I’ve attached a scan of the booster pad inspiration picture I used. It’s from TV 21 issue 212 from a story called Hide & Seek. I’m pleased the readers seemed to like it.
I’ve got another issue with a smashing Probe Force launch pad picture but until I get my hands on a Probe Force that will have to stay on the back burner.
Mike B.
Excellent Mike! I think there maybe a pic of the Booster Rocket gantry in the SWORD Annual as well. I'll have a skeg. Reader Andy B was wondering if the original NASA concept on which the Booster was based was designed to take off vertically. As far as I remember from previous blogs it was 'Ford Nucleonics' or 'Nutronics' EMPIRE as pictured below. Online sources describe the take-off thus: Aeronutronic's Mars flyby spacecraft design of 1962 had a total mass of 170 metric tons and would be launched into low earth orbit with a single launch of a Nova booster. This will take further research I reckon. Woodsy.
The Booster Rocket was supposed to be assembled in space according to the Man and Space book. And it being nuclear powered, it would turn any launch site into a disaster area were it launched in one piece as depicted in that illustration. But I guess TV21's artists either didn't know or made it seem it had a conventional rocket engine - the Sword Annual also shows it as having landed in upright position.
ReplyDeleteBest
--
Paul
Nice one Paul. As soon as I get my bookshelf back in order, I'll have a look. Been decorating so everythings allover the place!
ReplyDeleteEither way, its a great model!
ReplyDeleteHope that isn't going to be too long a wait for a probe Force to turn up, Mike.
ReplyDeleteBy the way ... why does it have your name written on that tower to right of picture, Woodsy? (the Hide and Seek one). And you have two others? (grins)
ReplyDeleteDon' t they launch the Booster Rocket from a large plastic bag in the Solo comic strip ; )
ReplyDeleteI think I' d prefer it launched from a launch pad.
You ' ve just got to assume that in 3031 they've come up with some exotic environmentally friendly rocket system that doesn't involve wiping out the spaceport and the nearby town : D
Or maybe, with the World ending and the Casuals revolting, they just don't care! (grins)
ReplyDeleteI think its a brilliant model, ive always loved those goose-neck observation towers - one appears prominently in the background of the Hovertank painting in the annual. Booster Rocket is far and away my fave toy in the sword line and seeing it on a base like that is a real pleasure. Theres an illustration by Ron Embelton of the BR taking off from the moon on a long curved ramp in TV21 1969 annual, but it doesnt have half the dramatic effect of this model. Fab. Bring on the Probe Force one!
ReplyDelete