SIXTEEN 12 'BREAKAWAY Pt.2' V.I.P. EAGLE SET

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.