Below are photos of Pegasus Hobbies 1/441 scale Space Ark spaceship diorama from the 1951 movie WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE.
The movie tells the story of a star on a collision course with Earth and the desperate efforts of a few humans to build a huge spaceship (also known as the Space Ark) and escape to a planet orbiting the star.
It is basically a modern version of the Noah and the flood story from the Bible. Although you really have to stretch your imagination for the plot gaps, I have always loved this movie and watched it many times!
Even by the standards of today I think some of the special effects are impressive. Famed space illustrator Chesley Bonestell provided artwork for the film and also created the design for the spaceship. The model build itself was simple, as the kit is small (spaceship length 11 inches) and has only a few parts.
The only big modification made was adding trees to the vac-form base. I have always liked the design of the Space Ark spaceship and I am very grateful it was made available in kit form.
The last photos are of an original movie poster and the movie prop miniature being worked by the FX crew.
I hope you enjoy the photos.
Philip Gore
USA
Shades of Fireball XL5
ReplyDeleteKyushu-Yes, it does have that look!
DeleteWow, that is a great looking model, and an excellent paint finish.
ReplyDeleteOr the V-1 Flying Bomb on its inclined launch ramp.
Paul A.-thank you for the compliments. Early sci-fi did borrow a lot from the Germans! Phillip Gore
DeleteFantastic work, Philip
ReplyDeleteTony k-Thank you! Phillip Gore
DeleteThat's built up very nicely... I like the tonal effects you've included on the name plate!
ReplyDeleteI always felt the filming miniature needed some subtle panel detail to increase the scale. They probably didn't want to dirty it up because it was meant to be brand new.
I was surprised at a behind the scenes shot of the flying saucer model from This Island Earth, it had extensive panel detailing that never showed up in the final print!
Lewis p Morley-Thank you for the compliment. The nameplate was a centerpiece for the display so I spent a good amount of time masking and painting it. I believe the four foot miniature did have some panels (seen while the ship was under construction) but the finished product looked all sealed up and tight. Yes, I have seen photos of the Metaluna saucer and the checkerboard paneling. I wish someone would produce a plastic model kit of that one! Phillip Gore
DeleteWow. Great build of a cool ship. Saw this movie as a kid on television and all but forgot about it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words. I think it is a great movie. Phillip Gore
DeleteGreat job! I remember seeing that ship in the film and you've captured it to a T.
ReplyDeleteBest -- Paul
Paul-Thank you for the great compliment! Phillip Gore
DeleteLovely lovely work on this icon of sci fi Philip. Youve done a sterling job! And what a smashing film!
ReplyDeletePaul W-The compliments are much appreciated! I think it is a great movie too! Phillip Gore
DeleteBrilliant job on bringing another iconic spaceship to life - bravo! SFZ
ReplyDeleteSFZ-Thank you for the compliment and continued support! Phillip Gore
DeleteI've got this as well. Pegasus made this as a kit that was meant to be assembled as well as an already built-up and finished diorama
ReplyDeleteEd and Bettina Berg-Yes, Pegasus offers several of their model kits as already built displays. Since I am a model builder I built their unassembled kit so I could make the finished product in to what I wanted to see. Phillip Gore
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