16/12 EAGLE EPISODE SET: COLLISION COURSE REVISITED

Another look at the Sixteen 12 Collectable Collision Course Eagle Episode set that was released in February 2020.The Eagle model, instead of the Transporter Pod (or module) has a simple detachable winch drum and blue grab which clips on to the Eagle super structure. This is used to carry nuclear mines, as seen in the episode.

I enjoyed taking photos of this model. Like the Winch Eagle, it was a little different, and I liked the look of the two nuclear mines that came with the set, although, I'm bound to say, not everyone shared my view.

Unfortunately, this set does come in for a lot of criticism from a few purists. One person who apparently makes, or made resin models of the Mines, called Sixteen 12's prototype versions an 'abomination', while others simply don't like the striking blue colour of the grab arms, which they say give it a toy-like look. There's even something for the 'spelling nazis', as even the box wording contains a grammatical error. Ouch!

For reference, here's a couple of photos I took of the actual filming props which were made by Martin Bower from Woolworths plastic picnic boxes!

Well, Well, Wells

The Royal Mint is coming under fire for its issue of the new £2.00 coin, commemorating the work of H.G Well's. Featuring a Martian Tripod from War of the Worlds and the eponymous Invisible Man, it has managed to show the fighting machine with four legs and the invisible man with a gentlemanly topper, as opposed to his 'wide brimmed' hat as described in the story. Amazing how they could miss something as obvious as an extra leg on one of the most iconic and recognisable literary images of science fiction. Might be worth looking out for the quadropedal martian, in case the Mint decide to fix their gaffe, before they are laughed out of the bank. 
 

ACTION JACK?

 

I saw this on Spain's Todocollecion.

Not seen one before, Action Jack Space Explorer.

What do you think readers?

NOT SOLYENT

I've been thinking about a film where the rich eat the poor. I had thought it was Solyent Green but it isn't that. Everyone get's those biscuits.

Anyone know what I'm on about?

THE TOWNE OF SMITHVILLE NEW JERSEY WHERE THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS STILL GLOWS

Hi Woodsy. Hoping you had a happy holiday. I have put away all the decorations but I am still reluctant to let the holidays go.

Last night I went to the Towne of Smithville to look at the lights twinkling on the water. The lights are programmed to dance to Christmas music.

There are also shops and restaurants there, open but socially distant.

I should also mention that Smithville is only a stone's throw away from Leed's Point. Birthplace of the Jersey Devil!

BrianF NJ USA

16/12 EAGLE EPISODE SETS : BREAKAWAY PART 2 REVISITED

Another look at the Sixteen 12 Collectables, Breakaway Part 2 set which features the orange V.I.P. Eagle Pod, and one of the Alpha Tanks which to be fair, first appeared in the Space:1999 Infernal Machine episode, as plans to release all three tanks in a single set had been shelved at that point in time. (The Infernal Machine Eagle Episode set, which features the other two Alpha Tanks is planned to be released soon) I really like how the way the orange pod colour gives the overall look of the Eagle model.The original Product Enterprise V.I.P. Eagle release had just the pod side panels painted orange, while this later release has the sloping top section coloured as well. The jury is out as to which is technically the correct paint scheme. Special Effects man, Brian Johnson can't recall, and screen shots of the model, and the full size studio sets are open to some interpretation. Personally, I don't mind either version, but if pushed I'd probably go for the full orange look. With regards to the Alpha Tank in the set, Sixteen 12 have added a driver, differing slightly from the original Product Enterprise release. A small point, but a nice touch.

LOCKDOWN LIBRARY

Well its lockdown number 3 in England and the virus does not seem to be going away. We're heading for a year of all this soon. I imagine I might have even mentioned it in January on the blog last year. I remember watching it unfold in China and then Italy with horror back then.

I've just done a morning shift looking after keyworkers' schoolchildren and I'm back home now. Just time for a cuppa and some dinner before a virtual staff meeting, the new way of communicating at work.

It also gives me chance to read a chapter of my current novel, which is so topical its untrue. Lockdown by Peter May, which I picked up second hand last April, but never read it.

I must say I'm enjoying it tremendously. Without giving anything away it concerns the discovery of a small skeleton in London during a worldwide Bird Flu pandemic. Peter May wrote it years ago but it was rejected back then as an unfeasible scenario. No, there's no such thing as a global pandemic!

As Julia Roberts said. Big mistake, BIG mistake!

If you like crime thrillers and damaged detectives then this is for you as long as you can cope with the familiarity of some of the lockdown stuff that May predicted so well!

What are you reading readers?

Remco Ads

Hi Woodsy

Here is a batch of three old Remco TV ads. First up is a Flying Fox Airlines prop-jet (the American term for a turbo-prop), which is a Lockheed Electra. With working engines, landing gear, lights and sounds, all operated from a child-sized instrument panel. Then the Whirlybird Rescue Corps helicopter, which is a Piasecki H-21 Workhorse (Shawnee in the US Army), complete with troops and vehicles. The real H-21 could carry a light vehicle, but not a 30 ton Sherman tank. Finally, Mr Kelly's Automatic Car Wash, which really washes toy cars. All these are battery powered. Wow.

REMCO TOY COMMERCIALS 1959 - YouTube

Paul Adams from New Zealand