To Zoltar or Not to Zoltar

I'm not keen on the idea of having my fortune told. Call me superstitious. It is however a staple of seaside piers and this Zoltar was ready for some telling in Llandudno.

Made famous by Tom Hanks in Big, they've always been a plastic novelty item, especially now.

You can get them small ...

And big!

Not to be outdone by the men, ladies have been doing it for themselves too.

Here's Esmeralda on a pier somewhere.

And a rather witchified toy teller with a light-up ball.

By far my favourite though is the vintage Japanese Gypsy Fortune Teller by Ichida. It's just so damn classy and gothic.

Anyone got one? 

Would you have your fortune read? 

MANCHESTER: 1999

Some photos from last month's Space: 1999 convention that took place near Manchester. 

 https://mikeburrowsphotography.co.uk/project/space-1999-convention-manchester-2026/

This year a semi-professional fan film, Return to Moonbase Alpha was being shot in the model room and for one reason or another, had over run leading to attendees being temporarily denied access to the model displays, including some of those displaying!

This, unsurprisingly did create some slight annoyance with some people. However, on the bright side it meant there was lots of time to socialise in the bar.

We did eventually get into the model room, which had some excellent displays. One of the hightlights was Darroll Simmonds' replica of an Eagle cockpit, which was used for the filming of the fan film.

There was plenty of opportunities to try it out. Here's Darrell overseeing David Sisson and Simon Rhodes, both wearing original screen-used costumes.

here's myself and Darrell discusing the cockpit build.

Another beautifully recreated set for the fan film was this wall of original computer panels meticoulsy restored by owner, Simon Rhodes. Simon also provided the original prop of Maya's Command Center desk.

This was another perfect spot for selfies. Here's me with John Hug, who played Eagle pilot Bill Frazer.

A lot of the models on display I've shown on the blog before, nevertheless here's a small selection.

The original 44" Eagle 2, currently owned by Andrew Framton.

Andrew also owns the original large Battlehawk model from Terrahawks.

Here's a photo of the Battlehawk with special effects director, Steve Begg.

David Sisson displayed his restoration of the original Space Station miniature from Space Precinct.

FAB 1 model as used in the Swinton Insurance advert.

David's impressive Fireball XL5 model.

James Winch brough a large display of original UFO miniature, as well as a few replica pieces.

Mark Craig displayed his small scratch-built Main Mission model, along with a couple of other rooms seen in Moonbase Alpha.

A selection of Andrew Framton's brilliantly restored puppets, some of which have screen-used heads, hands, clothes etc.

Some photos  I took of the guests:

Nick Tate played Eagle pilot Alan Carter.

Anton Phillips played Alpha medic, Dr Bob Mathias.

Carolyn Seymour who appeared in the episode, Seance Spectre.

John Hug who played Eagle pilot, Bill Frazer.

Suzanne Peterson who wa Barbara Bain's stand-in.

Christien Anholt, son of Tony Anholt with his father's original commlock and stun gun used in the series.

Sandy Byrne, wife of the late writer, Johnny Byrne.

My thanks must also go to the two main organisers of the event - Roy Bjellquist and Warren Friedrich who worked hard to keep things on an even keel.

Here's to the next Anderson related event - Space City: 2027.

https://fanderson.org.uk/news/space-city-2027-convention/

It's Nearly Halloween! All Paul's Monster Kits! 🎃

Hi Woodsy,

All my Monster kits:

 First up, the Atlantis re-issues of Aurora kits in Square Boxes, hacking back to the 1970s. The Wolf Man, Mummy, and Forgotten Prisoner are all 1/8th scale. The Metaluna Mutant is 1/12th scale, and a model that Aurora planned in the 1970s, but never released. It was eventually released a few years ago, and then acquired by Atlantis. This is the only one of these kits I got from a model shop, and then only because the owner had bought a deceased estate collection. The rest were mail order.

In Long Boxes are a modern Japanese kit by X Plus, from Revenge of the Creature, done in the classic Aurora style, and to the same 1/8th scale. This was from the same estate collection as the Metaluna Mutant. The 1/8th scale Atlantis re-issue of the Phantom of the Opera, which is the only one of these kits I have built so far. A couple of Polar Lights re-issues of Aurora kits – these are some of the shorter lived 1960s kits. The first of two Monster Customizing Kits, and the Wolf Man’s Wagon from the Monster Hot Rods series.

Finally, the four Aurora Monster Scenes kits. Released under the Dencomm name, and distributed by Atlantis. There is a second batch of four to be released, but no word yet on when this will be.

Yes, I went totally Monster Mad in 2026!

Paul from NZ

*

Have you got any readers? 

Toy Racers

 Sorting through the last of my Matchbox and small die-casts before they go, I took a couple of shots of two groups for MC. Mostly sports cars, It was great fun collecting them from car boots around 2020 to about 2024.

See any you had? 

The Adventure Begins: It Glows in The Night

 This is all new to me. Lords of Light. Is that a Micronauts style body? The card inside looks like He-Man! 

Anyone know this range? 

Tom Skerritt RIP

I was sad to learn of Tom Skerritt's passing this week.

Only knowing him for his beleaguered Captaincy in Alien, this role made a huge impression on me and before Sigourney took the helm Tom's character of Dallas and his portrayal of it was my favourite. 

Tom got to 93. Not bad for an old space tug Captain. RIP.

 

Giant Ed 2: Plastic Figure And Playset Article

Woodsy,

As a follow-up to my GIANT brand space toys, here's the article from the now defunct 'Plastic Figure and Playset Collector' (PFPC) No. 57 article on the brand.

From Vegas Base

Ed