Cylon Raider from "Battlestar Galactica"

(ABC-TV 1978-1979)

SCALE: Unknown

INITIAL RELEASE: 1979

MEDIUM: Polystyrene

Rarity  (Original): (4)

Rarity (Re-Release): (3)

ABOUT THE DESIGN

ABOUT THE KIT

Suggesting a cross between a classic flying saucer and a manta ray, the Cylon Raider was a tactical fighter/bomber capable of both atmospheric and non-atmospheric flight.  Launched from giant Basestars, each Raider was operated by three Cylon robot warriors.

The Cylon Raiders reflected the same post-"Star Wars" ethos that guided the rest of the "BSG" spacecraft.  It began with a relatively simple design that was then hyper-detailed with gribblies gleaned from numerous plastic model kits. (Tank components are clearly visible throughout.)

The Cylon Raider was one of four "Battlestar Galactica" models released simultaneously just months after the show's September 1978 premiere.  The original kit featured spring-launched "missiles" that fired from the intakes situated on its lower wings.  This non-canon -- and liability-ridden -- feature was eliminated when Revell/'Monogram re-released the kit in the mid-1990s.

Note that this particular model -- a mid-90's edition -- was painted in a contemporary "Aztec" motif instead of the original dull grey color to highlight the surface detailing.

Original Box Art

Re-Release Box Art by Randy Aspland