FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE!

A taster of the sort of thing to come in my post on the "new" origins of Project SWORD toys tonight. I know this isn't SWORD but it is JR21 and I just love the symmetry of the toy and its ultra-cool inspiration. 

The X-50 Space Racer, from the JR21 X Series of toys, was first identified by Ferryman as having been inspired by the Spirit of America in 2009. It was later brilliantly researched by my friend Paul Vreede and posted in 2012. For the above family portrait I have simply added a colour photo of the Spirit of America car.

I hope you enjoy the post at Midnight. It's quite long so dib into it when you want. After five years of blogging many insightful readers have contributed to what we now know. I have simply brought it all together, updated it and added a little garnish here and there.

BREAKING NEWS!

NEW ORIGINS OF PROJECT SWORD TOYS

A BIG NEW POST

TONIGHT 

MIDNIGHT UK TIME

FOUR FEATHER FALLS REUNION: ANDERCON GUESTS 2

The second round of guest talks on the Saturday was the Four Feather Falls Reunion.

Now, I don’t remember ever seeing this series on television so really it has no nostalgic aspects for me apart from the fact that it was Gerry Anderson’s first series using the Supermarionation techniques,  and watching the odd episode these days does show how  Gerry’s shows  developed and improved over the years.

Amongst the four guests were the surviving voice artists and one of the series' directors. 

Denice Bryer , who had already worked with Gerry on The Adventures of Twizzle and the Blue Cars commercial,  would return many years later to voice Zelda in Terrahawks. She provided the voice of both Martha ‘Ma’ Jones and Little Jake.

David Graham really needs no introduction to Anderson fans. He has contributed to many Anderson series and films over the years, as well as creating the original voice of the Daleks.  He provided, amongst others, the voice of Grandpa Ebenezer Twink in Four Feather Falls.

Nicholas Parsons was the speaking voice of hero, Tex Tucker. Parsons was married to Denise Bryer at the time and was just helping out during a script read- through in the presence of Gerry, with whom he had previously worked with on the Blue Cars commercial. It was found he had an appealing vocal interpretation of the Tex Tucker character, and subsequently got the job.

Director, David Elliott worked with Gerry from the early 50’s, before leaving A.P. films in 1966 during Thunderbirds to join the BBC.

This guest panel was a lot of fun with Nicholas Parsons, an accomplished entertainer and a surprisingly sprightly 90 year old, quite naturally taking centre stage.

Next on – Expect the Unexpected Terrahawks Reunion

Moebius Flying Sub by Kevin D

Hi,

I just completed this model kit (I don't do many), of the Flying Sub from 'Voyage To The Bottom of the Sea'. I have always loved this design. This kit is by Moebius and is excellent. I have added the lighting.

Take care,

Kevin

NEWSFLASH!

NEW ORIGINS OF PROJECT SWORD TOYS

COMING SOON!

THE LIVE ACTION YEARS: ANDERCON GUESTS

One of the drawbacks at Andercon was trying to fit in all the guest interviews as well as all the exclusive screenings, both which ran concurrently.

While I tried to get as many guest photos as I could, ultimately I'm bound to have missed the odd one here and there at the times when  I popped into Cinema Anderson, so If I miss any one who attended that's my excuse.

And now on with the show.

The stage is set....

The audience waits in anticipation...

The interviewer for all the guest slots is genial host,  Kevin Davis, director of many spin-off video documentaries associated with cult television sci-fi as well as creating the graphics on the title sequence to Terrahawks.

The opening interviews  on the Saturday featured four guests who had been involved in the live action sci-fi Anderson series, UFO and Space 1999.

From left to right: Georgina Moon, Ken Holt, Prentis Hancock and Pam Rose.

Pam Rose appeared in several second season episodes of Space 1999 as a command centre operative, as well as a uncredited appearance in Star Wars.

  However,  when asked about her appearances in the seldom seen, Star Maidens she had absolutely no recollection of being in the series.

Prentis Hancock is, of course well known to devotees of Space 1999 as Paul Morrow, second in command on Moonbase Alpha.

He was asked if he'd been disappointed not to have returned to appear in the second series. Quite definitely he exclaimed. He had become close friends with the rest of the cast, who were sad to find he hadn't made it to that second lot.

Studio and Production Manager, Ken Holt joined the Anderson team during the production of Thunderbirds and continued until UFO.

We are, of course very fond of Mr Holt here at Moonbase Central following his interviews with our very own Wotan.  I have to say I briefly bumped into Ken during the Con and found him a charming and modest bloke. You're welcome back here anytime Ken.

 Georgina Moon appeared in UFO as Skydiver Operative Lt. Sylvia Howell. Apart from her Anderson credits she also appeared in many classic comedies as well as several 'Carry On..' films. On top of that a regular role as Erotica in Frankie Howerd's, 'Up Pompeii!

She was asked what she thought of the string vest Skydiver uniform she wore in UFO!

On stage next, The Four Feather Falls Reunion.

PS I'd like to give credit to the excellent Main Mission set used as the back drop on the stage which really did look the part. It was mentioned but I failed to make a note . So if someone can let me know who the builders were I'd be grateful.

AURORA'S FRIGHTENING LIGHTNING WOLFMAN SCARING THE LOCALS IN DARKEST FINLAND

The recent luminous post reminded reader Arto that he has a Glow in the Dark Aurora Wolfman. He explains "When I stumbled upon an Aurora collectors' website I found out that this Wolfman box is actually considerably rare "long box", a transitional variant that was used only for 6 months when the original kit was reissued as a fluorescent version. 

The more common version comes in square box. Sadly the Wolfman himself has eloped, leaving only his painted hands and feet behind, plus a random skull and a couple of rats tailing. There is also an interesting Aurora leaflet."

THRILLING WONDER TOYS

I saw this old pulp cover recently and it made me immediately think of that strange LP Diver Spaceman toy we featured on the blog a few years back. What do you think?

Are there any more space sea diver toys?