IT'S READERS' DAY!

 IT'S READERS' DAY!

MODELS, TOYS AND MORE FROM

 READERS!

A LOOK AT THE EAGLEMOSS EAGLE

Here are a few photos I’ve taken of the new Eaglemoss Eagle Transporter.

The first notable thing about it is its light grey colour; not the familiar diamond white used on the original props. The rear engine bells are dark metallic grey, rather than silver, and the beak anti-glare sections are also a plain dark grey, rather than black with white window surrounds.

Admittedly, the lighting I used for the photos does make the model appear white, and the dark grey engine bells do look a little more silvery.

The model has a surprising amount of detailing, which, I have to say does make the whole thing look very attractive, although I’m bound to say the purists will spot plenty of inaccuracies.  One thing that stands out is the wrong shaped black detailing behind the manoeuvring rockets on the shoulder pods; in fact the rockets, themselves don’t look quite right, either.  Not that I’m personally overly concerned about that, as there are plenty of more accurate Eagle models out there.  I see the Eaglemoss version as something a little bit different.

Not so much an inaccuracy as a bit of a paint fault can be seen on the edge of the lower beak anti-glare detail.  I’ve read that some of these models do have the occasional annoying paint faults, and mine unfortunately, is no exception.

Another annoyance is the beak on my model is misaligned to the main body.  While I’d put up with the minor paint fault, this is something I can’t accept as it ruins the front of the model.  I took a photo of the problem, and phoned Eaglemoss to arrange sending the model back freepost, and a better replacement will hopefully be soon on the way.

Like most, if not all Eaglemoss models, this is very much a display piece. The Pod is fixed in place, and the landing legs, with black painted supports (?) are rigid.

The model comes with a descriptive pamphlet, and a display stand.

Here are a couple of comparison photos with the more expensive Sixteen 12 Eagle. The Eaglemoss is smaller, and you can see how the superstructure framework is actually marginally thicker than the Sixteen 12 version. I read somewhere that someone thought the Engine bells didn’t look quite right. I can’t see it myself; maybe it could be down to the length of the fuel cell cylinders!

To sum up, the model at first glance looks good, but on closer inspection has some quality control issues. There are plenty of things to keep the more pedantic Eagle model enthusiast complaining for days, but, in spite of its shortcomings the model will have its fans.  It’s a lot cheaper than the far superior Sixteen 12 version; although once 16/12 brings out their 5” Micro Eagles, Eaglemoss might have some real completion.

That said, I like the look of it, and I think it’s got its charm. I’m glad that Eaglemoss has decided to take a chance on a series of models that might not sell as well as some of their other more popular ranges.

It’s that occasional drop in quality control that lets down what otherwise has the makings of a pretty good and unique looking Space:1999 collectable. I do like the model, but it does leave me a little undecided as to whether I take a punt on the other two Eagles in the series.

Those Marx Lone Ranger Toys by Tony K

I watched wild west films and enjoyed cowboy toys as a kid.

 A lot of us probably did at some point. It was an era when popular American TV syndications played on our old three channel televisions. 

 Series such as, The Virginian, Rawhide, Bonanza, The High Chaparral, The Lone Ranger, etc, were all packed with simple narratives, typecast characters and catchy theme tunes.

As a symbolic nod to those childhood Wild West memories, there are a few fave 1970s Marx Lone Ranger bits and pieces hanging around the Last Chance Saloon with the other old toys. 

 Bright colourful box art and an imaginative array of action figures and accessories still tap into the stereotype myth that was the Old West for me as a young cap-gun slinging kid.

Tony K

UK

IT'S READERS' DAY!

 

IT'S READERS' DAY!

MODELS, TOYS AND MORE FROM READERS!

ROB'S MATE'S GIVE-A-SHOW PROJECTOR

I visited a friend’s house recently, and we played “Show and Tell” with some of his vintage toys, all saved from childhood. I thought MBC readers would like to see pix. Here's the first.

Did you have one?

Rob Craig

USA

LA CONQUISTA DELLO SPAZIO 1977

 

I liked this Mattel Giochi board game when I saw it on an old sale. I kept the pic 'cos I liked the futuristic box art. Does anyone recognise the style?

is that a small Booster Rocket top left? 

I wonder if this game was available outside Italy too?

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS IS ALIVE AND KICKING

I had the pleasure of observing a Dungeons and Dragons Club this afternoon. It was a revelation really to see teenagers doing what nerdy teenagers have been doing since the late 70's! 

Both boys and girls, all very geeky, were sat around a table with a board in the middle. I couldn't hear everything but what I heard included discussions about elves and spears and citadels.

It reminded me of the opening scene of Stranger Things, that nostalgic postcard to all things Eighties.

Were you ever part of a Dungeons and Dragons group or school club readers?

Rememberance

 Lest we forget, a brief departure from the worlds of fun and hobbyist pursuits to remember the fallen and the lost.

Footfall

Step lightly mid these resting blades,

Green shoots among the dappled shades.

To earth dyed crimson in the fall

Our most selfless souls gave their all

A barricade to fear to build.

So many, in this way were killed.

Full knowing that their lots were cast,

They fell in waves to bleed their last.

Unstoppable in heart and mind

They braved the trenches lip to find

A land of shells and gas and wire

Churned into liquid, bleeding mire.

Each footfall that you make will sow

Into the poppied ground an echo.

As with sodden thuds and falling fast

A memory of valour from the past

Brave soldiers threw away their lives

In tattered, torn and faceless piles.

To apprehend the twists of fate

Drawing humanity to the gate

Of living hell on earth that day

As neither force could gain headway.

Attrition built on shoulders of the dead

In no-man’s-land they blindly led.

Years of struggle, months of pain

For no apparent, worthwhile gain.

Falling helpless into the maw

Of mans’ most deadly ever war.

The mighty, selfless, helpless dead

Heroes all, for none had fled.

Step lightly now, let sunlight fall

Across the blanket covering all.

For this is more than just a field

Our bravest hands did never yield.

Blood and bone and flesh and sweat

Lie here so we will not forget.

The hills and paths beneath our feet

Are shaped with victory and defeat,

As opposing forces gave their all

In the deadliest war of all.

Now our soldiers’ blood has drained away

They cannot fight another day.

Step lightly, as you heed their cry,

The millions brought here to die.

But we must know they gave their best,

To pit their essence to the test,

To end all wars for years to come

At Flanders Field, at Ypres and Somme.