LONDON:1999 - ORIGINAL SCREEN-USED PROPS

 Some more photos from the Space:1999 London Convention. This time a look at some of the original props from the series on display.

My thanks to James Winch and Andrew Frampton for taking the trouble to bring them along.

My favourite original prop on display was ‘Eagle 2’, the second of the three 44 inch Eagle props to be built for the series, which made it’s first appearance in the episode, The Last Sunset.

Unlike the original ‘Eagle 1’, which needed extensive restoration work by modelling expert, David Sisson, Eagle 2 appears pretty much as it did in the series with it’s bolder weathering still evident.

Another favourite on display was the Menon Cruiser from the second season episode, Space Warp.

This model was first seen in the episode, Mark of Archanon, and later altered for reuse in Space Warp with a different front section as seen here.

The ‘Eagle cabin’ Alpha tank, one of the three tanks first seen in the episode, The Infernal Machine.

The props were built using parts from the 1: 25 scale Tamiya Chieftain tank model kit.

A perennial question asked by some is why would non-military Moonbase Alpha have tanks. It’s been suggested that the tanks were originally construction vehicles used for the building and maintenance of the various Moonbase installations. Of course they also looked pretty cool on screen!

The Kaldorian ship from ‘Earthbound’, the first alien craft seen in the series.

The Jump Drive Diagram prop as seen in the episodes, ‘The Taybor ‘and ‘A Matter of Balance’.

Eagle cabin central control panel.

The centre screen would show a filmed image.

A remaining section of the front of the Moonbase Alpha Travel Tube, first seen in the opening episode, ‘Breakaway’.

The nuclear mine and grabber mainly seen in the episode, Collision Course. This simple, but attractive prop was made from plastic containers found in a Woolworths picnic set, and just redressed with kit parts and stickers and given a paint job. A smaller version of the prop was also made.

One of the Nuclear domes seen in the two part episode, The Bringers of Wonder (Destination: Moonbase Alpha compilation movie)

One of the small domes seen in the episode, Journey to Where.

Both small domes are seen here. Note, there is no detailing at the rear as they were only filmed from the front.

Alpha buildings, larger model buildings made from plywood, used for close up shots and internally lit.

Some of the screen-used costumes on display.

Moonbase Alpha spacesuit worn by various cast members including Nick Tate and guest star, Paul Jones, next to original screen – used costume worn by Zienia Merton as Sandra Benes.

Original screen-used costumes worn by Nick Tate as Captain Alan Carter, and original screen-used costume worn by Catherine Schell as Maya.

Original screen-used costumes worn by Barbara Bain as Dr Helena Russell next to original screen-used costume worn by Martin Landau as Commander John Koenig.

Next time: Fan - built models on display