Introduction
I recently began a project based upon 1930s-50s "Alien Invasion"
Pulps and B-Movies. As part of this, I decided that I needed to find a
flying saucer or two for my collection. Surprisingly, despite a real surge
in interest by miniatures gamers looking for an alternative to the "usual
thing", there were very few sources in miniature for these iconic
symbols of Sci-Fi. I've decided to build a small database of the
available sources for these insidious craft, most of which are fairly
easily assembled scale models. I'll update it from time to time as I
discover more sources, and as you the readers contribute your own
suggestions.
Yes, I suppose you could use a pie plate - Ed Wood did, after all - but
sometimes its nice to have an unusual piece of resin or metal to play
around with, and I'm lousy at scratch-building anyway!
For those interested in a bit of background trivia, the whole "flying disc"
phenomenon goes back quite a long way. It was actually pre-WW2, but
it became fairly famous in the 1950s and 60s with a slew of B-movie
hits such as "Earth Versus the Flying Saucers", "The Day the Earth
Stood Still", and the somewhat forgettable "Plan 9 From Outer Space."
Similar craft had also appeared in pre-WW2 movie serials such as
'"Commando Cody and the Radar Men from The Moon", and there are
even ancient references to "mysterious, flying silver shields" reported
by Alexander's soldiers in India. Finally, one should not discount the
reality that the Germans built more than one experimental "saucer
shaped" craft during the 1930s and 40s; this was followed by
American, British, and Soviet research along the same lines post war.
Of course, the genre was re-invented in the 1970s with "alien
abductees", and the "flying disc" or "flying saucer" image was returned
to the popular imagination.
Current Sources
Ebay is a good source for cast off toys and model kits. While you are
there, trying looking for the Jupiter 2 from Lost In Space, and any links
related to Mars Attacks. Excellent toys very suitable for conversion were
created for both films. You will probably find many out of print model
kits, as well, but be patient, and use a number of search terms. Folks
rarely list their auctions properly.
Glencoe was the most recent producer of what many consider to be the
"classic" flying saucer model kit, the Lindbergh "UFO". Apparently a very
simple kit, this is remarkably popular with modellers, and is known to
sell out quite frequently whenever re-issued. Currently in limbo, though
you can still get an example from Discount Rocketry. As with most, this
is a 1/48 scale kit. Looks to be small to medium scale for 25mm
miniatures.
Ground Zero Games is one of a very few miniature companies
manufacturing a flying saucer for use in miniatures gaming. A "Martian
Scout Saucer" can be found in the 'Bug Eyed Martians' collection in the
"Characters and Other Miscellaneous Figures" Link. A number of
'Greys' and 'Bug Eyed Martians' are manufactured. Find the Greys in
'The Miniatures Are Out There'.
Mike Hungerford maintains a web site full of unusual sci-fi and fantasy
based paper models. Among them are retro 'cigar shaped' alien craft
and an exceptional flying saucer in two scales. One of the Irregulars,
Alan W., is a masterful paper modeller. I can barely fold a paper
airplane.. Ahh well. If you're willing to give these a shot, they are
wonderful and, most importantly, free!!.
Polar Lights manufactures (or manufactured) a kit based upon the
Jupiter 2 spacecraft from the hit "Lost In Space" television series. The
important part of this for you is that Jupiter 2 was essentially a family
sized flying saucer. Nominally 1/48 scale. Could be easily converted. A
good source is Federation Models. Incidentally, Polar Lights also
manufactured an exceptional model of the ship from '"Forbidden
Planet", but this saucer is long out of print. If you can find it, snap it up.
It's absolutely perfect.
Revell/Monogram manufactures an excellent looking copy of the UFO
from the tv show "The Invaders" in 1/72 scale (that's about 20mm,
though it would probably work in 25mm). The kit is generally very
inexpensive, though you can drop a few extra bucks and get yourself a
lighting kit to make it look particularly ominous. Revell/Monogram is
always a pain to order from directly, and so I recommend a source
such as Federation Models. The model is quite literally called "The
U.F.O."
Testors makes a very good looking model of the so called "Lazar"
saucer in 1/48th (about 25mm), currently known as the "UFO Bonus
Pack"; the product number is 576x. With minimal work, it could turn out
to be a very good vehicle for a wide variety of scales. The product code
for this model changes from time to time, as does the name of the
vessel. You might want to run a search in the Testor's website search
engine using the name; failing this, try "UFO". Looks to be fairly well
proportioned.
Testors makes another interesting craft that might be useful for
Roswell games, a sort of flying wing design based upon what
witnesses claim they saw go down at the Roswell site in 1/48th
(25mm) scale. Currently known as the "Roswell UFO"; the product
number is 555. As with the Lazar saucer, use the search engine to find
this one, as it isn't really listed in an intuitive place. Looks to be about
medium sized.
ALWAYS ADDING! CHECK BACK OFTEN!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Flying Saucers - Where to get 'em.
