of such kits and collectables where applicable lies entirely with their manufacturers/ distributors.
The Publishers cannot accept any responsibility for kits which are subsequently found not to have been properly licenced, which have been produced without the relevant permissions or legal consents, or which have
been copied without permission from other kits. Any complaints will, however, be investigated, and any offenders excluded from future issues of this magazine.

Published in the UK by: Next Millennium Publishing Limited • Reg. Office: 564 Burnley Road, Crawshawbooth, Rossendale, Lancashire, BB4 8AJ. Registered in England and Wales: No. 2933721

3
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 .

COMET MINIATURES 44-48 LAVENDER HILL LONDON SW11 5RH 0171 228 3702

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HASEGAWA BATMAN
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^ABMODELS BATMAN, ROBIN,
MR FREEZE & BATGIRL
1:16. 20" LONG. MIXED MEDIA 1:16. RRP £8.00
WITH CHROME RADIATOR AND (EACH) £ 4.00
BUMPERS, CHROME WHEELS SPECIAL OFFER!
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MPC (EX-AIRFIX) DETAIL, CLEAR CANOPY AND AND GOWRON TARGET ROBOT
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Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

STATE
Your guide to
of the
what’s new and happening in
ART
SF&F modelling

Revell Ariane 5
New from Ravil is an impressive
1 :96 scale injection kit of the
Arianc’5 European launcher rocket.
The model features one-piece
prefabricated tank and rocket anderson (see Gerry Anderson
sections, two small launch platform
segments, display base and colourful F Exhibition
is
article this issue)
the official appreciation
and films of Gerry
society for the series S
ince 1988 collector and archivist
Harry Harris has gathered
together a large number of
Anderson. Formed in 1981, the items from the Aliens movie saga,
club currently has a worldwide specialising in props from the first

membership of around 1000. On sequel, Aliens. His collection is

joining, members receive a club now available to view on the World

badge, membership card, Gerry Wide Web. Among items featured
Anderson’s personal letter of is a full set of Colonial Marine armour
introduction to the club and a plus other costumes worn by
booster pack of ten exclusive UFO characters such as Bishop, Drake
collector cards. Contact: Fanderson, and Lieutenant Gorman. There is

PO Box 93, Wakefield, also a large section detailing Harry’s

West Yorkshire. WF1 1XJ involvement with the Alien War
(enclose sae or IRCs.). Internet: London experience. The site
www. kikgraphics demon .co.uk/
. includes detailed infonuation on each
fanderson.html item wherever possible and features
over two hundred genuinely never
seen before photographs from
Harry’s personal archive. Visit the
Aliens archive site at:
www.encom.demon.co.uk

Aliens
Fan Club
Chinese Launchers
Just out from factual UK
space kit suppliers
Magellan are two 1/144 scale Chinese launchers:
the Long March 2 C / 2 C Z and the
Long March 3.
Magellan's; Long
March 2C kit
builds up in two Conan
versions and
consists of five
resin parts,
N ow available from Terran
Trader is a Conan resin in kit
form priced £50.00 plus p&p, or
etched truss and as a bronze -painted display piece
decals, retailing at £80.00 plus p&p. A further
for £20.00 new release is a resin Lord Of
including postage Darkness kit with wooden staff
and packing. The and white metal serpent in 1/6
Long March 3 £50.00 plus p&p. Finally,
scale at
comprises of Terran Trader have announced a November 1998
eight resin parts, 1:1 scale First Contact Phaser
etched truss Rifle kit with retractable front acehugger is the quarterly
and decals and
retails at £25.00
including p&p.
stock and extendible stock, limited
to 75 copies only and available
February at £72.00 (kit form) or
F A5 newsletter of
Aliens
the
Fan Club, featuring
news, rumours, articles,
Magellan, 1, £155 (made up) plus £5.00 p&p UK. merchandise reviews, collector
Breadcroft Lane, Kits available from: Terran Trader, information, a free pen-pals
Woodlands Park, 18, Churton Avenue, Oxton, service, etc. Details from: The
Maidenhead, Birkenhead, Wirral, L43 2NG. Aliens Fan Club, 68 Trevillis
Berks, Tel: 0151 652 9369. Fax: 0151 Park, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14
SL6 3NU. 652 936910 and Comet Miniatures. 4EQ (send an sae).
6
 State of the Art

Comet News
Polar Lights 1999 A Snapfast single seater Naboo AB new releases
Polar Lights’ kit line-up for 1999 Starfighter (£14.99), Snapfast A-B’s pod conversion kit for their 22"
includes a number of genre titles. Federation Starfighter (£14.99) and Eagle will be available late March.
Available by the time you read this Anakin’s Pod Racer (£19.99) in March should also see the release of
should be the Bates mansion from April (US); a Federation Tank the 20" A -B Hawk spacecrafi (in scale
Psycho, Godzilla and the Wolfman. (£19.99) in August and a Ground with the Eagle kit). A four foot

A Lost In Space robot with Dr. Battle Action Scene in September. Fireball XL5 kit is scheduled from
Smith follows in May and aJames Bond The earliest these kits are expected A-B in April/May - price TBA.
007 figure, Odd Job Goldfinger to arrive in the UK is June, with Comet advises early ordering of the
figure and Three Stooges Larry in a diecast Naboo Starfighter also set above items due to the level of
June. Moe from the Three Stooges for release the same month at success enjoyed by the Eagle kit.

will be issued in July, with Curly £24.99. Following the demise of SHED
completing the trio in August A Skull Models, certain of that company’s kits
Customising Monster Kit (skull, lizard New catalogue are to be reworked and rereleased.
and bat) and a Mad Dog Customising Comet’s new catalogue is now A-B Models are to rework Shed’s
Monster Kit (Mad Dog, Vulture, available for £2.00 UK plus sae ex-Kitmaster Fireball XL5 for reissue
Bat) should also be available around with 38p in stamps on the envelope shordy. Interested modellers should
now. (postal orders or stamps only — not ring Comet for full details.

cheques; or $5 USA (in bills); £5.00 Movie Enterprise

Polar Lights at Comet Australia, New Zealand, Asia. Masadeya clearance AMT/Ertl have issued a limited
Comet will have Polar Lights’ Green Available free of charge to Japanese Comet’s stock of Masadeya tinplate rerelease of their Star Trek Six
Hornet Black Beauty kit (£20.00 plus customers. robots are currently being offered Movie Enterprise at £16.50 and
£3.00 p&p); Bates Motel kit (£26.00 at 55% offprevious prices. Ring Comet Generations Enterprise-D at
plus £3.00 p&p); King Kong Thionester Marixan Shado mobile for details. £18.00 (p&p £3.00 per kit at
(£25.00 plus £3.00 p&p) and Evel new 20" long Shado mobile
Marixatt’s Comet).
Kneivel Stunt Cycle (£30.00 plus kit(£249.50) features tracks cast Imai TB resins
£3.00 p&p) in stock by Feb 4. from original Tiger Joe tank toy a number
Imai are to issue Website enquiries
tracks (used to create the tracks on of collectable resin Tony at Comet tells us that
AMT Phantom the studio miniatures). These are resin Thunderbirds items including enquiries to Comet’s website
Menace kits pieces which can be pinned to form TBI and TB3 pilots and the www.cometminiatures.co.uk will
The Phantom Menace initial kit folly operative tracks should modellers Tracy family. Full details in only be answered when accompanied
line-up from AMT/Ertl is as follows: wish to install radio control. Comet’s next ad. with an order.

Amerang Ertl Distribution FX News

The Ertl Company are pleased to announce that Amerang are the
sole UK distributors for their AMT and Esci model kit ranges. New
products for 1999 will include Star Wars Episode 1, Star Trek
Tusker next up from PDI
and the re-introduction of the Esci aircraft models.

Stop Press: Bandai UK have just released four further action

O n the heels of box office success Antz, which has grossed SI 25
million worldwide as of Dec 2, Pacific Data Images {PDI) and
DreamWorks have announced that their next collaboration will be
figures in their Star Trek range: Kirk and Spock in thirties clothing from an epic adventure entitled Tusker. Tim Johnson and Brad Lewis,
original series episode City On The Edge of Forever, a Borg Queen from First director and producer of Antz respectively, will team to co-direct
Contact ; and Seven ofNine as a semi-Borg from Scorpion II. All are excellent the computer animated feature. Tusker marks the third project for
- go get ’em... PDI and DreamWorks, following Shrek which is currently in
production. Already in production, Tusker follows a herd of

B5 — River of Souls elephants on a perilous trek across Southeast Asia. In their travels
they encounter a wide variety of dangers, including a group of

R eleased February 22 by
Warner
Babylon
the third feature based
series.
Home
5:

on
River Of Souls archaeologist
In
Video is
River of Souls,
the B5 TV
marauding poachers
their journey.
original,
who the elephants must elude if they are to complete
PDI has a co-production pact with DreamWorks to create
computer-animated feature
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognised
films. Last year
PDI with
Achievement Award for the concept and architecture of the studio’s
The Academy
a Technical

Robert Bryson (Ian McShane) steals proprietary animation system. Established in 1980, PDI is located
an artefact containing one billion souls in Northern California and employs nearly 300 people. For more
belonging to an ancient civilisation information, visit the PDI website at www.pdi.com
in the hope of unlocking the secrets
of eternal life. When he brings his
discovery to Garibaldi on Babylon 5,
he’s followed by the alien Soul Trendmasters J2
A
Hunters (led by Martin Sheen), who fter several delays, Trendmasters finally released their Jupiter 2
want their property back. When from the Lost in Space TV series during the last week of
the souls are accidentally released into November. The 11 inch diameterJupiter 2 is, for the most part,
power supply they take
the station’s
an excellent replica. However, it falls a bit short with respect to its
form. Free, they attempt to exact electronic sound and light effects. Specifically, die box indicates ‘four authentic
revenge on the Soul Hunters. Capt bxhley
lights and sounds’ when there are only three; the lights are red instead
faces her toughest challenge yet
of white, and there really aren’t enough lights (only four) in the antigravity
when she is forced to carry out
propulsion ring. No matter, it seems to be very popular, having sold out
negotiations with the Ralgan souls to
from die Tiendmasters Internet ‘company store’ at http://www.trendmasters.com
prevent them destroying Babylon 5.
within a few days of its release.
RRP: £14.99. F tt M '

7
 . s

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

"Will Robinson, my scanners are

picking up several full-scale
replicas... Danger... DANGER..."
Dewey Howard of the B-9 Robot Builders Club
in conversation with Mike Reccia

ewey Howard is living proof that with a ,

little
Dewey
D
knowledge
ambition, seemingly far-fetched ideas can be translated
into solid reality.
Dewey
With only modest modelling
decided he would set about constructing
Howard’s
second
robot.
a full-size replica of his favourite character from the
sixties TV
series Lost In Space — the robot. His nine-
month scratchbuilding marathon led him to set up a
website specifically cateringfor Lost In Space robot modelers.
Less than a year since its inception, that site now boasts
over one hundred and eighty members worldwide. We
asked Dewey to explain why the robot holds such a
fascination for him, and to recount just how he went
about building six foot, four inches of 1:1 scale replica. In
this article other members of Dewey’ B-9 Robot
Builders Club also detail their work and their reasons for
scratchbuilding what have to be some of the largest replica
props ever created. .

SF&F: Dewey, what can you tell us the suit” he brought our favorite
about the original television series robot? character to life and gave him a
Who designed it. . .what was it made personality.
from. . . does the suit still exist?
After the series ended the robot
Dewey: The character of the robot costume ended up in storage at Fox
was actually added to the series after until 1979, when it was leased out
the original pilot had been shot. to a short-lived Saturday morning kids’
CBS felt that the show needed two show called Mystery Island. The
additional characters to add some costume was altered considerably
depth to die storyline, so die villainous for the show to the point where it barely
Dr. Zachary Smith and the robot were resembled our beloved robot. After that
added. The original plan was to show was canceled, the robot ended
suspend the robot from overhead up in storage again for years. It was
cables and only shoot it from the waist even rumored that Michael Jackson
up. Later that idea was scrapped and was once interested in buying him,
itwas decided that an actual working but when he saw the condition it was
costume would be more suitable. Mystery Island revisions)
in (from the
Robert Kinoshita was hired for the he decided against it.
task of designing the mbot. Kinoshita
has already been well known for his The robot was eventually rescued
infamous Robby The Robot which by Fox executive and long time fan
was featured in the movie Forbidden Kevin Bums. Kevin was able to get
Planet in 1956. The LIS robot was the robot restored to its original
constructed mainly of fiberglass, condition and to replace many of the
plastics, rubber, and wood. He stood missing parts. The totally restored mbot
about six feet, four inches tall and made its debut in public for the first
weighed in at about two hundred time in 1990 for the 25th anniversary
pounds. for the series in Boston.

Bob May was hired to be the SF&F: What, then, made you decide
actor inside the robot costume, to make a full-size version ofyour own
provided that he could fit into the neariy and how did you go about it? What
completed costume. He was, of had you built - model-wise — before
course, able to squeeze into the taking on this massive project?
confined interior, and the rest is
history. Bob was-the only actor to ever Dewey: Lost In Space always had
portray the robot character for the been one of my favorite sci-fi shows
show’s entire three year run. Because and the mbot, in my eyes, was the hero
of his talented method for “working of the show. One day, while browsing

8
 B-9 ROBOT BUILDERS

Why I wanted to make the Lost in Space Robot...

W ell, we have to go back a

few years to about 1974 or

5. I was young - very
young - and for Christmas received
from my mother and grandfather
bowl we had around die house. The
feet we made from plywood and
the wheels from
thing we found
We only had two things standing
some motorized
in the junkyard.

a Lost in Space Wbot (Boy, ifl still in our way. One - the proper
had that tiling!!). It was, of course, support for the legs (since diey were
the best gift ever for a fan of the nothing more than heat duct
show — even if I was watching insulation) and, two, a strong
reruns, the series was new to me. enough power supply that would
The toy was great at the time last ! The project took more time
because I was just a kid, but as rime dian I expected. By now it was 1978
passed I became more and more -almost ’79. Finallywe got a good
interested in the idea of the family support for the legs and took it for
(my mother, grandfather, and a test run. Wonderful. Fantastic.
myself) having our own robot. As We were almost done. Still, we
the years passed 1 became an even needed a power supply other than
bigger fen of the show, finding out the wall socket. 1 asked about a car
all I could about the robot, and or motor cycle battery. My Grandpa
not knowing that this would lead thought it was a gpod idea, and diat

to a mild future in electronics. I maybe we’d finish it for Christmas

even ran to the store to buy the last ! I couldn’t wait. Soon, however,
Starlog mag for its robot issue! my grandfather fell and work had ill

to stop. On December 27, 1978,

The idea began to take a hold my grandfather, James F. Walker,
of me, so I went to the one person died. did not finish the robot.
1 1

Iknew could help; my grandfather. couldn’t. At the time it didn’t

He had been a father to me; in feet seem fair to finish it without him.
the only father figure I’d known. We had started the project together
1 came to him with the idea, and and that’s how 1 wanted to finish
he didn’t think I was serious
at first it. My mother and I packed away
about it but, as I was persistent,
,
the parts in the attic or basement.
.”
he finally said “OK, let’s do it
,
Unfortunately most of the parts were
I of course asked where we would damaged or lost during the move
get the parts from. It wasn’t like to a new home. Only the arms
we had a Lost In Space do it remain.
yourself store down the street.
We had to be creative. Old TV Now I’m much older, but still

sets, junk yards - these were our a fan of the show. With all the
kits. He brought home an old publicity for the new movie fans
fen and some balsa wood and I asked are coming out of the walls! 1

what they could be used for - have come to a final and much
they didn’t even look metallic. needed healing - to pick up where through the classified ads in Toy disappointed me. After a lengthy
He took tire blade protector off the my grandfather and I left off I am Shop Magazine, I came across an ad conversation, Merle explained that
fan and, with time, patience and going to build the robot. I have for a ‘full scale Lost In Space robot this was the most difficult part to

some melted plastic, we made to. So, if any of you are thinking head.’ Now there was no way I was duplicate for a full scale robot project
the robot's collar ! It looked great of it, do it. I would be glad to about to pass that one up without at and the other required parts I could
considering what it was. Some help, or to get all the help I can on least a ’phone call. I excitedly called make myself. My modeling skills

old plastic laundry basket plus my own project. All I know is am I and a gentleman by the name of up to this point consisted ofa few model
balsa wood made a nice torso, more determined than ever. Merle Goodall answered and explained car kits I made back in grade school.
with dryer hoses for arms. The Christopher Winters, ivbot maker. that he was having manufactured This was way over my head! I’m a fairly
bubble was, as I recall, a plastic fish B-9 Robot Builders Club. the plastic bubble head for a full determined person, so after a lot of
scale Lost In Space robot. I found thought I figured why not, I’ll give it
out that this was just the bubble a try. So, in nine long months, I
and not die interior, which somewhat had to teach myself everything there
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models
Frank T’s Robot.
Last time, as you recall...

W
grew up
ho knew that those words
would change my life?
Like most B9 builders, I
in the ’60s watching
Lost in Space. While the show
in that store. Trust me.
time you see something cool,
you’ll begin thinking “I
if I
around
could use this for
this time that Dewey
. .
Every

wonder
.” It was

was always enjoyable to watch, it me there was a source for torsos.

told
was the hardware that really Once he told me about how
intrigued me. The Jupiter 2, authentic it was,had to have it.
I

Chariot, Laser Guns, Space Pod When it arrived, it was a happy

and all those winky, blinky lights day in New Jersey. Of course, as
on the ship always got my creative I looked at it I thought, “How the

juices flowing. MyJupiter 2s were hell am I going to ait out the voice

created with shoe boxes and box and light holes?” The ultimate
masking tape, as were my Laser Guns model kit continued to give
and Space Pod. But there was lessons in creativity. Anyway,
really one piece of equipment with the help of my dad (he’s
that always fascinated me the been in this for as long as I have,
most. The robot. Being just seven helping me build things when I
at the time, I always wondered if was young) the cutting and drilling
he was real or imaginary. 1 even went fairly well. I also ordered all

wrote a letter to CBS, and then the light fixtures, lens caps, bulbs,
WNEW channel 5 in New York neon FX generator and sound
when the series moved to system. I’m using a Sony Mini
syndication, to ask for photos or Disk player for my playback. I’ve
any kind of information on the sampled lots of robot lines from the
B9. That’s when this quest began. TV show (remember, you can’t
For thirty years I had wondered have music in the background
about that robot. I built my share when he’s speaking!) using my PC,
of wood and cardboard robots so it was easy to make a disk.
during my youth, but none could You should have been here die night
ever compare to good old B9. I hooked up the neon to the
sound system and put it all in
Flash forward thirty years. die torso! It was anodier happy night
Ironically it was October 16th, 1997, in NJ.
when all of this madness really began
to kick in. Lost in Space was soon This project turned out to be
to be a motion picture, the Sci-Fi more work than I anticipated,
channel was holding Lost In but the thought of fulfiling a
Space marathons to commemorate thirty year old dream became
its anniversary. Lost In Space too overwhelming. It’s partly
specials were popping up my fault. I was so blinded by the
everywhere and, suddenly, like vision of a completed B9 robot but,
magic, it was cool to be a Lost in fortunately, several trips to Home
Space fan. Thoughts of building Depot usually solved the daily
a B9 were starting up again. But dilemma, and made all the parts
where to find information? Enter fitin harmony. I had to do research
cyberspace. I immediately started into every facet of this project. I
to scour the net for anything on had to study molds and fiberglass
Lost in Space and the robot. It to be able to work on the torso
wasn’t until about December and leg sections. Electronics
“
is to know about fiberglass, rubber, The tread sections were made from when found Dewey’s Latest
I books were needed to complete
plastics, electronics, and mold making. plywood without any blueprints Robot” page. Cooll 1 e-mailed the inside part of my mechanical
Back in 1993 there were very few (and, of course, I was wrong on the Dewey, and hence started the friend, and a refresher course in
resources available to research such dimensions). The treads themselves journey. For some reason I started painting was a sure bet. I’m single
a huge project. My basic plans came were created from strips of neoprene from the top down instead of and live alone, which probably has
from few videos of the show,
a rubber that were glued together. the bottom up as most B9 builders made this adventure easier. I’ve
several photos of the robot, and my The wheels were simply cut wooden have. Dewey helped me with heard some of the “disgruntled
sixteen inch tall Masudaya B-9 robot. circles. For the legs I used foam pipe the brain, bubble lifter, radar wife” stories, so I’m kind of lucky
insulation that was coated with latex and collar. got the bubble from
I in that respect. Let me tell you
I started with a wooden frame rubber. The wiring also proved to be Planet Plastics. I assembled the something, folks, this is one hell
for die torso, to which I attached sheets quite a challenge. With no experience entire head section in about a of a project, don’t let anyone kid
of styrene plastic and then on top of in electronics — I didn’t know the month. You have to improvise and you. Be prepared to spend some
the styrenewent the fiberglass. I difference between an amp and a make a connecting plate to connect dough, to have a few sleepless
had never worked with fiberglass volt — I had to leam quickly. The entire the lower portion of the bubble nights and, without a doubt, to
before, so the thickness ended up being project took nine months to complete. plate to the bubble lifter. If you do some of the most creative
about half an inch, which I later look at pictures real close, you’ll thinking of your lives. But you
found to be much thicker than was SF&F: How did you discover you see dead center on the lower
it know something... It’s worth
needed. The “brain” and the radar were not alone in your love of the tobot, bubble plate. It’s black and appears it! I still can’t believe he’s here in
section were also made out of styrene and how did you link up with the other to have four screws in it. Your best my house.
plastic. For the collar section I heat guys on your web site who have source for these kinds of dilemmas:
formed acrylic rods and then shaped made their own 1 : 1 scale replicas? Home Depot. You’ll have a field day Frank T.
them in a wooden form I had made.

10
 B-9 ROBOT BUILDERS

Budget Robot
he two television shows a lot of literature and businesses
made those projects
T my Iremember the most from
youth are
and Lost In Space. My short
Batman
that
relatively simple.
a constant challenge since
The robot is

attention span lengthened everything is being engineered

considerably every time their on the spot.
ingenious props appeared on the
“
screen. Even though the shows My version of the bubble
”
were very “campy”, the many headed booby will be remote
crime fighting and space controlled. I plan for the finished
exploring gadgets always robot to be able to move his
fascinated me. Will Robinson’s arms, bubble, waist, radar and
companion, the B-9 robot, is a sensors, and to talk and roll
special part of my remembrance. around. So far I have been able
It wasn’t until many years later to make everything work to
that I allowed myself to face the my satisfaction
without spending
reality that the Lost In Space a small fortune. My goal is to
rolx>t was actually a costume. Here build the replica with cost in
Iam now, much later, realizing mind but without sacrificing
one of the many projects that a lot of quality. Most items
has constantly been in and out are made of wood and plastic
of the planning stages; building with a few pieces of metal here
the Lost In Space robot. The and there. The motors were
project has proved to be especially purchased as surplus units and
challenging in that the resources appear to be working fine. 1 am
are limited. There few
are only a looking forward to seeing
really
very helpful folks out there the finished product.
that have completed the same
project. I have restored classic Always Lost (In Space),
cars, jukeboxes, soda machines Patrick Stanley,
and gas pumps, but there was B-9 Robot Builders Club.

Top: Bob Kinoshita’s original designs for the robot.

Above: Frank Terribile’s robot (Frank T.).

Right: Patrick Stanley.

11
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

...from the original studio blueprints.

most couldn’t afford the expensive you are saying to it and he will
The numbers
parts that were available. answer you appropriately in the
of fans attempting to build their robot’s voice. Another 13-year-old

own robot kept growing and my member is working on a circuit

email correspondences were getting board that will flash the lights in
so numerous I almost couldn’t answer the robot so we won’t have to use
Dewey: A short time after the torso, another bubble head, torso them all. the more expensive self-flashing
completion of my robot I decided donut, arms, claws, wheels, neon, and bulbs. Another makes lazer cut steel

to buy a computer and get connected even a power pack. Even with these With so many builders now out tread sections that are actually better
to die internet. I eventually found my parts there still was a lot more to there I thought it might be a good than those that were on the real

way to the Lost In Space news do myself to complete the project. idea to pool our resources and robot. The possibilities are endless

group. 1 could hardly believe that there This time using the internet as a knowledge into an organized group. with the great minds we have to
was such a thing! .Other fans who. . resource, I could get the parts I still 1 went back through my previous work with. Everybody learns from
loved the show as much as I did. I posted needed to make a much more accurate conespondences from others building each other. By the time a member
a picture of my robot to the news replica. Some of the improved their own robot and asked if they would gets his or her robot completed they
group and was immediately construction methods included a like to join my newly fonned B-9 Robot have learned such a vast amount of
overwhelmed with email from other more accurate collar using tracings Builders Club. We started with about information of all kinds that will
excited fans. Most said that the robot off the real robot, an aluminum brain, 30 members when the club was assist them in other areas of their lives

was their favorite character too. I custom-cast rubber treads and bubble formed back in March (of 1998) that have nothing to do with robots.

couldn’t believe there were so many lifter and polyurethane rubber- and now we have grown to 180
others like me. One email informed coated legs. This one looked right and members in five countries around the Taking on the challenge to build
me that me that my robot looked was completed in about six months. world. With so many members your own robot is fun, educational
good but could be done much better comes a lot of talent and ingenuity and rewarding, but most of all it is
and accurately. Oh! Oh! Here we go I was invited to put some pictures that we all can benefit from. Each a good confidence builder. Some of

again. I talked to this person on the of my ivbots up on one of the busiest member brings something to die our members joined with practically

’phone for quite a while and he told Lost In Space websites around at group. The membership is very no experience of building anything
me that there were much more the time. As soon as my pages were diverse. Our youngest member, before in their life. I made my first

accurate parts available, including complete, the email started pouring who is only 10 years old, wants to build robotwith only a drill and saber saw
torsos cast from the actual studio in and it has not stopped since. I a robot with his father. We have and was it as far as power tools
that

robot. With further investigation I have received hundreds of emails members who are engineers, artists, go. Anyone can do this if they have
decided it was time to upgrade and from around the world. The typical doctors, military personnel, a candy the right determination that is
revise my robot. Once I obtained fan mail usually would start out maker, and yes, we do have a few required to gpt the project completed.
he actual blueprints for he tread sections with “I don’t believe it! I never women in tbe club. Once your robot is complete there
and started working on hem I found thought it was possible to build a full is nothing more rewarding than
my current robot’s dimensions were size robot]” A good number of these If we need something done there sitting back and saying “I made
just too far off from the original's to fans wanted to know how they could is sure to be someone in the group that.”

justify a revision. Time to start on ivbot build one for themselves. Through who will be able to accomplish it. One
#two After saving quite a
! bit of numerous emails back and forth I was member is working on a computer- The B-9 robot builders web site is at:
money I started purchasing some able to assist many widi tire individual based voice recognition program hnp://members.xoom.com/b9club/inain

of the available parts such as a “real” parts they were trying to make since where the robot will understand what .htm

12
 . . '

c Burg, concept orlist.

Add to your collection with back issues of

Kit
Ichbuiil Sandmon
Reviews: Glencoe's
bloster.

RM1 CD Heod,
,

Iron Maidon's Eddie, Amt/Ertl's twin TIEs,

i AB models’ TBI
I
Chiller Theatre. Alien Resurrection’s

Issue 3. Refitting the original NCC-170! miniature.

Lost In Spote - dossic plastic revisited. The Magic Camera Co.

Godzilla strides out.
Mike Hill - kit sculptor.
Bob Gould V's Darth Voder - blow by blow account.
Botllelonk - impressive hordwnre from
Phaser double-bill - Two scralthbuilds set to stun.
Dave Sisson.
Doc Fawn head.
Centrespread - Oeunan ond the Jupiter
Working on the workpod - building the Sphinx.

Brush Up your anime - Pal Labor kits.

'

Epics on a shoestring - continuing Steve Bcgg - mattes, miniatures and very big bangs. Issue 23.

m
>11111 Adrian Bruce's How-to-do-it series. Reviews: The ScoreCrow,

Seaquest kits. Gigonlics, Titan,

Technique: belter hoses. Balmobile and Redbird motorcycle.

Miniature Restoration: The Draconia part
Anime - an introduction. 1

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1:1 Frankenstein bust.
Face Only A Mother Could Love - Karl Crewdson's 1:1 Scale Alien
TB 1 szralrhbuikf.
Head.
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Modelling Amt/Ertl's Kirk KH.
IR? JRMil Boss Films Expo '97. Wonderfest '97.

Ran Thornton on ship design port 2.

rs - US kit convention.
Issue 12.
Grissom in resin - new warp starship.
Battle the cyborg - Neill Gorton fuses
Lighting models - port one of our electronics course.
man and machine.
Weapons: 1999 scrotchbuilding the series sidcarm.
Wax lyrical - about Mike Hill's 1:1 scale Blodcrunner Blaster.

heads.

Drool - over Bill Pearson's crash minia- Spinner spec - the popular flying car
tures. Fifteen years of CGI excellence - we celebrate with PDI.

unearth mutant artifacts - with 8right

Hill 1
’
light Studios, I Issue 16.

Pul pen la paper - with storyboard artist Ron Thornton's Hypernauts Part 1
’’

Jim Cornish.
'
Bob Gould's sr'

Whip up a penguin - Bob Gould shows you how.

Sample forbidden fruit - at London's sci-fi superstore.

Gel arrested - John lane's superb Judge Andeison.

Take on the Empire - Ertl's Han Solo kit.

Prepore for eombol - Chinese Warrior.

Encounter The Nexus - Ertl's Enterprise-B.

Unveil Voyager - lift the lid on Trek's most exciting new kit.

ting the mi

and creature moking for

Star Trek: Voyager ond

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i[
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Mad Model Party report,

Issue 19. A-B Models' giant Ihunderbird 4.
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Elfin Alien and The Mekon,
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Mummy’s Chariot.

Janus kits.
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Aliens - Behind The Scenes.

Build a Gotham city set.

Digital FX for 20,000 leagues.

FX Sculptor Martin Astles. Project XL5 pt.4.

Electronics course part 4. Storship Troopers pt 2.

Derek Mcddings portfolio part 2. Scrotrhbuill space jockey from Alien.
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Rrefox, Cobra
Bill Peorson on future hardware. CGI modellers' course pi. 7.
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Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

lighting the Star Trek: First Contact

Enterprise NCC-1701-E kit by ERTL
Part 2
Concluding Trevor H. Williams’ mammoth kit conversion project

soon realised when examining the kit that the filled in with several coats of Saucer Lighting
I engine support ‘wings’ were very thin indeed — a bit thinned matt black using
fine brush, letting capillary action
a very The saucer section has upper and lower
port lights, starboard and forward
m of a problem when you need to run hidden wires from take the paint along each of the lights, plus two additional lights

the main body to the engines. very fine crevices. To be precise on the upper saucer mid-section.
these thin crevices should be These eight lights are brilliant white
Nacelle “Wing” Supports was required to finish wiring all yellow and the surrounding area in the film. To aid assembly of the
Thank goodness, however, that the the series current limiting resistors black, but when initially tested in model these were simulated by two
wings (or pylons) were at least for the various LEDs that would be practice this way around this separate sets of 1mm fibres, the
moulded in two halves. This gave mounted on copper strip-board colour scheme did not compare upper saucer fibre lights being taken
me the opportunity to run wires inside the hull cavity. These resistors well with the film’s shots of the to a single white LED mounted
between the pylon parts. To minimise were initially wired outside the approaching Enterprise (possibly inside the upper saucer section. The
the number of wires needed I hull on extended leads to permit the because the thin strips of the lower saucer fibre fights were taken
commoned one side of each of the separate LED circuit currents to model’s particle emitter are too out to share the same white LED that
engine nacelles’ red, blue and white be adjusted. This in turn allows tiny to allow sufficient yellow would be used for the hull fibre
LEDs together, reducing the wires the brightness of all the separate light though). A diffuser was not fights. The fight location holes were

from six to four. carefully drilled out using

Very carefully, and keeping a small 1mm dia pin-vice
to the thickest areas of the twist drill. The fibres’
pylon in order to reduce tire sleeves (similar to
risk of accidental break- conventional copper wire
through, I scraped four insulation), were stripped
separate channels into the off for the end 10mm or
inner side of one of the so,then taped in position
pylon pair halves using the so that they just poked
point of a scalpel knife. through the hole by about
Using plastic model glue to 0.5mm. Once the correct
soften these channels, I length was cut die fibre was
gently pressed in a thin, bonded to the inside hull
single stranded ‘wire-wrap’ using epoxy resin. The
type wire with the plastic ends of thefibre, which are

insulation removed. The very tough, need to be

channel grooves were taken cut square using a very
across the pylons’ joint sharp knife blade - if a
extensions for the hull ragged cut results then
fixing slots to allow the the fight output is much
four wires to pass into the hull LEDs to be ‘balanced’, since the required for the emitter since the reduced.
cavity. Also, the imrp drive nacelle joint brightness of each light needs to LED was well back, allowing a good The fibre ends need to point as
extensions were cut away at the be relative to the scale of the model spread of light. Also, the transparent directly as possible into the LED’s
opposite pylon ends to permit the and each other. Once again the paint was quite thickly applied, beam to maximise output. Whilst
wires to enter into the engines once First Contact video was needed to the overall effect giving a deep, sketching the sort of sealed tube
assembled. study the lighting brightness levels rich yellow glow. needed with the LED at one end and
The pylon recess fixing slots in the on the Enterprise.
hull sides also had to be cut through
to allow the wires to pass direcdy into Particle Emitter Lighting Lighting Components List
the hull. The wired pylons were then The movie Enterprise has inulti-
assembled and bonded to die finished segmented yellow light strips
nacelle assembly. This meant soldering that surround the particle emitter. Ultra Bright 5mm Blue LED RS 235-9922 2-off warp panels.
the pylon wires’ ends to the three This effect was duplicated, building Ultra Bright 3mm White LED Maplin GV65V .. 2-off warp panels.
LEDs that were pre-wired inside the a boxed-in cavity behind the
Red LED 8mm 2-off front nacelles.
nacelleengine pod, a task performed emitter clear part, again using
through the open top of the nacelle, and the cavity was
plastic card, White LED 3mm 2-off navigation fights.

where the transparent warp drive covered with silver tape. This Yellow LED 5mm dia 1 -off particle reflector.

cover would be finally located. The time a bright yellow LED was
Single strand wire-wrap type wire.
joints were then covered with bonded to one side of the hull but
insulation tape, and tucked out of bent to lean over the join line Fibre Optic cable 1 mm diameter.
sight by finally inserting the long ‘V’ such that it would shine directly Silver coated tape.
shaped reflector into the cavity. at the segmented window when Reflective ‘be seen at night’ tape.
The pylon and nacelle assemblies both hull parts were finally joined
The reverse of the clear
Quick setting two-part Epoxy Resin.
were dien bonded into the respective together.
hull half. The hull’s lower rear part was painted with a thick Decor Glass transparent yellow by Marabu from art and craft shops.
panel beneath die shuttle bay was not coat of transparent yellow glass paint, Mother of pearl sticker designs by Sandy Lion.
assembled at this stage, since this access then the front recessed segments

14
 Lighting the Enterprise-E
fibres poking in at the other, I

realised that the very part 1 needed

was already in my hand - the
‘ballpoint pen top’. This was duly
lined with sticky-backed silver tape
to form a good, even reflector and
the pocket clip part filed fiat to be
bonded for final location in the
model. The 3mm dia white LED was
bonded into the hole at the pen
top and the fibres poked into the open
hole normally reserved for the pen.
In practice this works very well
indeed, with the fibres fitting snugly
into the end.
In First Contact a shot of the
Enterprise warping away shows two
downward lacing lights that originate
from the top of the saucer rear and
spotlight an area on the upper hull
section. In the kit this recessed area
isprovided with a transparent part
with windows moulded in it. These
windows, however, do not appear
in the film. Sticking to the film’s version
I replaced this window area with a
piece of plasticard, and simulated
the two lights with fibres. These shine
downwards from a small hidden
reflector beneath the upper saucer rear
and share the saucer navigation LED
light source.

Red Strip Panels

The upper saucer rear features two
square-shaped panels which glow red
and both have five stripes of alternating
light-dark-light intensity. These
were duplicated by cutting 2mm wide
strips of double-sided sticky tape and

running this around the inside

edges of these ‘widow frames’.
Strips of 4mm wide red transparent
Cellophane were then cut out and
positioned across the window in
two places to align with die transparent
window alternating grid lines. A second
layer of double-sided sticky tape
was run around the frame and a
second layer of red Cellophane added.
This process was repeated three
times, building up the strength of
the filters. Finally, after a forth
edging of double-sided, a single
layer of red Cellophane was positioned
over the entire window area. The
window was dren covered widi a layer
of thin, semi-transparent paper
diffuser to ensure the panels were
evenly illuminated without bright
spots that would spoil the effect. The
areas surrounding the windows in
the upper saucer half were covered
with silver tape, as was the entire
opposite area in the lower saucer. Two
8mm diameter red LEDs were
bonded to the lower saucer areas
of the window apertures.
just in front
Again, these LEDs were lightly
1200 grade paper to ensure
scuffed with
an even glow. It was necessary to use
several layers of red filter strips to
prevent the red LED from washing
out the effect of the alternating Centre: Each individual window in the hull of the Enterprise-E is backlit.
depths of red colour intensities. Above: The saucer’s navigation lights and backlit windows.

15
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models
The two panel LEDs were finally Stand to form a ‘T’ section that would give panels were highlighted in No 40
wired in series to minimise current The model comes with a really a good, solid support inside the gull grey. Once complete, the hull
consumption of the final model good stand of sensible size, embossed The hull halves were assembled
hull. and lower saucer were similarly
and help maintain an even level with die Star Trek logo and die words around the stand’s ‘T’ bar, and painted. The darker panel areas
of light intensity between both First Contact. However, I needed bonded to it using two-part A raldite. were finished with extra dark sea grey
panels. to get wires down the stand to The two lighting power wires passed No 123.
power the lights and provide a through the tube ready for connection
Hull Lighting support that would not be too to the LED current limiting resistor Decals
The 1mm diameter fibre optics prominent in any photographs of die board beneath the rear hull panel. The provided decals are excellent,
were used for die lower mid hull and model. To achieve this aim I discarded I considered staining the wooden but both the large NCC-1701-E
both above and beneath the shuttle the kit stand for a wide and stable base with a traditional Teak or Oak legends are printed in one piece. This
launch deck navigation lights. The arrangement tends to give a reflective

location sites for the fibres to show band across the entire transfer —
through the hull were thickened with even between the characters, which
a spare section of sprue bonded always looks bad on matt paint. To
inside. This gave additional support avoid this problem I placed the
for the fairly rigid fibres which transfer onto the upper and lower
tend to tilt through the hole if not saucer in the correct positions, then
held securely. sketched the location of each character
The three fibre ends were taken in relation to the panel lines and
to the same white LED holder windows, etc. I then re-wetted the
assembly used for die three lower saucer transfers using a fine brush, lifted them
light fibres, just under the upper hull off and placed them onto a sheet of
section panel immediately behind scrap plastic card. When dry, I

the saucer. separated each character from the

adjoining dear film using a sharp knife,
Lighting Balance re-wetted them off the card and
All the lighting circuits were wired replaced them onto the E s saucer using
to pin terminations on a small piece the sketch as a location guide.
of copper strip board hidden beneatii
the upper rear hull panel. An Photo-Backdrops
Above: A close-up view of the rear down-lights between the the E a suitable backdrop
To give ‘
assortment of resistors was used in ’

each circuit such that the lighting glowing impulse panels. Below: The red mottled glow from the for the photos a few large sheets
brightness could be independendy starboard nacelle. Bottom: The white navigation lights (indicated of black card were airbrushed with
adjusted by altering the resistor by arrow) at the rear of the starboard nacelle. various ‘nebulous’ looking clouds
values. This adjustment procedure using water-based metallic purple
allowed the numerous lights to be wooden base with a brass 3mm dia look, but thought it a bit old and mauve acrylics. The random star-
matched so that the comparative tube upright support and a 2mm dia fashioned for the Enterprise, so dots of very watered down matt
brightness between navigation lights brass tube inside for added strength. instead the base was stained with a white were then patted with a tissue
and warp lights, etc., was about The wooden base was drilled to dark blue water-based dye. This to absorb the excess water, leaving
right with relation to the scale of the take the support tube and rubber feet colour matches well with the various a hazy, clouded, ring-shaped stain.
model. fitted beneath to give sufficient greys of the finished model and The centre was then picked out
clearance for a miniature hidden still allows the wood grain to show again with a fine brush to return the
Power Supply power socket beneath. This allows through, giving an added touch of bright central star.

The power required for all the the mains adaptor type power supply quality.
lighting totalled less than150mA at to be unplugged when moving the Photographs
9.0 volts, so a typical 300mA multi- model, with less chance of an Paint Scheme The shots of the Enterprise against
voltage adjustable stabilised supply accident during transit. The brass The main Enterprise colours in the the backdrops were taken under
is ideal for this purpose. upright had a cross member soldered film vary from a darkish shade of grey dimmed daylight bulbs using a
during the earlier opening scenes of Minolta Dynax 500SI camera fitted
the film to a near white as Picard and with an AF 28-80, f/4-5.6 zoom
Worfdeal with some single-minded lens and some with a close-up + 4
Borg on the outer hull. My feelings lens. Exposure times varied from 20
were to go for the darker grey to 30 seconds using Fuji colour
appearance in the hope that this super G plus ISO 200 and ISO 400
would enhance the lighting with the films.
scale of the model in the final
photographs. The entire hull and saucer Finally
areas were painted first with Humbtvl My thanks to ERTL for producing
enamel 128 US compass grey. After such a great model — how about
extensive masking the upper saucer releasing some of the many other
Starfleet ships seen in the First
Contact Borg battle ?

Many thanks to Michael Reccia

for his suggestion to make this
model, which filled seven months
of Sundays with hundreds of tiny
windows, 10A knife blades and
Many thanks also to
strained eyes.
my wife Marcia, who accepted the
fact thatI was unable to do any

work around the house because I was

too busy building a space ship. I ask
you. what a lame excuse!
. .

16
 2

Plague of the Zombies

A phenomenal piece by Simon Cat Bride
Laurens. 13" tall with choice of
heads. Complete with base and
Simon Laurens and Annette
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overnight courier. unequalled. 23" long x 20" tall £109.99 + £10 overnight courier. overnight courier.

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C015 1 BL. England

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Fax: 01255 223232
e-mail:
[email protected]
New Curse of the
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10" tall - unbeatable
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Metaluna Mutant
Sculpted by Vic Doors.
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ma. £59.99 + £7.00

Christopher Lee as the Mummy
overnight courier. 13" tall with base. Another cold cast
The Curse of Frankenstein
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Over 13" tall. £69.99 + £7.00
Laurens. £69.99 + £7 overnight
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Brinke Stevens 1
" tall.
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£69.99 + £7.00 overnight courier. with base & name plaque. A
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overnight courier.

Gorgon Diorama
Prototype
£74.99 + £8.00 overnight
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Kitten Natividad Curse of the Werewolf The Reptile Over 12" tall

Cold cast porcelain 1 :6 scale. 12'A" tall. £59.99 + £7.00 £59.99 + £7.00 overnight courier.
£59.99 plus £7.00 overnight courier. overnight courier.

All prices UK mainland only. Rest The Hammer Film Music

ofEurope add 30% of kit price. Dealers’ orders Collection Vol. 1:
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Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

The Demon
A prosthetic make up application (hey, it’s a living!)
Arkane-Effects Karl Derrick ’

M
with the standard lifecast of the set up on smaller, sectional casts
y jaw hit the deck and the telephone receiver
face and neck of your intended of the different parts of the face. Once
slid from nerveless fingers. The studio had victim. the detail had been resculpted, the

called to say the client had cancelled (this individual parts of the make up
I modelled the Demons features were moulded and cast in skin-
would have been a of a blow had we not already
bit on the plaster lifecast positive (having coloured (— ish) gelatine.
been paid in fullfor the job). I called their office and, first coated it with a couple of layers
of plaster separator). I like to use tried wherever possible to put
in my best demanding bluster, demanded (see?) what
I

Chavant plastilene of the soft variety. the cut-lines in a fold or crease in

had happened and was told the agency had ‘ just where they are easier to hide
the face

changed their minds about the whole concept ” and The sculpt took me two days to (makes sense, Karl, sheeshl). The
complete. Once detailed and finished face broke down to eleven pieces
wouldn’t be needing the Demon make up after all. I had to decide where to put the including the cute little eye bags. I
Marvellous, isn’t it? separation lines for the breakdown. made the little skin-claws from
dental acrylic and super-glued them
Not wanting to waste all the Here it is, then: Dick Smith first pioneered this (no kidding!) into place after the
time and effort spent on the method of breaking down a full-face appliances had been made up.
project, I asked them if they The poor bloke under all that sculpt into several smaller pieces
minded if I wrote a little piece gelatine Rob Jenkins. based
is I which could be moulded and cast The application took almost three
on it for my favourite Mag. “No,” the design on Rob ’cos he’s got an separately. This method makes the hours and a further hour to remove
they said. interesting face. The make up starts application much easier as you can after the photo session.
“juggle” all the bits round to get a
good fit. Photo 1 shows the teeth. I made them
out of dental acrylic and lined them
After the lines had been cut in I with a soft inner layer so they’d be
dumped the entire lifecast, complete nice and comfy.
with clay, into a bath of water. The
next day the separate pieces had Photo 2 shows the gelatine nose
soaked off the plaster and could be appliance sitting on its little sectional

18
 The Demon

SCULPTING
MODEL MAKING

everything for modelling,

flexible mouldmaking, casting

Super Sculpey, Chavant, waxes

square ali wire, copper armature wire,

metal modelling tools, dental tools, spirit lamp

alginate, silicone rubber, latex, gelflex
polyesters, fillers, clear casting resin, urethanes,

Milliput, epoxies, adhesives, Araldite 20/20

tin alloys, pewter, Centricast machines
modelling stands, studio equipt.
gold leaf, Schlag metals
copper & ali foil

send for 104 page catalogue

ALEC TIRANTI LTD

70 High Street, Theale, Reading RG7 5AR
(Tel: 0118 930 2775 Fax: 0118 932 3487))
LONDON SHOP: 27 Warren Street, W.l.
e-mail: [email protected] www.tiranti.co.uk

I like to keep the appliances on

cast. Mask Grease Paint to the finished face.
Binders £8.99 each.
aform prior to use so they keep their 1 like the RCMA stuff diluted with Handsome 12-issue format. Clever nylon binding
shape and don’t get lost. a little alcohol. Boy, I work really
system. Striking red leather effect with metallic logo.
Post and packing FREE U.K. only.
fast, look at that blur!
Overseas add £4.50 postage for each binder ordered.
Photo 3 poor old Rob laying nice
is

and still while I glue stuff to his Photo 6 is the finished thing.
head. The weird looking metal That’s Rob’s own hair with a bit of Payments should be made out to:
thing helps to firm-down the petroleum jelly in it. Next Millennium Publishing Limited
appliance’s glued edges safely as it
and sent with your name and address to:
has rounded and polished ends. You can check out some other stuff
on our website. The address is: SF&F Binders, 7 Pine Street, Hasiingden,
Photo 4 is more of the same. www.arkane-effects.demon.co.uk Rossendale, Lancashire, BB4 5ND. U.K.

Photo 5 shows me applying Rubber K.D.

Ref: 34. Allow 28 days for delivery.

ARKANE
EFFECTS
SPECIAL MA&4P, fc|0PELA £ CEIATIRE5
Special-effects teeth and other dental prostheses designed,
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and Props • Custom design and fabrication of all kinds

Karl Derrick
9A Ruislip Road, Greenford, Middlesex,
UB6 9EQ, United Kingdom.
Tel/Fax 01 1 44 181 575 7550
www.arkane-effects.demon.co.uk
karl@arkane-effects .demon .co. uk

19
 Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

A Menagerie of Miscellaneous Models

from Timeslip Models
words Bob Gould • photographs Tim Hooper
you remember the present that always seemed to
o

D You know the

be in your Christmas stocking?
one — a Plaster Caster set, with a rubber mould,
a bag of Plaster of Paris and pots ofacrylic paints? Well,
that always springs to mind when Vm asked to review
this sort of kit. I wonder why?
But, hey, these are really good - if acrylic paint and water (or oil based
a little pricey. What you get for paint and white spirit) and, when pasted
your hard earned, easily spent pocket over an area of the sculpture that has
money — in the case of these three recesses or edges, will puddle and
examples - is well sculpted, well cast dry, leaving you with an almost
and with better-than-average “stained” (rather than a “painted”)
packaging. effect. Dry-brushing treats the
raised portions to a very thin highlight
The “Yoda on a stump” (and not of a colour — either darker or lighter
a gravestone, as someone I know than the base coat. This is applied
thought) is particularly well rendered; from a brush that has been dipped
the “Ewok on a frog” equally so in the paint and then squeezed dry
(and it lends itself to a superb paint- in a tissue. In both cases,you will
job), but my favourite has to be find that the more coats you apply,
Calibos, from the imagination and the more pronounced the finish
rubber moulds of Ray Harryhausen’s will be — so don’t rush it, allow
1981 Clash Of The Titans. He’s each layer to dry and add another if
my favourite character from that necessary.
swashbuckling, mythological genre
— even more so than the infamous The Ewok needs minimal
I remember making a
skeletons. construction, but I would advise the
wearable mask and producing a strengthening of each of the frog’s
full costume for a series of jointsby means of an inserted rod
photographs... I’ve still got the or pin. (see Terminatrix article last
stuff somewhere. (I even sent a issue for fuller explanation). The skin
photograph to the Ed as proof.) surface has a very definite texture
which will have to be matched in any
Back to the kits. I really don’t you use — and this ought to be
filler

think you need me to gp, step by step, done before it hardens. As for the
(*see footnote, please) through colour scheme — well, Ewoks are brown
how I constructed and painted each and frogs are usually green... so
one. The beauty about this form of use as many variants of those two basic
kit is that it gives you free rein with colours as possible. The sculpting
your imagination and paint box. of the Ewok hair is so well done
As you might have gathered by that it lends itself to washing and dry-
now — ifyou read my articles — I have brushing beautifully. The frog —
an aversion to over-painting kits, in keeping with most reptiles - was
particularly figures. I do not like the given a yellow underside with a
“air-brushed to excess” look created green upper, the two colours being
by a lot of artists. I much prefer blended together whilst they were
subtlety, and therefore, to my mind, still wet — which gives you a smoother

realism. These are meant to be for transition. Because I had used a

fun, however, so gofor it... acrylic selection of Citadel acrylic and
paints; bold colours; and over-the- Humbrol oil-based paints to achieve
top shading and highlights. allthe shades I required for the
frog, these dried with varying
Yoda - with no valid construction finishes. I therefore coated the
to undertake as this is a one piece whole thing with a satin varnish
statue — started life as very green, with (Humbrol satin cote) to render it as one.
a very brown tree and light grey stones The final touch was a length of
- but I did end up toning everytliing wool to represent the reins.
down slightly. This was achieved with
a few washes of dark brown and ended up being the easiest
Calibos
black. For those of you who are to put together and paint. Pin-
and
just starting out in this hobby, strengthened joints; minimal filling; was die most effective touch, because from the movie! For those of you
maybe haven’t tried “washing” and blended acrylic flesh and brown it acted as a nice contrast to the who may not have access to reference
“dry-brushing”, now is the time to skin tones with exaggerated shading rest of the colour scheme — and he material after all this time, his forked
give it a go. Washes are made up of and a bright blue costume. This really does look like Neil McCarthy left hand is silver with a brown

20
 :

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

SF&F Pocket Guide
Timeslip Models —a trio of caricatured figures
Value for money
Yoda (£14.99):

Ewok (£22.95):

Calibos (£14.99):
////
Ease of assembly and Instructions
Yoda (one piece): ,
S ,
n ,
v

Ewok (eight pieces):

#/y & V W
A ,
v ,%

Calibos (seven pieces): v \ -V \

W W W W
Suggestedfor standard assembly: Epoxy resin and superglue adhesives;
preferred filler; needle files and emery paper.
Paints: Spray acrylic primer in grey; Citadel acrylics and Humbrol oil-based
in most colours available!
References:Yoda and Ewok: The Best of the Lucasfilm Archives by
M. Cotta Vaz/S. Hata. Calibos: Cinefantastique Volume 10 Number 3.

leather sheath covering the stump; * Footnote Writing the words

agold ornate belt; tan brown hair; “step by step” reminded me I’ve
brown sandals and whip. and the . . just heard that our How-to Handbook
two white metal pips are a pair of has completely sold out, so I’d
forehead-mounted horns. like to take this opportunity to thank
everybody concerned for its success
Well, that’s the trio completed — - from the publishers, Strange
and a good time was had by me. I Light, to the people who bought
have to say, it was nice to paint in it. Thanks.

a style that was different for a change.

I still felt that I didn’t go too “over Review kits kindly supplied by
the top”, but managed to make Des at the Manchester Model Shop.
them larger than life. Tel: 0161 834 3972.

"It was humour killed the beast"

A review of Polar Lights’ King Kong Thronester
words Bob Gould • photographs Tim Hooper
lease don’t get me wrong ,
I have every admiration

P
difficult to
and respectfor Polar Lights and what they are doing
in re-releasing Aurora kits, but Ifind it increasingly
understand why they have chosen to reissue
these comic car kits. Things aren’t all doom and gloom,
however. They did slot in The Bride — with The
Creature From The Black Lagoon soon to be rolling
more importantly, the end
off the production line - and,
of the line offunnies has come with this and the
Wolfman’s Wagon kit.

I’ve started on a downer, so I might I suppose we had better get on with and exhaust; body with rear axle; rear the look of thekit! Oh, and make
as well continue and get it all out the making of this model before I wheels; and, finally, Kong himself. sure you paint the inside of the
before take you through the
I decide not to do it at all. I will say Most pieces went together perfectly mouth before you insert it into the
construction. This kit shows no here and now that the set Tim well using a liquid polystyrene head, because it becomes pretty

imagination at all. It lacks design wants built for the photograph is going adhesive — the only problem I inaccessible once in place. This
and detailing, presenting you with to be a good one - it might be encountered was with the beast was rendered in deep red, with
large areas of smooth, flat plastic more fun to make than the kit A fair amount of filler — I
himself. blended black for the mouth and
that, even when assembled, still look itself. used Das Pronto clay and superglue, blended white for the tongue, and
of smooth, flat plastic. Some
like areas but P38 Car Body would do equally the teeth were acrylic white with
pieces are only finished on one As usual, my order of attack as well — was required to blend the brown staining.
side, yet both sides are visible differed from the instructions for no arms into the shoulders and the
when the kit is completed — so other reason than I made up sub- fingers to the hands, so you need to I next caught myself pondering
you are left with sections of uneven, assemblies for painting before final remember to etch the “fur” into the over a colour scheme that would suit
poured plastic. construction. These included engine filler, just smoothing it off might spoil the car — for pity’s sake, this is a fairly

21
uninteresting model kit, not The engine and exhaust system except to say that the more interest colour you like. I chose a dark blue
Changing Rooms! Anyway, were acrylic silver with a coat of Citadel you can get into the painting the better and made sure that the orbs stayed
because of the set Tim had suggested, Armour wash, for dirtying down, the finished model will look. If as white as possible to give a wide-
I decided to go for shades of the with selected areas in Humbrol rust you keep it to basic colours with no eyed (but not necessarily legless)
jungle — beiges, browns and greens, (100) for — well — rust. I then texturing or staining it is definitely expression. I finally — with distaste
with a little copper thrown in. randomly washed some of the going to look boring. — added the gold crown to the
To start with, after an initial coat engine parts in red to give the Great Ape’s head.
of grey primer, all four wheels impression that this was once a Kong himself was simply sprayed
were given a coat of acrylic green, new car. The main body and front with matt black car primer and, Well, he’s finished now — and
but you will find that something chassis started life as plain Humbrol when dry, his skin areas were given pretty sad he looks. I’m sorry, but
has to be done with the rear pair matt brown (119) with washes of matt a brush coat of acrylic silk black. It this range of “Monstermobiles” is
— they look horrendous. A quick black and a darkened brown around is always difficult to give relief and just not to my taste. I can’t even say
and simple addition to give them the bottom edge and, in particular, highlight to black objects, but, by that they are well designed and
some form of character — loosely the area where the engine was going using a Humbrol hght grey (64), or manufactured. This isn’t Polar Lights’
based on something I did with to sit. This assembly was finished off even white, you can carefully dry- fault - they are just faithfully
Batman’s Speargun (see review this with a dry-brush of all leading brush certain sections of the fur, such recreating the original, about which
issue) — involves covering them in edges with Humbrol light brown as around the chest and face, down I discovered an interesting piece

string. I know it doesn’t sound 121 ). his back, etc. I tried blending some of news. I visited die Polar Lights web
(
that good, but you do get things acrylic dark brown into the skin site and discovered that the original
bound together in the jungle, like Ireally don’t think you need me with reasonable success and also boxed and unassembled version of
log huts and compound walls, so to go into too much detail about all picked out the fingernails with a wash this kit changes hands for between
a ball of “hairy” twine and some the little add-ons, such as the of white. The eyes are large enough SI 200 and $ 1600 —whereas The Bride
double-sided adhesive tape is all you gargoyle heads, cobweb, etc., that to permit fairly accurate painting of only demands $650. There is
need. go to make up the completed car, the irises and pupils in whatever definitely no justice.

SF&F Pocket Guide

Polar Lights’ injection moulded King Kong Thronester.

Value for money: (£25:00)

Ease of assembly and instructions:

Suggestedfor standard assembly: P38 filler (or alternative) and fine emery
paper; needle files.

Paints: Acrylic sprays in matt black and grey. Citadel acrylics in green,
black, white, blue, copper, gold, silver and Armour wash. Humbrol matts
in browns and light grey.

References: www.polarlights.com

22
 These kits were made for walking

These kits were made for walking

A review of AMT/Ertl’s AT-AT and AT-ST Snapfast Action Wind-ups
words Bob Gould • photographs Tim Hooper

W hen asked whether I’d like to review the two newly re-issued Snapfast kits
in the Star Wars range, I immediately said “YES”. I was then informed
that they both came supplied with a clockwork motor that enabled them to
“walk”. “Oh dear, what have I let myself in for?” I thought. As I collect anything
connected with the movies, however, I eventually decided it wouldn’t be such a bad
idea to review them. And it wasn’t...
The packaging is very impressive instruction sheet carefully — there AT-ST being slightly redesigned
— which is usual from AMT/Ertl is a right and wrong way of connecting to help with its balance — but these
— and the instruction sheets are things together — I very quickly are small prices to pay for the fact
comprehensive. Pieces come as made two, albeit small, Imperial that the actual walking motion of each
they do in any standard plastic The quality of moulding
vehicles. is superbly realised.
moulded kit, but included
injection and casting was spot-on, so there wasn’t
in eachbox is also a complete wind- any cleaning up to do, apart from die Anyway, fun over for the moment
up motor unit that has been cleverly “dink” you get when removing
little and back to painting — and that
designed to incorporate part of the each part from its tree. was hardly a major exercise. Both
finished panel detailing. models were given a sprayed coat of
I couldn’t resist any longer, so acrylic matt grey, being very careful And that’s about it. I am really
I usually don’t “snap fix” this at this stage I wound them up — you not to gum up the works around die pleased that AMT/Ertl have had
type of kit together — I trim off get a removable key — and let ’em hips of the AT-ST and the ankles of the presence of mind to re-issue
the fixings and use a Liquid Poly rip. They looked the part, I can the AT-AT. Out came the Star this pair in the UK - it seems Comet
cement — but in both cases I felt that tell you. Purists amongst you will Wars Chronicles - the absolute best Miniatures were the only people to
keeping any form of adhesive away have to come to terms with the reference guide you can buy — to see stock the kits first time round in Great
from the mechanism would be AT-AT having legs that don’t bend where “oil” and “rust” were actually Britain, and they had to go to the
prudent. Therefore, by following the at the knees and the feet of the located on the studio miniatures. The bother of getting them in from
stains diemselves can be achieved widi Japan!
weak wash of each colour,
a fairly
using Htimbrol matts in both black Although, for the most part,
and rust mixed widi either white spirit the overall rendering of each kit
or thinners. If you start with a thin matches the original designs, there
wash and allow it to dry completely are some areas that don’t look the
you can add further layers to make part — but that’s just me being
it more pronounced. picky. also find it hard to call
I

them kits. They are more like toys

I coatedsome panels as a whole — but then again, the fact that you
area and others just in the corners. have to assemble them. . . OK, kits
Any vent or port was used as a start it is. As for recommending them?
point for a trail running down I’m afraid that they are part of the
towards a bottom edge, and all vast merchandising industry
whether diey swivelled or not,
joints, connected with the movies, making
were given a fairly dark coat to give them an essential acquisition for any
the impression of continual wear. serious Star Wars modeller’s
You get the idea, I’m sure. collection.
A must for all Star Wars collectors.

A cleverly designed motor.

SF&F Pocket Guide
AMT/Ertl’s AT-AT and AT-ST Snapfast Wind-up Action plastic

kits.

Value for money: (>C10:00 each)

Ease of assembly and instructions:

Suggestedfor standard assembly: Nothing really required.

Paints: Acrylic spray in matt grey; Humbrol matts in black and rust.

References: Star Wars Chronicles by Deborah Fine and Aeon, Inc.

23
 s

—
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

Star Trek: Insurrertion

The 'Next Generation' of Miniature Effects
Part One
Jim Key

W hen the opportunity arose to report on the miniature effects for the recently
released Star Trek: Insurrection, Iliad, of course, already been privileged
to witness what had happenedfrom within the production realm. Atfirst,
like so many of my associates, I had thought of all the fantastic new miniatures that
would undoubtedly become a steady stream of work for whatever visual effects
what would he needed
this
to produce
next instalment of the ongoing
Star Trek saga. Simply referred
to as #9, this film originally called
for over a dozen new ships and
many lavish new environments, as
well as associated technologies, to
studio was lucky enough to be awarded the project. To our surprise, however, the be created.

news soon came back... The next installment was going to be a departurefrom the
These early discussions led to
traditional norm that had served most of the previousfilms. It seemed that, since First the realization that motion-control

Contact, our industry had taken a further evolutionary step forward; one which had miniatures might not be able to
afford the creative freedom that
graduated onto a higher plane of creativity. Poised to create a (new look’, Star Trek: production was interested in achieving.
Insurrection would now foster the ‘ Next Generation ’ of miniature effects... Since Santa Barbara Studios had
demonstrated their ability to create
the extraordinary space scenes for
Since the realm of Star Trek is effects,which included everything Frakes were arranged with Santa the opening of the TV series Star
adventurous and trendsetting, it from CG and scanning miniatures, Barbara Studios’ Visual Effects Trek: Voyager, it was decided
seems the perfect science-fiction character animations, element Supervisor John Grower and Blue that CG had finally come of age and
candidate to advocate uses of newer shoots, as well as digital effects and Sky\VIFX’s Visual Effects would be the most durable, flexible,
technologies, especially within the compositing, to Blue Sky VIFX. \
Producer/Supervisor team John and time saving way to proceed
At die forefront
visual effects industry. These two companies, both advocates Kilkenny and Jim Rygiel. It was with the majority of the visual
of this project it was reported that of cutting edge digital technologies, during these preliminary meetings effects. In being able to match Santa
there would be several hundred would soon be challenged with that both Santa Barbara Studios and Barbara Studios’ technical ability,
visual effects shotsneeded - enough taking Star Trek into a virtual Blue Sky VIFX were able to integrate
|
Blue Sky \
VIFX would be counted
work to split amongst several visual new realm — going boldly where the their technical solutions together with on to help carry the production
effects studios. To handle dais need, Trek movies had not been before. Paramount’s design staff, consisting seamlessly. These two studios would
Paramount Pictures awarded the of Herman Zimmerman, conceptualist appear as ‘one’, establishing a new
spaceships and deep space To accomplish this task, several John Eaves, and veteran model ‘benchmark’ as a result of the team
environments to Santa Barbara initial meetings between parental Trek designer Gregjein. Now, as a effort.
Studios. As a workmate, they awarded executive Rick Berman, producer combined and cohesively matched
the remaining majority of visual Peter Lauritson and director Jonathan creative crew, they began to discern This did not mean, however,
that there would be no physical
miniature or prop work needed.
Quite the contrary. In support of their
CG miniature counterparts, several
physical scanning models, as well as
a hero miniature interior and prop,
would be called into production.

Visual effects call list

With any science-fiction movie
the amount of visual effects needed
usually runs high. Star Trek:
Insurrection, from the onset of its
first scripting, called for several
hundred. Though the work load
would he split amongst two highly
capable visual effects studios, it was

still a very tall order to fill. Together

with all the new designs that would
soon be offered by Paramount ’

design staff, including a couple

Fedemtion vessels, there were also known
Starfleet ships to construct in CG,
these being the Enterprise from the
last movie and the shuttlecraft. As
in all Star Trek movies there is
always the opportunity to introduce
new additions to the existing fleet.
John Grower helped clarify, “There
were several new Fedemtion ships, which
Model of Son’A shuttle —plan view. Photo courtesy Blue SkyWIFX. Photographer David Swett. included a scout-ship, and a huge

24
Star Trek: Insurrection

Holoship, capable of cloaking. As an

added treat, we were asked to create
scenes showing the Captain’s Yacht
as it deploys and returns to the

saucer section of the Enterprise.

This is something new that I think
the fans will enjoy.”

In addition to all the ships and

vessels, there would be the need to
create otherworldly environments,
both in space and in terrestrial
settings, using digital matte paintings.
For the space environments, Santa
Barbara Studios’ Art Director, Richard
Kriegler, designed these settings
using a mixture of digital paint
techniques and volume rendering.
This is particularly true of the
spectacular, colorful nebulas. The
majestic,snow capped mountains
were also digital matte paintings,
composited into the scenes by Blue
Sky VIFX’s
|
CG
team.

To interact with actor Brent

Spiner, who portrays Data, there would
be need of a physical Drone prop,
which would also become a CG
model, and was affectionately
referred to as ‘the lawn-dart’.

There would be two character

animations created, consisting of a
mechanical hummingbird and a scene
stealing palm-pet creature. This
portion was sent back east to Blue
Sky VIFX’s New York office, to
|

be completed by Mark Baldo and

his CG team.
The traditional visual effects had
to be incorporated into the work
requirements too. No Star Trek

This page:
Model of Son ’A shuttle built
by Dave Chamberlain.
Photos courtesy Blue
SkyWIFX.
Photographer David Swett.

25
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

First version of Drone (completed). Photo courtesy Lead painter Laurah Grijalva working on Drone wing-first design.
Blue SkyWIFX. Photographer Logan Payne. Photo courtesy Blue SkyWIFX. Photographer Logan Payne.

movie would be complete without

technical effects such as phasers and
transporter beam-in/outs. Blue
Sky VIFX’s visual Effects Producer
|

John Kilkenny and Visual Effects

Supervisor Jim Rygiel made early
tests which were shown to producer

Peter Lauritson to determine if

they had the right ‘look’.

“It was literally down to when a

phaser fires it warms up for this
many frames, it flares for this many
frames, and it travels at this speed.
We had to make sure our phaseis looked
just like they did in the past.However,
with the advent of technology and
how things have grown in the past
few years, Paramount wanted them
to look a little better,” John Kilkenny
pointed out.

Considered, perhaps, to be the

crowning jewel, were the yet to be
seen new alien ship designs which
designer John Eaves and model
maker Gregjein were scrambling to
finish. These would feature a small
armada of spaceships consisting of
two Son’A battleships, a Son’A flag ship,
and the massive, mile long SonA Science
Vessel, referred to as the Solar-
Collector, the latter being the location
for the final dramatic scenes featuring
the interior and exterior of the
ship.

Ahead, warp factor - 9!

During the initial start-up time,
while 1 st. Unit principal photography

had begun, somewhere in the early

Spring of ’98, Santa Barbara Studios
was preparing for the onslaught of
CG design and construction by
meeting with John Eaves. Together
they began to work out the actual
storyboards which would serve as
guides for choreographing much
Above left: John Eaves’

sketch for the Holoship.

Left: Scanning model of the
Holoship built by Mykel Denis
and Tom Griep. Photo
courtesy Blue SkyWIFX.
Photographer Logan Payne.

26
 Star Trek: Insurrection

Top: First version of Drone (completed). Photo courtesy Blue

SkylVIFX. Photographer Logan Payne.
Above and left: In this sequence a Drone explodes as Worf hits it
with a phaser rifle. The first image in this series is from the
background plate of Worf hitting a "pyro box" filled with explosive
material. Later, Blue SkyWIFX digital supervisor Mark Rodahl and
his team removed the "pyro box" from the original plate and
replaced it with an animated digital Drone. Then, the digital Drone’s
destruction was animated and layered with the background plate
of Worf and the practical explosion. Images courtesy Blue SkyWIFX.

Picard, Anij and Data in a row boat approach the cloaked ship. Image courtesy Blue SkyWIFX.

27
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models
of die space scenes, and how the ships
would be interacting within these
spacial environments.

To help offset the upfront load,

itwas decided early on that, since
the Enterprise-E miniature was not
going to be changed, it could, in
fact, be used as a scanning source
to set up the much needed data base
that Santa Barbara Studios would
use to construct the new CG
model. What this meant was that
a graphic artist would have to
carefully lay down 1 centimeter
tape lines over all die major portions
of the existing ILM miniature so that
it could be digitized using a stylus-

based scanning system. This service

was performed by Viewpoint at
Blue Sky VIFX’s annex sound
\

stage.

I asked John Grower if he and his

team had any reservations about using

scanning as a way to get at the
final modeled version. “It certainly
saved a lot of time that would have
gone into building the CG model.
The ILM miniature was plenty
big enough, and well detailed to get
what we needed. We shot texture
photographs off the miniature and
used those to texture map our
new CG model. The process
worked great,” he admitted.

There would be other models to

build using this same process.Back
at Blue Sky\ VIFX’s model shop,
Miniature Effects Supervisor Carlyle
Livingston was busy enlisting his
team of highly skilled model makers,
which would now be facing a
different kind of building challenge,
that of producing scanning type
miniatures.

Son’A Drones
Without revealing too much about
the plot line, for those who still

haven’t seen the movie as of this first

publishing, I can at least describe what
die Son’A Drones are. One could best
define them as ‘super-smart, target
oriented, flying devices’. These
devices, part of an ongoing CG
roster, were then developed
independently at Blue Sky VIFX. \

The final design was agreed to by

production and reworked only
slighdy by John Eaves. These revised
color sketches were handed off to
Carlyle Livingston and his team
of model makers.

“We first built a foam-core and

paper maquette, so that we could
show Paramount' s production team.
Concurrent to that I had our
Laurah Grijalva and Kurt
painters,
Zendler, prepare painted wing
samples, to find out if we were
interpreting the sketches correctly,”
explained Carlyle.

28
 Star T r e k: Insurrection
With the basic ‘go-ahead’ given
by production, Carlyle assigned
the Drone project to crew chief
Logan Payne. Together with Dave
Chamberlain, they began building
all the necessary patterns for the
body parts, wings, support arms, and
minor detail parts. With Laurah
and Curt’s creative painting support,
the team had to quickly assemble a
static version for Paramount’ s Art
Department; two hero versions,
and one stunt version.

The two hero versions required

an extra feature — an operating
mechanical head, designed and
fabricated by Erik Haraldsted. Using
a CAD operated milling machine,
all of the head parts were custom

manufactured and assembled together,

resembling a flower pod ready to
bloom open. As it did so it would
release tiny point darts which were,
in actuality, target transmitters.
This entire head section could be
made to open dirough an attachment
located on the back side of the
body piece, something that Brent
Spiner obviously ei Joyed playing with.

When the finished props went

out for critique, they were sent back
with unforseen objections. With
the wings extended, the entire
prop looked like a ‘coppery colored,
wooden propeller’. Revising this
would mean resorting to an alternate
John Eaves design, featuring shorter
wings, with beefier leading edges,
much like shoulder pads. By simply
carving down the existing prop, and
adding the necessary new layers to
the leading edges, the props were
quickly corrected and presented to
production for final approval.
Because of all the changes to the
hero versions, the static was pulled
out of the line up, and not used for
scanning purposes. In its place,
one of the hero Drones was
substituted.

Additionally, since two more

props would be needed for crusliing,
they were farmed out and made
Opposite page, top to bottom: 3/4 over beauty shot of ILM Enterprise-E miniature scan set-up; 3/4 —
under beauty shot; 3/4 rear straight on beauty shot; rear over straight on beauty shot.
from the existing molds which Top: close-up of saucer section having tape grid lines applied.
Logan and Dave originally used. Above: close-up of port engine nacelle with tape grid lines— scan set-up. All photos: Jim Key.
These crushable versions were
made of a soft metal, most probably The first pass at developing this at John’s drawing, what appeared Peter commented on the hatch
a tin or lead alloy. miniature was undertaken by lead to be the front was, unknowingly, needing to be bigger. So these
model maker Mykel Denis and the rear view. So, when this was changes were made. It’s part of
Federation Holoship fellowmodel makers Tom Griep pointed out, they had a hard time the process of finding out just
The first of the custom built and Tamara Waters. Following visualizing the ship any other way what’s right.”
scanning models was the Federation John Eaves’ preliminary sketches, than what their original perception
Holoship. Both Blue Sky VIFX \
they produced a rectangular shaped was. Therefore, because of that With the scanning model
and Santa Barbara Studios would miniature, complete with all the presumption and the shots needed, completed, it could then be scanned
be creating scenes using this vessel. scribe lines necessary to guide the the ship was turned around 180 into a digital data base. Blue SkylVIFX
To start die process, Blue Sky VIFXs|
CG artist into producing the final degrees, forcing revisions to the had only to produce a portion of die
model shop led off. They were model. Everything went without engine nacelles and the location of ship, shown cloaked in the water.
asked to produce a simplistic, yet a hitch, until it was presented. the conning tower, or bridge area. Santa Barbara Studios, however, had
accurately detailed scale miniature And because the Holoship had to to take the data base and further
which would be scanned into a According to, Carlyle, “When look like it was holding an entire construct die missing odier end, since
digital data base and be shared Rick Berman and Peter Lauritson village inside, perception of human it would be seen in the whole, de-
between the two effects houses. and everyone else involved looked scale was important. Rick and cloaking in space.

29
 Son’A Shuttle
The second of the two scanning
miniatures, the Son’A shuttle is, in
some people’s opinion, the wildest
looking ship in the collection. In its

original inception it featured many

open areas between the wings and
main fuselage area. These aerodynamic
passages were thought to give the
craft too whimsical an appearance,
.
so they were filled in with ‘techno
paneling’.

Assigned to complete dais scanning

model was Dave Chamberlain.
Provided with several color sketches
and 3D maquette built by Greg
a
Jein, he began the carving process.
From dense yellow foam, the ship
was produced out of five main
parts - the left and right wings,
the center horseshoe body, and
die left and right wing gun pods. Once
glued together, the pieces were
then covered with urethane casting
resin to firm up the surfaces. After
curing, these surfaces could be
sanded smooth, gray primered,
and detailed with pencil panel lines.
Only tiny details would need to be
added to indicate exhaust ports,
vents and gun barrel tubes.

30
 Star Trek: Insurrection
And since these were symmetrical
in design, we could have gotten
away with just building half.”

Iwas equally comforted by

another comment that both Jim
Rygiel and Carlyle Livingston
made to me - essentially how they
both strive to have maquettes built
for previsualization, and the
importance of study models and/or
scanning models. Though many
rimes now the finished form may
be in CG, these physical
representations still serve their
purpose when seeking approvals,
since they hide nothing and reveal
every nook and cranny.

Concluded next issue with a detailed

reporton the creation of the Son 'A
miniature/CG interior
Science Vessel,
and'filming ofpyrotechnicsfor the
sets,

movie’s finale.

Copyright© 1998, Jim Key.

Custom Miniatures,
23624 Magic Mountain Parkway,
#613, Valencia, CA 91355, U.S.A.

Though designed as a “less physical miniatures, made to

complex” miniature, from a exacting specifications. Which
combination of foam and renshape, reminds me of something Mykel
one can see from the pictures Denis told me of his build on the
featured in this article that even Holoship. As he put it, “It’s hard
scanning models have their own for a model maker who’s used to
carefully crafted luster. Nonetheless, doing detailed work to do just what
they are beautifully constructed is necessary. It was difficult to stop.

First publishing rights granted to:

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

magazine;
Next Millennium Publishing Ltd.

Photography per individuals,

as indicated.

Images parts 1 and 2 courtesy of:

Blue Sky VIFX, \

Hunter/ Gratzner Industries,

Santa Barbara Studios,
and Stirber Visual Network.

Use of this material

obtained through permission.

Star Trek Insurrection is a ™&©

Opposite page top: CG model of Drone. Opposite left and this page: CG model of Son ’A shuttle. 1998, Paramount Pictures.
Inset this page: Shuttle CG wireframe. ’

A11 ri „ht, rcserveH

Images courtesy Blue SkyWIFX.

31
 s

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

David Merriman - a photo scrapbook

and practical landing gear.
his issue we spotlight just a handful of regular contributor David Merriman’ interior
The cockpit computer consoles,
Many have appeared infilm and TV, whilst others
T masterful model creations.
are the result of commissions by private collectors and exhibitions. Whatever
their origins, we know you’ll enjoy taking a close look at them all as David talks
landing gear pads and struts were
cast polyester resin formed within
rubber RTV molds.
you through this photo-record of a career in miniatures... Shot #4. This five foot diameter
model of the TD-i was one of
Shot # 1 This scratch-built model
. formed within female
styrene plastic lamps behind the engine
‘pulsating’ two miniatures representing this craft,
of the Spindrift from the TV show molds. The model features a intakes. The markings on the side featured in the slasher movie
Land Of The Giants was built for complete cockpit interior and a were custom-made dry transfers made Midnight Movie Massacres.
a client. The hull is vacuformed flashing tight circuit driving the locally. The model was finished, as This particular model, built of
is my practice, with automotive GRP, featured plug-in landing
acrylic lacquer paints. gear elements that could be pulled
and replaced with fairing plates
Shot #2 Another commissioned to represent the craft with the
model of the
job, this vacuformed landing gear ‘retracted’. This model
Jupiter-2 TV show Lost
from the was “flown” around the set using
In Space sits atop a launching overhead wires, just like the
structure formed from cast resin miniatures in such movies as
pieces. The base contains a power Forbidden Planet and Plan 9
supply which charges a battery From Outer Space - the best
within the model that powers a and the worst of ’em! A set of
circuit which in turn sequences practical lights around the center
the ‘rotating’ light array within of the saucer was powered and
the lower dome. blinked from an off-model control
box that fed the lights through
Shot #3. The vacuformed 10" the support wires.
modelJupiter-2 features a practical
Shot #5. The landing gear was
given special attention: when the
craft made contact with the ground,

the oleo struts contracted into

their cylinders as the ‘torsion links’
articulated - very neat looking
and practical. However, the landing
gear was not retractable; an editorial
break between seeing the landing
gear deployed and retracted gave the
illusion of function. The three
landing gear assemblies were
removed and the opening faired over
Shot 3 with a false set of ‘gear doors’ to show
the saucer in the ‘clean’ configuration,
ready for high-speed flight.

Shot #6. For the movie Midnight

Movie Massacres we built a
model
smaller, Five inch diameter
of the TD-1 saucer for shots of
the vehicle within a massive hangar.
This model was vacuformed over
two lathe-turned wooden plugs.
Extensive scribing and weathering
gave some life to the otherwise
uninteresting shape of the tiling. Off
color panels were painted within
some scribed areas; “technical
markings” were done by painting
through acid-etched stencils, and
the weathering streaks created
with ground pastel chalk applied with
a stiff brush.

Shot #7. The model, which became

the ‘hero’ model of Midnight
Movie Massacres, started out as
a paper tube bodied rocket I built
a quarter of a century ago! When
I became involved with the movie,

Shot 2 Shot 5 the producer, Wade Williams, saw

32
David Merriman A PHOTO SCRAPBOOK

33
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

Shot 16
Shot #9. Occasionally 1 build a done with a stiff brush and
model just for myself. This little crushed pastel chalk powder.
vacuformed model was inspired
by the Edward Valgursky illustration Shot #11. This 1/48 model of the
that appeared on the dust jacket of Lima from the film Destination
Shot 13 an old //"anthology book. His Moon was built for the Bob Burns
21-X spaceship has the classic Museum to replace die original effects
a shot of this model in my portfolio a GRP skin using epoxy resin to 1950’s look! The base was cut miniature lost in the George Pal
and fell in love with it. Extensively preclude chemical attack of the from Walnut. The support wire house fire. The body and fins
reworked, it became the effects foam substrate. Working die model’s between base and model was built were GRP parts formed in GRP
miniature you see here. The Ranger, surface with Bondo (a P38 equivalent) up with tissue and glue to form the tools (molds). The three “teardrop
like the small TD-1 miniature, I faired in the ‘wings’ and sharp exhaust trail. The descriptive plaque landing feet” and ventral “support
was secured for filming on a “pipe ‘probes’ to die hull and finished the atop the base was acid-etched from strut” were cast from polyester
stand”. model off with automotive paints, original art work. resin.
quick dried under an array of heat
A heat formed clear plastic nose lamps. Two days without sleep The model was finished using The drawings I used to build
was pulled from butyrate sheet will make you crazy! lacquer paints.The 21-X markings themodel were prepared by Bob
and glued to the hull, then masked were spray painted through acid- and his crew from film frame
and painted widi the rest of the model. The interior of the model had etched stencils. Smaller markings on a wall, no less! The
projections
The wings are balsa wood. The to be hollow for lighting. Pouring were achieved with dry-transfer model was sent from my home in
two long ‘wing tanks’ aft were gasoline through the rocket nozzle markings. Virginia to California in this
vacuformed from styrene sheet, caused the foam core to reduce to condition. Later, Bob Skotak and
as were the various bumps and a mush that was poured out, Shot #10. A built up Herb Deeks Tom Sherman finished off the
‘astrodome’ adorning the hull. leaving a hollow GRP
hull! resin kit. The classic spaceship from work. The Luna has since been
Panel shading was done with a Inserting a large six Volt bulb the old Flash Gordon serial. I integrated with the surviving launch
double-action spray gun and post- within the model provided all don’t know if these kits are still site gantry miniatures. The diorama
it-note masking. The landing gear the illumination needed to back- on the market, but let me tell you, is now on Bob Burns
display at the
elements were formed from cast resin light the many acrylic rod windows if you can find one - buy it! Museum and was featured in a
‘treads’ and soldered brass tube set into the surface. Note the Excellent resinwork — no bubbles, recent episode of the SF Buzz
‘legs’. quickly prepared pipe stand used great fit, and well engineered! I show.
to support the model for filming. put this model together in a
Shot #8. The ‘bad guy’ spaceship The battery on the base of the stand week’s worth of nights. The Shot #12. This model is a Lunar Models
for Midnight Movie Massacres supplied current for the internal model was painted silver after do not approve
re-cast (a practice I

was an afterthought - the Producer lamp. A heavy gloss clear coat laying down the many rivets of.) of the old Aurora Lost In
told me during the post-production was polished out with Jeweler’s with a white glue-filled syringe. Space Cyclops. The effect of ‘hair.’
phase of the film that he needed this Rouge to give it the desired sheen. Some off-color panels helped was achieved by mixing in strands
miniature in three days! I started by Still smelling of paint, the miniature liven up the model. Carbon of cotton to the paints used on
forming the shape in polystyrene was boxed up and shipped out streaking behind the many rocket the head, face, and body. The
foam. The model was then given on day three! tubes behind the cockpit was “cuticles” around the hand and

34
 5

David Merriman A PHOTO SCRAPBOOK

production stills used to document

the build-up.

Shot #17. I’ve done some work

for Lunar Models. Case in point: this
Cosmostratorfrom the East German
(remember when there was a split
Germany?) film First Spaceship
On Venus. produced wooden
I

masters, made a set of pre-production

RTV molds, and cast up this “proof
model” before sending die work onto
Mike. Weird looking!

Shot #18. Another job for Lunar

Models was to the tooling I developed
Shot 18 Shot 1 Shot 25
for the Mars-'l kit. The original
miniature has appeared in no less
foot nails were built up from CA The base — capturing the look of acrylic paints to color the base. than five different movies! Originally
adhesive and baking soda. A fun the fractured lunar surface Chesely Stipple and dry brush techniques designed by Bonestell for Destination
departure from the usual ‘hardware’ Bonestell conceived for the movie highlighted the ground and Moon but rejected for that
type of model building I engage in. — was made by pouring out a
first rocks. A spray-painting
little production, this concept has become
thin slab of Plaster of Paris and under the rocket’s nozzle one of the “classic” spaceship
Shot #13. A ten inch tall vacufbrmed letting it harden. Sandwiching the represented carbon streaking designs tocome out of the 1950s.
model of the Luna from the classic slab between two pieces of cardboard, from the exhaust jet. I engineered the kit for a plug-

movie, Destination Moon. This it was slammed onto the floor and
and-glue fit.
model should not to be confused jumped on a few times. Back on the Shot #16. Many, many moons ago
with the Lunar Models kit of similar table, the upper piece of cardboard I built this model of the Ark from Shot #19. I also restore original
size and proportions. was removed revealing a fractured the excellent George Pal film effects miniatures: This is the Pilot
slab. I then applied each broken piece When Worlds Collide. A block Ship element of the Spaceship-one
atop a pre-glued wooden display base, of foam forms the majority of the miniature built in the mid-50s for
jigsaw puzzle fashion. structure representing the side of theGeorge Pal production The
the mountain upon which the Conquest Of Space. It arrived here
Shot #14. I was commissioned by “launching track” was erected. in Virginia in terrible shape: the fins
a Japanese model distribution The launching track was built up were missing, the GRP hull was
company to build a beauty model from styrene sheet. The Ark was cracked, a previous botched restoration
of a re-issued Flying Sub kit. To do built up ofvacufbnned and cast resin attempt had to be undone, and a
the job right I scratch built a new parts. Pictured are some of the fifteen pound internal solid rocket
front end and rear ‘bulkhead’. Cast
resin ‘hatches’ within the upper
and lower annular spaces further
improved the model. It was finished
in automotive lacquers and buffed
out to a high gloss luster. A fun job
and a hit at the trade show it was
built for.

Shot #15. The Orbit Jet from

the ZIV TV show, Rocky Jones,
Space Ranger. Another excellent
Lunar Models kit! Great fit, no
bubbles to fill, and superb display
diorama. The only thing special
I did was to mask off two of the

fins and to paint in the XV2

Shot 21 markings. I used water soluble Shot 26

35
 . ,

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

motor housing (used for the Skotak, Tom Scherman
pyrotechnique take-off scene) had and other notables)
to be pulled. worked to get the Wing
and Booster elements
New fins were cast after I produced presentable. Here we
a fin master and RTV rubber see die restored Spaceship-
mold. The hull had to be cut in half One miniature before
to liberate the solid rocket housing. being set up for display
I then built a fake engine bulkhead in the Bob Bums
and outfitted it with an array of rocket museum. A labor of love!
motor nozzles. I further enhanced
the miniature by building and Shot #21. 1 was contracted
installing internal detail items such by Fred Ordway (best Shot 32
as the cockpit area under the known of the von Braun
removable nose fairing, and building biographers), who was representing an illustration done by Hugo award Enterprisefrom the TV show Star
up a practical “astrogator” station IBM, two 1/48 models of
to build winning artist Kelly Frease. You can Trek. All major assemblies were
under the hemispherical bubble von Braun rocket concepts. This seven imagine my delight when, some vacuformed over wooden plugs. The
on the side of the rocket. The foot tall Cargo Rocket is on display fifteen years later, I had the detail items, such as the bridge,
model was finished with lacquer during its year stay at the Smithsonian opportunity to present the model sensor dish, front section of the
paints. I built a wood display base Air & Space Museum, part of the to the artist himself! secondary hull and other items
so the rocket could be displayed by Blueprint For Space exhibit. The were cast resin formed in RTV
itself. body of this model’s first and Shot #26. A wanna-be TV producer rubber molds. This model featured
second-stage is foam core skinned commissioned me to build this three zones of LED lighting. A
Shot #20. Wliile I was rebuilding the GRP. The canard- winged diird stage display model of his Endeavor an ,
sequence circuit drove a back lit array
Pilot Ship, the California restoration was a kit assembled from GRP asteroid mining ship. The model of LEDs to give the “engine” effect
crew (including Bob Burns, Bob parts formed in GRP tooling, as were became part of a promotional on the face of the bright orange warp
package he shipped around Burbank engine domes. The markings were
in the mid ’80s. Note the strong applied dirough acid-etched stencils.
lineage to the Botany Bay of Star Very proud of this one!
Trek feme. No accident - that’s how
he wanted it to look! The pencil Shot #33. One of the two 1/48
shaped hull was a hunk of Bass models I built for the IBM exhibit,
wood; the box-like structures were Blueprint For Space. This one
built up from styrene sheet plastic. represents the von Braun Earth-orbit-
The parabolic antennas were to-Moon-oibit ship. A model builder’s
vacuformed, as were the three big engineering challenge, par excellence:
engine nozzles. This model had to be built to be
lightweight, of high structural
Shot #27. This three foot long integrity, and to be able to tolerate
GRP and plastic sheet Fireball XL5 transportation, set-up, tear-down
was owned by one of
originally and either pylon or hanging display.
the early Starlog staffers who worked The spheres, doughnut, engines and
a tradewith me. I was surprised (and square bins were vacuformed. The
very pleased) to learn a few years engine turbo-pumps, plumbing, and
back that my model is now owned other small detail items were cast
by Gregjein! Man. it don’t get any
. from polyurethane resin in RTV
Shot 29 better than that! rubber molds. The parabolic antenna
was built up of soldered wire from
the first-stage stabilizer I put a great deal of effort into my a special assembly jig. The four
fins. XL5 and it, even after fifteen
Fireball ‘girders’ holding everthing together
years, represents some of my best and the *+’ shaped engine thrust
Shot #22 (see page 2). work! The Main hull is GRP built foundation were built up from
Elbe, my wife,
standing within a GRP tool. The wings aircraft quality plywood — high
next to the Smithsonian and fins were all vacuformed. Other strength, low weight structures.
display of our two 1/48 von vacuformed items include the Some of my best work!
Braun rocket models. We “teardrops” on and under the
were invited to die opening wings, Junior body and
reception and were clear part, main-body “bubble
delighted to see the canopy”, and a few other items. Home
“
attention paid by the made decals represented die FbebalF
display organizers to all other markings were spray
accurately chronicle the painted through frisket paper masks.
and achievements of
life

Doctor von Braun. Shot #29. The FiivballJunior was built

to be removable from die main-body.
Shot #25. Twenty five It also sported removable landing
years ago I built this model gear struts and skids for ground display.
from a broken broom Note all the work that went into
handle, scraps of balsa that cockpit — wow\ What a chore
sheet and some plastic that was. A great deal of care was
card I got from the “rubber taken to capture the “weathering”
and plastics” shop aboard of the original studio miniature(s).
the Tender I was stationed
on during my early Navy Shot #32. A twenty nine inch
Shot 27 days. I was inspired by long scratch-built model of the Shot 33

36
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37
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

STAT ENE
Menace Marketing Star Trek Action
four, fully dressed twelve inch dolls

T he Galoob division of Hasbro with a color photo trading card. ocket. Books have published

P
full

has released a special ‘sneak Hasbro will soon release a number Star Trek Action by Terry J. were also released: Picard, Riker,

preview’ Star Wars Action of new boxed diorama sets containing Erdmann. This 288 page Wofand Data. Playmates also reissued
containing a vehicle, location 3% inch character figures. These large format hardcover describes their electronic Type II phaser and
Fleet set
and characters featured in the up- include a frilly 3D (apparently made in great detail, using text, artwork USS Enterprise NCC-170I-E in

coming Star Wars Episode 1, of card, unfortunately) Mos Eisley and photographs, exactly how new Star Trek: Insurrection
The Phantom Menace. This Cantina diorama with Imperial several scenes in Star Trek: Voyager, packaging.
limited edition set, Gian Speeder Sandtrooper figure, a Cantina Aliens Star Trek: Deep Space 9 and AMT/Ertl plan to reissue their USS
and Theed Palace, comes with a Cinema Scene window boxed set the recent Star Trek: Insurrection Enterprise NCC-1701-C (from the
section of battle damaged stone containing Takeel, Labria and Nabrun movie were produced. This amazing ST:TNG episode Yesteiday’s Enterprise)
wall and courtyard, a Gian Speeder Leids figures with card Mos Eisley book demonstrates, perhaps for kit during the spring of 1999 with
(a hovering, armored combat Cantina backdrop and aJedi Spirits the first time, all the skills and a battery operated lighting kit and
vehicle), two battle droids, Captain Cinema Scene window boxed set techniques required to transform an new decals for the starships USS
Panaka and a Naboo foot soldier. containing transparent figures of Obi- idea into a television or film scene. Yamaguchi and USS Excalibur.
The set apparently represents the Wan Kenobi, Annakin Skyivalker The set construction, prop, starship, AMT/Ertl have apparently removed
Galactic Trade Federation’s attack on and Yoda with card Ewok Village costume, and makeup photographs all Star Trek kits introduced prior
Queen Padme’s palace on planet backdrop. in this book are sure to make it to Star Trek: First Contact from
As announced previously, AMT/Ertl very desirable for Star Trek model their 1999 catalog. So, if you need
Naboo as seen in the new movie.
Hasbro have recently released a have picked up the license to produce makers. any of tire older kits, plan to get them
number of new 3% inch character kits based upon subject matter seen AMT/Ertl reissued their Star soon.
figures from the original Star Wars in die three up-coming Star Wars Trek: First Contact USS Enterprise Simon and Schuster have recently
trilogy.These include Luke Skyivalker films. It has been confirmed that NCC-I701-E kit with new box released a new CD ROM for IBM
in Tatooine desert outfit with floppy AMT/Ertl willproduce at least artwork and a new decal for its compatible computer systems called

hat, Princess Leia in Yavin Rebel Base eleven different kits based upon display stand in conjunction with Star Trek Starship Creator. This
ceremonial dress with Rebel medal subject matter from The Phantom the theatrical release of Star Trek: allows you to mix and match standard
Menace. Five will be released Insurrection. Federation starship parts to create
of honor, Obi- Wan Kenobi with
the hood ofhis robe covering his head, during May 1999 to coincide with Playmates have released eight 9 inch your own Star Trek starship designs.
a snow-covered version of Chewbacca the film’s release and an additional Insurrection figures: Picard, Riker, AMT/Ertl also plan to reissue
as seen on ice planet Hoth, R2-D2 six are scheduled to be released Data, Lafoige, Troi, Worf, Ru’afo (an die old MFC
Alien kit from the first
with spring loaded ‘launching’ during the fall of 1999. Apparently alienof the SonA race), and /In//' (an film in the popular Alien trilogy.
lightsabre as seen onJabba's sail barge the Star Wars prequel kits will be alien of the Ba’ku race). A total of

in Return of the Jedi, Yoda with a mix of glue-together and snap-

Darth Vader with double
accessories,
cape and Emperor Palpatine with
together subjects.
AMT/Ertl plan to reissue their Star Alpha revisited
A
transparent force lightning projecting Wars Death Star kit with a battery ccording to Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, the moon will be blasted
from his hands. Starting with dais operated lighting kit during the
by
out of Earth orbit the accidental explosion of massive
new wave of figures, Hasbro are fall of 1999.
nuclear waste dumps on September 13th, 1999. To commemorate
packing their Star Wars figures the coming of this Space: 1999 television program fictitious event,
AMT/Ertl are reissuing the old MPC Eagle Transporter and Moonbase
Alpha kits during early 1999. How many of you reading this watched
Persistent rumors continue to
Space: 1999 during the mid 1970s and assumed we would have a base
Polar: 1999 circulate that Polar Lights will
on the moon by 1999? I certainly did!
reproduce the Aurora Seavieiv
making submarine from Voyage to the
olar Lights, the kit
Factual Space Watch the skies
P
new
subsidiary of Playing Mantis
Toys, have announced several
releases for 1999. Some of
Bottom of the Sea. Completely
original kits planned for release
during early 1999 include the
kit releases
AMT/Ertl have
Man In
recently released
Space Rocket Collection
Testors will
Roswell,
scene diorama kit
soon release
New Mexico UFO crash
which is to be
a resin

these kits will be reproductions of Wolfman (a smaller scale version of the

Aurora subjects from the 1960s, their large resin Wolfman), Godzilla under their Pro ShopThis
label. loosely based upon their recent
others will be completely original as seen in the recent American Tri- fine kit, which contains l/200th Roswell UFO. This kit will contain
products, and one kit will be an Star film and the house from Alfred scale replicas of NASA's Mercury - a desert diorama display base,

interesting composite of an old Hitchcock’sPsycho. The composite Redstone, Mercury -Atlas, Gemini- crashed UFO
and a couple of US
Aurora subject and a completely old and new kit will be a Dr. Smith Titan II, Saturn IB, and Saturn military figures.

new figure! The Aurora replicas and Robot diorama from the Lost 5 rockets, is a long-awaited
planned for early 1999 release in Space TV series, which will reissue of a late 1960s AMT B5 Mk II and III
include the James Bond and Odd combine the Polar Lights Aurora product. Revell-Monogram will also repackage
Lost in Space B-9 Robot with a new, Revell-Monogram will repackage and reissue their recently released
Job figures kits from Goldfinger and
two monster customizing part sets. in-scale Dr. Smith figure kit. their Russian space station kit Babylon 5 station kit twice during
from the film Armageddon 1999. The first reissue will come
and market it day
as the present packed with glue and a selection of
Galactica, and Star Trek: Mir Space Station during 1999. paints. The second will be packed
Discontinued Voyager kit lines, so grab the The ‘new’ 1/ 144th scale snap- with a cloisonne pin and enhanced
Revell-Monogram are discontinuing kits you need while you still fit kit will come with glue and decals and be marketed as a ‘limited

their Armageddon, Battlestar can. a small selection of paints. edition’ kit.

38
 US Kit Report

US Kit Report
Anthony Taylor

W
think of the
As toy and
elcome! As I ivrite this
I know by the time yon read
already have happened, but spare a

model
less fortunate at this

collectors we
November is passing rapidly.

The late
this

time of year.
Christmas
moment to

1940s and early ’50s

will

have closets full of playthings, but was an interesting time to be an Assembly of this kit is a breeze. is for the more experienced modeler.
there are children around the world American. New technology and It is engineered very much like a mass Ihave seen many resin plane kits and
who do not. Please join me in cold war paranoia were overwhelming market styrene model, right down thisone is on par with the best of
supporting worldwide programs factors in everyday life. The proper to fit on many of the parts! There
pins them, but it does take a bit of skill
to place toys in the hands of needy nuclear family had a Mom, a Dad, was minimal cleanup work to do, and patience to assemble. The main
children this Holiday Season. In 2.5 kids, a dog, a large automobile just a very small amount of sanding fuselage comes in two sections;
the United States, The US Marine with swept back fins, a television, where die sprues had been snipped fore and aft. I started by drilling
Corps Toys for Tots program does and, if they were lucky, a bomb off. No putty was needed, and all and pinning these until I matched
great work in this area. Please call shelter. Out of this dichotomy of parts fit easily together. All in all, I alignment as closely as possible,
them at 703-640-9433 for more pressure and apple pie normalcy spent about an hour and a half then I superglued the two halves
information. there grew a some very strange assembling this kit. I was very together and puttied the gap. After
For Stateside readers, I will be people with very strange stories. impressed with the level of detail in sanding, the fuselage was ready to
attending die Science Fiction Model Con George Adamski was one of those the full interior, including several have the wings attached. The vertical
1 on Saturday, January 30, 1999, here people. figures of the Venusian pilots. If stabilizer fin fit well, but, since it was
in the Atlanta area. I invite you are an X-Files fan, thick enough, I also pinned it.
everyone to stop by and saucer buff, or just into cool Then came the wings... which
support this new show and models, I would recommend took a bit of planning to position at
say hello. open
It will be from the Venusian Scout Ship. It the correct angle. I dry fitted them

8:00am to 5:00pm and will would be a great first or to the fuselage and moved them
be held at Berkmar High second kit for anyone! around a bit until I was happy with

School, 405 Pleasant Hill the look, then made pencil outlines
Road in Lilburn, Georgia. of their placement areas. It
final
Bring a model to enter in Dragonfly took a bit of time to get die two wings
the contest! For more Manufactured by: Star Kit at equal and opposing positions,
information, call (770) 921— Dan Johnson but it was worth the effort to ensure
3636. See you there! 705-B Beach Road that the model wouldn’t seem
Hampton, VA 23664. lopsided. I then pinned both wings,
757-851-6849
Reviews Email: [email protected]
glued, puttied and sanded.
The forward canards (small wings)
Venusian Price: $40.00 plus shipping. were too thin to pin, so I dry fitted
Scout Ship Mr. Adamski gained notoriety as Material: resin. these for position, then superglued
Manufactured by: UFOIogy one of the first people to claim 8 parts. diem to the fuselage. For die forward
Technology ongoing contact with beings from “needle” nose, I had to fit a tiny piece
P.O. Box 2474 another world. Venus to be specific.
. . Ratings (1-10) —
Packaging: 8; of brass rod to the center of the
Monrovia, CA 91017. Adamski described his encounters Likeness: 9; Sculpture Quality: 8; piece, then build a cone out of
http://www.ufotech.com with the Venusians and his rides in Casting Quality: 8; Pose: NA; putty. It sounds daunting, but it

1-877-836-8324 their saucer-shaped Scout. Ships in his Detail: 7; Proportions: 8. was fairly easy. However, it took quite

Scale: 1:48. 1953 book, Flying Saucers Have a bit of sanding to get the nose
Price: $150.00 plus shipping. Landed. In 1964, the first prime time, even on all sides.
Material: resin. Forty five years later, UFOIogy adult cartoon made its debut on a For the three circular grooves
18 parts (plus 12 laser etched Technology has released a stunning Friday night on ABC. Jonny Quest aft of the cabin, I had to wrap some

windows). kit of Adamski’s Saucer. Ten inches presented the adventures of 1 1 year masking tape around the fuselage,
wide, it is scaled to sit alongside Testors oldJonny, his father, scientist Benton making sure that the two ends
Ratings (1-10) — Packaging: 8; Roswell UFO and Ana 54 Saucer. The Quest; Hadji, their young indian overlapped perfecdy. Then I lightly
Likeness: 10; Pattern Quality: 10; Venusian Scout Ship is a terrifically companion and Race Bannon, die trio’s scribed a line around the fuselage
Casting Quality: 9; Pose: NA; accurate representation of the classic government bodyguard. Lured to and finally went over this with a fine
Detail: 9; Proportions: 9. UFO of the 1950s. exotic locales to solve scientific razor saw. repeated these steps
I

mysteries or ancient riddles, the for the other two grooves. Dan
foursome always got right to business Johnson of Star Kits may rework the
and had the bad guys on the ropes fuselage to include these and make
by the end of the episode. it one piece in the future.
Star Kits’ Dragonfly is a model of The Dragonfly took a little work,
the jet that the Quest, team used but the price was reasonable and the
almost every week on the show, and end result very satisfying. A must
I am certainly glad that a kit of this for all Jonny Quest fans!
’plane is finally available. There That’s all for this issue! Join me
was another version produced in the next time for more kit news and
mid ’80s by Anubis Productions, but reviews!
it has long been unavailable to

Quest fans. ©1998 Anthony Taylor

Let me start by saying that this kit All Rights Reserved

39
 .

s F & F M

SF&F Archive:

The Lost Miniatures of

Total Retail
David Tremont & “Ace” Auhl
Part One
around, so some of the models
atrick Swayze was to have been the lead in the third attempt to get a then relatively
were never actually completed.

P modest film project called Totall Recall off the ground, with both action and
effects footage for the American production scheduled to be shot in
Australia.

This early version of the movie was to have been thefirst production filmed at Ditto
The Model Shop was set up in
departments, with any vehicle
frames or mechanics required being

de Laurentis’ newly completed Australian studios, but that projectfailed, and today fabricated by engineers. We carried
out the actual model making while
the Laurentis Sound Studios are part of Warners’ Movieworld Studios complex. the finished painting details were

Based on a story and script by Alien handled by artists. (Handing the

team Ronald Shusett and Dan models over wasn’t easy — it’s much
better to be able to finish your
O’Bannon, with script revisions
by Ronald Shusett and Steven
own model.) We were each
responsible for our own little bit within
Pressfield and amendments by
this huge project, as American
Bruce Berresford dated 1987, this
version of Total Recall was to shows are usually put together in this
departmentalised manner. The
feature costumes by renowned
effects would have been created
designer Bob Ringwood.
using the Introvision system, allowing
live actors to be placed within
To produce the extensive miniature
miniature landscapes and vehicles.
work required a large Model Shop
was set up in Australia, employing
It was usual for the Art Department
some twenty to thirty modelmakers.
to first design the craft we would
For many of these individuals this
their first experience of build, but, in the case of the vehicles
would be
I will describe in a moment, they
working on a movie. Unfortunately,
and with just weeks to go before the needed a collection of trucks for a
garage scene yesterday and we were
first miniatures were scheduled to
therefore given free-reign with the
be lensed, the project collapsed.
designs. The trucks were all
The film’s basic premise, of course,
much more constructed in 1:24 scale and, in the
later morphed into a
ambitious production when the movie, would only have been
featured sitting in a garage, so they
movie eventually became an Arnie
didn’t require any moving parts. With
vehicle.
only a couple of days to spend on
each truck, there was no time to waste.
In the following two-part article
we look at the Total Recall that A lot of the details were therefore
built up from existing kits in order
never was, featuring shots of the
vehicles and miniature sets that
to save as much time as possible. I

eventually built five and a half

were to be used in the production
— many of them published for the trucks but was only able to keep the
following three:
first time — plus pre-production
sketches. David Tremont of The Model
Smiths takes up the story of his
The Tanker:
work on the film. .
(420 mm
long - yellow)
This model was my tribute to

...This article covers the few

Thunderbirds, although it doesn’t
feature any Airfix Box Girder Bridge
models that I built in the three
spent on the aborted pieces on it! The chassis was
months I
fabricated out of styrene sheet with
Total Recall project, plus some of
kit truck wheels glued to plastic tubes
the miniature sets that had been
prepared for die film. Obviously the
and attached to this frame. The
cabin box is clear acrylic sheet with
cancellation of the show was very
styrene for the window frames
disappointing to us all, especially to
who had been working glued over the top. All edges were
those of us
ground off to give a rounded look.
for a foil six months on the miniatures.
is sparse as we were
Interior detail
On the last day of the production
there were quite a few drunken
never meant to see into these
and cra 2 model makers leaping
The tank consists of heat-
vehicles.
y

40
 1

The lost miniatures of Total Recall

Opposite page: Large scale miniature buildings created

ffUl —
II IB future Earth of Totall Recall. This page inset
jssbotos: miniature New York street with 1/24 scale fore-
-grpund buildings and 1/48 scale background miniatures.
Earth passenger transport miniature (yes, it’s a
Jnjftjristic
buslKBackground: Pre-production set concept art (artist
unknoWn).

®L

1 L

>/«0 02 tA*»ACNTl>S

II r
1

i home of -me famous*^*

SlPeciALTlf'i:

fyzqtpETTO SUllA
 rrrrnr'nnr
rrrrrrrrr
r rr^uu|g^' :

42
 The lost miniatures of Total Recall

Opposite page top to bottom: 1/24 scale Earth police car; bus zariant; heavy plant vehicles; the Tanker— Dave Tremonts homage to
Thunderbirds. This page: (top) Loader Dumper; (centre and above) Mars vehicles.

formed styrene domes attached to with attached kit pieces, including then bent, buckled and poked to give brown on
plus the tyres to simulate
both ends of an EMA
plastic tube. some from a couple of Japanese ita well-used look. mud.
Kit truck pieces were then used robots. The pivot was shaped out
for detailing, after which die finished of acrylic with a plastic tube through Box Truck: Other models being built at the
model was primed and handed tire middle. The shovel arms are also (335mm long - tan/pale time the project folded included a
over to the artists. acrylic, pinned together with styrene green) forced perspective New York city
tubes (Eveigreen). The hydraulics again This vehicle was the quickest one street, small vehicles to drive and fly
Loader-Dumper: make use of Evergreen tubing while to make as it was all styrene box around it, a subway station, interiors
(370mm long - white) the shovel is all styrene with tire teeth sections. The boxes behind and of buildings, the Mars Complex,
Considering that all the trucks being made by laminating Evergreen next to the cabin are from truck kits, the Mars Hilton, pursuit vehicles, a
were supposed to be non-functional, together in one length then cutting as is the detail. The large piece on bus, a drilling machine, police
I got a little carried away with this the six teeth The cabin was
off. top is from a radio control car with vehicles, cabs, differen t Mac Complex
one. The shovel tilts and raises, created by heat-forming clear acrylic some added Evergreen strips. By interiors, plus exteriors. A spaceship
the front bogie swivels and the over a wooden shape, with the this stage we had exhausted our and spaceport were also planned, but
bucket pivots up. The trucks were same method being used with supply of truck kit chassis so this one no construction had started on
to be stationed on Mars, so this styrene for the back section. Both was made from stripsof styrene these at the time work stopped.
one featured a “pressurised cabin” were then joined with a strip
sides detailed with - you guessed - truck
it Further vehicles and sets will be
that would swing out from the around the middle. Again, the kits! The wheels are from two featured in part two of this article.
body and open up to let the driver interior was basic as it was never meant Tamiya 1:32 scale lunch box trucks.
out. It also included a “life-support to be seen clearly. What interior is This model was not finished by Some of the shots and information
system”. The chassis was kit-bashed present consists entirely of kit parts. the time production folded and contained in this articlefirst appeared in
from truck parts of varying scales The life-support system was kit-bashed sat on my shelf for a long time Australia’s Science Fiction Modeller
and the wheels were assembled from truck fuel tanks and the engine before I finally completed it. The magazine. They appear here by kind
back to front so that they would look pieces from a large car kit plus colour was chosen for me by permission of the editor, Greg Martin.
a little different. The front wheels other assorted bits. The bucket is whatever spray cans happened to be
are small radio controlled aircraft tyres all styrene sheet with Evergreen on my shelf at the time! I dirtied it All copyrights are acknowledged.
and the front bogie is styrene sheet strips for the ribs, heated in sections down with washes of black acrylic, Photos courtesy of David Tremont.

43
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

Machines of Magick
The creation of a fantasy airship miniature - part one
Cliff Erasmus
same and two for the main
ince the Great Destruction of the land masses have become islands floating
all style
bulkhead of the cabin, having the
in the atmosphere. Travel from one island to another can only be achieved by
S air. Vehicles resembling a cross between the designs of Leonardo Da Vinci and

Jules Verne have been developed by sorcerers and engineers for this purpose. Through
same outside shape as the other four
with the inside edge being straight
at ninety degrees. The four cabin
ribs were made using two pieces
the amalgamation of these sorcerers and engineers, Machines of Magick have been of 0.90 ABS sheet laminated
conjured up and developed to maintain the delicate balance of the world and the vehicles together. Using french curves to
design the shape of the ribs I
that exist within it... made one and used it as a template
This was the basic concept for the hull sides together without sanding with one hundred and fifty for the other three. I followed
the background to one of the them breaking away from the grit sand paper over the entire hull. the lines as closely as possible
worlds set to appear in a new deck. Four support bulkheads Main Deck Framing using a scroll saw and then finished
computer game that was to were then made of 0.60 for and Planking the shape with a 15mm sanding
incorporate both computer strengthening the hull: two in the Now that I had a clean and smooth drum and Dremel moto-tool. The two
generated images and traditional curved bow, one mid-hull at the surface the real fun could start. The main bulkhead ribs are comprised
models. The designers wanted top of the concave curve and framework for the captain’s quarters of four 0.60 pieces of ABS and strips
to feature craft that had a rustic the last one at the bottom point I based on whale ribs. Six vertical of 3mm EMA H-column. The
and used look to them. I therefore of the hull. Each bulkhead went beams were made - four lining the ribs were attached to the deck
suggested that these vehicles from the bottom to the underside inside of the cabin and of the 138mm forward from the stern. I

should be based on Victorian of the deck. I did not attach the

science fiction. You know the deck to the bulkheads because,
type of thing - big plates of steel when the sides are pulled together,
with tonnes of rivets holding the deck curves slightly in the same
everything together and lots of way that a tall ship’s decks are
ornamentation. To achieve the used curved to allow water to run off
look I would weather the hell the sides. I wanted the airship to
out of the miniature I would have some of the features of a
subsequently build. I was given water-going vessel. Now it was
pretty much free reign to make any time to begin gluing the hull
design based on these few concepts. together. You will notice that
the bow section starts as a very
I began by drawing up several sharp, knife-like edge then splays
sketches for approval. Once a apart. The first bulkhead was
few of the designs had been placed approximately five Above: 1/35 scale deck templates.
chosen I then went about centimeters back from where
constructing maquettes based on the hull starts to separate and
these. I actually only made two the second about twelve centimeters
maquettes with the second being from the first bulkhead. I used gap-
chosen for the vessel whose filling cyanoacrylate (CA or
construction will be detailed in superglue) to properly adhere
this series of articles. the hull and deck assembly
together. I ran a bead of glue
Basic Hull Construction along the outside seams and used
Once the style of vehicle had spray accelerator to speed up the
been decided on I drew up a set cure time of the CA glue. The third
of basic blueprints of the side and fourth bulkheads were now
elevations of the hull and top installed. Another bead of CA was

elevations of the decks. I decided run along the inside seam of the
to construct the model in 1/35 deck and hull sides. The knife-
scale, thus making it a decent edge of the bow was completely Above and below: two views of the hull under construction from
size for filming so that its detailing glued using CA. I highly 0.60 plastic sheet. Interior bulkheads help define the
could be shot up close. The recommend using superglues in contours and keep the hull rigid.
drawings were done in the same areas of stress — it would take a
scale tomake templates to build serious blow to break apart seams
the ship from. I used 0.20 sheet that are glued together in this
styrene to make the templates manner. An elongated triangle was
and 0.60 sheet styrene for the now cut out and placed in position
hulland deck. Once the deck, port along the opening of the bottom
and starboard sides of the hull had of the bow. Again, this was glued
been cut from the patterns I using CA. The triangle was made
cleaned up the edges for gluing. slightly oversized then filed down
Marrying the hull sides to the deck flush with the sides of the hull.
was a little tricky. I first tacked The rest of the basic form of the
the sides flush to the top edge of airship was completely cleaned up
the deck with methylene chloride. at this stage, filing down the
This would enable me to move excess beads of CA and a final

44
 Machines of Magick
porthole into the captain’s quarters.
I made nine gussets for the
framework and placed them equally
across tire inner wall of the bulkhead.
The cabin ribs were now glued
35mm and 75mm from the back
of the inside wall. Beams made from
EMA 5mm channel and T-beam
were run across from one rib to
another to create joists for the
top or half-deck.

The next job was to create all of

the wood planking on the deck.
Finding the centre-line of the
deck and working out towards
the sides, I began laying down
strips of 0.20 sheet styrene cut
into lengths 190mm x 10mm
wide. Leaving an 0.20 gap between
each plank and staggering them half
way down each length gave the
desired effect of wooden ship
I would complete the
construction.
planking from centre line to one
side beforegoing on to the next
half, allowing them to
overhang on
the edges of the deck. I then
trimmed all of the excess off and
started the other half, repeating the
same process as before. With the
main deck planked I proceeded on
to the captain’s quarters, doing
the same as before except for
cutting the planks to fit around the
rib framework. I wanted to ensure
that the ribs had a good foundation
to be glued to — if they were to be
mounted to the laminated planks
they could break free. If you are
going to film a model it needs to
be capable of withstanding quite
a bit of abuse.

I think we will leave off at this

point for now and come back

next issue with an article on
building the fo’c’sle, pilot’s deck
and remainder of the captain’s
you then.
quarters. See
strip of H-column along
then layed a to go and see the Victory in up their minds, so I did it for
the width of the deck and up Portsmouth, England, in 1995, them. I put it on the port or left
against the firsttwo of the four ribs. and I got a heap of reference side when facing towards the bow. Cliff Erasmus
Remember that the deck has a material. The main bulkheads on The starboard side will have a Erasmus Designs & Miniatures
slight curve to it — H-column tall ships are very

works well on curved surfaces if heavy and thick

you glue the open side down. (depth from one
The next strips of column were side to the opposite
glued at the top of the bulkh ead side). To recreate
67mm, and middle 40mm, from thislook I added
the surface of the deck. Now the one more wall to
finaltwo ribs were glued to die front the side facing the
of the framework. I allowed the H- bow. I wanted this
column to overhang on the side of wall to have a small
the ship, this making for quick slope to it, so 1 made
and accurate clean up to the edges the framework more
of the ribs. The walls of the like a series of gussets

bulkhead were now added using than squared ribs.

0.60 ABS and glued to the H- Before adding the
column framework between the ribs for the outer
ribs. I wanted this bulkhead to wall I had to decide
have the same look as the ones seen which side I wanted
on tall ships. Actually I based it on to cut the door out
some of the ones on HMS Victory. on. The computer
I was fortunate enough to be able guys couldn’t make

45
 .

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

Phase 2: The whole shooting match

A series of articles reviewing the 1 :1
scale hand prop garage kits of Terran Trader
Part One
orman Browne of Terran Trader had always been interested in replica assembly, with the addition of a

N props of the exotic weaponry featured in genre movies and shows, but cast metal safety catch and four
it wasn’t until he bought what he describes as an "awful” replica kit of
resin shells. The mould has been taken
from a Heckler & Koch GMBH 9mm
a pulse rifle from Aliens some seven years ago that he decided, encouraged in and the resin copy is so well
TV

reproduced that all the original

his endeavour by Tony James of Comet Miniatures, that he ivould do better
engraved printing— down to the serial
to produce replicas for himself It subsequently took him six months to create number — is still visible.
his own pulse rifle master, but that investment in time and effort proved to be
The only preparatory work
a worthwhile one ivhen, out of his run of thirty rifle kits producedfrom that master, required — as there were no mould
twelve were sold in a single day. seam lines or air bubbles — was to
sand flat the two mating surfaces,
It may not be a Pulse Rifle... but wash everything
Working from reference books and in soapy water
video footage, Norman quickly and drill out, first, the barrel with
added to his range, building his A review of Phase 2’s resin 1:1 scale a 8mm bit and, second, resin from
prop masters from a combination of the top of the trigger position to allow
wood, Milliput, BB guns
plasticard , Aliens USCM
VP70 pistol the safety catch to be inserted
and de-activated weapons. Today he words Bob Gould • photographs Tim Hooper through and into the barrel section.
outputs some one hundred and This was easily achieved by drilling
twenty “garage” items, ranging three or four holes with a 3mm
from props and figures to body bit and joining them up to form the
armour and craft. His 1:1 scale necessary shape with a square file.

replica props in resin, vac-form

and white metal are marketed under The hand-drawn instruction
the Phase 2 label, with each low- sheet shows where to attach the
production-run subject designed thumb of a hammer - but
latch
to appeal to the serious garage kit one wasn’t included in my box of
enthusiast, hi chatting with Norman bitsand, on looking at the photograph
his enthusiasm for the subject matter of the pistol in the Colonial Marines
is instantly apparent. Indeed, his Technical Manual, there isn’t one
ambition is to eventually construct anyway — so ifyours is included, don’t
and provide hero props for an actual use it. I used a standard two-part epoxy
movie or TV series (any interested resin adhesive to join the two halves
small film or TV companies should together - after first roughing up the
ring Norman on the number given surfaces — and held them in place with
at the end of this article). a couple of elastic bands.
love 1:1 scale prop weapons — during a special preview night at
Over the next few issues, SF&F’s plastic, resin, metal. . . shop bought Alien War in London (now sadly Again studying the photograph
team of reviewers will be taking I or scratch built, it doesn’t matter. defunct); not to mention running of the movie pistol, I came to the
an up close look at a selection of There’s nothing better than owning around corridors blasting Aliens conclusion that it had been sprayed
weapons and field equipment from something that looks like it was with a prop pistol —just like this one, matt black. I had finished mine in
Phase 2’s inventory and presenting actually used in a movie. Add to in fact. matt black too, using acrylic car
their comments and tips as they this my more-than-keen interest spray to act as a primer coat. The only
assemble releases from Terran Trader's in anything Alien — and you have The kit composition couldn’t problem with this finish is that it’s

formidable futuristic arsenal. . one happy model-maker. I remember be simpler, or better cast. Two boring. I therefore brush-painted the
holding a working prop Pulse Rifle go to make up the main
resin pieces barrel and trigger sections with

SF&F Pocket Guide:

Phase 2 1:1 scale resin Aliens VP50 pistol

Value for money: (£35:00)

Ease of assembly and instructions:

Suggested for standard assembly: P38 filler and fine emery paper;
hand drill and bits; square file; epoxy adhesive and elastic bands.
Paints: Acrylic spray in matt black. Humbrol silks in Gunmetal, black

and silver. Wax polish.

References: ALIENS. Colonial Marines Technical Manual by
Lee Brimmicombe-Wood.

46
 The whole shooting match
darkened Humbiol GunmetaL By then That really is about it. Not die most
dry-brushing silver across some of taxing of assemblies, but a kit that
the edges and raised surfaces, I looks the part when finished - and
achieved some form of use and the resin adds just enough weight
weathering — adding relief to an to give it realism. I liked it, Boss, so
otherwise plain colour scheme. whenever the Pulse Rifle, Smart
Finally, I vigorously buffed-up the Gun or Motion Tracker are ready — so
whole pistol with aerosol wax polish am I.
to blend everything in and give it a
well-worn, metallic finish. B. G.

Phase 2 M70 pistol from

Space: Above and Beyond
Simon Roykirk
ased on a Glok 17 with a muzzle easily trimmed away with a scalpel
from an M
16 rifle and and sanded smooth with medium
B flash
also featuring small pistol scopes,
this large sidearm builds from eleven
grade paper. Air bubbles were
present along some edges and,
resin pieces: aweighty main pistol again, these took some time to fill
“body”; front and rear sheathing (in in and sand smooth.
soft resin); a telescopic top mount;
front and rear “lens” and “eye- Parts vary from hard (the main body)
piece” sections for this; a two-part to soft (the sheathes and two-part
muzzle front; muzzle rear, lower scope muzzle front) resin. Care should be
and side scope. Also included are five exercised when shaping and sanding
resin bullets. the softer parts. Once assembled,
however, the gun builds into a
All pieces required considerable tough unit that will not warp or bend.
cleaning up. Mould line “stepping”
along the top and bottom of the pistol The muzzle is constructed by
was eliminated via lots of elbow two vented pieces
carefully cutting die
grease, heavy duty sandpaper and P38 away from the resin “sprue” on
filler and there was also considerable which they are moulded and gluing
flash to remove along the two them together. Take your time and trimming and, as they are I used a two-part epoxy adhesive
“sheathes” that fit over the basic with these parts - once separated soft resin, can easily bend out of to assemble everything - if you’re
weapon. This latter, however, was from the sprue they need sanding shape. charging about with a heavy resin

Phase 2 Star Trek: The Next Generation hand phaser

Chris Doyle

W ithout doubt this

built. It appears
must be one of the easiest garage kits I’ve ever
more accurate in size than other replicas of
to be
the subject that have appeared over the years, and,
has a nice feel to it.
when finished,
parts
few holes in the hand grip area with P38 filler, I sanded the
filling the
down to a smooth finish with wet and dry paper before spraying
them with primer. Once dry, I sprayed the main body (silver), muzzle
(black)
The
and key plate (dark grey) before supergluing the parts together.
keys were cut from the plasticard and glued to the plate. The hand
The kit assembles from just three resin parts - the main body, front grips were painted black, the fire button light grey and the front of the
muzzle and upper key plate. Also supplied is a piece of white plasticard muzzle red. For the top power setting display 1 used a fluorescent
from which to make the setting and fire buttons, plus brief instructions green sticker, cutting a piece to fit the plasticard, then finished the prop
and a metal logo badge from the classic series. by giving the phaser two coats of matt clear lacquer.

The pieces are very smooth and almost seamless and so required This is one of the better garage kits around - well cast, accurate, easy
very little sanding down compared to other phaser kits I’ve made up. After to build, and excellent value for money. More like this please.

SF&F Pocket Guide:

Phase 2 1:1 scale Next Generation hand phaser.

Value for money: (£21.00)

Ease of assembly and instructions:

Suggested for standard assembly: P38 filler; wet and dry paper; epoxy
adhesive; supergluc.
Paints: Acrylic white and grey spray primers; silver car spray; satin
black car spray. Humbrol matt clear lacquer spray.
References: None.

47
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models
prop (well. . . don’t you?) dropping front and rear sheathes were then
it or catching it on a door Same could sprayed olive drab and SF&F Pocket Guide:
result in instant disassembly unless glued to the gun, after which the Phase 2 1:1 scale resin Space: Above and Beyond pistol.
you use a tough glue. Superglue, in telescopic attachment can be added.
my opinion, is just not strong The pistol benefits from some Value for money: (£43:00)
enough for assembling replicas of serious dirtying down. Silver scuff
this kind. marks were painted onto those
areas that would most easily be Ease of assembly and instructions:
Painting damaged on a real gun, and liberally
Following an overall spray with applied black acrylic/water washes
white acrylic car primer the respective were used to simulate dirt in screw
colours should be sprayed onto holes and depressions. Suggestedfor standard assembly: P38 filler and emery papers; scalpel; epoxy
the various sub-assemblies before adhesive.
final construction takes place. I With a litde patience this kit builds
sprayed the pistol body, telescopic into an impressive piece. The parts Paints:Acrylic spray in white primer and matt black. Humbrol matt spray
attachment and muzzle assembly matt could have been a lot cleaner, but in drab olive.
black then buffed them slightly should present few problems for
with a softrag to give them a the determined modeller with References: Box art colour photostat.
realistic semi-gloss sheen. The average patience.

Out of Batman’s Toy Box

A review of Phase 2’s resin 1:1 scale Batman Speargun
words Bob Gould • photographs Tim Hooper
his is the second offeringfrom Terran Trader ofBatman 1:1 scale
props - and it shows a marked improvement on the last one. It does,
T however, strengthen a point I’ve always harboured about Bats’
Utility Belt gadgets. We’ve all seen the photographs and obviously
watched the gizmos in use during the movies — but haven’t you wondered
how Batman has room around his waist to house them all? This particular
item - only one of many he carries - is incredibly large and bulky, with
an exposed grappling hook that would easily rip through any Batsuit and
pierce the skin in an area that could prove to be very painful.

As with all kits I’ve reviewed coming from this source, the pieces are
very well cast in solid resin that goes together to give you an accurate, weighty
model prop. This one comes in ten separate parts with a hand-written
instruction sheet which, to be honest, you will need - because it isn’t obvious
which bit goes where. All the parts require is a good wash in soapy water
and an extensive clean up with medium wet and dry emery paper.
Once again, air bubbles are few and far between, with a little P38 car body
filler eliminating any that may be present.

Once you’ve test-placed (test-fitted isn’t an appropriate term here, because Once the individual parts were cleaned, filled and rubbed down to a
there are no locating points) the main component parts, you will come satisfactory finish, I sprayed them all using acrylic matt black car primer.
to two conclusions. One: Some dimensions are a little out, so there The complete gun comprises of a main body, fold-away grip, revolver
will be a need to adjust lengths and diameters to suit. Two: A couple of cylinder with added stub, side block, three distinct barrels (upper, lower
the pieces will benefit from being screwed or pinned into place, rather and side) and the spear itself. I started by drilling as large a hole as
than just stuck. possible down the side barrel - and the same into the hub of the spear
- to accommodate the shaft and, instead of pinning the one supplied, I
For those of you who haven’t already bought the kit, reading this next found a replacement in my “come in handy” box that fitted neatly
section might be a little confusing because I’ll be referring to individual inside the holes. This is where “easy” finishes!
pieces by strange titles. This is in order to identify what I did to each part
and the sequence in which I assembled the whole thing. I’m not saying I drilled a hole through the mating face of the lower barrel and into

that this is the way it has to be put together - but it is certainly an easy the main body to allow me to screw the two pieces together. I also
option. added a coat of a good epoxy resin adhesive. The central cylinder was a
little plain — when compared to the reference picture — so I attached strips

of cable tie along each of the raised sections and trimmed them to
length. The cylinder itself was then stuck into the cutaway of the lower
barrel. The side barrel was next, which again had a clearance hole drilled
through it, enabling it to be bolted and stuck to the main body. The side
block followed, dais time simply stuck on with epoxy. I will add here that
all the mating surfaces of the painted resin were first “roughed up” to ensure

good keying. The upper barrel was last, and was pinned and stuck into
place with a length of 4mm threaded bar.

This left an area between the three barrels into which the stub should
have fitted — except it didn’t. So I turned the diameter down on a lathe
- if you haven’t access to machinery, you’ll find the resin soft enough to
file to the correct size by hand. This final piece, along with clever

application of epoxy adhesive and an elastic band or two, will tie all the
barrels together and produce a very sturdy toy - sorry, replica weapon !

48
 The whole shooting match

Phase 2 Klingon hand dismptor.

Simon Roykirk

his futuristic pistol comes streaks — Klingon weapons are

together from six pieces - generally very battle-worn. A
T resin stock, barrel and
muzzle pieces and three lengths
final touch was the addition of a
cloisonne Klingon logo pin I picked
ofplastic tube. I quickly replaced up at a recent Star Trek convention
the latter with metal tubing for ,£4.99 — a little pricey, but it makes
bought from the model shop as a big difference to the gun in
the plastic pieces supplied will terms of authenticity. Using a
not take paint easily. mini-drill a hole was made in
Construction of the disruptor the stock to accept the pin at the
is fairly straightforward and back of the badge, which was
problem free, following the then epoxicd in place to match the
sanding necessary to remove Klingon pistols featured in the/lrf
mould lines from certain areas of Star Trek book. These, according
of the gun. I again used two- to the text, also used commercially
part epoxy to assemble this available Lapel badges as decoration.
kit.
All in all a nice, simple kit
Painting which builds into an effective
sprayed red oxide car primer -
I replica, although I suspect the top
the colour used on all Klingon tubes are a little high in the area
equipment, from disruptors and where they meet the rear of the
movie tricordeis, over
communicators to gun. Required clean-up of parts
initial sprays of high build was moderate, excepting one
filler/primer. I then proceeded huge chunk of excess resin that
to “distress’ the weapon with requiring hack-sawing off before
brush-painted silver and black construction could begin.

SF&F Pocket Guide:

Phase 2 1:1 scale resin Klingon movie disruptor.

Value for money: (£34.00) Ease of assembly and instructions:

Suggestedfor standard assembly: P38 filler; sandpapers; pipe cutter.

Paints: Acrylic spray primer; acrylic red oxide primer; matt black acrylic car spray. Humbrol aluminium enamel.
References: The Art of Star Trek byjudith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens.

The one
last piece of standard OK. As far as the instruction SF&F Pocket Guide:
construction was attaching the sheet was concerned, that was it. I Phase 2 1:1 scale resin Batman Speargun
handle, which could have been decided, however, to add a couple
done by simply gluing it into place of little adornments. First was some Value for money: (£35.00)
— but I chose to have it hinged as the more strips of cable tie, where the
instructions suggest. A clearance hole actual movie prop showed to have
was drilled at the end of each of the relief and the kit didn’t — on the outer Ease of assembly and instructions:
arms, with a tapped hole in the face of the side block and along
appropriate position on the side the side of the upper barrel. These
of the reel — and two bolts to suit were then brush-painted with
completed the job. acrylic black to match the rest of the P38 filler and emery paper; hand drill and
Suggestedfor standard assembly:
colour scheme. Finally I found bits; selected boltsand welding rod; epoxy adhesive and superglue.
I now filled all the areas where the some heavy gauge plastic coated Paints: Acrylic spray inmatt and silk blacks. Humbrol silks in gunmetal
mating surfaces didn’t quite fit wire fishing line; cut it into lengths and black. Citadel acrylic in beaten copper and silver.
flush, or where a bevelled join and added it to the recess of the cable References:Batman Returns. The Official Moviebook by Michael Singer.
would look better. Once dry, the drum — after first covering its surface
new filler was carefully smoothed with double-sided adhesive tape. A
off with a fine emery paper and few drops of superglue at the ends
the whole Speargun given a couple secured them nicely.
of coats of acrylic spray, this time
— but with the handle
in silk black Wow. This has turned into a
removed. This allowed me to brush really good looking piece ofhardware
paint the cable reel in acrylic silver — a vast improvement on the Bendy
before re-attaching it (with hindsight, Batarang reviewed recently. You
it would have been better to mask are going to have to work for your
off the black and spray the silver - money, however, because this is
but hey-ho). Whilst I had the paint not a straightforward “stick and
pots out I gave the spear two coats paint” kit — but the reward is worth
of acrylic beaten copper. it.

49
 8 ^ . .

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

Phase 2 Lost In Space 2nd. season laser pistol

Simon Roykirk
efore the ultra-realism of the up every hole and dent. It is
tittle

hardwarefrom Aliens, before the therefore worth taking extra time

B aesthetic, high tech look
of
Trek’s ordnance, there was Lost In
Star in preparing this kit before painting
— filling, sanding and priming
Space, one of the last SF TV
series repeatedly to achieve a near perfect
to feature Buck Rogers -like finish. Remember, too, not to use
weaponry. This kit is based on the a glue that will fog the transparent
curiously configured second and disc when fixing it between the
third season laser pistol. muzzle and gun barrel.

Five resin pieces: stock; barrel; The pistol does look impressive
trigger; muzzle front; sensor (?) once finished, but modellers please
are provided, together with a small note that the kit should be displayed
square of transparent plasticard from so that its barrel is supported and not
which a circular muzzle guard needs leaning against a flat surface. Leaving
to be cut out using a paper template. mine on a shelf for a week I picked
Assembly is simplicity itself, more it up to discover that the weight of

time being needed in cleaning up the barrel pushing down against

the pieces and removing flash than die muzzle guard had forced the resin
in putting the gun together. to bend, presenting me with a gun
Unfortunately, the overall colour of that couldnow shoot around comers.
this weapon is silver, the bane of the The pistol has now been turned
modelmaker. Silver, as you know, so that the barrel is being stressed
is perhaps the most critical of colours from the other side in an attempt to
when applied to a model, showing straighten things up.

SF&F Pocket Guide:

Phase 21:1 scale resin Lost In Space pistol; series two.

Value for money: (£29.99) Ease ^ instTUCtions:

Suggestedfor standard assembly :P3 filler; sandpapers; epoxy adhesive; scalpel.

Paints: Acrylic white spray primer; silver acrylic car spray. Humbrol matt red (for inside of muzzle).
References: None.

Phase 2 kits are availablefrom: Terran Trader, 18, Churton Avenue, Oxton, Birkenhead, Wirral, L43 2NG. Tel: 0151 652 9369. Fax: 0151 652 936910.
Also available from Comet Miniatures .

Journey back in time...

. . .Through the Time Tunnel, and to come face to face with props and miniatures

from Irwin Allen’s classic 60’s series in the first of our Special Collectors’ themed Issues. .

Journey into
the future...
And meet a new incarnation of an old friend. K-9
returns, and this time he’s calling no-one “master”. .

Journey into adventure...

We conclude our exclusive coverage of the models, CG work and pyrotechnic effects created for Star Trek: Insurrection.
Plus much, much more!
Whatever else you might forget, remember to reserve your copy of the next BIG issue of Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models International magazine.
Issue 35 on sale March 10.

50
 . .

Revisiting the 21st century

Revisiting the 21st century

Martin Gainsford is your host on a tour of the recent Fanderson
exhibition of original Gerry Anderson puppets and props
he Airbourne air display held at Eastbourne, situated on the south coast ofEngland,

T is one of the major events in the social calendar of this beautiful seaside resort.

In 1917 Fanderson, the Official Gerry Anderson Appreciation Society,

was approached by Mel Myland, the owner of the Wish Tower Puppet Museum,
to stage an exhibition of original puppets and models from the Supermarionation

puppet shows. .

Fanderson was more than happy enough to buy a complete Melody These are studio-standard replicas
to help out and a successful event Angel head from Captain Scarlet made from original moulds and
was staged. It was obvious that Mel and the Mysterons and subsequently patterns used to create the “real”
wanted to stage a similar exhibition have a replica body and costume puppets back in the 1960s. Many
in 1998 to again coincide with the made for her by Barry Davies, readers will be familiar with Barry’s
Airbourne event. At the start of last well known in Anderson circles as work from the late Simon Archer’s
year the club was therefore one of the foremost experts in the book Fab Facts and also from his
approached and I was given the task field of restoration of original contributions to other exhibitions
of planning and coordinating the puppet characters from the in recent years, notably Blackpool
exhibition. Thankfully, in recent S upermariona tion p rogrammes and Wolverhampton. I was also fortunate to meet a
years many original puppets in gentleman named Bob Bailey at a
varying conditions have come to When given the task of staging die I approached numerous members toy fair. Whilst discussing all things
light, many of these being snapped event Barry was one of the first who I knew owned puppets and Anderson he produced some
up at the much-publicised Philips people I approached. Sadly he would be prepared to be involved photographs of his collection. I

auction in September, 1995. couldn’t attend, but very kindly in the event. Virtually everyone I asked was expecting to see Dinky Toys, mini-
offered me the chance to display his agreed.As the weeks wore on 1 albums and the like, but I couldn’t
At that event I was fortunate collection ofThunderbirds puppets. managed to compile an impressive have been more wrong. Bob and wife
of exhibits which hadn’t been seen
list Sue own some truly magnificent
for some time. Original puppets puppets, props and costumes from
from virtually every Anderson many of Gerry’s shows. The
Supermarionation show would be centrepiecelias to be an originalJimmy

on show but, sadly, original vehicles Gibson puppet from Supercar. Bob
are virtually non-existent. I therefore had restored this to its former glory,
decided to approach modelmaker and when he agreed to be involved
David Sisson, an extremely nice with the exhibition I knew things
bloke who is no stranger to readers were moving to a new level. Along
of this magazine and also appeared with Jimmy, Bob and Sue have an
in the Gerry Anderson segment extensive collection of characters from
of BBC 2’s recent Lost in Space Terrahawks, Space Precinct and
slot. David offered me his entire . the pilot film Space Police.
collection of craft from virtually
allof the shows. As most readers are I next had talks with Ralph
aware, David’s models are as near as Titterton, a senior Fanderson
you are likely to get to perfect committee member involved in
replicas ofvehicles from the Anderson the event, to see if it was worth
series. incorporating memorabilia from

51
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models
the live action shows into the
exhibition.Ralph spoke to Mel,
who said we could incorporate
whatever we wanted as long as it was
a worthwhile addition to the whole
experience. This was good news as
numerous club members own
costumes, props and craft from
UFO, Space:1999 and Space
Precinct.

Committee member Andrew

Frampton is one of Space: 1999’s
most ardent fans, his collection
including original costumes, vehicles
and a four foot long Eagle. Already
committed to supplying three
restored Supennariomtion characters,
Andrew now also offered anything
else I might wish to use. Further shop window dummies arranged to once more looking just as he did Thunderbirds. Thanks to Barry
costume owners from the live action display uniforms from 1999 and when the programme was made Davieswe were able to feature four
shows are Derek Dorking and wife Precinct weren’t quite as good as in 1959. Also included was an separate Thunderbirds displays,
Julie, who also own numerous we had wished for. Thankfully, extensive display of toys and plus two large Thunderbird craft
puppets including Troy Tempest and Julie Dorking is experienced in memorabilia from the earliest courtesy of Richard Gregory, who
several studio-standard replicas. dressing windows and managed to puppet programmes. Displays worked on Terrahawks, Space
put together a pleasing display throughout the exhibition showcased Precinct and other genre projects
In 1997 we only used the ground including costumes worn by Martin a variety of related merchandise — suchas die recent Avengers movie.
floor of the Martello Tower, location Landau, Barbara Bain and Catherine everything from Dinky Toys, The first cabinet contained Scott
of the museum, but it was becoming Schell, plus an eagle pilot’s costume Rosenthal toys and Fairylite dolls to and Alan Tracy alongside David
clear that we would also need the upper and, from Precinct, Podleys daughter’s sweet cigarette cards, wrappers Sisson replicas of Thunderbirds 1
floor for our exhibits. costume complete with mask and and other toys and kits from and 3. The second was titled
hands. around the world. Thunderbirds off duty and included
As August loomed Ralph and Kyrano, Tin-Tin and Gordon Tracy in
partner Cathy were heavily involved casual clothes. Gordon’s fashions
in publicity for the event, plus the would not look out of place today
assembling of several hours worth - these being a check shirt, straight-
of original Barry Gray music which leg trousers and “mock-croc” loafers.

would be piped outside the museum The third cabinet featured John
to attract visitors. Maxine Cook Tracy, Thunderbird 5 and much
spent hours drawing plans of the related merchandise, including the
exhibition as we now had so many curious Rosenthal flashing lights,
exhibits we would need an organised bump-n-go action toy (not the
plan of action once we arrived on most authentic TB replica ever
August 19th. On that day we loaded The final display featured
produced).
cars with puppets, merchandise Lady Penelope with Dave Sisson’s
would be a four-
and... suitcases (this Swinton Insurance FAB l. This cabinet
day event). We headed for Eastbourne also featured CliffRichardJr., plus a
followed by Andy Lawrence, armed collection ofitems released at die time
with ladder, drill and nails to attach Another problem arose with a Stingray. Possibly the most popular of the movie Thunderbirds Are
anything that needed attaching and XL5 which was much
replica Fireball puppet in the exhibition was Troy Go, including the much sought
help with any electrical problems we the same size as the large Eagle. Tempest. He is complete from head to after Zero X toy.
might face. These both had to fit in the same toe and, when purchased a few years
cabinet, but access could only be gained ago at auction, required little restoration. Captain Scarlet and the
Everything ran smoothly except from one end and both models He was originally presented to a Mysterons. At the Philips auction
for a few minor problems. The were delicate, heavy and difficult to lucky youngster in 1965 as a newspaper most of the puppets, puppet heads,
manoeuvre. Fortunately no disasters competition prize. Apparently the hands and other body parts were from
befell us and, after close to ten boy’s parents took Troy away and the Century 21 Supermarionation era.
hours work, the exhibition was kept him in his box in a cupboard for Consequently, this period was
ready for visitors the next day. die next thirty years until his appearance extensively covered, with many
at auction. One of the most interesting original characters being on display,
hi planning die event I did my best points about this puppet is die colour some and with
for the first time,
to take visitors on a guided tour of his WASP uniform — a green contributor Chris King being
from the earliest Supemiariouation shows metallic colour as opposed to the extensively involved. Authentic
through the live action era to Space of the TV series. When this
silver-grey replicas of Captains Scarlet and Blue
Precinct. Over die four days we had magazine recendy published some of appeared in full Spectrum uniform,
over a thousand visitors from across Derek Meddings’ pre-production plus original Melody Angel, Dr.
the country, plus Anderson fans designs WASP costumes were included Fawn, Raynor ( Expo 2068), Security
from as far afield as Scotland, and were coloured green. Perhaps Guard Harris ( Manhunt ) puppets
Germany, Holland and France. For early costumes were green and were and, for the first time, a Security Guard
those of you who couldn’t make the altered later. Even Chief Puppeteer from the episode Codename Europa
trip, here’s a guide to what was on Christine Glanville, when asked (often referred to as Kruger, leader
show: recendy, couldn’t truly give an answer. of the gang in The Heart of New
Along with Troy the exhibit featured York). Longtime Anderson fan Lynn
Supercar. The key exhibit in a magnificent three foot Stingray Simpson completed the uniform
this display was Jimmy Gibson, replica, courtesy ofMr. Sisson. just one week prior to the event.

52
 Revisiting the 21st century
Joe 90. The three main “stars” plus a sadly decapitated Lady Martha
of the programme were all on head, allowing visitors to see the
display: Sam Loover, Professor McLaine solenoid and inner workings.
in lab coat and, of course, Joe 90
himself, a virtually original puppet Space: 1999. As mentioned
complete with the original beige suit many original costumes
earlier,
often featured in the series. from the show were featured,
alongside the large Eagle. As the
The Secret Service. This BBC were transmitting the show at
programme is often regarded as the time, young visitors were
the “forgotten Supermarionation impressed by the size of the craft and
show”. Not in Eastbourne. During the skill of the model team that
the late ’60s and early 70s Eastbourne had created it back in the early
was in the Southern Television region, 70s. Also on display was an Alpha
one of only three companies to laser tank miniature.
transmit the programme. Virtually
every visitor recognised Father Terrahawks. Although not as
Stanley Unwin and his associate popular as “classic” Anderson
Matthew Harding. Also displayed puppet programmes, Terrahawks
was Professor Graham from Recall to has a sizeable following amongst
an original
Service, in actual fact fans and the general public. Displays
Captain Blue “frowner puppet”, included Zeioid robots, a Kate Kestral
puppet, an original Stew Dapples
puppet and Tiger Ninestein. Villains
were also in attendance in the shape
of MOID and one of Zelda’s cubes.
An original HUDSON miniature
was also featured.

Space Police/Space Precinct.

As with most Anderson series,
props, costumes and models from gadgets, pre-production artwork car and the SHADO mobile. He
Precinct and Police have been and promotional material. The brought many original drawings
lost or destroyed. Thankfully, president’s head from Space Police and sketches with him.
however, some have come into the also put in an appearance.
possession of fans like Bob and Sue The
event proved a tremendous
Bailey and members of the Fanderson Mike Trim joined us on the success, featuring not only the
committee, so at least some items Saturday and Sunday, a name familiar items mentioned above but also
will be preserved for the future. to Anderson fans as designer of the premier screening of the club’s
These were on display, and included many craft from the series including first venture into Supermarionation
numerous Space Precinct masks the Maximum Security Vehicle, (see companion article). I feel proud
plus guns, communicators, props and Spectrum Patrol Car, Sam Loover’s to have been involved in it.

made, he had a near perfect

full,

The new Supermarionation project Captain Blue puppet with the ability
to “speak” as the original head had.

Martin Gainsford During this time Derek had also

put together a lip-sync unit to

W hen Derek Dawking, Chris

King and myself first met and
became friends at a Fandeison
convention a few years ago, we
agreed how exciting it would be
using some of the original
Supermarionation puppets that had
recently come
the Philips Auction.
to light following
had purchased
I

the head of Melody Angel but, sadly,

condition and
the
still had
mouth was immovable and
wasn’t prepared to attempt to get
working of damaging the
for fear
paintwork. Chris and Derek had
its solenoid,
I

dais
actually
again.
make
Derek is
the puppets “talk”
a talented
electronics wizard with the ability
amateur

to create litde devices to replicate those

made by the Century 21 team back
to put a small film or video together although this was in excellent purchased a number of heads, many in the 1960s. Recently he managed
of which worked perfectly and still to duplicate the Spectrum cap drop-
had solenoids attached to them. down microphone and, more
which
importantly, create a device
One of these was from a character worked same way as the old
in the
called Professor Graham, featured in lip-sync mechanism. Apparently
the Secret Service episode Recall this enables an audio signal to be
to Seivice (this was, in an original
fact, converted into a direct current
Captain Blue “frowner” from Captain which, in turn, becomes a pulse
Scarlet and the Mysterons). The identical to the original audio signal
other was an “under control” Father in length and speed. This pulse is then
Unwin puppet which Chris had fed into the puppet’s head where it
restored to studio standards. causes a magnet to work on a
mechanism which opens and then
Derek decided to take a cast from releases the lower lip.
the Graham head and, from this,
he and Chris created a brand new When I first saw die device in action
Captain Blue head to which they I was incredibly excited and immediately
connected a solenoid unit. After wondered if Derek and Chris would
having a body and Spectrum uniform be interested in a special project for

53
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Models

piH
The original Unwin and Blue puppets are prepared for filming.

the Eastbourne exhibition. They

both were, and I explained to them
that I might be able to get Ed Bishop
ready to film. But how
them? Obviously we could have
to film

home video equipment, but the

0 1

and Stanley Unwin to record dialogue,

used
project deserved better. B - -
in character, which could then be fed
into the puppets.

Within a few weeks I had contacted

both actors and they had agreed to
Luckily word had spread and
were approached by Tim Mallet of
Kindred Productions who offered their
Tim and Glen Pearce
services to us.
we
tn J .3

record for die project. I set about writing had worked on various projects
scripts for them relating to the relating to the Anderson shows,
exhibition, along with a Mystenm threat but had not filmed Supemarionation
to the air show diat both Spectrum and puppets and were keen to become
B.I.S.H.O.P. were investigating. involved.
These were tongue in cheek pieces,
but I felt they would work well for We arranged to film the puppets
the event. on July 26, less than a month before
the exhibition, and nothing could
The next stage was to record the have prepared us for the task ahead.
dialogue. Chrisis involved in music

and has his own small but well- Tim and Glen spent a great deal
equipped recording studio at home. of time lighting the sets (backgrounds, die head movements and eyelines had It looked bizarre, with three
Ed Bishop kindly agreed Co travel there really!) to ensure they looked similar to be near perfect. Fanderson grown men cramped around this
to record his lines and, on a Sunday to those seen in the original committee member Andrew Frampton old puppet doing our best to make
afternoon in June, Ed recorded programmes. While Derek was controlled the playback of dialogue it move as it had in the programme

various brief pieces in character as putting some final touches to Captain and acted as lip-sync operator to whilst remaining out of camera
Captain Blue. Blue a newly made Captain Scarlet override the automatic mouth shot. Thankfully we just about
puppet was used as a stand-in whilst movement triggered by the pre- managed it.
Ed was extremely professional Glen lined up the camera. The recorded lines.
and eager to give the best performance image picked up by the camera was Four hours later the footage was
possible. He did this purely as a piped into a small monitor and a large We were experiencing problems complete and we set about dismantling
favour to the Club. Over the years TV set to give Derek and Chris with Blue saying words with an M cameras and lights. Everything now
Ed has stood out as one ofFanderson’s something to work from while or N in them. Andrew quickly rested on Andrew’s shoulders to
most popular and accommodating operating the puppets. The original became skilled in the swift use of the put the raw footage into a form
guests and, on more than one puppeteers worked in a similar way lip-sync switch and managed to close to what was hoped for. In
occasion, has taken time out to get at the studio in Slough. keep Blue’ s dialogue smooth. coming weeks he worked weekends
involved in our projects. and late nights editing the film,
Derek and Chris have had no After more than five hours we had adding music and inserts. Just a few
A few weeks later Chris visited formal training in the art ofpuppetry enough footage in the can to move days before the exhibition he ’phoned
Stanley Unwin at his home to record but have obviously spent some on to Father Unwin. As this puppet to say both clips were finished.
his piece. Chris and Derek were considerable time watching the is more than thirty years old he did

greeted by a gendeman who appeared Supemarionation series and reading prove a little temperamental and Derek, Chris and myself couldn’t
far younger than his almost 90 years. relevant articles in copies of SIG Andrew worked overtime to ensure wait to see the film and were
Chris took along his original Unwin and Century 21 (remember them, Unwin “spoke” in time with the absolutely knocked out when we
puppet and an original Matthew anyone?). Derek had also spent “Unwinese” dialogue. did. Considering the whole project
Harding. Stanley’s experience in hours practising with the puppets in had been achieved exactly as we
recording shone through and within the weeks prior to the shoot and Chris and Derek also had problems had hoped for on zero budget it
a few hours the session was over impressed us all with die skill he had with manipulating the puppet, had turned out pretty darned good.
with all dialogue safely recorded. gained in a fairly short space of which had virtually all of the Everyone involved worked at their
time. “workings” for under control, but own expense for the love of the
We were now laced with something not quite enough of them. I was subject. It was magical to think we
of a problem. Chris had edited both The decision was taken to film the drafted in to keep Unwin’ s head had enjoyed these programmes as kids
they were exaedy
actors’ recording? until puppet in head and shoulder shots upright and looking ahead while and were now creating something
as he wanted them and Derek had and close-ups, so not too much Derek worked him from below and similar ourselves some thirty years
ensured that both puppets were puppetry was required. Nevertheless, Chris moved his arms. later.

54
Captain Blue and Father Unwin are brought back to life for new sequences featured at the Eastbourne exhibition.
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