Philip's Finished Photos of 1/441 Scale Space Ark Diorama From the 1951 Movie WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE

Below are photos of Pegasus Hobbies 1/441 scale Space Ark spaceship diorama from the 1951 movie WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE. 

 The movie tells the story of a star on a collision course with Earth and the desperate efforts of a few humans to build a huge spaceship (also known as the Space Ark) and escape to a planet orbiting the star. 

 It is basically a modern version of the Noah and the flood story from the Bible. Although you really have to stretch your imagination for the plot gaps, I have always loved this movie and watched it many times! 

 Even by the standards of today I think some of the special effects are impressive. Famed space illustrator Chesley Bonestell provided artwork for the film and also created the design for the spaceship. The model build itself was simple, as the kit is small (spaceship length 11 inches) and has only a few parts.

 The only big modification made was adding trees to the vac-form base. I have always liked the design of the Space Ark spaceship and I am very grateful it was made available in kit form. 

 The last photos are of an original movie poster and the movie prop miniature being worked by the FX crew. 

 I hope you enjoy the photos.

Philip Gore

USA

Aurora Frankenstein – The Shelley Connection! 🎃

In the 1960s and 1970s classic Hollywood movie monsters were a big part of the Aurora kit range. There were six different Frankenstein related kits, making him the star of the line.

Having just read a wonderful book on the 1971 Aurora Monster Scenes series, I realised that the built-up Frankenstein model shown on the cover of Aurora Model Kits, by Thomas Graham, was the last of these six kits. From the Monsters of the Movies series, in 1/12th scale.

Looking more closely at the model, I also spotted something I had previously missed. The tombstone that is part of the scenic base is inscribed Shelley, after the Creature’s true creator.

After the infamous furore over the Monster Scenes, which had mixed risque and gruesome subjects (and whose boxes proclaimed the kits Rated X ... for Excitement), Aurora clearly labelled their next range of horror kits Monsters of the Movies. A new version of Frankenstein’s Monster was created, and released in 1975.

It was a very simple kit, with no optional parts, although it did have movable arms. It was mainly moulded in black plastic, but the head and hands were glow-in-the-dark pale green.

This kit has not been seen very often, but after its original Aurora release, it was re-issued under the Revell name, copyright date 1999.

Rob C (thanks, Rob) mentioned the original Aurora 1/8th scale kit from the 1960s. This also had a tombstone as part of its scenic base. But on checking, that was simply inscribed Frankenstein.

The 1/8th scale kit has been re-issued several times, by different companies. In addition to Aurora, there have been versions by Monogram, Revell, and Polar Lights.

Another piece of Aurora monster trivia.

Eight photographs from Worthpoint

Paul Adams from New Zealand

TIN PROSPECTOR

You know youve made the vintage grade when you get your own tin sign!

Here's the Project SWORD Moon Prospector tin sign available on eBay no less! 

It always amazes me where SWORD still pops up!

Will's Space Navigator Badge and More

Hi Woodsy,

Space navigator badge, badge and compass watch, space navigator small tin telescope and a space clip-on tie! (Can you still get clip on ties) 

Don’t know what vintage the space navigator stuff is, anybody help?

Will O

Monster Base Band New Member 2

 

From Brian B,

His Monster Base Halloween Band

New Jersey

Kevin's Scratchbuilt Blake's 7 Scorpio Teleport Bracelet

Hi,

Recently came across some pictures of an original Blake's 7 Scorpio Teleport Bracelet. These were the ones used in the final season only.

 You don't see these around much at all and there were lots of details I've never noticed before,  so I just had to make myself one.

 I've done them before but this is the most accurate I've done. It is mainly made of aluminium. 

Down and safe.

Kevin

Zero-X Above FAB1 - Again!

You can't get enough of this in my book. The first few secs of this 1966 clip are some of my favourite in Thunderbirds. It's the iconic shot of Zero-X flying over FAB1 as the pink Rolls sails over water.

TV magic at its best! Could we even do it today without CGI or AI?

https://youtu.be/CJEczUhJ_do?si=2DCrVM5DebwiM2R3 

WALTER KOENIG R.I.P.

 Sorry to hear Star Trek and Babylon 5 actor, Walter Koenig has died.

I did see him several years ago at a Babylon 5 convention in Blackpool, when he turned up on stage dressed as  Psi Cop, Alfred Bester.  He'll certainly be sadly missed by the sci fi community.

Our sincere condolances to his family and friends.