Flash Gordon's Rocketship

from "Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe" (1940)

Scale: 1/72
Initial Release: 2014
Medium: Resin
Kit Rarity: 2

About the Design

The success of Universal's 1936 "Flash Gordon" serial spawned two equally successful sequels, "Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars" (1938) and "Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe" (1940). In the latter serial,  Flash's rocketship -- originally the "Mars Wing" from the 1930 sci-fi musical "Just Imagine" -- was updated to include a nose cannon and portholes in its cockpit and aft fuselage sections.

About the Kit

The Flash Gordon Rockeship was Fantastic Plastic's last release for 2014. Mastered by Ed Holt and cast by BLAP! Models, the 1:72 Rocketship model was scaled off a purported original filming miniature that had been offered on Ebay the previous year. Fortunately, that listing featured numerous detailed close-ups of the miniature, which allowed Holt to create a master of unique authenticity.

Unlike the classic Herb Deeks kit released 30 years earlier, this kit featured, among other things, a hollow interior complete with detailed cockpit. Windows were of vacuformed clear plastic.