Paragrafix Space:1999 Eagle Photoetch Set

[Mike]

Space:1999 Eagle Photoetch Set
PGX177 Paragrafix

The MPC Eagle is an older kit that could do with some improvement, and that's exactly what this Photo-Etch (PE) set is all about. It arrives in a ziplok bag with a card backing, set of instructions on a larger-than-A4 sheet, and of course the PE sheet itself, which is etched from 0.2mm brass, and measures 16.5cm x 10.7cm. The instructions consist of enhanced greyscale photos and descriptive text, and the first thing you will need is a length of 2.5mm tube of either styrene or brass for the replacement gear legs.

Firstly, the rather blank ends to the crew pod are enhanced by removing the moulded in "door" lump, and applying a large PE skin to each end, which has equipment and a much more realistic door etched into it. A big improvement, especially if you plan on removing the pod at all. The service modules get similar treatment, removing the moulded in super-wide doors, and replacing them with an etched skin, plus a separate raised frame to give it a more 3D look. At the nose, a small frame is added around the cockpit viewing ports, and the puffer-jets moulded into the four sides are cleaned of any raised details, and new circular representations of the jets are added at the base. I quite liked the moulded-in detail in my youth, but it isn't accurate, so has to go.

Each engine bell has a diffuser added to the inside, which can be supported by an option 11mm length of tubing around 5.5 to 6.3mm in diameter. The thrusters on the landing gear sponsons are augmented by the addition of deflectors that have relief etched in, and require the removal of the mounting tab for each thruster. You will have to centre the thruster part yourself, but it shouldn't be a difficult task.

The final part of the set that will need some skill with PE and a good degree of patience is the upgrading of the landing gear to more realistic shape and function. The pads have their legs and support structure removed completely, and replaced by a PE plate onto which the more accurate mounting brackets for the new gear leg are mounted. A length of 2.5mm tubing is then added to the centre, with the top level with the top of the brackets, which will accept the "piston" later. The underside of the landing gear pods have a blank block moulded in, and this needs removing, as it is inaccurate. The hole this leaves in the pod is covered by a blanking plate that has holes etched to accept the next part in the process. The gear is supported by a folded PE cage that fits around another length of 2.5mm tubing, all of which fit into the etched holes on the blanking plate. With four of these assemblies completed, you can then sleeve a piston into each pod, and attach the pad, either parallel to the pod base if it is to be displayed landed, or at a slight angle if the Eagle is in flight. In order to assist with the correct angle, a quartet of scissor actuators are supplied in both landed and in-flight poses, which will fix the angle for you.

Conclusion
This set goes a long way to addressing the inadequacies of the kit, some of which the decals on the new edition have tried to portray, but you can't beat real relief with decals that simulate it. The gear legs are a big improvement, but you will need to steel yourself to cut the feet off your Eagle and grind away a big chunk of the gear pods, as well as having a little experience in handling PE. Speaking personally, I would use brass rod for the legs, choosing two sizes that sleeve together neatly, and solder the end parts into place against the PE bases to give it extra strength and durability.

Very highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of

[Chris @ Above & Beyond]

Glad we could help out with the review kit, hope the community finds the review useful.

Chris

[Chris @ Above & Beyond]

These are now back in stock at http://store.scifihardware.com/products.php?product=Space-1999-Photoetch-Set-For-Eagle-Transporter-Model-Kit

Thanks,

Chris