Seltzer Science! Using Chemicals Found in the Home!

This caught my eye, a Chemcraft Lionel Porter rocket from Hagerstown, lifting off using kitchen chemistry! 

I never had anything like this. You?

  

The Convair XFY Pogo in Brian's World

 Hello Paul,

My Convair XFY Pogo in 1/72 scale perversely landed on the roof of East Winchley Station when the RAF decided to test ths aircraft for British use.

In Brian's World it was decided that the P1127 Jump Jet would be more useful.

Brian B

USA

Arto's Specstacular Bat Specs

Arto recently found these ace Bat Specs and kindly sent me a pic.

I so remember them as a kid. Hard plastic with an actual bat's face on top!

So cool! I wonder if they came with a costume?

Did you have Bat Specs?

Do you wear normal specs like me? I have since age 11! 

A VISIT TO THE SCIENCE MUSEUM

 Some photos I took during a flying visit to the London Science Museum this week.

I've visited the Museum many times over the years, but as I had an hour to kill I thought I'd check it out once more.

There's a few new space related exhibits as well as a few old favourites. A small selection of Star Trek props and models celebrating Trek's 60 years have been added. 

There's a free flyer which folds out into a small poster which gives the locations of the various props dotted around the museum.

There's a replica of the Blue Origin  'New Shepard' capsule.

It's a bit cramped in there, but those who can afford it or get an invite for that brief moment of weightlessness I guess it's worth it!

The solid looking, tried and tested Russian  Soyuz capsule.

If found, instructions to get the astronaut out!

The capsule control panel.

The larger Apollo 10 capsule.

The Apollo control panel.

The Saturn V third stage engine bell.

Moon Rock!

Sadly, that's all I had time to photograph. Now, I've got to fly!

Rob's Convair XFY Pogo Model

Woodsy,

Here is the latest model off the work bench - the Convair XFY Pogo.

In an ongoing effort to solve the problem of long runways for aircraft take-off, Convair made a prototype of a Vertical Take-Off craft in 1954, the XFY Pogo, which was marginally successful, but the U.S. military decided to cancel the project.

Lindberg Models made a lovely 1/48 scale model of the Pogo in 1958, and Atlantis Models reissued this iconic kit in 2025.

A very “Sci-Fi” design, and fun to build. Gotta love those twin propellers!

Rob C

USA

3D lenticular Space Postcard

I used to often look at Modern Fred's Flickr stream years ago. Just found him on Pinterest and as usual he's got some great images.

I love this lenticular card. Would you say those are GI Joe's? Is the spacecraft a model kit?

https://es.pinterest.com/pin/140315344626928223/ 

There are more postcards to see. I'm not signed up for full Pinterest but you might be.

Kevin's Original and Scratchbuilt Ray Guns

Here are some of my ray guns, starting with the toys, the two originals (Star Cops and Doctor Who), then some that I've made.

Take aim,

Kevin

HONG KONG RACK TOYS - UNLICENSED TO KILL by Tony K

I recently stumbled across two fantastic plastic knock off carded rack toys. 

I immediately recognised the 'Sea Explorer' duo from my own childhood summertime inflatable paddling pool days.  I think around the late '60s - early '70s.

The card art is simple and colourful, packed with the promise of underwater adventure and excitement. The illustrated character with the tuxedo and bow tie needs no intro. The futuristic plastic underwater craft offer a shamelessly unlicensed nod towards 'Thunderball'. The generic plastic frogman were familiar favourites often found in an assortment of HK rack toys from the era. A paddling pool of warm summer water and imagination set the scene.

Once, cheerfully cheap and very disposable, these vintage gems are now very difficult to find. I had endless fun with rack toys as a kid and perhaps appreciate them even more now, when I think back to the fun and value for money they provided.

Tony K

UK