Diorama Apocalypse: 2092

Introduction & Ramblings

Once upon a time, models were built, simple solitary things displayed on nice little wooden bases, maybe with some rocks or trees or other bits added for effect.  This has now become a thing of the past, which can be traced to about 10 years ago starting with "Space: 2019".  Simple ideas mutated into conceptual juggernauts, consisting of multiple models, interchangeable pieces & accessories, and back stories and/or episode guides with fake histories.  Which is why I can't seem to get anything finished these days!  Currently, I am working on several major concepts, all with the parameters as mentioned just now.  "Space: 2022" (in the queue are four more remaining guest models and the completion of the Season Two episode guide), "Cargo: 2023" (multiple models and swap pieces with episode guides and back stories; this I blame on 3D printing...),  "Space Battleship Yamato III" (mucking about with the current reboot timeline; one model built so far with several more to come), and when taking a break from static kits, working on my 00 gauge model railroad "Rusty Rails".  With this death of dioramas, I have replaced them with another term:  Playsets.  And today's post is no exception, as I have expanded yet again on a previous series started ten years ago.  Here now is the current just-completed miniature from that series, with many more already either on the bench, or rattling around in my head:

The first model constructed before this became a series was the NA-HAAG-39 Tortoise, a walking mech from the New Albion United.  (Let's just say British to make it easier!).  It was posted on April 26, 2015.  The second model came 6 years later, posted on March 14, 2021.  The Gottesanbeterin was not intended for this series, but after a few meals of large waffles, it became part of the Neuer Deutschland Allianz (you know who!), engaged in a conflict in North Africa circa 2042.  (Feel free to look them up if you like).  This conflict is based on resources, not politics.  This is a world ruled by corporations; there are no more governments.  A tired sci-fi trope I know but it works for this scenario.  One major change I made though was the date.  2042 seemed too close all of a sudden.  The future has caught up a lot faster than expected.  Already long gone is the wet & gritty world of Los Angeles in 2019, the clean, optimistic view of 2001, and even the more prophetic green cracker world of 2022.  (I'd say the last example is more relevant even now!).  

This completed miniature was actually conceived during the construction of the (still in production) model currently on the bench.  I reasoned I would need a supply pipeline to ship cargo across the desert to various locations.  So with both my interest in trains and cargo in general, the Heavy Cargo Crawler Schnecke was born.  Before we get started, (and there is a lot of ground to cover in this novel, so you may want to get yourself a coffee...), here is an image of the full model with just one of a multitude of potential cargo and wagon configurations:

Schnecke und Nacktschnecke

Might be hard to see, but that is 30 inches of desert train.  Scale is 1/220.  (I chose this scale because its the same scale for that primary model I mentioned still under construction).    There are two main units for this train.  The Schnecke (snail), which is basically a locomotive, and the Nacktschnecke (slug), which are the wagons.  The concept has a lot of "Thunderbirds" and other Anderson shows influence.  (You can just about hear the Barry Gray music as it trundles across the landscape).  

The Schnecke (which here on in will be called the S-Unit in order to save time, and wagons the N-Units) is 170mm x 42mm x 25mm.  Which at full scale would/will be 37.5m x 9m x 5.5m.  It consists of a dual quad-track drive unit which are steerable.  It has a cockpit which can accommodate three crew at a time, a crane with magnetic plate, a cargo area which is also a magnetic plate, and an atomic fusion motor slung under the frame.  Port side has an access hatch for personnel,  and on the starboard side:

is the exhaust pipe array.  There is also a coupling unit at the stern, various radar units, crew cabins, and rolled  tarpaulins here and there.  The N-Unit is similar but lacks all the luxury items.

Basically a powered flatbed which is un-manned (although there is a control cabin in the belly of the beast if needed).  Two couplings, tarps of course, a larger (magnetic) cargo area, and those teeth-like blocks on the flatbed are for cargo securement.  Slugs are controlled from the main cockpit on the S-Unit, but they don't have to be linked to be maneuvered.  So now that you know the back story, I will tell you how I built these four little bastards!

Since this model was to be a train of sorts, just no tracks, I rummaged around and found these two old flatbeds I had from a charity shop purchase many years ago.  Now discontinued, these were  Tyco/Mantua HO flatbeds.  They have some very unique features which made them different from other brands.  (I knew they were old as they had the place of manufacture as Hong Kong!).  Initially, I was only going to make the S-Unit and one N-Unit, but as stated earlier, I lost control and purchased two more wagons whilst attending a recent train show/sale.  

I began by dismantling the wagons, discarding the bogies & couplings, and grinding down the ridges down the centre.  Mounting sleeves were drilled in for the quad-tracks, and the open area of the bed replaced with some textured styrene.  The engine room was made from a truck petrol tank from the greeblie box cut in half; it was enough for both wagons.  The tie downs were made from those many tank tread pieces (which are now starting to diminish), and then a few more details added here and there.

The S-Unit section was more complex. The cockpit was made from a small helicopter kit (I wanted a retro-future/Heinkel He 111 look to it).  Other greeblies added around this feature from various sources and a few small guns.  The crane was cobbled from various cheap dollar store vehicles; at least it moves!   That was the easy bit; I still had to make the treads....

I wasn't about to go out a purchase 8 tank kits, model or toy.  So obviously the Anycubic X6Ks was drafted into action.  Then a few hours of virtual rummaging over at Thingiverse!  I found some suitable files, scaled them, and printed off 8 pairs of treads.  I combined the treads into a cluster of four, and installed a peg on the top.  The result was this:

The initial two units were already completed when I decided to make two more.  I had only the one petrol tank so I had to print one from a similar 3D file.  Had to print off 16 more tread sections too.  Unfortunately, I did not keep a photo record of the build after priming.  

For the base colour, I used my new favourite Vallejo spray Dunkelgelb Panzer Yellow, which I have used several times previously.  Other sections were painted a lighter version of the same colour.  The tank treads were dark grey then dry brushed with steel to simulate wear.  Paint chipping was done with the sponge method, added some decals, and then the model was lightly washed.  

As this was supposed to be future tech, I was trying to avoid iron based elements.  But securing the loads is done with magnetism, so iron slabs it is!  Dry brush several tones of rust, and then bordering the area with some left over graphics.  Couplings are made using some greeblies, stock styrene and combining them with existing German HO couplings.  They were weathered and still work, attached with a small screw so they can turn on the flatbed as required.  At the end, everything was dusted down with yellow-brown pigments.  But only one N-Unit type?  Not bloody likely....

Every train has a caboose, or similar end of train device or feature.  The Pellbock unit can be removed using the same mounting system as the couplings, or left in place.  The primary slab was made by combining two landing pads from the standard Eagle model kit.  The rest of the bits are the usual assortment of greeblies.  Finished it with painting it the lighter yellow-green, washed & weathered, graphics added, then dusted.  

You may notice that all the units have rolled tarps/stowage randomly placed on the wagons.  Of course you need protective covering for cargo.  There are several methods I could have used to make these tarps (3D print, model kit accessories, molded putty, tin foil, or tissue paper soaked in PVA glue).  I chose a method (I believe was unique), by using latex gloves.  Since I use a lot of them for painting and cleaning resin parts, there was an endless supply, as they don't have to be perfectly clean.  

I start by cutting off the finger section and making a small puncture in the tip.  I then roll the strip from the cut end using a piece of sprue, which in these examples are 1" long.  Once fully rolled I tie the roll with very fine floral craft wire.  Coat of primer and then dry brushing base and highlights.  I don't think this method would work for tarps much bigger than these (although I will try someday), or as flat sheets.  I then glued them to the wagons.  Try it yourself!  Rolled tarps from latex gloves!

Heavy Cargo

So now we have a locomotive and three wagons.  But if this model train is to have any lasting play value, we are going to need loads and stuff to haul around, which is a good segue to this next section.  Now would be a good time to refill that coffee!  Firstly, here is an assortment of pics with various cargo configurations:

There are of course many more possibilities, but we don't have time for that.  In the inventory of available cargo, there are three types of containers to start; the Type 1 (large), the Type 2 (medium), and the Type 3 (liquid).  Here is where the 3D printer came in real handy!  

I had actually created these for one of my other series "Star Lorries".  They fit very nicely in the wagons, so I started printing them off in large quantities.  

In the end I had printed 24 Type 1, 4 Type 2, and 5 Type 3.  (There is also a special T1 variant which I will discuss later).  I primed them first in red oxide and then a thin coat of water based hairspray.  Final coat with various greens and subtle military colours.  I used a wire brush with a bit of water to scuff them up and do some subtle exposure of the undercoat.  Some graphics and then sponge painting various shades of rust.  Lastly a coating of dust.  The containers are rusty due to an outer veneer of iron needed for the magnetic loading system.  It also looks better too!

They work best when stacked two high, but three up for special occasions, which refers to the special one I mentioned earlier.  A vehicle this large is of course very vulnerable to attack, so in most instances the train will go out with various armed escorts (still in early phases on the bench).  But it doesn't hurt to keep something up your sleeve just in case.  So I came with the Springteufel, basically a very nasty jack-in-the-box!

Surprise!  I adapted a nice AA gun/missile pod I found on Thingiverse.  The special (yellow green) containers are mounted on the top of the stack, and when some baddie flies in too close, who's laughing now? 

You may have noticed something else in the last pic.  Can't just be hauling containers around; we need some variety.  Using the same basic file for making the Type 3, I scaled it up and made it much longer.  Added some greeblies to the resin part, primed, and then the usual format.  I now have a nice tank full of atomic fuel!

These final loads justify the reason tarps are hanging off the wagons.  I made two full tarps; one for the S-Unit and the other for an N-Unit.  Nothing fancy, just a cover for a standard 10 crate load.  

These I made using aluminium foil, as it conforms nicely in the right places.  I made a block of foam using the dimensions of a standard load, over which I carefully folded the foil (using a makeshift break out of rulers), and then added some subtle folds and creases.  Primed, painted and some dry brushing for highlights.  Dusted lastly of course.  Also added a chain around the load to keep the tarp down.  Rather than cover the detailed containers with these tarps, I instead made another block of foam for it to sit on, and then painted it dark green.  

Even at this point I still had several more ideas for other loads.  But I held myself back as there were other models to build.  And now, here are some nice staged beauty shots taken by NAU spies lurking about in the rocks and bushes:

"Looks like we stumbled on a delivery...."

"Those aren't fly swatters..."

That completes the report on the Schnecke.  It's now safely tucked away in (one of many) display cases.  At last count, I still have at least 7 more planned models for this series.  Fortunately I am keeping everything at 1/220 in order to save space.  Next year I plan on doing up a photo novel with all the models; I have a few stories in mind.  Anyway, thanks for sticking around.  

Have a better one!

Space: 2022 - Episodes Four to Seven

After several (modelling) diversions, we now return to the Alternate Anderson Universe!  No new guest models tonight, as these episodes are not so effects laden as previous and upcoming installments.  The cast is complete.  Maya is now a permanent member of the crew, Koenig & Helena have settled down somewhat to deal with their predicament, and its basically all hands on deck to find a way home.

S02-E05 - "The Exiles"

The Phoenix emerges from a Queller jump and is suddenly "attacked" by a "swarm of space bees", which appear to be missiles of some kind, 53 in all.  The take up formation around the ship in small groups and follow the ship, but even Carter's fancy flying cannot shake them.  Not knowing what could happen if they were fired upon, (they may be space nukes...), Maya and Koenig take Dove 01 and go EVA to inspect what seems to be the lead missile.  Scans indicate no explosives so they take it inside the Dove.  Unable to find any access, they start drilling into the capsule, which promptly blows off a top panel and reveals a young humanoid alien, apparently dead.  They quickly return to the Phoenix.

In the gravity medical bay, Matthias and Helena manage to revive the alien as he was in suspended animation; the missiles are actually cryogenic cylinders.   The humanoid, Cantar, relates his story.  He, along with this wife and 51 others, have been in space for 300 years, apparently cast out from their society for religious differences.  Carter reluctantly agrees to revive Cantar's wife, Zova as a sign of good faith.  Perhaps these aliens can help them get back to Earth. 

Cantar requests that the rest of his people be revived.  Carter says the life support is insufficient to support another 51 people, but Cantar insists he can modify the system to allow for the extra inhabitants.  Carter reluctantly agrees again, but it is all a ruse.  Cantar now has full control of the system, and to compound the issue, has taken Helena hostage.  Unless his demands are met, he will kill Helena and destroy the ship's life support.

Cantar wants all his people revived and brought aboard; Zova will supervise.  The alien reveals that his people are actually criminals who instigated insurrection on the planet Golos, and were defeated and exiled. (this bit will be shown with flashbacks of library footage of riots, war, etc.) .  Carter responds by saying he will not negotiate with terrorists, whereupon Cantar starts to disable life support in parts of the ship, almost killing some of the crew in the process.  Carter reluctantly agrees one more time and Zova begins the revival process.  But it's a trap.  Zova is cast out the airlock of Dove 01 and while Cantar is distracted, Helena scratches Cantar who suddenly ages 300 years in a matter of seconds.  Apparently, the Golosians have a thin layer of cling film on them which prevented aging, but once exposed, time caught up!  

In the meantime, Maya has found a solution to the missile problem.  A short burst of the Queller drive will get them out of the swarm.  The maneuver is successful and the Phoenix continues on its way to find Earth, now with the knowledge that out here no one should be trusted...

S02-E06 - "One Second of Humanity"

The Phoenix approaches an ice planet, when suddenly in a flash of light, a woman appears on the Command Deck.  Before they can react, everyone is frozen and the invader moves about the crew, examining each individual with a light probe.  VICTOR asks what she is doing.  She says here name is Zamara, and is here to find two suitable subjects to return to Vega with her.  She selects Helena and Tony, and then promptly all three vanish in light.  Everybody else awakens and VICTOR fills them in.

Now on Vega, Tony and Helena are introduced to Zarl, a perfect male humanoid and several other similar men and woman.  They are offered refreshment, but before they eat, a faceless robot with an "8" on his chest whispers to Helena to remain calm.  The food is revolting, but our captives say it is delicious.  Zamara accuses her of lying and gets verbally abusive, obviously trying to get a reaction.  They are sent for a time out, where Number 8 shows up again and explains to them that Zarl and the others are actually androids and the Numbers are the real humans.  They keep their faces covered to hide  their emotions.  The androids want to learn how to kill and this is why they are treating Helena and Tony so badly.  The only way to deactivate the androids is by destroying the master control computer, which is protected by a force field.  Zamara and Zarl return, and decide to send them back to the Phoenix.  But when they return, the ship is deserted and dark...

Aboard the desolate and drifting ship, the returnees start to suspect the other of causing their situation.  Each is afraid to confront the other; weird things are happening, until finally they each grab a stun gun and threaten to kill the other.  Cooler heads prevail and they realize this is all a set up.  Both start laughing and then Zamara and Zarl appear.  The ship is a fake.  Tony is returned to the Phoenix and the androids return to Vega with Helena, who to her horror find they have now kidnapped John.  (Zamara has learned through Helena's thoughts that this is in fact her husband).  

Zarl begins to dance with Helena while Koenig watches, while all the other androids observe him.  Unknown to the androids, Tony and Maya have landed on the planet in a Dove, and have made their way to the control room.  The dance becomes more provocative and erotic.  Koenig can't stand it any longer and gives Zarl a good punch to the jaw.  This is just what the androids wanted.  They begin using their fists to smash things and set about trashing the place, but tables and walls don't hit back.  Zarl is just about to crush Koenig's skull when suddenly all the androids freeze in place.  Maya has made it into the control center by changing into a cockroach and squeezing under the force field, leaving her free to pull the plug.  Zarl tips over and mumbles something about being human and shuts down.  The Numbers arrive and remove their masks.  Tony and Maya enter the room, rescue Koenig and Helena, then bid farewell to Vega.

Episode Fun Fact:

Over time, thanks to old & new interviews with cast and crew, or in discovering lost footage from various sources, more can be revealed about the background from episodes.  Here, for the first time in 49 years, is a deleted scene from this episode:

Before the dance between Zarl and Helena, there was a scene where Koenig and Helena are humiliated in a tropical night club (taken from Koenig's mind and recreated as they did the Phoenix replica),  by club singer Zamara (Billie Whitelaw),  who tries to make Helena jealous with her feather boa and advances.  Number 8 looks on helplessly, unable to interfere.  

Two things came from this scene.  Martin Landau thought the scene ridiculous and fought with the director; it was dropped.  And since they needed several robots (Numbers), they were heavily simplified to keep down the budget.

S02-E07 - "All That Glisters"

The life support system is in need of maintenance again; it needs the rare mineral "milgonite" to make the necessary repairs.  (FYI this mineral does not exist).  Alan, John, Tony, Helena & Maya board Dove 01, along with (potentially expendable Geologist)  David Reilly, the only Irish cowboy from Texas.  They land on a barren, rocky surface and begin the search for the milgonite.  In a cave nearby, they find a glowing rock formation, but its not the mineral they were looking for.  Reilly takes out his stun gun and uses the laser to cut a section off.  The rock screams and appears to bleeding.  They take the sample back to the Dove for further analysis; it has blood cells...

Inside the Dove, the rock suddenly emits a bright light at Tony, who drops to the ground.  "He's dead John..." says Helena.  But the medical equipment disagrees.  There is still brain activity, so she tries a restart of his heart which fails.  The rest of gang is out still searching for the elusive mineral, with Helena and Tony alone in the ship.  Another flash of light and Tony returns to the cave, gets another piece of the rock and goes back to the ship.  The pieces fuse together, change colour and scan the interior of the ship.  It finds the water storage, and has a good long drink.  

Maya attempts to communicate with the rock by changing into the same mineral.  It tries fusing with her but she manages to break free.  "No Kill I..." utters Maya as she returns to humanoid form.  This mineral is in fact living rock with some intelligence, but needs water to survive.  There has been no rain for centuries and they are facing extinction.  To show their good faith, the rocks release Tony from his zombification.  

Realizing there is no milgonite on the planet, Carter decides it is time to leave.  The mineral is removed from the ship and placed on the ground.  The ship lifts off and heads for the Phoenix.  Can they help the rocks?  Maya, with VICTOR's help, formulate a method to seed the clouds and it rains once again!  Our intact crew, including the guest star, return to the ship.  Will the life support hold out for another episode...?

Mission Report

Well readers, three more episodes in the can.  Crew is stable at 110; no deaths just some bumps and bruises.  Damage to the ship minimal.  Let's see what baddies are in store for episode 8...

Have a better one!

  

Voyage of the Spammed - Part 8: "Carry On Postie!"

It was 61 years ago today that the one way trip from Liverpool to Montreal began; June 2, 1964.  (I had planned on doing a proper Diamond Anniversary post last year, but 2024 was not a good year...).  For previous posts on this subject, just click the label below!  

In amongst the photos, tickets, and other trip related paraphernalia already posted, I also found a few postcards which had been mailed by Mum's parents between the years of 1967 and 1968.  Sent while they were taking sea side trips around the UK, I was surprised by the subject matter.  Here is the first one for your perusal....

This is just one example of hundreds of innuendo-style postcards which circulated through the post for at least a few decades.  Tame by today's standards, but would you be able to send these 5.5" x 3.5" cards through the post these days?  Very "Carry On" style slogans and images; I saw my share of those films back in the 60's and 70's on family drive-in nights!  (If you want to know more about this subject, see the PS at the end of this post).

No. 2373 of the "COMIC" series published in England by Bamforth & Co. LTD., Holmfirth, Yorkshire.  (I'm not going to go into a history of the company; you can Google that if you are interested).  But basically they printed these 'saucy' postcards from the1950s to the 1970s, and were primarily sold at seaside resorts.  Hence why my Grandparents were sending them during their travels.  The second card is No. 2252.

Someone is getting an unpleasant draft up the jacksie!  Unfortunately there is not a print date on any of the postcards, so I have no idea of the cards age.  But they are in very good condition.  Still readable despite the fading of the ink, with the subject line being "Dear Jean and Mac.  Having a good time at Weston.  Love Mom & Dad".   The other cards all had the same lines, except the towns were different!  Knowing my Grandparents, I am quite surprised they sent these.  Thought they were a little more reserved and proper, but guess I was wrong!

The third card, No. 2255 is self explanatory.  Just more good ole knicker humour!  

The fourth and last card from Bamforth, No. 2417, might be a bit confusing for some of you younger types.  This poor chap obviously has to wee, but where is his chamber pot?  This refers to the days of outside toilets prevalent in the UK at the time.  I know my Grandparents had an outside loo back in the 60's.  The pot was to avoid the trek to the outhouse, and its the UK and most likely raining.

The final card, No. 6018, is from a different source.  D. Constance Limited, Littlehampton, Sussex.  Printing only postcards, this company only lasted about 50 years or so.  But of course got into the Saucy Seaside variety as they must have been quite popular.

I could only find five cards; I suspect there may have been more but so much gets lost over the years of cleaning house and moving several times.  If you want to find more, there are quite a lot of sites and references out there in the ether, even a real book or two.  

Hope you enjoyed this little post from the past.  Sure beats those landscapes and aerials of Niagara Falls!  Have a better one!

PS - Family Drive-In Adventures

Saturday evenings were movie nights at the drive-in, perhaps once or twice in a month.  It all depended on what was playing, parents work schedule, the budget, etc.  There was a drive-in just five minutes up the road, so that was the usual destination.  Back in the 60's Dad had a bloody great 1959 Pontiac StratoCruiser.  A land battleship you could live in!  And yes, it had fins!  Mum and Dad in the front and the three kids in the back.  Also packed in the back were pillows, blankets, and extra clothing, depending on the weather.  The good thing was the parents would pay admission but the kiddies got in free, all being under twelve for a few years anyway.  For treats Mum had control.  No trips to the confection stand, unless a washroom break was needed.  Instead we had rationed Pop Shoppe in Dixie cups and a small bag of crisps each.  

The scenario was usually the same.  It was a double feature with related films and would begin with a few cartoons, usually Warner Brothers or Pink Panther.  Would have to get there early as to get a choice spot, so while waiting for darkness, we kiddies went to the playground until the magic moment.  Suddenly the screen would come alive with the Canadian flag and the speakers all around the park playing "O Canada".  We'd all scurry off to the car, snuggle in the back and eagerly await our first ration of pop and chips; one serving per film.

It was here over several years I saw such films as the "Carry On" series, "James Bond", assorted disaster and sci fi films, "A Hard Days Night", other British comedies, and many more.  The last film would usually end close to midnight, so by then us kiddie winkies were all fast asleep in the back under pillows and blankets.  Just can't do things like that anymore.  

Space: 2022 - Buzzards and Condors

Part One: A Visit to the Breaker's Yard

A bit of back pedaling this time, primarily for Episodes 2 & 3.  (You can review the earlier post which better synopses those episodes but it really isn't necessary).  Tonight we focus on the Buzzard, or its demise, as they were all decommissioned in Episode One after the "Icarus Incident".  Just to remind you, here is what the Buzzard looked like, the hero model from "Space: 2019"...

It was OK I guess...  But I never felt it was complete or practical, and it now looks unfinished & simplistic next to the PHOENIX.  So rather than build a new model, I decided to live up to the name of this blog and do a complete refit/rebuild in 1/96 scale.  Nuclear waste was now going to be transported for solar disposal by the Condor, a heavy space tug (which will figure prominently in Season Three, but that's for another post in the future.  Before I go into the conversion process, here is the end result....

At least the stand is still original!  I began tearing down the model for a few evenings, keeping all the  bits for some future project (there were a lot of Kinder Eggs on that hull!).  I got rid of the rear drive unit, and replaced it with heavy engines on the main ship.  It's actually an idea I had had for some time, as some of you out there may see the influence, the Taiidan Resource Collector from the PC game "Homeworld".  Also the story brief called for increased waste capacity, so I added many varied sized cannisters the main cargo unit.  A few weeks later, the revised model was in its raw state.

The primary hull is essentially the same with new greeblies added, and an external airlock.  I used many of my new favourite greeble.  (At recent model show, I acquired a big box of "still in bag" individual tank treads sections, about six varieties.  I'll be using these for quite some time...)  It was also extended to accommodate the new engines and docking clamps.  (That blue bit is actually the neck off a water bottle; nice it had some textures and was the same diameter as the main hull).  The two clamps are salvaged from the PHOENIX, as they were left overs from that build.  For the drive engines, I had had the idea for quite a bit, the solution being some kiddee binoculars from the good old dollar store.  I glued textured lids at each end, plus other boosters, deflectors, more eggs, and greeblies.  I also found a solution to add extra cannisters to the cargo hull.

A total of 34 "bottles" of various sizes, meant to convey hurried exporting of waste from several sources.  It may be more than just nuclear waste this time.  (Further down is a more detailed description of the cannisters...).  The ten largest bottles (recycled vitamin bottles) will be attached to those dowel plugs on the side.  The other 24 random cannisters (made from assorted plastic containers) are to be secured to the new truss work on the curved portion of the cargo hull.  (In the series, these racks are built by the Thule Company of Sweden.  As these "roof racks" are now the largest and farthest travelled of any previous roof rack, they are known as the "Ultima Thule".  But Easter Eggs aside, it was now Prime Time...

This process took a lot more time than usual; several coats and many rattlers emptied.  The spray booth got quite the workout and clogged the filter nicely.  I wanted to keep an industrial look to the cargo unit, as it was designed for one way use, so why paint it unnecessarily?  But a little colour isn't bad either as I wanted to give it a container ship vibe.  I used various shades and brands of red oxide for subtle differences on the cannisters, and some muted colours for the some of the other smaller bottles.    

Each cannister has a snap fastener on the lid to indicate a safety valve.  That upper ring on the largest cannisters are actually industrial paper towel ends, which I have used many times.  

The tug and cargo basic painting is completed, so the next step being graphics and weathering.  Some of you out there may be curious about my colour choices, specifically for the Condor.  I was going to do the traditional greys or whites as in all space shows, but this being a utility vehicle, I had second thoughts.  The key was a few photos of the original Nostromo from "Alien" in the book, "Sir Martin Bower's World of Models".  It was a nice yellow-green, and would have been a nice change, but Ridley thought otherwise.   Some Sir Chris Foss illustrations helped with the decision too!  But before I got to the above, I wanted to tackle the containers.

Doing the weathering and graphics on these 34 parts took the longest.  I made up the graphics on the computer and printed them off.  Various types of checkerboard stripes and assorted warning labels were then applied, again keeping the cannisters a little more individualistic and varied.  Because of the different types of paints used, the water and/or alcohol washes did not work.  I had to return to my old fall back of shaved pastels and pigments.  The same thing happened on the tug and payload; had to resort to pigments too.  (I find it odd that Vallejo washes would not work on Vallejo paints?).  Finished off the tug and payload with graphics and did the final assembly.

The tug is secured to the payload by a brass rod, but it is not permanent as they can be separated for photos and future payloads for the Condor to haul about the solar system in Season Three as previously mentioned.

The total model is 33" long (so at 1/96 that translates to 264' or 80m).  The width being 14" (112'/34m), and height at 6" (48'/15m).  (Problem with these things is where to put them after building; I never learn...).  The payload has a separate length of 22" (176'/54m).  The independent tug model is 12" long (96'/29m), x 7.5" (60'/18m) x 4.5" (36'/11m) high.  

The Condor now has a crew of four, up one from the three of the Buzzards.  Three pilots on rotational duty with a "spare" in the boot.  All personnel are currently military, armed and trained in space combat.  The tug is zero-G, and the round trip from lunar orbit to the drop off point in Mercury orbit is now two months.  The ship is also equipped with lasers both on the tug and payload.  Taking no chances this time....

The four yellow tanks at the end of the payload are thrusters to send the payload into the sun once the tug disengages from the payload in Mercury (or equal distance) orbit.  The same-sized grey tanks are, in fact, nuclear devices (classified, as to why they are not marked as such) in case the payload is threatened,  defective, or does not sun dive as planned.  Can't let this flying bomb fall into the wrong hands again...

The tug disengages from the payload by releasing the main two clamps and some smaller assorted magnetic clamps.  Unfortunately this leaves both ends open.  So I constructed two small "plugs" to fill the hole, held in place by friction.  

The small booster deflectors on the main engines have an interesting back story.  The four larger ones are just spoon ends, but I needed something smaller for the side boosters.  The solution presented itself in the cosmetic aisle of the good ole dollar store.  A pack of plastic fake finger nails!  You get ten in a pack, they are durable and come in 5 sizes.  For some reason the wife didn't accompany me to the check out that day...

As you have seen from other posts in this Blog, another one of my hobbies is 00 gauge British trains.  I decided to add some elements of that in the scenario of the show/concept.  The double red diamond is the graphic for Railfreight Distribution (I couldn't find one for radio active waste...).  And in keeping with British tradition, all Condors will have nice shiny nameplates.  Although this particular one is C-XV92 (XV being Experimental Vehicle), it will have a proper name.  This one is officially known as "The Town of Walsall".  (All Condor class tugs are named after cities and towns)

The payload is just basically a cluster of containers around a central tube (which itself is full of radio active rubbish.  It is accessed by that big rear door).  As I stated, I wanted that container ship feel, and if you are interested, here are the specs of the individual cannisters.

There are currently four types of cannister: A, B, C, and D.  Mostly used for radio active waste of various kinds, other harmful elements and chemicals are now being packaged and sent for that one way cruise to the sun.  The photo below shows the containers and capacity.  (Have I possibly over thought this ..?).  Dimensions of individual containers available upon request if you need to get rid of anything...

Oh well, I'll just make sure there are no holes in the plot!  If you look closely on the "roof" of the payload, you should be able to make out the two heavy lasers.  These remain with the cargo even after the tug has let it fly.  Once it is on course for the sun, it will defend against any potential threat.  If the lasers don't work, the bombs will!  So to all crews out there, make sure you haven't left any of your stuff behind!

So that is the Condor and how it came to be.  At least I'll be able to utilize it out for later scenarios when I get around to building new payloads and integrating them into Season Three.  (I already have a few made in virtual...).  We now move on to Part Two, how and when the Condor was used in the early episodes of "Space: 2022", Season Two!

Part Two: Shorts, Vignettes & Montages

S02-E02 - "Phoenix Ascending"

As you may remember, this episode dealt several topics over the three years after the BZ-14 crashed in Northern Minnesota.  The aftermath and cleanup of the crash, government edicts, decommissioning the Buzzards, the creation of the Condor fleet, and construction of the PHOENIX.  Despite the effort that went into the revised model, it's screen time was minimal with just a brief 30 second shot and voice over narration.  (FYI, Brian Blessed did all the narration for this episode as he was at Pinewood doing Episode 04 at the time...).  Here, the Condor is on its maiden voyage for the first of many dump runs.  The ship is presently passing Venus....

And then as it flies by, we segue into a reverse angle as it approaches Mercury, ready to dump the payload into the Sun.  (Ever wonder why when ships traverse the solar system they always pass the planets in order and in a straight line?  Just askin'....).

And that was the extent of the models' appearance for this episode.  Guess there was only 50 minutes to cover a lot of plot elements and history!  The next appearance, albeit brief again, are in the following episode.

S02-E03 - "Journey to Where"

The PHOENIX was the star of this episode, so the Condors input was minimal.  Early in Act One, there is an impressive multiple composite effects shot of the PHOENIX being escorted to the launch point by an armada of Eagles, plus a loaded Condor and even an individual tug.  

Looks a bit like "Battlestar Galactica", but that show hasn't been made yet!  Anyway, that wraps it up for the Condors' involvement in Season Two.  You'll just have to wait for Season Three, a limited series just starting production about space truckers called "Cargo: 2023" (formerly "Star Lorries"; that title wouldn't have worked in the States...)

In closing, here is another ego boost shot of me cradling the model, thinking mostly of where am I going to put it after this...

Have a better one!