F.A.B.: Thunderbirds Are Go!!

"F.A.B."

The British Royal Post issued six stamps to mark the 50th anniversary of Gerry Anderson's Thunderbirds, at Claycots Primary School.

It's evocative and nostalgic recalling the rainy Saturday mornings when as a kid, I would tear my sheets away, rush down to the living room and turn on the TV to watch the marionette puppets, calling "International Rescue, International Rescue, come in..."

Here is a Youtube presentation of the unveiling of the commemorative stamps.

The stamps are split between 1st Class and 97p value and feature 6 of Anderson's most popular vehicles and characters: Supercar, Fireball XL5, Stingray, Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and Joe 90. The countdown begins with Thunderbird 5, International Rescue's orbiting space station keeping a watchful eye over the Tracy's rescue operations. Remember Scott, Virgil, Alan, Gordon and John Tracy.

What's great about these stamps? They're LENTICULAR!!...yes, you can see Thunderbird 1 blasting off by tilting the stamp on angle...F.A.B.

My favorite Thunderbird vehicle...Thunderbird 2 carries the value of 88p. It always played in my mind back then that TB2 was a cute, green, flying guppy fish in the air. TB 2 was piloted by Virgil Tracy. My second choice is TB 1, the flying hot-rod, hypersonic rocket flow nby Scott Tracy..

These memorabilia will be great for collectors and fans of the 1965-1966 series. A reboot was done in 2004, starring Bill Paxton, among others, albeit with lukewarm success...

I suppose it's time to call in a favor from my friends in the UK to bring some back on their next visit...

Thunderbirds are go!

eFX Star Trek Prop Prototypes for 2011: Tricorder Mark VII TR-580, EM-33 Pistol, Laser Pistol & Communicator and TOS Type 1 Phaser

As Trekkers are eagerly anticipating Star Trek XII set for release in 2012, eFX Collectibles showcased their prototype props about 2 months ago making the wait even more anxious. The Trek fever is starting to brew as many are left guessing what's left in store for the forthcoming year leading up to the latest J.J. Abrams' Trek film.

The spy photos of the TNG Mark VII TR-580 Tricorder reveals the prop-maker's appreciation for nostalgia. Observe the tricorder's casing. The glossed over light dull gray is reminiscent of the screen used prop on many TNG episodes. The prop has really curvy corners; staying true to form. The 80's creation was said to be a box of flickering lights, but I believe I speak for most Trekkers when I say, who cares? For one, this design was one serious attempt to imagine a future hand-held multi-purpose scanner.

A first look at the fully-deployed TR-580. The LCARS display is true to it's screen-used prop having more blue and reds compared to the yellows and orange in Star Trek Voyager and Star Trek Deep Space 9 (DS9).

The sensor array hints that this would be the version set after the 3rd season of TNG, with sweeping LEDs and the lower assembly...

... as opposed to the earlier version; Mark VI TR-580 which incorporates a small hand-held sensor at the bottom of the unit.

Following behind the tricorder is the Star Trek Enterprise EM-33 Pistol, a pre-cursor to the newer Phase Pistol which you will see Captain Archer brandishing in many episodes of Enterprise. The latter was introduced circa 2151. According to canon sources, one of the disadvantages of the EM-33 was the need to compensate for particle drift, making the transition to the next generation, point-and-shoot phased pulse weapons difficult for some Starfleet personnel.

Next, the TOS Laser Pistol and communicator set. These were seen in the episode "The Cage". Crude but effective. The laser pistol was introduced circa 2250s but this seem to contradict the Enterprise timeline during which the Phase Pistol had been around since 2151. It makes little sense that Starfleet would issue lesser-yield handheld weapons.

Then, a little teaser for the TOS die-hard fans. A prototype cast of the Type I Phaser is shown here. This hand-held weapon was normally seen incorporated into the the Type II Phaser circa 2260. I've always personally liked this one, equipped with a targeting sight and is always considered a "back-up" weapon for Starfleet personnel.

If eFX is consistent, these things will be announced on their website a pre-orders and fans could lock in one with a payment of a small deposit and the balance upon completion of the prop. Usually, eFX limits these things to no more than 1,000 units in a run, possibly less.

If eFX is planning to replicate all the tricorders in range...well, let's just say it'll be a long way to go...

Cheap Display Cases @ Daiso, One Utama (New Wing)

Fellow collectors...If you're looking for small dimension display cases, you should pay a visit to the RM5 shop Daiso Japan located at LG308e, One Utama Shopping Centre (new wing). If you're coming up the escalator from the Reebok store, it's only your left, right at the end near Cold Storage.

This store has approximately 200,000 items for consumers of all ages. Don't expect electronic wares in here, but you'll find a myriad of useful wares, tools, receptacles, toys and even Japanese snacks and munchies.

These plastic display cases are found on the second last aisle from the back of the store near the other plastic ware and opposite the gardening section.

The one shown here is a 69 x 69 x 59mm (Width x Depth X Height) plastic display case with my Star Trek:TNG comm badge in it. This gives me incentive to bid for a screen-used comm badge going on eBay now. :)

Next, we have a 8.7 x 9.3 x 9.3 cm display case with a flat base. Ideal for porcelain figurines and 1:64 scale die cast cars. I house my 2008 Hallmark Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan diorama Ornament which makes a snug fit. Now it's free of dust and actually enhances the "dramatic" moment of the USS Reliant ambush on the bridge of the Enterprise..."on screen Mr. Sulu..."

This one has the same dimensions as the former, save as it comes with 2-semi circular mounts on the base designed to raise flat items to give it some character like this TNG Type 1 hand Phaser.

The other variant I purchased is a 21 x 7 x 8cm plastic case in which my Type II hand Phaser rests. In fact, the fit is so perfect, the phaser hardly jostles when I move it around. This variant has somewhat a octagonal design which frankly, I think they could do without but instead have smoothen, rounded corners. I think the design was deliberate to make these versions for stacking as depicted by the pictogram on the packaging instructions. I can't have my cake and eat it too...

One thing to bear in mind though, there is no refund policy. I suggest visual checking your merchandise before checking out.

Hasbro 3 3/4" Iron Man Mark I (Movie version)

Yes! I finally found it!...well, actually Kenny Gordvyn finally found it. Up until yesterday, I was hunting high and low for the Iron Man Mark I on 3 3/4 scale. I learned my lesson never to ignore the Iron Man fever lest I want to miss out. Made by Hasbro, this scaled down version of Tony Stark's prototype armor is super detailed. Being the icon of the irrepressible pop-culture, I could not imagine not having one.

The truth is, I am completing my collection of Hot toys Iron Man armor series. Now that remains is the 1/6th scale Mark IV, Mark V and Mark VI armors. I missed out on the Mark I out of hesitation and spent the last 2 years regretting it. It's 4-5 times the price I would have needed to pay for. With the inclusion of the 3 3/4 scale Mark I, I find consolation that my hall of armor is another figure closer to completion.

Star Trek Commemorative Stamp

This came in the post yesterday. The newest member of my collection: the 1999 Star Trek Commemorative Stamp. Notice the delta shield-shaped sun in the background. It seems that it took some years and hundreds of letters from fans and ex-governors and presidents to convince the US Postal Authorities to issue a stamp paying tribute the Gene R

This Original Series USS ENTERPRISE NCC-1701 stamp Beginning in 1998, the United States Postal Service issued its largest--ever series of commemorative postage stamps. By the time the program is completed in 2000, a total of 150 designs will have been released, providing a decade-by-decade look at significant personalities and events of the 20th Century.

Iron Man Extremis Armor

It's been years since I've picked up a 3 3/4 inch figurine, but the Marvel Universe Iron Extremis Armor by Hasbro proved to be a rare gem. The figurine comes with a basic stand and a removable repulsor "blast", picture card, a write-up and a code for registration on www.furyfiles.com in a small "Top Secret" envelope.

The Extremis Armor is not to be confused with Iron Man 2's Mark VI Armor with the same triangular arclight. Extremis is fused with Tony Stark's body, making him a cyborg and with many enhanced capabilities. The Mark VI is merely a modification of the Mark IV Armor with a cleaner, non-Paladium based power source and Tony is still very much human.

The finishing on the Extremis Armor is very good. Check out the shine. You'd probably see this kind of shine on Hot Toys 1/6 scale Iron Man 12 inch figures. The face plate is more streamlined compared to the comics version. The flight flaps on the armor are visible. In fact, the should flap pivots up and down to accommodate the poseable arms. The only things I don't like about this figurine is Tony's "thunder hips", the loose wriknee joints and Hasbro's restrictive hip joints which makes it difficult to pose the figures in a kneeling position.

There is now very limited stock of the Extremis Armor Iron Man on the shelves. I picked this one up at the Sunday market in Amcorp Mall for RM40. You'd still be able to find one in mint condition if you looked around. If you're really keen, try the 2nd floor.

Diamond Select "All Good Things Enterprise-D"

I remember watching the season finale of Star Trek:TNG some years ago, "All Good Things" (AGT) and the triple-nacelle USS Enterprise D decloaking (yes, in an alternate timeline, Starfleet vessels have cloaking capabilities) just in the nick of time to rescue a retired Picard and Captain Beverly Crusher on board the USS Pasteur from certain death by Klingon distruptors. The fabled ship was firing its huge-ass phaser cannon which punched right through the Klingon cruisers' shields like it wasn't there at all. In the alternate timeline, Will Riker had been promoted to captain of the Enterprise.

Diamond Select Toys (DST) released a 16' version of the AGT Enterprise D this year. I got mine from eBay just 2 days ago. After I opened the packaged box and knowing my eagerness with new things, I turned on the switch from 'try me' mode to 'play' mode. This toy comes with lights and sounds and phrases from the aforesaid episode. Next step, to scan the long awaited merchandise to see if it matches up to my expectations of DST's quality.

First thing I noticed was the paintwork. The hull is painted in a somewhat dark starship grey and rougher than expected. The windows were merely painted on. I expected moulded-on windows for more realism, but at this scale which is about 1/1000, these small 'oversights' are forgivable... I guess. Notice the moulded-on 'plating' on the hull ?. They are important to give texture to the hull, although, the nomenclature and the registry numbers were a little chaffed, signs of shoddy work. The transporter emitters (the 2 rectangular pads with ribbings) however, are spot on.

The phaser array (the ribbed grey stripped bordered by 2 red lines) could've been moulded on instead of painting them on. I reckon if DST could make detailed toys, they could have moulded the ribbing on the arrays instead of having them painted on. Looks okay from 2 feet away, but you'd know once you ran you finger along the array.

The augmented weaponry can be seen. On the saucer section, two additional phaser cannons and just aft of the main bridge, the torpedo launcher module. On the flip side, the ship's main phaser cannon. Just what every Starfleet starship captain dreams about in a Klingon infested sector.

The bonus is that the saucer section detaches from the stardrive section. The two sections are held by very strong magnets, which is ingenious. There's no visible or protruding clips or other forms of attachments. But what's really COOL when the saucer section separates is when the saucer's impulse engines' lights come on with Capt Riker's voice aptly saying "prepare to separate the saucer section", accompany by the sound of the interlocks disengaging (which comes on again when the saucer is reattached). You can see the metal connections, no doubt a switch to activate the saucer-separation sequence.

But what's most noticeable is the THIRD nacelle on the stardrive section. In "All Good Things", Riker ordered the helmsman to set a course at Warp 13, depicting the increased velocities of the augmented starship. In July last year, I posted a blog on the Enterprise D and the 'rules' of starship design, namely Rule #1: Warp Nacelles *must* be in pairs, and the obvious departure latent in this version is explained. Although, I must say that the guys at DST didn't quite give it enough thought when they decided to put the 'lights on' button just underneath the centre nacelle. It's hard to access and the button sticks sometimes. In fact, the bridge dome button, which activates the sounds and lights also sticks occasionally.

Compared to that of the Playmates version, the AGT Enterprise D's deflector dish is much more accurate. It's cool to see it light up. Like a blue eye in the sky. Damn, I sound cornier by the minute.

The main impulse drive on the standard Enterprise D is replaced with two engines on the AGT Enterprise D. The lights are really bright. In the dark, they shine like warning beacons. Not that I'm complaining.

Well, for USD49.99 (RRP), this collectible is value for money, albeit with some minor flaws and want of detail. Falling short of building up a kit, the DST AGD Enterprise D makes an impressive display piece. I've liberated it from my office and relocated it to my room.

In the meantime, I'm waiting for DST's standard Enterprise D (the twin engine version) which is said to be more accurate that the AGT version. It should be arriving before the end of the month, but keeping my fingers crossed. Heck, for the sake of expanding my collection, a little patience is always a virtue.

Hot Toys Iron Man Mark III 12'' figure (Super COOL!)

eBay is a Pandora's box. Just a couple of days after I got the Mark II, I discovered a Mark III being let go by a fellow collector. And it was below retail pricing too. Admittedly, I've been trying to hunt down the Mark III from all known hobby shops. Up until this opportunity, I was told that the next batch of the merchandize would only arrive on our shores in 2 months. The shortest estimation was end of June. Hence, this was too good to pass over. I contacted him over email and we came to a 'gentleman's arrangement' to transact beyond eBay. I convinced the chap to terminate the auction on eBay and give me right of first refusal :)

Well, for a forerunner to the Mark II, this version was well done. I still think the rivets on the Mark II gave the armor suit more character. If you look at the picture of Iron Man's chest plate in my previous post before this one, you will notice the marked difference. Less texture on the Mark III. But paint scheme and accuracy is present. Nothing much to complain about.

The only other thing I thought would have made the Mark III more fantastic would be adding the retractable shoulder projectile launchers, like what you can see in the movie and incorporating a removable magnetic face plate, like on the Mark II. Nonetheless, the omissions were compensated with a super-accurate exchangeable head of Tony Stark, with almost the exact facial contours and skin tones. The painter did such a good job with a moulded piece of plastic, you could almost see the light reflecting off the moist in his eyes!

Apart from that, the usual compliment of weaponry and parts are present, identical to that of the Mark II's.

I think overall, I prefer the Mark II to the Mark III. The chrome metal persona of the iconic superhero still etches a good impression to me.

Hot Toys Iron Man Mark II 12'' figure (Ultra COOL!)

Last Sunday afternoon: This is what happens if I'm left wandering unsupervised at Cineleisure Mutiara Damansara.

I found my way to Shiok Toys.Com (to no surprise of me). Thanks or rather, no thanks to Kenny G, I couldn't get rid of the mental image of Iron Man after he showed me his Hot Toys Iron Man Mark II 12 inch figure. Amazing what a bunch of Hong Kies can do with plastic, paint and electronics. Okay, as I was saying:

I 'found' my way to Shiok Toys. I browsed, walked out of the shop, start beating myself up for not getting wind of this earlier and then I go in again and browse some more. I noticed a unit in the "This one for reserved only" section. Finally I couldn't help myself but to ask the sales attendant, "When are you getting stocks of the Hot Toys Iron Man Mark II 12 inch figure?", to which he replied "Don hav wor?". Obvious to the impression I got, I sought to clarify my query and responded "I know you don't have it. When are the new stocks arriving?". At his peril, he replied "Don't know ar". I left with Kenny before I started to flip. Turnips have displayed better tact that this.

Desire overwhelms principle, as I discovered. Kenny did suggest that Rey, the proprietor of the hobby shop could 'compel' the staff to 'let go' of reserved items as certain 'reservers' could have possibly omitted making good on collection. Good plan...till we discovered that none of us had Rey's number. What to do? Go to Shiok Toys again. This time, Kenny pointed straight to the 'reserved unit' and proposed "How long has THAT Mark II been sitting there? When is the reservation period expiring? " Then I completed the sentence for him and needless to say, is "I will take that NOW if you'd let it go."

The sales guys consulted a colleague. The latter walked to the back of the shop and walla! He returned with one new box (despite the former position of 'no stock). Kenny gently liberated the unit from its casing and dammit!...the lighting unit for the arc reactor flickered and dimmed. Kind of cool if one were to reenact the "2% power left" scene from the movie, but no thanks. Our friend went to the store again and came out with ANOTHER unit (see how stocks can actually be available if you were to insist?). This one was priceless. The knee-cap joint just fell apart. Hmmm... ANOTHER one appears. This time, I told Kenny to use a fine-tooth comb to check the details. It passed QC.

For almost the same price as a Masterreplica lightsaber, this has excellent display and play quality. Fully articulate, with movable vanes and airbrakes, missile launchers on both arms and of course, interchangeable hands with repulsors. Fully lit as well. The visors and the arc reactor comes on with a flick on a switch on his rear-right shoulder and the left and right arms have independent switches to light up the repulsors.

Batteries are included. Comes also with a display stand to keep the figure balanced for display and during flight mode, if you so choose to pose him that way...

As a bonus, it comes with a mini-replica of Tony Stark's arc reactor displayed in a case which he scratched-built in the movie. Yes, it lights up too, as you can see.












The head is interchangeable. The HIGHLIGHT is that one's the normal head and the SPECIAL one comes with Tony Stark's face with a ...guess what...magnetically detachable face plate....with clear eye pieces and...details on the inside of the face plate. The guys at Hot Toys didn't spare the effort. Certainly a grade A+ product. Check out the skin tone and the details on Stark's face.

It's sitting on my office table now just waiting for the Mark III to join him. I'm trying to win a bid on ebay for that one. It's out of stock all over town.

Playmates USS Enterprise NCC 1701 Review

It finally arrived. After several weeks of placing my order, I got my hands on the long awaited Playmates USS Enterprise NCC 1701 starship (from the new Star Trek movie). It's about 13" long, with lights and sounds taken from the movie. The new toy features pre-recorded phrases from the movie and amongst others, include "arm phasers, fire everything we got" and "manoeuvring thrusters Mr. Sulu". There are about 4 movie phrases and 1 effect sequence at the touch of the bridge activation button situated at top of the saucer module.

The Enterprise features a light-up saucer array and warp engines. Surprisingly, the rear impulse engines light up too, which is a usual feature of Art Asylum (now known as Diamond Select Toys) products. Not only that, the lighting sequence is actually electronically controlled and will execute in tune with the pre-recorded movie phrases. Unfortunately, unlike Art Asylum's starships, you can't cycle through all the phrases and effects by pushing longer on the activation button. Playing with it, I found out that the activation button sticks. This is consistent with other reviews given by fellow Trekkers in forums. Playmates, you should really have a chat with your QC department.

I was amused by the sequence that goes "Captain, engineering reports ready for launch" where the warp nacelles are charged and followed by a 'warp boom' with the impulse engines coming on. I though to myself, shouldn't the impulse engines be at station keep when warp engines come online instead of the other way round? The markings on the starship is visible enough. I can see the registry number on the saucer and stardrive sections. They are also painted on the warp nacelles. There is also a delta shield with two lines tapering down on the side of the star drive section, typical of any Starfleet vessel.

I expected more from Playmates. There are no port and starboard flashing lights like the Art Asylum predecessor. That brought realism to the collectible. The saucer module features a lit-up bridge dome and lower dome. Lightning seems to be spilling through the plastic hull, unlike Art Asylum's stuff. The battery compartments...and I add an "s" is literally so. For reasons unknown to me, there are 2 battery compartments, one in the saucer section (bottom) where it nestles 1 AAA size alkaline battery and the other is in the stardrive section where it nestles 2 AAA size alkaline batteries. Oh...batteries are NOT included, unlike the AA counterparts, yet another minus point.

The Bussard scoops on the warp nacelles in my view, could have used more detail. Albeit ,it does have a nice blue glow in the dark. On the silver screen, I noticed that the collectors have a rotating internal scoop. They could have achieved this effect by incorporating rotating LEDs or pulsating ones, just like what Art Asylum did. It wouldn't have been too much to ask for little bit more detail since this thing retails for USD34.99.

To display, this scaled rendition of the legendary starship is mounted on a ball-joint which supposedly allows 360 degree rotation. But I don't think the ship can remain balanced if it's not aligned with the delta shield stand on which the weight of the starship is supported. Plastic looks a little bit flimsy, so I'm exercising care when mounting and dismounting the starship from its base. I don't want to wear-off the ball-joint so quickly.

The structure is injection-moulded plastic and the quality is somewhat mediocre compared with the older Playmates Star Trek star ships, such as the original USS Enterprise, which I've had siting on my display shelf for almost 12 years now. The finishing is so-so. A little too "clean" for a starship. The Art Asylum versions are complete with hull-plating effects and details. This version is somewhere half-way between a toy for a kid and a collectible for true Trek fans. I had hoped that Playmates would come out with something astounding as what the producers and director did with the movie.

The silver lining : at least I can add another one to the rest of my starship collection.