A few photos of the new Sixteen 12 Collectables Episode ‘Breakaway
Part 2’ set.
It comprises of Commissioner Simmonds’ V.I.P. Eagle
Transporter with those more realistic aluminium engine bells, and a completely
revamped V.I.P. pod, which has the orange V.I.P. livery going up and over the
windows rather than just the two sides.
The previously released Product Enterprise V.I.P. Eagle has
a matt orange on just the sides, whilst the new Sixteen 12 version has a glossier
look. Both look fine, of course but personally I have to say I prefer the new
Sixteen 12 edition.
Although the V.I.P. Eagle is rarely seen in the opening
episode there is a minor bone of contention with some fans over whether the
orange paint is used on the sloping top
surfaces of the pod or if it’s just on the sides .
It’s difficult to say for certain as the shots it appears in
either show the Eagle landing or taking off in wispy smoke, or in shots taken
from below.
I believe members of the original special effects team have
been asked in the past on the orange colour scheme dilemma but no one can positively
remember. Sixteen 12 did ask Brian Johnson prior to this release and he did have a vague memory of it being painted on one side and upper slope.
When Sixteen 12 considered their prototype pod colours they
originally went for a bold variation of orange and yellow colours not unlike
their Immunity Syndrome Glider colour scheme.
However, for the actual proper release of the
model they decided on a simpler, but nonetheless effective gloss orange.
The set also comes with a nicely detailed Lunar Tank, which
for the pedantic first appeared in ‘The Infernal Machine’ episode, and not
actually ‘Breakaway’.
The die-cast model
was originally part of the Product Enterprise Eagle Deluxe set. This time,
however Sixteen 12 has added a cockpit figure. A small alteration, but a nice
touch in my opinion.
A lot of people wanted to see Sixteen 12 release a proposed
die-cast Lunar Tank set. Sadly, the tooling and production costs on a limited
run made it an unfeasible project for now.
At least those who don’t have one of the Product Enterprise versions
will have the opportunity to get an alternative with this set.
The set also comes with a detailed plastic display plinth,
and a nicely detailed in scale Moon Buggy.
An amazing set and beautiful pictures again Scoop. I've always liked the Lunar Tank, an inspired design. I actually watched Breakaway again on Horror Channel a few weeks ago. There's an episode of 1999 on every night as I'm sure you know. It'll no doubt generate new fans who will be looking for choice collectables but they'll have to hurry 'cos these will sell out for sure. Are these limited editions just available in the UK?
ReplyDeleteThe Eagle die casts are certainly available in the USA, directly through Fabgear USA and, I believe Monsters in Motion. As they are limited editions they sell out pretty quick on the Sixteen 12 website but as some of those numbers go to dealers they should be about for a time yet.
DeleteI'm pleased to hear you're watching the odd 1999 episode. Like most fans I prefer the first season, but the second season has the some good ones. Avoid 'All that glisters' and 'The Rules of Luton' though.;)