Upgrade Your Thunderbirds & Space: 1999 Models with Magic Scale Modeling's Richard Caudron!

In recent years, Anderson Entertainment has been providing fans with definitive, authentic, gorgeously detailed model kits of many classic vehicles from the worlds of Gerry Anderson. Now, Magic Scale Modeling is preparing to integrate a superbly enhanced level of exciting electronic features to our ongoing lines of Thunderbirds and Space: 1999 models.  

We've recently teamed up with Magic Scale Modeling to produce upgrade kits for the Thunderbird 1 Launch Bay model kit and Thunderbird 2 Launch model kit (both produced by AIP), as well as the upcoming Eagle Transporter Metamorph Edition model kit. 

We caught up with Richard Caudron to discover how Magic Scale Modeling are upgrading these fantastic releases. Magic Scale Modeling will also be attending this year's Space-Crafts Model Show along with Jamie Anderson to showcase these brilliant upgrade kits!

Fred McNamara: Can you tell our readers what Magic Scale Modeling is all about?

Richard Caudron: Magic Scale Modeling is about bringing a new dimension to plastic scale modelling by integrating end-to-end, plug & play, and fool-proof electronics systems to advanced plastic modelers wishing to improve the attractivity of finished models.

Software and hardware are designed in house in order to select and/or produce the most suitable components to scale modelling. Mass production is outsourced by market leader companies.

Fred McNamara: What might these upgrade kits for the Thunderbirds and Eagle model kits consist of?

Richard Caudron: Every model can benefit of a basic or an elaborated design. For example, the box art of the AIP kit shows Thunderbird 1 taking off from her launch pad, with smoke and flames. Two projectors are also moulded on the diorama. Considering the small scale, that is exactly what we will aim to reproduce on a very simple way.

3D Printed parts will assure a perfect alignment of 4 dedicated flickering light tubes for the rocket, 2 NanoLEDs will light up the projectors and a very simple circuit board including a 3v pocket watch battery will provide hours of autonomy

The 1/48^th Eagle Transporter is a very large-scale model offering a lot details, which authorise a real storyboard. The cockpit and different propulsion modules, totalling 12 exhausts, plus, will be lighted in sequence and in synchronisation with a licenced soundtrack. Therefore, a more sophisticated circuit board including program and memories will drive lights and a full range speaker.

Fred McNamara: What inspired you to undertake these upgrade kits for some of Thunderbirds and Space: 1999’s most classic vehicles in the first place?

Richard Caudron: Magic Scale Modeling has a track of expertise and excellence regarding accuracy in historical large-scale airplanes, submarine and ships, by including lights, engines and sound. 

Gerry Anderson’s different universe offers even more of opportunities regarding their very exiting models and potential electronic Integration, as sci-fi deserve lights by nature. On top, these are familiar stories from my childhood which come back.

Fred McNamara: For the Eagle model, what was the process like in bringing these electronic accessories to life?

Richard Caudron: First, we need to understand what is particular in each model, by watching the series and analysing existing blueprints. The next step is to match the plastic model and to evaluate what can be done, or not, by a reasonably advanced scale modeler.

That leads us to a plan which is evaluated and, at the end, validated by Anderson Entertainment. The plan is then converted to a breakdown of electronic components, 3D printed parts, program, and, eventually, soundtrack. Once validated, the electronic set is implemented during the build of the targeted plastic model, during which the building instructions are complete.

Fred McNamara: The Thunderbird dioramas are quite smaller in scale to the Eagle. Did their upgrades present any challenges?

Richard Caudron: TB1 and its launch pad has been very easy to design and build. The outcome is a simple plug and play electronic set which brings an incredible added value to the finished model.

But TB2 is a different story due to the complexity of the functionalities deserved by the model versus the design constraints of such very small scale. The modifications of the plastic model required exceed the capacities of most of modelers. Therefore, we have decided to consider a larger scale for the TB2. But several other models in the Thunderbirds line seems very attractive. For example, the 1/48^th TB4 model kit or the 1/72 Mole.

Fred McNamara: How would you say your upgrade kits enhance these models.

Richard Caudron: Thunderbirds and Space: 1999 are magic due to the smoke, lights and explosions. Looking at the example of the TB1, our upgrade kit brings the finished model very close to what the box art suggests: Thunderbird 1 taking off with flames and smoke. The particularities of every model will be highlighted in a similar way.

Stand by on this frequency to learn more about how you can get your hands on these incredible upgrade kits to bring the classic vehicles of International Rescue and Moonbase Alpha to life like never before.

Be sure to book your tickets for this year's Space-Crafts Model Show and discover more about Magic Scale Modeling's fantastic efforts in enhancing these model kits! The Space-Crafts Model Show takes place this Saturday, March 21st, at the Bicester Hotel Golf & Spa. 

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