SCALE MODEL NEWS

The smallspace show displayed UK science-fiction models at their best. And for nostalgic fans of the Gerry Anderson Supermarionation TV shows, the puppets of Duncan Willis took some beating. Early TV shows Duncan is seen above, with three of his replicas, Steve Zodiac, Lady Penelope, and the chauffeur Parker. In Duncan’s words: “I am a lifelong fan of Gerry Anderson's Supermarionation shows, with my first proper memory being of watching Fireball XL5 on TV, although I can just about remember watching Torchy, a Torchy annual being one of my most-read bedtime books.” Early Anderson inspiration Torchy the Battery Boy was the second TV series produced by Gerry Anderson. Fifty-two 13-minute episodes were made, for airing in 1958-1959. Predating Torchy were the Adventures of Twizzle, the very first Anderson series.    Recycled materials Duncan adds: “I have been making puppet replicas for around six years, and like to make scratch-built props for them to sit on/in. The pr...

The new model show smallspace  was a huge success - outside the hall, Daleks rampaged the streets, while inside model-makers showed off their skills. Thunderbirds are Go Gerry Anderson’s famed puppet and live action TV series were a popular subject at smallspace , so here’s a first burst of pix, to give you an idea of the beautifully made models on display. More to come There’ll be more to come throughout this week - enjoy! Neat 6-wheel Rolls-Royce, with Lady Penelope under the wide canopy. Tasty red markings sported by Thunderbird 3. The Meta probe (above) looked a serious design for a deep-space craft. Plenty of Thunderbirds collectibles and models available here .

SMN update: It’s good to report that Airfix have reintroduced an old sci-fi classic kit, the Angel Interceptor from the Gerry Anderson supermarionation television series Captain Scarlet, first shown in the late 1960s. It’s to 1:72 scale and is an ultra-simple build, with just 23 components to assemble. From canard-equipped anteater nose to Spectra-Fan air ramjet tail, the model measures some 185 mm (7.3 in) long. Female pilots As portrayed, Angel Interceptors were fast, being able to fly from their Cloudbase HQ at more than Mach 4.5 - approximately 4800 km/h (3000 mph) - at altitude. They were flown by a group of female pilots, codenamed Destiny, Harmony, Melody, Rhapsody, and Symphony, who sat in what must be the biggest cockpits ever made. A glance at a closeup shot revealed room inside for a grand piano... or maybe a male admirer or two, as those girls were rather dishy, even if they were only puppets. The Airfix Angel story The kit has a long history, going back more than four dec...