THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO AGAIN: NEW GERRY ANDERSON-BASED PROJECTS KICK OFF WITH A NEW LOGO AND TEASER VIDEO

The British design studio IDO has revamped the logo and website for the estate of the late Gerry Anderson, creator of cult TV sci-fi series such as Thunderbirds and Space 1999.

'THUNDERBIRDS' GERRY ANDERSON DIES

Gerry Anderson, creator of a host of children's TV series, including classics such as Stingray, Thunderbirds, and Space 1999, has just died, at 83 years old.

MORE FROM SMALLSPACE - THUNDERBIRDS PUPPETS FROM DUNCAN WILLIS

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.

SMALLSPACE - MODEL SHOW REPORT

The new model show smallspace was a huge success - outside the hall, Daleks rampaged the streets, while inside model-makers showed off their skills.

SMALLSPACE - THE NEW MODEL SHOW FROM THE HAMEX TEAM

The new model show from the HaMeX organisers is arriving soon, with liftoff planned for Stardate: July 1, 2012. The smallspace event will feature a galaxy of space, science-fiction and fantasy modelling.

SEARCH THE SKIES! - LUNADIVER STINGRAY ON MOON ATTACK MISSION

SMN report:

Researching the upcoming 51st Shizuoka Hobby Show means we’ve bumped into all sorts of good stuff, and that includes these ace shots of the Hasegawa 1:35 scale Lunadiver Stingray spacecraft, complete with a pair of space-combat troopers.

2012 INCOMING - GORGEOUS STEAMPUNK KITS FROM FICHTENFOO AND INDUSTRIA MECHANIKA

SMN report:

Boy, there are some enviable kit-producing talents out there, and they are not just working with the mainstream companies, either. US modelmaker and web designer Michael Fichtenmayer is among those talents, and his FichtenFoo and Industria Mechanika websites bring us all manner of science-fiction delights, including this limited-edition model kit of Ralph McQue’s Remora, a sort of anti-gravity floating cargo ship. Orders are being taken now for this very limited release.

THIS WEEK ONLY - 40 PERCENT OFF A 1:32 SCALEXTRIC CHEVROLET CORVETTE RACER

 

SMN report
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - we’re not supposed to use ‘Chevy’ according to some recent (and misguided) PR rules, we’re told - has been in production since 1952 (yes, 1952!) and it’s been an all-American performance-car love affair ever since. After six design generations in various body styles, the car is still going strong, and as you can see from the video above there’s no shortage of ideas for many more years to come. Which is great, as it’s one of this writer’s all-time fave road rippers.

This week’s Amazon offer
So it’s ‘yes please’ to this week’s Amazon offer of a 40 percent discount on the Scalextric 1:32 scale race version of driver Steve MacDonald’s 2008 car. To be honest, the ’Vette is not the ultimate best from Scalextric, but for scale model fans willing to put in some effort, it’s definitely a masterwork in waiting, as the basics are pretty much there, with the general shape being captured quite decently.

Adding detail to the Corvette
However, the driver looks somewhat vacant, and details like his straps need some TLC to look convincing, as does the cabin itself. As for the exterior, it’s not too bad at all - you’ll want to carefully hollow out the sidepipe exits though, as well as re-scribe the panel lines to give them some bite and incisiveness. Dulling off the paintwork and muddying the wheel arches with an airbrush will also add authenticity.

And after all that lot, blimey, it goes around a track as well! Not bad at all...

Access Amazon’s 40 percent offer here.

Visit Scalextric here.