MPC’s Space: 1999 “Eagle 1 Transporter” Model Kit Redux
MPC’s Space: 1999 Eagle 1 Transporter model kit box.
A while back, I worked on a model kit of the Eagle Transporter from Space: 1999. The old MPC kit was one I had made several times when I was young, and it was one of my first builds on my recent return to modeling. Since then, I’ve been stretching my skills and I wanted to return to this kit. I’ve always been a big fan of the Eagle, it has that perfect 70’s, modular-look, about it. This MPC kit is still available, having been re-released about a year ago. But I believe supplies are getting low.
The completed MPC Eagle Transporter model.
This time around, the overall body of the Eagle was sprayed with Testor’s Gloss White. The engine nozzles, and landing pads were sprayed with Testor’s Silver. With my last Eagle kit, I stuck with the decals for the windows, figuring painting them would be far too difficult. And, of course, the little squares and triangles fore-and-aft of the Command and Engine Pods would be right-out. With a little confidence from some of my recent builds, and an absolutely killer detail brush – The Psycho1
Front-right view of MPC’s Eagle Transporter model.
On top of painting in those details, I decided to go all-in and try to clean up the seams with putty and sandpaper. That process took a long time, but it was fun to really get down to work on the model and it cleaned up very nicely.
Close-up of the Passenger Pod from MPC’s Eagle Transporter model.
Bandai’s Veritech model came with so many decals, some were redundant. I repurposed a few on the Eagle, like the red “Warning” notice above, to give the build a little more realism. As you can see, MPC has done a good job and the kit comes with well detailed decals, such as the door handle, keypad, serial-numbers, etc.
The deck to the Command Pod.
The MPC Eagle Transporter kit includes nicely detailed decals.
“Eagle 1, ready for liftoff.”
I’m very happy I came back to this kit for a mulligan, and am really pleased with how it came out.
MPC’s Space: 1999 Eagle 1 Transporter Model Kit
Pros:
- Simple and quick kit to build.
- Good level of detail throughout, and generally good quality molding.
Cons:
- Lots of little set-in areas makes painting and setting decals challenging.
- It is still difficult to get the henge on the Passenger Pod to attach to the Eagle.
Verdict = Recommended.
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I posted a long time ago and was impressed with your Eagle build. I’ve collected and assembled some 22 inch Eagles and the Hawk model since, but I circled back and built an old 12 inch kit with cages cut out and detailed, new engine details and a custom paint job. I learned a lot. It was fun. Just wondering if you did more with any of the Space 1999 products?
Hi Jim, and thanks for your complement on the Eagle build! I tried working on a Hawk a while back, and did not do well with masking for the orange paint. But, MPC recently made a Space: 1999 CommLock and Stun Gun model, which I finished and am pretty happy with. I’m also taking another swing at a Hawk model, which I need to mask up for the orange again. Fingers crossed for better luck this time.
Hi Mike
On the Space 1999 props and ships Facebook page are posted some pictures of the upcoming prebuilt 22 inch MPC Space 1999 Eagle model. I guess the picture would be a prototype. It will be fully detailed and the control section front will be removable to allow the partial interior (back wall and pilots) to be viewed. I suspect this will also allow a handy hobby enthusiast to add a small light. I figure that actual pictures or box art might be shown soon but have no way of knowing. You may wish to research it on the internet yourself as well. Seems the Recon Eagle is the version planned to be released. Hope your summer is going well.
Hi Jim,
I was wondering if you’ve seen that MPC has released a Mark IX Hawk model? I’ve just ordered mine!
http://round2corp.com/product/space-1999-hawk-ix/
Hello Again,
Just checking back to see if there were any additional Space 1999 models you might have added as they had issued a deluxe version with a lab pod and spine booster. Also, MPC is releasing a built and painted 22 inch Eagle. It is a bit high cost but may be worth purchasing for collectible purposes. Search for Space 1999 22 inch display Eagle.
Regards
Jim
Hi Jim,
You know, I need to make a model, it’s been a while. I’ve eye’ed the 22in Eagle, but my space is a bit limited right now. And the add-ons you can get, it’s kind of remarkable. You’re right though, that model is likely to be a pretty good investment for the future. I still have my fingers crossed they re-release the Mark IX Hawk. I had one of those when I was a kid, and would love to give that another build.
Did you end up ordering the 22in Eagle? If so, how’d it come out?
Hi
I ordered two 22 inch Eagles at different times and I’m building one, collecting the other. They issued another 22 inch Eagle version but I’m going to pass on it and either get a Hawk, if one is issued, or wait to see if a 22 inch lab pod is issued. MPC is also issuing a Space 1999 Moon Buggy; it is the yellow 4 wheel surface vehicle. Take care
Oh wow, I’m looking forward to seeing what this ends up looking like.
http://round2corp.com/product/space-1999-nuclear-waste-area-2-diorama-wbonus-124-moon-buggy/
I’m definitely going to get the Space 1998 moon buggy model model. I think it will a good addition to the MPC line. If it sells well and others do I hope they consider a Hawk model.
Hi Jim,
Have you seen this Hawk model? I’m tempted…
https://www.monstersinmotion.com/cart/sci-fi-as-in-science-fiction-item-listt-c-9_188/space-1999-hawk-resin-model-hobby-kit-p-4819
I just saw your question about the Hawk, sorry. I’m tempted but sometimes resin is tricky and even poor quality, but I don’t know if that is the case with the Hawk model. I may wait to see if MPC puts out a Hawk. I heard they might put out a new accurate 12 Eagle. I think I read that on FaceBook. Maybe an in scale Hawk will follow
On the side of the of the Passenger Pod from MPC’s Eagle Transporter model, what is the writing on the red warning decal?
Hi Gee Vee,
That decal came from my VF-1S Veritech/Valkerie model from Bandai. The writing is too small to read without a magnifying glass, but it says, “Danger – Arrester Hook”. =)
Did my own version, as I could not read the text. Thanks for the inspiration.
https://mega.nz/#!SI1DAYwZ!jOshQjeTepxdkLfbW2JwWpWmsDIDZbNkhGZ26ucOhbI
Hi Gee Vee,
Those are great! I’m glad I could help, thank you.
I ordered a 22 inch Eagle from Culttvman Hobbyshop. There are also add on kits coming out for the Eagle like metal engines and do on. I may eventually order one of as well. I found that a wonderful white paint to use on the Eagle was Dupli-Color brand Natural White. Super easy to work with and dries super fast. I used other Duplicate-Colors to simulate panel lines or weathering. I used Testors Metallic Silver on the engines. My favorite Silver but difficult to work with until you get used to it. Take care and I will check back from time to time. Happy modeling.
If you are still following this posting, I meant to ask if you plan on building the new 22 inch MPC Space 1999 Eagle which is being released shortly? I do, but since I have a collection of Eagle models and a few die cast replicas of the ship already I am going to build it in a super slow fashion to make it as flawless as possible, and possibly add lighting and figures to the command module. I was also going to see if I can work out realistic glows in the main engines and the vertical engines (under the pod and cage sections) using some LEDs. I have some microscope slides and I was going to see if they could be carefully cut down enough to be used in the upper viewports. I think real glass might look better than clear plastic.
Hi Jim,
Thanks for the kind words! I had no idea that MPC was going to release a 1:48 scale Eagle! $100-130 is a bit rich, but I *may* have to pick one up. Thanks for the heads-up, I’ll follow developments on this. Fingers crossed a Hawk model comes out soon!
Cheers,
Mike
Nice job. Yes, the Space 1999 MPC Eagle kit is really nice and assembles into a nice kit with a little work. I bought several and stashed them away including the deluxe Eagle version. My skills in building models are greatly improved since the original release of the kit. The enhanced decals provided by MPC add to the quality of this release. What surprises me is that a manufacturer of after market kit pieces never marketed accurate cages and, perhaps, a more accurate spine since there are some aftermarket items and details that are available. Perhaps they would cost too much for a kit of this scale. Never the less, it is great model.