Here’s a few photos of the recently released Anderson Entertainment UFO model, that was briefly displayed at the London Space:1999 convention last September.
The model is a good size, around 8” (200mm) across, and stands around 5” (125mm) in height. It reminds me of the old late eighties S.H.E.D. vac-form UFO kit.
The ‘paddle’ section is able to spin with the help of a flick of the wrist. For some reason I was under the impression it was actually motorized, just like the screen version, but I was obviously mistaken on that.
Although the model looks very appealing and at some point I’ll set up a proper diorama photo shoot, but I must confess the whole thing does look toy-like. The paddles and spinning veins are simply a silvery grey plastic rather than a reflective chrome, which did give the screen UFO it’s other-worldly ‘flying saucer’ characteristics.
The green top is made from a semi-transparent plastic, which looks okay but does help to maintain that toy-like look. Here's a comparison photo with the Product Enterprise UFO.
One nice touch is you turn the model over to reveal the base of a UFO escape pod.
For displaying purposes the model comes with a short clear hollow tube.
The model comes well packaged in it’s box, which folds out to show technical details of the UFO, and a certificate of authenticity. Curiously, instead of a UFO, the photo on the sides of the box shows a lone SHADO Interceptor flying across the Moon’s surface and a superimposed photo of a space- suited Ed Straker minus his helmet.
Overall, I like the model. It looks good, and the size is just right. I would have liked a chrome covering over the grey plastic, but it’s certainly not a deal breaker. The £125 price tag might put a few people off, but as we don’t get too much brand new UFO merchandise being produced nowadays, along with it’s limited run of the curiously numbered 2004, units it’ll probably still sell out!
Watch the skies!
Spot on review. The spinning movement is a bit primitive, some proper bearings in there would have been nice, as it is it doesn't spin for long. I am tempted to make improvements to accuracy but it's a collectible so that would probably de-value it. I haven't decided how to display mine yet, will keep my eyes on the www for inspiration.
ReplyDeleteIt is a bit pricey, I got in early so it was 'only' £99. I received number 1950 so I assume a lot have been sold!
They do appear to have sold well, Charlie, with presumably a fair few people taking up the lower pre-order price.. Assuming A.E. stick to their limited oddly numbered run of 2004, and with yours being number 1950 they certainly look they're on target for another sell out in the not too distant future.
DeleteA fab modern collectable Scoop and congrats on bagging one! Sounds like they're selling fast from what Charlie said in his comment. A lot of research and investment by Anderson Entertainment in this I imagine. Good luck to them. Where will you display yours?
ReplyDeleteThere's certainly a lot of interest for this one, Woodsy. Like Space:1999, UFO is a cult classic and still very popular, so any new merchandise is always welcome.
DeleteMine will probably find a home in one of my display cases.
I got mine at £99 but I wouldn't have hesitated at the full £125, it's well boxed, presented and in my opinion great value for money.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely be willing to buy another with the more accurate chrome plated look.
You sound like a very satisfied A.E. customer, Anon . The slightly cheaper pre-order price is certainly a good sales technique. I wonder how many signed up for one over the opening pre-order weekend?
DeleteI do like it and the price is a tad bit high, but at least it doesn't nearly approach the prices in the latest 2025 Lionel catalog which came out this past week. To celebrate their 125th anniversary the buyer is privileged to purchase engines for a mere $1800-$2000 or how about single passenger cars for the low, low price of $300! Yeah, £125 isn't looking all that bad now!
ReplyDeleteCollectors markets are notorious for charging extortionate prices, but two grand is crazy, Ed. I suppose they must sell, though!
DeleteYou're right Scoop, someone is buying them but it's not me! The frustration over prices has been growing for years now but this year it's bordering on downright hostility!
DeleteGreat to see new UFO merch but fans getting ripped off again - this should be a £30 to £40 at the most. Blatant profiteering.
ReplyDeleteHere here
DeleteI can appreciate that point of view, Anon, but to play devil's advocate A.E. will have their overheads, and they should make a profit, so I can't say it's really blatant profiteering. I think most will agree it is overpriced, though. Personally, I'd say around £80 would be more reasonable.
DeleteI think Corgi ought to make a Space 1999 Hawk or Anderson Entertainment make one roughly in scale to the Dinky Eagle. I reckon it would sell well.
ReplyDeleteI'd certainly make some room in my display to fir it in.
The Hawk is certainly popular with Space: 1999 fans, Bill, although Sixteen 12 struggled to sell off their remaining Wargames sets. A.E. might take a chance and consider doing one to go with their Eagle collection, but i reckon there's plenty of other Anderson vehicles to chose from before that.
DeleteTbh, I don’t know why Corgi hasn’t done an accurately coloured Straker’s car with back window (which Dinky failed to do); Foster’s car and the SHADO jeep either individually or as an exclusive trio box set. I’ve written to them twice to suggest it but have never had an acknowledgment from them.
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