Here’s some photos I’ve taken of the brand new electronic Alpha Launch Pad and set of Micro Eagles which were recently released by Sixteen 12 Collectables.
The Launch Pad features original sound effects and dialogue from the series, landing lights, and an electronic docking tube.
The operating buttons are discreetly situated on top of the Flight Control Complex: press ‘lights’ and the orange landing lights come on; press ‘sounds’ and you hear Commander Koenig barking out orders. Press ‘docking’ and the electronic docking tube slowly extends from the travel tube terminal to the sound of (the Eagle’s) rocket motors.
As a point of interest, the pre-production model included a fine rendition of the Barry Gray Space:1999 theme but unfortunately, presumably due to copyright issues, the finished Launch Pad doesn’t feature the theme as part of the sound effects.
The Pad, which is just over 11” (28cm) in circumference, also features a detailed Service Platform extending at a right angle to the F.C.C.
The set comes with it’s own exclusive 5” (128mm) detailed model of the white transporter Eagle. This features aluminium engine bells and a detachable Transporter Pod, plus a tiny in-scale Alpha Moonbuggy.
The original pre-production Eagle models were slightly longer at around 51/2” (14cm)
MORE MICRO EAGLES:
There are a further four more separately sold Eagles in the set. Like the Eagle Transporter each feature aluminium engine bells, detachable pod and Alpha Moonbuggy.
The Rescue/Medical Eagle:
The V.I.P. Eagle:
The Freighter/Winch Eagle: Instead of a pod this model features a pallet with a stringed magnet attached. The pallet can be loaded with either a (non-working) winch motor, or six nuclear cannisters.
Overall, considering their small size which takes account of some practical compromises regarding the thickness of the framework, panelling and landing legs, all these Eagle models/toys have some excellent detail, and far more than the humble Konami, which is a similar size.
I couldn’t resist trying to recreate that well known forced perspective special effects shot.
My thanks to Steve Walker and the Sixteen 12 team.
Nice work on the SFX tribute shot! You held the depth of field really well, especially given the small size of your subjects!
ReplyDeleteThanks Lewis:)
DeleteThese models look great Scoop and as usual you're shots do them proud. The illuminated landing bay is a great addition. Your final photo is worthy of the TV series, but then again I've always thought Century 21 will be phoning you up!
ReplyDeleteHa, ha! thanks Woodsy, I'm eagerly waiting for that phone call.!
DeleteThe models are superb, and the Launch Pad is the perfect ready made diorama. That final photo is my attempt at recreating a shot that's occasionally seen in the series. (You can see it on the back of the 1612 box) In the studio they played around using some effective forced perspective using a 44" Eagle model on a 22" Launch Pad .
Sigh..
ReplyDelete