modelman182 Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 Hi Folks A "Deep Delve into the archives" request here. I have a hankering to scratchbuild a spacecraft from an old (yet well remembered) Fireball XL5 story from the TV21 Magazine (late 60s). I was wondering if there was any chance that there may be a collector who can help me with images/scans/pointers to help in my endeavours? The spaceship(s) I'm after getting details of were a group of antagonists themed on the 'Sword of Damocles' idea. They used all black spacecraft, sleek and shiny. They had a logo that (if memory serves me well) may have been a sword in a circle? I'm interested in getting any info I can so that I can design a 3D model with a view to building it over the next few years. I shall also post on Fanderson (once I'm registered there), in the hope that there might also be someone there who can help. Any help/suggestions/materials/ideas would be greatly appreciated. FAB y'all Kev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarkas Posted June 28, 2014 Share Posted June 28, 2014 I remember that story -- and the ships. Large and black, with cylindrical hull and big, flat boxy engines on curved pylons, IIRC. Plus a T-tail? Will have to look and see if I can find any pictures. One of Mike Noble's excellent depictions of an XL5-era spacecraft that was pleasantly different from the WSP stuff, but of similar design ethos. Good story, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelman182 Posted June 29, 2014 Author Share Posted June 29, 2014 You could take a trip to the RPF website. There are many knowledgeable people over there. Anthony. Thanks Anthony At first I wondered what the Rwandan Patriotic Front would be able to do to help.... then I realised my schoolboy error! the RPF site looks useful in this quest, great suggestion and much appreciated. Will post the question there later today. Cheers Kev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelman182 Posted June 29, 2014 Author Share Posted June 29, 2014 I remember that story -- and the ships. Large and black, with cylindrical hull and big, flat boxy engines on curved pylons, IIRC. Plus a T-tail? Will have to look and see if I can find any pictures. One of Mike Noble's excellent depictions of an XL5-era spacecraft that was pleasantly different from the WSP stuff, but of similar design ethos. Good story, too. Thanks Tarkas I would be grateful foir any help with this, as all I have is vague picture in my ageing memory. Your description seems spot on. I also think that there was a collar on the main body, vented and lit in green? I was struggling to remember the engine pods and tail, though! BTW - nice avatar - that brings back a LOT of memories, too! LOL! But given your username, shouldn't you have a pic of the renowned Thark, Tars Tarkas? Cheers Kev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marty_hopkirk Posted June 29, 2014 Share Posted June 29, 2014 (edited) There were/are if memory serves, five volumes of compendiums that reprinted strips from TV 21 and Countdown as well as a part works that is being currently published. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Century-21-Classic-Strips-Anderson/dp/1905287941/ref=pd_sim_b_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=04M3M3D1AX22THYFSFFJ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Century-21-Classic-Strips-Anderson/dp/0956653421/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404033753&sr=1-12&keywords=gerry+anderson http://www.amazon.co.uk/Century-21-Above-Beyond-v-4/dp/0857682679/ref=pd_sim_b_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=16JJHRXZGTJQEZYC5Q5K http://www.amazon.co.uk/Inside-World-Gerry-Anderson-Author/dp/1405272651/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404033957&sr=1-3&keywords=gerry+anderson To be published. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gerry-Anderson-The-Comic-Collection/dp/140527266X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1404033507&sr=8-3&keywords=gerry+anderson http://www.amazon.co.uk/Inside-World-Gerry-Anderson-Author/dp/1405272651/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404034104&sr=1-3&keywords=gerry+anderson The part works. http://downthetubes.net/?p=12525 It might be in one of those and a kind sole might scan it for you, if its in there? I believe I'm right in saying the vast majority of the original artwork was found recently and it is my understanding the books to be published in Novemeber will be using those, not scanned copies from the comics. Marty... Edited June 29, 2014 by marty_hopkirk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roymattblack Posted June 29, 2014 Share Posted June 29, 2014 I have all the issues of TV21..... I'll have a search and post whatever I can find. Roy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roymattblack Posted June 29, 2014 Share Posted June 29, 2014 (edited) Hope this is of use....... I think it's the entire story. Roy. Edited June 29, 2014 by roymattblack 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelman182 Posted June 29, 2014 Author Share Posted June 29, 2014 WOW! RMB - you are a DIAMOND! Many, many, thanks! That's exactly what I need. Now to get the 3D modelling started! Kev 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hendie Posted June 30, 2014 Share Posted June 30, 2014 that looks like it would be a cool scratchbuild! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelman182 Posted July 2, 2014 Author Share Posted July 2, 2014 that looks like it would be a cool scratchbuild! Hi Hendie Yes - this project looks like it will be real fun! (slaps himself on the back with the masochism stick... repeatedly! ) So far, the estimated length of the ship is around 80 metres (based on comparison with XL5) and I anticipate doing it in 1/144th which would mean a model length of just under 22". Span from outside edge of engine pods, around 12". Height from top of dorsal pod to bottom of ventral pod around 5". Sizes are approx for now, until I get the 3D model done and cast a Mk1 eyeball over the shapes. Different views from different parts of the comic strip show differences that are irreconcileable in a build, so 'artistic licence' will be exercised. And then... once I have the shapes, I have to decide whether to go 'balsa or boxwood' former and grp skin, or (my preferred option) plastic ribs and plasticard skin. Decisions, decisions.... Kev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hendie Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 what software are you using for the 3D model? I think I'd go plastic and plasticard - especially if you're thinking of opening up the hull ports for some added visual interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roymattblack Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 When it comes to the actual model, have a peep here: http://www.ema-models.co.uk/ I use them a lot for almost anything model related (materials-wise) you could want. They supply lots of the SFX guys in the film/TV world. Roy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelman182 Posted July 3, 2014 Author Share Posted July 3, 2014 Thanks again guys Roy - EMA looks pretty good, thanks for the link. Hendie - I'm using Moray as the modeller and POV-Ray to render. Final composite photos will be done in Photoshop, with space backgrounds coming from Celestia screenshots. I may see if I can get an AutoCAD plug-in to export the final model to DWG format so I can get some plans plotted. I may open the side panels and make a grapple - I wonder if anyone makes 144th spacemen? Or perhaps a conversion from Prieser figures could be done? Who knows? I'll worry about those questions when I have a spacecraft! Kev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelman182 Posted July 3, 2014 Author Share Posted July 3, 2014 POIFECT!!!! Thanks Anthony - they look ideal. Sand off the shoulder pads, round off the helmets and they could be good to go! Link squirelled away for future purchase. Much appreciated. Kev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saturnapollo Posted September 30, 2020 Share Posted September 30, 2020 Did anything come of this idea, as I am tempted to do one myself and came across this thread during my research? Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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