Woodsy,
First of all, thanks to everyone who commented on my miniature LP Hong Kong Mercury Capsule diorama. The kind words are appreciated. I am more of a model builder instead of toy collector, but Woodsy has graciously invited me to share some space modelling subjects that some of you may find interesting or entertaining.
Phillip G
Finished Photos of 1/48 Scale Luna Spaceship Diorama From the 1950 Movie Destination Moon
Photos of Masterpiece Models1/48 scale spaceship Luna diorama from the 1950 USA Movie Destination Moon.
The movie told the story of mans first attempt to reach the moon by rocket and it was the second major motion picture made about manned space travel.
Honestly, the acting in the movie is poor and the story line is weak, but the science behind the space flight is based in fact (for what was known at the time).
It is pretty entertaining and won an American Academy Award for Best Special Effects. Most importantly it gave us a very cool rocket design named Luna, which looks pretty much like a glorified German V-2 missile.
This is a very large kit with the rocket being 37 tall. This is the same size as the two main miniatures used in the movie. The kit consisted of only six resin pieces, with one of those being the lunar base! The astronaut figures are 3D Printings I purchased from Shapeways.com.
All the miscellaneous exploration ground equipment was either scratch-built or came from my spare parts stash. The lunar surface and astronauts were given a multicolor paint finish to match what was seen in the movie.
The finished product is simple but still eye-popping due to its size and attractive lines. I am not 100% sure but I believe the French Tin-Tin Spaceship books and products are based on the Destination Moon spacesuits and Luna spaceship design.
The last photo shows me kneeling beside the diorama to show how large it is. I hope you enjoyed the photos.
That's an impressive piece of work, Philip.
ReplyDeleteThe figures provide an effective sense of size. And so do you. :)
Best -- Paul V
Paul-Thank you for the compliments. It is a big display that has a lot of cool small details. Phillip Gore
DeleteA wonderful build Philip and a fine model. The film is really hokey, with terrible comedy moments, but the basic script is based on Robert Heinlein's classic novel of the same name and features some real science and physics problems. The suits are ridiculously fake and the massive helmets are designed so that the actors faces are visible, but the rocket is beautifully sleek and fits in neatly with other ships from films of the day, such as 'When Worlds Collide'. Bill
ReplyDeleteBill-I agree with you 100%! This movie is bad in many ways but I have always loved the Luna spaceship design, background sets and paintings used. I also think the soundtrack music is really good too. Phillip Gore
DeleteA glorious build of an iconic ship from an iconic movie - spot-on paint job as well! SFZ
ReplyDeleteSFZ-Thank you for the great compliments! It is an iconic design! Phillip Gore
DeleteOne helluva model there Phillip.
ReplyDeleteAs it's resin, it must weigh a ton !
Mish-Thank you! The main hull is partially hollow instead of being solid with the wall thickness ranging from .125” to .500”. But you are right, it is a heavy display that has to be handled carefully when it is moved. Phillip Gore
DeleteBeautiful work Phillip!
ReplyDeleteEd and Bettina Berg-Thank you very much! I am glad you like it! Phillip Gore
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