Rocketship Luna from "Destination Moon" (1950)

Scale: 1:288
Initial Release: 2009
Medium: Resin
Height: 6.75"
Kit Rarity: 3

About the Design

Purportedly, science-fiction novelist and screenplay co-writer Robert Heinlein originally wanted his Luna moon rocket to be a scientifically plausible multi-stage vehicle.  But his producers nixed the idea, doubting the general public's ability to grasp such an "esoteric" concept.  Instead, they opted for this classic single-stage "winged ogive" design created by Ernst Fegte based on an earlier concept developed by the film's "science advisor," celebrated space artist Chesley Bonestall. Based heavily on Germany's V-2 rocket, the result was the first of the classic 50's-era "rocketships," its influence subsequently felt in everything from TV spaceships like the Orbit Jet from "Rocky Jones - Space Ranger" to the Hugo Award trophy, first bestowed on science-fiction writers in 1953.

About the Kit

Mastered and cast David Guertin, the "Luna" was the first kit in Fantastic Plastic's 1:288 scale "Classic Rocketship Series." Released in September 2009, the kit was developed in association with Jon C. Rogers of Roger's Rocketships. It came complete with a "moonscape" display base and ID plaque.