Galaxy Quest Model Kits (early 2010) - Pegasus Hobbies

[redshirt]

This thread will feature the new Galaxy Quest model kits (Vox Communicator, Thermian Nebulizer Raygun, NSEA Protector Spaceship) coming from Pegasus Hobbies in early 2010. The first versions of the kits are unassembled. After the first kits are released they will sell assembled kits without lighting or electronics.

The video and pictures here came from the 2009 iHobby Expo Show I attended in Chicago, Illinois.

First, I'll start off with the NSEA Protector, the spaceship of the Thermians based upon the Galaxy Quest TV series.

THE NSEA PROTECTOR

Model Specs
Length: 12.5 inches
Scale: 1:1400 scale
Notes: The kit comes with a nice base featuring the Galaxy Quest logo, along with clear blue parts for lighting. This is a model kit, requiring assembly and painting, unless you order the assembled kit.

My thoughts
I don't have detailed knowledge of the NSEA Protector like I do of the Vox and the Nebulizer, so I'm not aware of the exact dimensions and details. This kit's dimensions are based off the smallest version studio model built for the movie (12.5"), but the details were based upon direct study of the large NSEA Protector hanging in a hall at Lucasfilm's Industrial Light and Magic. There were no computer graphics used for the NSEA Protector in the movie.

For the NSEA Protector they had a movie prop to study carefully. Unfortunately, for the Vox and the Nebulizer they had only pictures to study, so the dimensions for those are close but not spot on to the props. But, at the prices these are selling for it's hard to complain. They are extremely affordable!

This NSEA kit looks pretty detailed and has clear colored parts to accomodate lighting to your model. VoodooFX is planning to come out with a lighting kit for this model. From hands-on study of this model I can say this licensed kit is far superior to the bubble-laden resin garage kit NSEA that came out on StarShip Modeler's store some years back. The ABS plastic parts of this new kit are sturdy and very clean and nicely detailed. The decals that come with it are also very well done.

More reference on the NSEA studio prop
http://www.questarian.com/Blueprints/bp-protector.htm
http://www.modelermagic.com/?p=9640

Where to Order
http://www.culttvmanshop.com/Galaxy-Quest-NSEA-Protector-Ship-from-Pegasus-Hobbies--PREORDER-RESERVATION_p_1051.html
Available now



VIDEO & PICTURES

YouTube Video Link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeORL9HOa3M

The NSEA Protector

 

[redshirt]

THE VOX

Model Specs
Scale: Full Scale
Notes: The Communicator flips open. This is a model kit and needs assembly and paint.

My Thoughts
The dimensions are close to the original props for the Vox, but there are some differences to be sure. The Vox plama opening and antenna is a bit larger and the Vox rim around the outer edge is larger. Some of the Vox edges on the backside are more rounded than on the real prop. The Vox plasma area is not open so you'll have to cut this open if you want to light it. The opening latch lever on the lid of the Vox model kit works nice though and the latch catch is in the same place as the original prop. Though the original prop just used a wood screw through the resin lid to catch on the Vox body to close, so the model kit has done a better job to keep this open or closed. The lid spring open action is strong and reliable too.

The overall size is the same as the props, but the "Pocket Plasma" disk still won't fit in this Vox model from the measurements I took (even with the thinner walls of plastic), unless you do some modding. VoodooFX is supposed to be coming out with an electronics kit for these models. Not sure if that includes sounds. There will be assembled kits for sale shortly after the unassembled kits come out.

I don't want to be too critical. This kit is close overall and I'm hugely thankful that Pegasus Hobbies has graced the Galaxy Quest fans with these well made kits.

NOTE: The Paramount logo on the back will NOT be on the final kit.

More reference on the Vox studio prop
http://www.questarian.com/Props/gq-vox01.htm
http://www.questarian.com/Blueprints/bp-vox01.htm

Where to Order
http://www.culttvmanshop.com/Galaxy-Quest-ION-Nebulizer-amp-VOX-Communicator-Set-from-Pegasus-Hobbies--PREORDER-RESERVATION_p_1052.html
Available now



PICTURES

NOTE: The lid fits into the body better than shown in this photo. I just didn't close it all the way before I took this pic.

 

[redshirt]

THE NEBULIZER

Model Specs
Scale: Full Scale
Notes: The Nebulizer has clear plastic parts that lighting can be added to. This is a model kit and needs assembly and paint.

My Thoughts
The dimensions are close to the original props for the Nebulizer, but again there are some differences. The upper dome area of the body is a bit larger. The Nebulizer kit has a fuller shape to the top than the real prop has. It looks more like the Sidkit.com shaped Thermian Nebulizer, except this Pegasus model has the handle done right. Though, the trigger area doesn't show the correct ridges on the front of the levered trigger as on the real prop.

The side and back slits shouldn't be clear blue plastic. The inner parts of the slits should be black as well as the holes on the sides of the front nozzle. The fin should be slightly higher and the front and back edges of the fin rounded (they are squared on the kit).

The trigger on the kit has a spring assembly so adding electronics should be easy. The ABS plastic feels solid and is clean and well detailed.

These kits are very much welcome and come close to the prop. And at these prices the kits are a steal.

Where to Order
http://www.culttvmanshop.com/Galaxy-Quest-ION-Nebulizer-amp-VOX-Communicator-Set-from-Pegasus-Hobbies--PREORDER-RESERVATION_p_1052.html
Available now



PICTURES

 

[Bowelrock]

They are 10 mins from my house.

 

[redshirt]

They also mentioned at the show that they will be releasing the new movie War of the Worlds Walker using the original computer model information. These guys impressed me with their enthusiasm about releasing quality model kits.

 

[PHArchivist]

Did I read that correct then that in a sense, the Protector model is Studio Scale?

 

[redshirt]

Yes. They made 3 sized physical models for the film. The TV series one featured in the short clips of the old TV show was the 12.5" model. The studio model for the TV series was less detailed than the model kit being released from Pegasus. The TV series one was supposed to look cheap and less detailed. The Pegasus kit was detailed to match the larger studio model on display at ILM (who did the special effects).

 

[phase pistol]

Are the details of the various Protector miniatures known? Are there any significant differences between the "TV series" and "Thermian" versions of the ship? AKA can the Pegasus model be built as either version of the ship?

 

[Zombie_61]

These guys impressed me with their enthusiasm about releasing quality model kits.

That's one of the great things about Pegasus Hobbies. I've been to their Montclair store several times (and frequented their Whittier store when it was open, since that's where I live), and the owner and many of the staff members are model builders rather than just employees there to collect a paycheck. When you talk to them about building model kits, they understand what you're talking about because they're fans of the hobby. As such, they're not producing kits just to make a buck; they're producing the kinds of kits they would like to build themselves.

BTW, I'd read these were allegedly released last week; can you confirm this? I'd like to take a run over to Pegasus to pick 'em up, but it's a bit of a drive so I'd rather not do it if they're not available yet.

 

[redshirt]

Phase Pistol, I think the detail matches the mid level model detail. As much as they can get in a smaller model like this. You'll want to paint on extra detail. See my reference link above to the real studio model photos.

Oh, I forgot to mention that the top command module part is attached by a magnet, so it seperates like the smaller command ship that flies into the convention hall in the end of the movie. Cool!!

I think it'd be great to add fiber optic and light some of the outside windows. Or is there a way to tape the extrior and pour resin on the inside to make plastic clear windows?

I'll call my contact over at Pegasus to update everyone about the delivery date(s).

 

[phase pistol]

That's cool.

Actually I kind of thought that the "hero" Thermian ship was all CG.

k

 

[agliarept]

thats really awesome!!! cant wait to see what the other kits look like.

 

[redshirt]

That's cool.

Actually I kind of thought that the "hero" Thermian ship was all CG.

k

It was sad that the ILM model shop closed shortly after doing the Galaxy Quest movie. ILM was doing plenty of CGI for other movies and felt comfortable that CGI could do the same thing as the model shop.

 

[NakedMoleRat]

If we buy enough of them, do you think it may convince the studio to FINALLY make a sequel?

 

[redshirt]

If we buy enough of them, do you think it may convince the studio to FINALLY make a sequel?

If you click on my signature banner you can read my blog about Galaxy Quest. Dreamworks, who made Galaxy Quest, was sold to CBS Paramount in 2005 and Paramount has no plans for a sequel. I think the license to sell these model kits was pretty affordable as no one else was clamoring to do this. I really think this was a smart move on the part of Pegasus Hobbies.

 

[Zombie_61]

Galaxy Quest II: The Wrath of Comic-Con

Unfortunately, now that one of Paramount's biggest cash cows has been brought back from the dead I can't see them supporting a separate (and potentially competing) franchise that is essentially making light of it. If J.J. Abrams' Star Trek had bombed, maybe, but now? :unsure

 

[redshirt]

It was definitely a well-done satire of the Trek show. Watch the documentary i have on my blog (link from my signature banner). This documentary was NOT on the 2 different releases of the Galaxy Quest DVD's.

 

[redshirt]

BTW, I'd read these were allegedly released last week; can you confirm this? I'd like to take a run over to Pegasus to pick 'em up, but it's a bit of a drive so I'd rather not do it if they're not available yet.

It's slated for release anywhere between Jan 20th and beginning of Feb. last I heard.

 

[GKvfx]

Burbank House of Hobbies had them this weekend.

So, who's gonna be the first guy to stick TMP-era Starship nacelles on that sucker and make it a Federation Luxury Liner? :lol

Gene

 

[Zombie_61]

It's slated for release anywhere between Jan 20th and beginning of Feb. last I heard.

I stopped by Pegasus' store in Montclair today and picked up one of each kit; they've definitely been released.

Both kits are injection molded in grey and transparent blue ABS, not vacuformed as was previously stated. Detail is clean and as detailed as can be expected with an injection molded kit. I don't really want to hijack Redshirt's thread, but I also don't want to get bombarded with "This thread is useless without photos" posts, so if you'll excuse my pathetic photographic skills...

NSEA Protector:

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w297/Zombie_61/Miscellaneous/Protector_1.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w297/Zombie_61/Miscellaneous/Protector_2.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w297/Zombie_61/Miscellaneous/Protector_decals.jpg

Four sprues of grey parts, one sprue of transparent blue parts (bagged separately); the two fuselage halves and base are separate. Decals are also bagged separately, as are four small magnets (used to hold the "Command ship" to the main fuselage for modelers who want to be able to separate the two). Decal details are sharp, though I noticed after taking the photos that the "E" on one of my "NSEA Protector" decals has something stuck to it; it does not appear to be a defect on the decal itself.

VOX & Nebulizer:

http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w297/Zombie_61/Miscellaneous/VOX_Nebulizer.jpg
http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w297/Zombie_61/Miscellaneous/VOX_decal.jpg

One sprue of grey parts for the VOX, one sprue of grey parts and one sprue of transparent blue parts for the Nebulizer; the two halves of the main body of the Nebulizer are separate (the other two loose pieces in the photo were off of the sprue when I got the kit). One decal for the VOX is bagged separately (and, as you can see, isn't particularly impressive). Also bagged separately are two small screws (for assembling the Nebulizer's grip section) and a three-piece spring assembly for the VOX.

As for accuracy, I'll leave that to the experts.