Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1999 17:52:08 -0800 (PST) From: "Anthony D." (atd1999@yahoo4tag.com) Subject: Space1999: OF Ertl and Models Hi all! I was chatting with Greg off-list and he was mentioning that the Eagle being released was not that accurate compared to the original. I took a look at pictures of an MPC version of the Eagle model (at the Cybrary) and saw what Greg meant about accuracy. Can anyone tell me if there are accurate Eagle models being made? I assume Jim that you have made a fairly accurate Eagle? Can you tell me how much these go for? To be honest, I won't spend a lot of money, but it just got me curious with the re-release of the Ertl series. In the same vein, can anyone comment on the accuracy of the Moonbase Alpha model from Ertl? Again, I looked at pictures and commentary available at the Cybrary and wanted some opinions on the accuracy of this model? To me it looks pretty good, but I'm no expert. Thanks! Anthony
From: relax@video44tron.ca Date: Thu, 07 Jan 1999 21:32:16 -0500 Subject: Re: Space1999: OF Ertl and Models Well Anthony, the models could be more accurate, The tube main-frame is cheaply done, to get it more realistic, you'll need to sand-blast it and do some work with a razor-blade or something similar. The more time you will spent on it, the more accurate it will be. I'm working on mine at this time (while i'm listening to the year 1 CD from Fanderson (thank's god ! Again !)). I think 20 $ for that kind of model is a very good price, i remember paying (not me, but my father) $ 9.99 for the eagle and $ 14.99 for the moonbase at Woolworth's back then in 1975, so 20 bucks is a cheap price. When i was in London last April, i went to Comet Miniatures on Lavender Hill, There was on a locked display, an original eagle model in is own sealed box (mint cond.). The price on it was 150 UK pounds or $ 375.00 ca $. Yes 375 canadian dollars for the same model that you can get today for $ 20 in every store. So $ 20 is a very cheap price.... i think ! Andre Beauchamp
From: "Mark Meskin" (plastic.gravity@new44rock.com) Subject: Re: Space1999: OF Ertl and Models Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1999 22:22:20 -0600 The MPC, Ertl, Fundimensions and Airfix Eagle are all basically the same kit. And they all pretty much stink, accurracy wise. But, hey, its cheap, and its plastic, so you can modify the problem area. I think Jim Small would be the resident expert when it comes to authenticating the models. Also, a few years back in a modelling magazine there was a great article about detailing and fixing the MPC kit. Has anyone seen these in stores yet? Ive been looking.....no luck so far. -Mark
From: "Mark Meskin" (plastic.gravity@new44rock.com) Subject: Re: Space1999: OF Ertl and Models Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1999 22:26:19 -0600 Andre, I will be in London in May. Is Comet Miniatures right in London, or outside the city? I think I have to at least stop in and check it out. -Mark
Date: Fri, 08 Jan 1999 00:42:02 -0600 From: Jim Small (Eagle1@mts4tag.net) Subject: Re: Space1999: OF Ertl and Models > The MPC, Ertl, Fundimensions and Airfix Eagle are all basically the same > kit. And they all pretty much stink, accurracy wise. But, hey, its cheap, > and its plastic, so you can modify the problem area. Very true. If you want to see how to modify it to make it more accurate, go to my article at the following URL in the Cybrary... http://www.cybrary1999.com/publications/art84.htm > Has anyone seen these in stores yet? Ive been looking.....no luck so far. I've got a bunch on order. Although they've even shown up in a couple of stores here in Canada that I know of, don't think they're overflowing the shelves. Jim.
Date: Fri, 08 Jan 1999 01:08:59 -0600 From: Jim Small (Eagle1@mts4tag.net) Subject: Re: Space1999: OF Ertl and Models > I think 20 $ for that kind of model is a very good price, i remember > paying (not me, but > my father) $ 9.99 for the eagle and $ 14.99 for the moonbase at > Woolworth's back then > in 1975, so 20 bucks is a cheap price. Ouch! When I was a kid, the Eagle cost $3.50 at Cardinal (now Consumers Distributing) and the Alpha model was five bucks at Miracle Mart! Woolworths was pretty expensive! > Yes 375 canadian dollars for the same model that you can get today for $ > 20 in > every store. Comet's prices tend to be overinflated! I think they're charging twenty pounds for the new release Ertl Eagle right now. That's about fifty bucks Canadian!!!! Jeeeezzz!!! Jim. It's not the time it takes to take the takes, it's the time it takes between the takes that take the time to take! __| _ \ | | / | __| _` | _ | | _ \ | | _ \ _ \ | ( | ( | | __/ | | | | __/ ___| \__,_|\__ | _|\___| ____/ _| _|\___| |__/ E. James Small
From: "Keith Marshall" (keith.marshall@fox44internet.net) Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1999 08:31:51 pst Subject: Space1999: The Eagle has landed??? Now that there is talk about the Ertl Eagle and Alpha models comming out. Does any one have a list of what is wrong with these kits? I know the alpha kit has 3 eagle pads where it should have 5. but there has been talk of things wrong with the Eagle kit, but I have not seen anyone say what is wrong. There was a mention that it can be fixed but that is all I have seen, can someone please be more detailed or tell me where I can get the detail information. Thank you, Keith Marshall
From: MIKEATL5@aol4tag.com Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1999 12:07:18 EST Subject: Space1999: MY Eagle Fleet has landed!!!! Well finally today is MY day. My fleet of 6 EAGLE transporters has just arrived!!! Comparing them to the original Fundimensions Eagle transporter model from the 70's, it looks exactly the same - I would even go as far as saying it is the exact same model - different box. I got mine from a company in Orlando, FL. It only took a few days to arrive. Price was good too!!! I will probably order a few more for spare parts for the old fleet of 7 eagles. (Oh boy - I think I may have gone mad. Eagles everywhere.) Mike Jones
Date: Fri, 08 Jan 1999 01:04:13 -0600 From: Jim Small (Eagle1@mts4tag.net) Subject: Re: Space1999: OF Ertl and Models > Can anyone tell me if there are accurate Eagle models being made? You can get a reasonably good model from Comet Miniatures. It's a 22" Eagle and the proportions are pretty good. However the casting quality of the ones I've seen and heard uf are really, really crappy. There are a tremendous number of surface air bubbles to fill that would be a very daunting task to be sure, plus it looks to me as though the molds were improperly aligned when the parts were poured. At 275 British pounds, it's also a tremendous amount of money too. > I assume Jim that you have made a fairly accurate Eagle? Yup. You can see the two I've done for a couple of customers at the following URL's... http://www.cybrary1999.com/publications/art84.htm (now owned by Donald Hayunga) http://members.tripod.com/~Mark_Mart/model.html (Greg's Eagle) > Can you tell me how much these go for? It all depends on exactly what you want done. Both the kits shown at the above locations were done quite differently as per customer requests. You'd have to tell me exactly what specs you want and what modifications you'd like. I do them on a strictly case-by-case basis. Read my article and you'll get an idea of the work involved. Built straight from the box, the kits are okay for people who aren't really "anal" about accuracy. When I got my first one as a kid, I thought it was the best thing in the world! > In the same vein, can anyone comment on the accuracy of the > Moonbase Alpha model from Ertl? The kit as it comes is reasonable and makes for a pretty display, but the lunar surface doesn't look very realistic, is extremely flimsy and two of the five launch pads are not included. Of the three that are there, two are in the wrong location! The buildings themselves are okay, but the launch pads look kinda toylike. In a shameless display of self-promotion, you can get a more expensive (but of course much more accurate) resin cast model of the base from me in either finished or "kit" form. I have had some great reviews from satisfied customers, a couple of which are on this list. If you want to learn all about my kit including lots of pictures and pricing information, please go to the following URL at the Cybrary... http://www.cybrary1999.com/collectibles/jim_small/alpha_model/moonbase_model.htm Jim.
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1999 09:36:36 -0800 From: James Smith (jsmith@n44cube.com) Subject: Space1999: 22" Eagle model shipping costs? Has anyone in the US ordered the 22" Eagle kit from Comet Miniatures in the UK? If so, I'm wondering what you had to pay for shipping. Their magazine ad says shipping to the US is a whopping 40% of the £275 kit price. It makes sense to have such a steep percentage for the less expensive kits, but I can't justify spending $180 just to ship a model (that would bring the total for the kit to about $632 US). Please LMK if you had one shipped to the US. James Smith
From: potter@global44net.co.uk (Chris Potter) Subject: Re: Space1999: 22" Eagle model shipping costs? Date: Fri, 08 Jan 1999 20:39:35 GMT While I haven't personally had one shipped to the US (as I only live an hour's drive away from Comet Miniatures), I was told by Tony James that the 40% addition only really relates to standard plastic kits etc. As I understand it, the selling price of £275 includes VAT here in the UK at 17½% which can be deducted for US orders. This brings the price down to £234 plus postage. I understand the postage to the US is between £30 to £40, bringing the price back up to somewhere around the original £275. As always, it's best to contact Tony James at Comet Miniatures direct to get an exact quote for your particular region, but it is certainly not the 40% quoted in the catalog. Hope this helps Chris Potter Essex, U.K.
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 08:35:51 -0800 From: Edward Seifert (echo1@uswest4tag.net) Subject: Space1999: Ertl to release "The Alien" Just was at the ERTL page and they had listed "The Alien" model to be released as well as the Eagle & Alpha. I hope it is not the same alien model as 24 years ago..ya know the Alien that was out of a Roger Corbin movie with is souped up AMC Pacer with oversize tires!! -Edward
From: "Neil Strawbridge" (strawbridge@home4tag.com) Subject: Re: Space1999: Ertl to release "The Alien" Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 12:07:59 -0500 Yuk! Why bother? It had nothing to do with the show whatsoever! -Neil
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 17:57:05 -0800 (PST) From: "Anthony D." (atd1999@yahoo4tag.com) Subject: Re: Space1999: Ertl to release "The Alien" Hi! Actually, this isn't too bad, if it means the will also release the Hawk! Did MPC do the Hawk? That would be a nice one to see released again. Anthony
From: "Neil Strawbridge" (strawbridge@home4tag.com) Subject: Re: Space1999: Ertl to release "The Alien" Date: Sun, 10 Jan 1999 23:26:52 -0500 I agree!! Anybody have any good photos of the original model that can be shared when the model comes out? >Did MPC do the Hawk? Yep. -Neil
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1999 13:36:16 -0800 (PST) From: "Anthony D." (atd1999@yahoo4tag.com) Subject: Re: Space1999: Ertl to release "The Alien" Ummmmm.... I went to Ertl's web site today. Clicked around till I got to the part that mentions Space:1999 and saw no mention of the "Alien". What *was* mentioned was a model from Alien (I assume the movie, though I could be wrong. It could be a generic "alien")...this is not, IMHO, the Space:1999 alien that someone thought was going to be re-released. It's my current understanding that they are only going to do the Eagle and Moonbase.
Date: 12 Jan 99 16:12:04 PST From: JAMES MATHEWS (ULTRAPROBE1996@net44scape.net) Subject: Re: Space1999: Ertl to release "the alien." Anthony, I think you're right, I remember MPC/Fundimensions releasing a model kit of the Alien from the movie "Alien." I checked out Ertl's website as well and requested more info from them (i'll pass it on as soon as I get a response). Anyway, my brother got that "Alien" kit for Christmas in 1979 and since it seems Ertl now owns all the old MPC/Fundimensions molds I'm sure this is the kit they're releasing. At least I hope that's what they're releasing. I would hope if they're going to release any other "1999" kits, they would have sense enough to release the Mk. IX Hawk or perhaps a new kit based on "1999," before they would release "the alien" which was a kit based on a cheesy customized car of the future that had nothing to do with "Space:1999." Let's hope these kits are successful enough in their re-release run that Ertl will make some new "1999" kits. At the very least we should let Ertl know we want more "1999!!!" James Mathews
Date: Tue, 12 Jan 1999 18:28:56 -0600 From: Greg (gremart@ix.net44com.com) Subject: [Fwd: Space1999: Ertl to release "the alien."] James, The model is a reissue of the MPC Alien from the Movie Alien, Its advertised in the ERTL 1999 catalog and ModelersVault http://modelersvault.com/ is already taking preorders for the model. The Hawk will not be released. Greg
From: South Central (Tamazunchale@web44tv.net) Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1999 14:40:41 -0800 (PST) Subject: Space1999: Ertl Models/Phoenix Models I just ordered a set of Eagle models from Phoenix Models. I know others have as well. So I ask those of you who have already received them--how long did it take to get them after you placed your order? Mateo
Date: Mon, 11 Jan 1999 14:55:54 -0800 From: Edward Seifert (echo1@us44west.net) Subject: Re: Space1999: Ertl Models/Phoenix Models ModelersVault.com is cheaper.. My 2 cents Edward