The Merchandise GuideEagle Models: Product Enterprise Eagles
Compiled by Martin Willey
The Merchandise Guide
UK 25th January 2004. Made in China.
Aoshima version: Japan February 2004.
Design Commander: Graham Humphreys. Eagle Model Maker: Dave Brian.
The model was originally scheduled for release in July 2003, but was delayed several times before the January 2004 release. It was the first in a series of Gerry Anderson vehicles aimed at collectors. Subsequently other versions of the Eagle appeared. The model was based on the Warp garage kit.
| Eagle Transporter (Product Enterprise) Limited to 6000 units. More |
25th January 2004 | £39.99 |
| Eagle Transporter (Aoshima) | February 2004 | 9880 Yen |
| Rescue Eagle. 3000 units. More |
May 2004 | £49.99 |
| Medical Eagle Transporter (Aoshima) | May 2004 | 9880 Yen |
| Chrome Eagle (limited edition of 500 for the San Diego Comic Convention, 2004, but also available elsewhere) | August 2004 | £69.99 |
| Gold Eagle (22ct gold plated, limited edition of 500 with letter of authenticity by Gerry Anderson) | 14th September 2004 | £99.99 |
| Freighter Eagle (winch Eagle from Breakaway) More |
February 2005 | £39.99 |
| Laboratory Eagle (booster/lab Eagle from Metamorph) | February 2005 | £39.99 |
| Gift Set (booster/lab Eagle as above, top boosters from Metamorph, Infernal Machine laser tank, moonbuggy) More |
November 2006 | £59.99 |
| VIP Eagle More |
November 2006 | £39.99 |
Die cast metal model, 30 x 12 x 6 cm, painted white. Passenger module is detachable (secured with two spring latches). Detailing is based closely on the first 44" Eagle model. Realistically detailed with framework, engine and leg piping and surface details. There are small red and orange markings on the framework, engines and side pods (similar to those seen at the end of Year 2).
The model has the Carlton and Product Enterprise copyright credits on the bottom of the transporter pod. In the 2005 models (freighter and laboratory) the Carlton credit becomes Granada Ventures. In the 2006 models (VIP and gift set), the inner cage detailing changes from dark grey to standard white (more accurate to the studio models).
Transporter, Rescue and the limited edition silver chrome Eagles have identical boxes. Presentation box is 35.5 x 17.5 x 13cm (25.5 including flap). The model is mounted in clear plastic on a red cardboard base, decorated like a launch pad; there is a folded 70cm long card backdrop with a painting of Moonbase Alpha, also seen on the box sides and rear. The box artwork is a little cartoonish, especially the Eagles on the front and rear. They have obviously distorted nose cones (in contrast to the accurate model itself). The flap has a large "Space: 1999" logo, with a Gerry Anderson "Century 21"-inspired roundel design. The Freighter and Cargo boxes are almost identical, with a description under the logo (other sides of the box still say "Eagle Transporter").
The rear of the box has text in a Main Mission Big Screen (Roberto Baldassari's artwork): Product Enterprise Ltd is proud to present a highly detailed replica of the Eagle Transporter as a metal diecast collector's edition. With detachable central pod, this stunning model captures the essence of this classic spacecraft from Space 1999.
Art for the front of the box, by Graham Humphreys, a UK artist best known for 1980s horror film posters.
Art for the rear of the box.
The models were also available from Aoshima, a Japanese model company. The Aoshima boxes are similar to the old Imai Eagle model kit art (although it is actually a photo of the model). Unlike the Product Enterprise boxes, the Transporter and Rescue Eagles have different boxes, although to the same design. The small photos on the side are the same as the Imai too. The English caption says 1/72 scale/ diecast model/ high quality details
. The underside of the boxes have pictures of the model in plan and side profiles. Inside the contents (model, launch pad base and Moonbase card backdrop) are identical. It is a little more expensive than the UK version (US$93 vs US$73).
The most impressive Eagle model at the time. The model was a third larger than the Dinky Eagle, but without the obvious plastic framework, green and blue paint, or the major simplifications to the design. It was similar in size to the Airfix/MPC Eagle plastic construction kit, but without the need to rebuild it with "accurising" kits (and no model-making expertise is required). The legs do not have spring suspension, but are authentically detailed. The pod release is practical but subtle.
The chrome and gold plated Eagles were obviously aimed at collectors rather than fans. The gold Eagle came in a box with plush red lining, looking rather like a coffin.
The Rescue/Medical Eagle red stripes are too thin. The stripes should be the same width as the space between them.
The Freighter pod has a slightly different mechanism, and is the only one with an instruction leaflet ungrammatically titled "Instructions Of Detach Or Attach The Freighter Pod
". The winch pod was painted inaccurately in two different shades of grey. It was based on photos of an adapted model by Phil Rae; the pallet was original, and Phil had created the winch replica, deliberately painting it darker grey to emphasise that what was replica and what was original.
The Laboratory Eagle was released individually and as part of a Gift Set (announced for July 2006 but delayed until November 2006). It is very accurate apart from the placement of the Moonbase Alpha decals.
The VIP Eagle is a representation of Simmonds's Eagle from Breakaway, seen very briefly (more details). This was a "limited edition of 4000", due August 2006, released November 2006.
Below: Aoshima box covers
Box sides
Below: Gift Set box cover
Copyright Martin Willey