Over time some readers may remember I've been posting updates on my Wave Skydiver kit. It's a vinyl kit, not the best material to use, but I'm persevering and its still coming along.
All the paint detail is finished now, so it's now waiting for a coat of sealer, then its the application of the decals.
I was discussing movie Jokers with Wotan recently. The Joker always brings out strong opinions I think, its such an iconic character and was done so well by Cesar Romero in the original Adam West TV series.
For my vote I think the current Joker played by Jared Leno is the best so far, even better than the late Heath Ledger's masterful performance. Jared just pips him because his character's combo of bling, smile and deranged menace is simply hypnotic, despite not being seen that much on the screen in his movies.
I hope Jared's Joker has another crack at a movie. Does anyone know if he will?
An honourable mention has to go to Jack Nicholson's Joker in Tim Burton's 1989 gothic Batman. he was the perfect foil to Keaton's grouchy knight and between the two of them instilled in me the collecting bug for the first time, after which I started looking for Batman toys in earnest!
I haven't included Joaquin Pheonix's award-winning stint here as I'm not sure it can be compared with his more comical stablemates. The Joker is more like Taxi Driver than a Batman spin-off, Travis Bickle in greasepaint. What do you think about the film The Joker?
So, who is your fave Joker readers?
This was a British doll maker that branched out very briefly in to model railway kits - locomotives and rolling stock - from 1959 to 1962.
They only did two non-railway kits, a motorcycle and the Lyons Maid Fireball XL5 spaceship which is usually listed as an Airfix kit - Airfix did buy all the Kitmaster moulds in late 1962, but only re-issued a few of them.
This is the XL5 page. The model was a true-to-life 12" model, and came with 50 parts, glue, transfers & stand. Also, a button hole badge. The kit was moulded in silver-grey plastic, with transparent parts, and there was a detailed cockpit and two crew figures.
The kit was yours for only 4/6 (22 1/2 New Pence in modern money) plus two ZOOM ice lolly wrappers. The photos show the model, the assembly instructions, the badge, ice lolly wrapper, and advertising.
The rest of the site is also worth a look.
Paul Adams from New Zealand
More photos
from the recent Cromford Mills event, and this time I’m showcasing Bob Bailey’s
table display featuring Fireball XL5.
The centre piece was undoubtedly the original Steve Zodiac ‘blinker’ puppet that, following the series’ completion became a bowling trophy which, according to the plaque at the base was presented to the FIREBALL XL5 Ten-Pin Bowling Team by A.P. Films!
Steve Zodiac’s
Jetmobile, a fibreglass scratch-build by David Sisson.
Another point of interest was Bob’s scratch-built Robert the Robot which, I have to say looked ‘boss’!
Dr Venus: another scratch-build from Bob, and he's certainly achieved a remarkably good likeness.
An impressive Space City tower model:
A scratch-built Fireball Junior by an unknown builder that Bob found on eBay:
Bob also brought along a Jimmy Gibson puppet, which I believe has a restored original head, on a replica body. Whatever, it looks great, and puts me in the mood to watch some Supercar episodes!
A very good replica of Masterspy’s bungling accomplice, ‘friend’ Zarin!
All in all some great nostalgic pieces, and my thanks to Bob, and his wife, Sue for bringing them all along.
More Cromford Mills event photos soon.
