Vega Scout Ship

from AMT Models' "Strategic Space Command" Series (1968)

Scale: 1:72
Initial Release: 2022
Medium: Resin
Kit Rarity: 2

About the Design

The Vega was a two-manned exo-atmospheric scout ship carried in the hangar bay of Strategic Space Command capital ships, including the celebrated Leif Ericson. The craft was distinguished by its telescopic vertical thrusters that also doubled as tripodal landing gear.

In 1967, flush with success from its best-selling "Star Trek" U.S.S. Enterprise model kit, AMT attempted to create its own sci-fi universe under the "Strategic Space Command" moniker. To design its debut ship, the Leif Ericson, AMT enlisted the services of "Star Trek" art director Matt Jefferies. Both the "Ericson" and its "Vega" scout ship bear Jefferies' signature themes, the former echoing 20th century submarines (similar to his "Botany Bay" sleeper ship for the TOS episode "Space Seed"), the latter the manta ray-like wings also found on his design for the Klingon D-7 battlecruiser.

About the Kit

This 1:72 resin kit was originally hand-mastered and produced in limited quantities by Ed Holt of Monkeyworks Models in the early 200s.

After the pattern sat idle for nearly 20 years, it was resurrected and re-issued -- along with some refined parts -- by Fantastic Plastic Models in 2022. The kit included a three-armed display stand.