ANOTHER LOOK AT THE 16/12 DRAGON'S DOMAIN SET

 Another look  at the Sixteen 12 Collectables Deluxe ‘Dragon’s Domain’ Die-cast Episode set .

The set features an in-scale Ultra Probe Command Module. This has always been a popular design with Space: 1999 fans, especially with garage kit creators and builders.

Obviously the Ultra Probe Command Module is the selling point for this latest set, and it is, of course a great looking model, and a must for those who prefer an instant display item without the hassle of painstakingly building one.

The Command Module has lots of detailing, as well as poseable (or articulated) rear docking clamps. It also comes with its own display stand.

The Eagle that comes with the set has a detachable ‘beak’ nose cone, as seen in the episode, which magnetically attaches to the main body, helped by gently clicking it into place.

The Eagle itself has an added component not on previous Sixteen 12 versions in that the rear engines have the ring of tubing around the back of the engine bells which I believe first appeared in the opening second season episode, The Metamorph, and was fitted to supply the Freon gas to create the rocket trail effect from the engine bells. 

The more pedantic fans will no doubt point out that Dragon’s Domain is a first season episode which didn’t have the tubing, but I can’t see anyone complaining, as it’s a nice addition!

The Eagle comes with a loading platform display plinth, and aluminium engine bells, plus the little Alpha Moon Buggy which helps to give an idea of scale.

The Dragon’s Domain episode is another fan favourite, and is inspired by the story of St George & the Dragon.

 The ‘George’ in the story is Ultra Probe pilot Tony Cellini (played by Italian actor, Gianni Garko) who, while travelling to the planet Ultra chances upon what looks like an abandoned  group of derelict alien spacecraft. After docking with one of the vessels and opening the airlock, the crew encounters a huge one-eyed, tentacled alien space monster.   All the crew except, Cellini are consumed , and after failing to destroy the hideous creature, Cellini locks himself in the Ultra Probe Command Module, and separates from the main ship leaving the creature behind. He uses the planet, Ultra in a slingshot maneuverer to begin a long journey home.    

Eventually he gets back to Moonbase Alpha, prior to its breakaway from the Earth in 1999.

Much later, the 877th day to be precise, since the wandering Moon left Earth, Alpha detects the abandoned ships ‘graveyard at around the same time as Cellini begins to suffer nightmares about the creature.

Cellini, haunted and tormented by his memories, hi-jacks an Eagle and makes his way back to the Ultra Probe.  He detaches the Eagle ‘beak’ and re-attaches it to the front of the Probe.  

Koenig, Bergman and Helena in another Eagle, dock at a different point and enter the Ultra Probe. They find Cellini held by the creature’s tentacles, stabbing it repeatedly in the head, before he too, is consumed.

Koenig picks up an axe, and swings it into the eye of the weakened monster, finally killing it.

What a guy! 

It’s interesting to me that the episode was originally to have focused on Eagle pilot, Alan Carter (played by 1999 regular, Nick Tate), giving the character a back story, but it later transpired that main star, Martin Landau wasn’t happy with the idea and persuaded the production team to rewrite it for a guest actor.  

When asked about this at the Alpha: 2014 convention, Nick diplomatically replied that, ’Martin knew how to be the star!’

Ironically, Italian, Gianni Garko was not a fluent speaker of the English language and asked Nick Tate to help him with his lines.

Other notes from the episode include that rumour has it that a model of the USS Enterprise and Doctor Who’s Tardis were filmed as part of the spaceships graveyard scenes; could be true, but the footage was certainly never used.

Another point of interest is the scene set in Commissioner Dixon’s office on Earth was actually M’s office seen in the EON James Bond films at the time.