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.
