We all have those models that have a special place in our hearts. This is one of mine. Originally released by AMT in the 1960's as the Leif Ericson Galactic Cruiser, the UFO Mystery Ship was released in the 1970's. It was pretty much the Leif Ericson, but it lacked some chrome and clear parts, and a paper record of "The Sounds of Outer Space." However, it made up for these points with one fact...it glowed in the dark!
The history of the model is a little strange. It was marketed with AMT's Star Trek line, but it never appeared in the series. However, when digging for fun facts when I built it, I discovered that there actually was a tie-in. It seems that Matt Jefferies (designer of the original Star Trek ships) also designed the Leif Erikson! It is unclear if it was ever considered for use in the series.
I had the Mystery Ship version in the 1970's. I had hours of fun playing with it! I especially liked it's opening docking bay and tiny scout ship. When it was released again by Round 2 models in 2008, I had to have it....and I knew it had to fly!
Here is what I came up with...
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| The box has dramatic artwork! |
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| As you see, I went with a slightly different name... |
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| The profile is quite striking! I love the angles on the fins. |
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| The top-down shot. I couldn't work out how to make the docking bay open, due to "plumbing." |
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| A bottom-up shot. Note the epoxied on launch lug. I was going to hide it in the engine pod, but the angles wouldn't work. |
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| This is why there was so much plumbing! I really like the look of parallel clustering. I arranged the engine hooks that way because I felt like it! |
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| Bill Gee captured this lift-off shot! You can really see those clustered C engines roar! I had to use three C's because with nose weight this bird is heavy! |
She flew great and was returned with no damage! Now she's a hanger queen, but every now and then I get the urge to let 'er rip again! Who knows?.....maybe....
By the way, if you want to hear the record that came with the original model...Here ya go!
https://youtu.be/XlHzAC_ye28
Until next time, fly 'em fast and high!
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