Monday 18 September 2023

Glider Rider

On the subject of 'other space gliders', here are a couple of contenders. Firstly comes the Matchbox Mega Rig series 'shuttle', loosely based on the X-33 concept vehicle, which Matchbox released in a much smaller die cast version, too. Not strictly a glider, it bears a passing resemblance to the classic M2-F1 wedge shape, but is intended as a shuttle replacement. Here I have used it as the passenger section of a custom Nuclear Ferry, way back in 2008.
Next up and more recently, is the Super Jets die cast 'Stealth Fighter'. A much more glider like shape and overall profile, its not really a stealth contender and is clearly inspired by the X series test vehicles.
Finally, an old blog staple, the Hover Space Glider. This particular one isn't my own, but I do have a blue and orange one somewhere in the attic. It was available with a Lunar Rover and a Scramble Bug type toy (visible on the backing card) as well as a saucer like vehicle.

 It follows the classic Sword  Space Glider design almost perfectly, apart from the omission of the odd 'emergency light' style switch found on most large models.

5 comments:

  1. Not familiar with the mega rig...

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  2. https://projectswordtoys.blogspot.com/2010/08/its-jungle-out-there.html?m=1

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  3. Always loved your Ferry clone Bill, looks really great and prescient too, seeing as the Ferry prototype was white! As for the mini Hover vehicles, these are legends. I've seen them all except the standard lunar river shown on the header. Have you seen that?

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    1. I had the Lunar Rover - it was in those first windowsill photos I sent you during First Contact, back in the 90's!

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    2. of course! Where did the rover end up?

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