1. The original was done in a tremendous rush, and Space: 1999 master model builder Martin Bower didn't really have time to think through the detailing, resulting in the crude and obviously "sloppy" detail that doesn't make for a very nice display model (though it looked quite nice on film);
2. The original parts used were from kits that are now expensive and difficult to find; and
3. I wanted more detail on my replica, and I also wanted it to "make more sense" in terms of a display model.

The nosecone on my replica is removable and is made from a heavily modified Airfix Eagle nose. The girderwork is made to the exact same proportions as the original, except in a few spots where I used a little artistic license to make some parts look a bit more like the larger (five-foot long) of the two original miniatures. Keep in mind that the two sizes of the original model, although supposedly representing the same ship, shared very little of the detailing styles, except for only the most basic and obvious components. The way I reasoned it, any discrepancies between the two originals were fair game for improvement or change, while any details or proportions that were the same on both models, I tried to keep accurate.

The entire model is painted with "Canadian Tire" brand white primer, and a thin flat black "wash" was generously applied for weathering. In keeping with the spirit of the original, grey primer from a spray can was used to weather some areas.

I made the stand to roughly resemble a section of the derelict spaceship that served as the lair of the "dragon" in "Dragon's Domain." The proportions are not exact here because I had the wooden base and support rod built before I came up with the idea of replicating a section of the dragon's ship. Since even without exact proportions this manages to get the point across, I wasn't too concerned with the fact that this part of the model isn't completely accurate.

I estimate the cost of the materials used to build my Ultra Probe replica to be in excess of $300 Canadian, most of that being the EMA parts. Regardless the price, it was a very satisfying model to build, and worth every penny I spent on it!

Finally, although an elegant ship on screen, the model is very difficult to photograph for "showoff" shots where you want to show as much of the model as possible and still try to fill the viewfinder. When shooting the Ultra Probe's entire length you end up wasting a lot of film area.

If you have questions or comments about my replica Ultra Probe model, please feel free to contact me at:

[email protected]

� 1998, E. James Small