I thought it would be a good idea to feature some of the model displays that I have taken part in over the years, as you are then able to see what the models look like in 'real-life'. Unfortunately I usually spend so much time and effort transporting and setting up the display that I never seem to have the time to take that many pictures - so thanks go to those people that have kindly sent me theirs.

Nick Tate (Space: 1999's Alan Carter) has taken a three-month break from his acting, and very successful voice-over work, to embark on a World holiday trip to visit family and friends. Here he stopped by to meet some of his long-term fans for an informal chat, autograph and photo session......and to checkout the condition of Eagle One.

Thanks to Eileen and Phyll of the International Nick Tate Club

Issue 9 of Sci-Fi & Fantasy Modeller has a Space: 1999 theme. One feature is a rewrite of my restoration of the original 44-inch Eagle. This model was heavily used throughout the series, from episode one through to the final Eagle shot in episode 48.

* Coming soon a Gerry Anderson Modelling special featuring my SPV, Thunderbird 2 & Fireball XL5.

Wednesday July 11th at the BBC Television Centre, London. Model filming takes place as part of a BBC4 documentary about the classic 1960s works of Gerry Anderson, focusing primarily on his greatest creation Thunderbirds.
Not too surprisingly the iconic Thunderbird 2 took centre stage. Above & below cameraman Colin Butler sets up the shots, sound man Paul Parsons expertise is not required so he acts as assistant - although various engine sound effects are spontaneously supplied by all in the room at some stage.

Right; Producer Jeff Simpson views the footage and makes adjustments to the angles and speed of the finished shot.

Several models are suspended on wires (fishing line) in front of a blue backing which will allow for their insertion into different backgrounds.

As almost all Gerry Anderson special effects were done in-camera the colour blue could be used on his vehicles. Today this can cause a problem with the processing, so as a result certain models had to be filmed against black backgrounds.

Left; Colin & Paul arrange a series of small lights to fill in any shadowed areas and prevent the loss of key details.

Left; Jeff paints out the wires supporting Thunderbird 1 (using coloured pens) for a series of shots that will be inverted to show the model going upwards and a possible static shot for the end titles.

Right; Assistant Producer Donovan Keogh acts as co-pilot on a TB2 shot involving the pod dropping down to reveal the BBC4 logo.

Shown on 02-Jan-2008, the program was reasonably entertaining but sadly much of the 7 hours of filming ended up on the cutting room floor. (About 6 hours 59 & 3/4 minutes!)

Sunday 15th April at the National Media Museum in Bradford.

As a tribute to the classic ITC productions (1950-70) Richard Holliss (sitting on the right) again interviewed Gerry Anderson on aspects of his long career, how he met and worked for Lew Grade and plans for future series.

Display items were supplied by Bob & Sue Bailey, Martin Gainsford, Maxine Cook, Chris Bentley and myself. My Scarlet replica puppet made its first public appearance - constructed by Chris King.

While there are many events at conventions the main reason for attending is to meet other people and my highlight of the weekend was talking to TV21 artist Mike Noble.
Many fans I recognise from previous events and it has to be said that we are not quite as fresh-faced as we once were! Luckily there is a new generation coming through, such as fan Jamie Burchett who I'm told enjoys this very website. Cheers.
(Left photo Shelley Burchett)

Saturday 4th November 2006
Richard Holliss interviewed Gerry Anderson, at the NFT in London, as part of a look back at Lew Grades ITC television productions.

Several members of Fanderson provided items for a small on-stage display.

Above left to right - Myself, Sue Bailey, Maxine Cook, Martin Gainsford and Bob Bailey.

Above left to Right - Jimmy Gibson, Steve Zodiac, Melody Angel, and replica Alan Tracy. (Steve's strange pose is because after the TV series finished he was turned into a club mascot and originally had a bowling ball in his hand.)

'Countdown To Disaster'.
September saw the Fanderson Convention move to the Elstree Moat House hotel in Borehamwood.

Photo's Jonathan Baxter

One of the highlights was the appearance of a full-size Fab 1 motorcar.

Photo Left Tony Barnes

The 2002 Fanderson Convention was called 'Stand By For Action'. It was held at the Allesley Hotel in Coventry over the weekend of the 17th - 19th May.

Photo's Dave Watkin

A good Terrahawks display at this Con.

Left: My Battlehawk and Battletank replicas stand next to the restored Terrahawk puppets (of Bob & Sue Bailey) and an original Zeriod.

Right: My Treehawk replica launches from the restored original Tree prop.

Left; Fab 1 displayed next to original and replica puppets.

Right: TB3 with Zero-X (main body only) stand with the restored Paul Travers puppet.

Left; XL5 next to the original Stingray prototype model (courtesy Phil Rae), with original Thunderbird Six artwork.
Right; My old MSV next to an original Thunderbirds truck (repainted for its appearance in Captain Scarlet) with Skyship 1 artwork.

This took place at the Pictureville Cinema at the National Museum of Photography, Film & Television in Bradford.
(See Fab 40 Magazine for details.)

One of my older Lunar Modules next to a Dove built by Kevin Pedley. Original artwork of the Lunar Carrier and designs for the film Doppleganger by Derek Meddings.

Photo's Dave Watkin