JIM LOVELL 1928-2025

 Sad to read that astronaut, Jim Lovell  has passed away at the age of 97.

Although he is best remembered as the commander of Apollo 13, to me I remember him more as one of the crew members of Apollo 8, the first manned spacecraft to reach, and orbit the Moon in December, 1968.

As a youngster, I still remember watching on television, the moment Apollo 8 capsule landed in the ocean.

Early the following year, I also remember  seeing an offer in TV21 from Crosse & Blackwell, and sending away for 4 colour prints  featuring moments, including the well remembered 'Earthrise' photo, taken by William Anders ,from the Apollo 8 mission.

Our sincere condolences to his family and friends. 

ATOM GUN with Spark

I rather like this Japanese Atom Gun with Spark.

It's a sort of sawn-off tinplate gangsters in space affair. I wonder if 73 is significant?

The little rocket on the box art has a hint of the little LP one, which a lot of us have.

By SY, do you like?

LAST ORDERS FOR CROMFORD 2024

 A few final reminder photos from last year's Cromford event, before I take some fresh ones on Sunday.

As there is always plenty of Anderson related models on show, this post is featuring some of the wonderful models and replica puppets on display.

Also, don't forget Fanderson will be there too, and this year you'll be able to join on the day and get an extra special goodie bag.

                                                                           See you there!

Telly Watching

TV update:

Westworld: I finished it, sort of. Seasons 1 and 2 were amazing. Alas, they left the park in 3 and 4 and it just couldn't hold my interest. I skipped a lot of 3, saw the end and went into season 4. The spark had gone and all I could manage was the finale, Qué Sera Sera. Still, seasons 1 and 2 were riveting TV.

Moebius: caught this lower ranking Marvel character in his own flick last week. I used to read Moebius, the Living Vampire as a kid. Despite good make-up as a vamp the story was thin and it looked like a side-step from the Underworld franchise.

War of the Worlds with Ice Cube. Not seen this but a 0% rating on Rotten Toms has me intrigued. Can it really be that bad?

The Sinners: my nephew recommended this. He's in his thirties so I have to add a pinch of millennial salt. There's odd and strange comments online about fake positive reviews. Anyone seen it?

What are you watching readers?

Barnsley Bits

 Snapped a few bits on a recent Barnsley emporium run.

Is this a Mogura?

And wow, that's a tin chopper!

Coupla old sets. Merit Merry Milkman - not sure what that is  - and Ideal's Hang on Harry, a game I played as a nipper.

I'm beginning to think I didn't watch TV in 1979, but then again I was 18. Ive never heard of Hazell. You? 

And to finish, two gorgeous trackside buildings.

Anything you like?

Spain's Planes

I've been looking at these two SpaceX knockoffs on Spain's Todocollecion. 

They're listed as being by Montaplex, but I'm leaning towards Bullycan, who's SpaceX clones we've seen many times here.

What do you think?

TALK DIRTY

 After owning my old Monogram model of Battlestar Galactica for years I think it's due for a make over, and I'm working out what weathering I should add.

The original prop didn't appear to me to have too much dirtying down, relying more on detailed panel lines., so whatever I do is going to have to be pretty subtle.

You Little Squirt!

I love this little water transistor pistol. Just the kind of toy I loved as a kid in my eternal struggle with two big brothers! 

Did you have anything like this?