Topic: Bandai's Apollo 11 and Saturn V 1:144 model
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 26730 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-23-2009 04:53 PM
Bandai is preparing to release a 1:144 diecast Saturn V and Apollo 11 diorama kit in 2010, per this post to the HobbyHype forums, including photos (such as the below) from Toy-world.com.hk.
SpaceAholic Member
Posts: 2973 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-23-2009 06:35 PM
Is there a US distributor for these? The Saturn V looks pretty detailed and worthwhile acquiring...
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 26730 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-23-2009 06:42 PM
As mentioned, this model won't be released until 2010, after which it should be available through several of the Japanese online dealers that import diecast collectibles, if not also (eventually) through some of the U.S. space boutique stores.
The photo(s) are of (likely) a prototype that was displayed at a industry toy fair.
posted 07-23-2009 10:21 PM
That would make a sweet bookend to the Danbury Mint one - that took me four years of trolling on eBay for.
Kevmac Member
Posts: 185 From: College Station, TX Registered: Apr 2003
posted 07-25-2009 12:06 AM
It almost looks identical to the Danbury Mint Apollo product. I guess we'll find out next year if there is any difference in the two versions.
c11esh Member
Posts: 29 From: UK Registered: Mar 2009
posted 07-25-2009 04:02 AM
Isn't this quite a lot bigger than the Danbury Mint?
I haven't seen a Danbury Mint item in the flesh, but from the pictures this also looks more detailed, is there a LM with the Danbury?
dwmzmm New Member
Posts: From: Registered:
posted 07-25-2009 06:15 AM
I'll have to get me one of those; looks like it'll be excellent for show and tell as well as demonstrating the various stages of the Saturn V/Apollo Lunar Flight missions.
garymilgrom Member
Posts: 1513 From: Atlanta, GA, USA Registered: Feb 2007
posted 07-25-2009 06:51 AM
This looks very nice. I love the LEM on the base. Scott do you want one of these to check some of the measurements on your 1:1 items?
quote:Originally posted by c11esh: Isn't this quite a lot bigger than the Danbury Mint?
The Danbury is 17.5 inches in length. The Bandai is 30.4 inches in length.
freshspot Member
Posts: 271 From: Lexington, MA, USA Registered: Dec 2005
posted 07-26-2009 06:02 AM
My wife is Japanese and we just did a little research. The model is not yet on the Bandai site. It is for the Apollo 40th and will be released in 2010.
The information on the display at the toy fair insists that this is not a toy, but is for "grownups." The translation of the material used to make the model is "superalloy"
posted 07-27-2009 08:52 AM
Today I published English page. Sorry for my poor English...
mslekar Member
Posts: 93 From: tucson az usa Registered: Jun 2002
posted 07-27-2009 10:35 AM
It would be nice if they followed up the Saturn V with the all the manned launchers from that era!
freshspot Member
Posts: 271 From: Lexington, MA, USA Registered: Dec 2005
posted 10-20-2009 12:53 PM
According to a press release, the model will be released in March 2010.
SpaceAholic Member
Posts: 2973 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-20-2009 01:47 PM
Can't wait... any discussion about a price point?
c11esh Member
Posts: 29 From: UK Registered: Mar 2009
posted 10-20-2009 02:15 PM
Price: 52,290 yen (tax included)
SpaceAholic Member
Posts: 2973 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
posted 10-20-2009 04:06 PM
So somewhere in the 500 dollar range... definitely not a toy.
1202 Alarm Member
Posts: 276 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: Nov 2003
posted 10-24-2009 06:50 AM
I've got the Danbury Mint but obviously I'll get one, it looks too beautiful. But what a terrible timing for Bandai! The 40th anniversary was a perfect occasion, but March 2010? Anyway...
By the way, many thanks to ApolloManiacs. His website is a great reference for Apollo models, and I was able to build my entire collection of Startales Takara models based on your info. Glad to see you are still around!
On your website, you mention: "opening order benefit: CM after splashdown (special display stand includes)".
You mean that a pre-order will get that special diorama? If so, where can we pre-order to obtain that limited version?
ApolloManiacs Member
Posts: 29 From: Tokyo, Japan Registered: Aug 2003
posted 10-25-2009 02:31 AM
Shops in Japan are now taking pre-orders. Please try to visit Hobby Link Japan.
andrewcli Member
Posts: 328 From: La Jolla, CA, USA Registered: Jul 2007
posted 10-25-2009 11:31 PM
I saw this on a modeler's forum - 20% off Bandai models. The forum said that it's another $50 to ship to U.S.
SpaceAholic Member
Posts: 2973 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-05-2009 07:20 AM
Unit listed on ebay for pre-order now...
Philip Member
Posts: 4749 From: Brussels, BELGIUM Registered: Jan 2001
posted 11-13-2009 03:30 AM
Can't wait to find out which US models website plans to offer these to cS members.
ApolloManiacs Member
Posts: 29 From: Tokyo, Japan Registered: Aug 2003
posted 01-26-2010 08:15 AM
New photos are arrived! In 22 Jan. 2010, I was visited BANDAI HQ to gather information of Testshot1 model. This Testshot1 is a first shot model result from metal mold for mass production. Some adjustment will be performed on this metal mold until mass production.
SpaceAholic Member
Posts: 2973 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-26-2010 10:21 AM
Is March still looking good for release? I am very excited about this model!
GoesTo11 Member
Posts: 967 From: Denver, CO USA Registered: Jun 2004
posted 01-26-2010 11:48 AM
quote:Originally posted by ApolloManiacs: New photos are arrived!
WOW! Thanks for posting those. I was on the fence about ordering this model, as I've already committed to buying the 4D Vision Saturn V. Looks like I'll have to start budgeting again...
kosmo Member
Posts: 182 From: Registered: Sep 2001
posted 01-26-2010 08:06 PM
Wow! expensive model and the ECS radiators are not even painted correctly! I realize there's only so much detail you can have depending on scale, but this is a pretty glaring mistake. I hope this is corrected before it's release.
ApolloManiacs Member
Posts: 29 From: Tokyo, Japan Registered: Aug 2003
posted 01-28-2010 07:40 AM
Ouch! Nice indication! Today I sent this information with CSM photo to BANDAI. Thanks.
quote:Originally posted by ApolloManiacs: New photos are arrived!
Beautiful. Thank you for posting the link.
Philip Member
Posts: 4749 From: Brussels, BELGIUM Registered: Jan 2001
posted 02-02-2010 05:32 AM
Are we still "Go" for a March 2010 release?
apolloprojeckt Member
Posts: 712 From: arnhem netherlands Registered: Feb 2009
posted 02-02-2010 05:57 AM
I've heard from Germany in April or May and the price there is 549 euros --
Norman.King Member
Posts: 211 From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK Registered: Feb 2010
posted 03-03-2010 09:55 AM
Does anyone know if this is still on for early March release?
ApolloManiacs Member
Posts: 29 From: Tokyo, Japan Registered: Aug 2003
posted 03-13-2010 05:07 PM
Bandai announced final release date on its official web site. It will be March 27, 2010 in Japan.
blacklion1 New Member
Posts: From: Registered:
posted 03-16-2010 10:30 AM
For better or worse... I just placed an order for the Bandai Saturn V at badcattoys.com. The price is $550 USD. I know. I thought long and hard about it. But this is I'm sure another of those "must have items." I've dealt with bad cat toys before, they are reputable. Scheduled delivery is for sometime in April.
Norman.King Member
Posts: 211 From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK Registered: Feb 2010
posted 03-17-2010 07:00 AM
I've pre-ordered mine directly with HW Japan at a cost of 49,640 yen delivered. At today's currency conversion that’s about £300 ($460) plus HM Customs Charges of about another £80.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 2386 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 03-18-2010 04:10 PM
Maths never was my strong point, but by my reckoning, using current exchange rates, the model works out at approx £360 to the UK... plus the £80 H.M Customs duties.
Anybody got a cheaper way of getting these beauties to Europe?
johnraiders New Member
Posts: From: Registered:
posted 03-18-2010 05:03 PM
Might be a way but we'd need several of us in UK. We'd need to find out size of box and weight.
Rick Mulheirn Member
Posts: 2386 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
posted 03-18-2010 05:46 PM
I'd be intersted John. What do you have in mind and how many people would need to opt in?
Norman.King Member
Posts: 211 From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK Registered: Feb 2010
posted 03-19-2010 02:13 AM
quote:Originally posted by Rick Mulheirn: Maths never was my strong point, but by my reckoning, using current exchange rates, the model works out at approx £360 to the UK... plus the £80 H.M Customs duties.
No, your maths it right, I must not have had my glasses on when I used Expedia's currency converter or the yen's dramatically risen against the pound?
Would bulk importing to the UK save a significant amount? If it does and you can put something together in time count me in.
johnraiders New Member
Posts: From: Registered:
posted 03-19-2010 01:51 PM
For it to work I'd have to be able to pick them up in Japan (Tokyo), but then we lose discount from buying mail order, so not sure we'd gain anything.
I guess how limited will they be, are shops going to have stock?
On thinking doesn't have to be Japan, if its cheaper to get them in USA then that would work, could be mailed to USA address.
As long as I can physically get them, then I can get them to UK cheaper.
Norman.King Member
Posts: 211 From: Herne Bay, Kent, UK Registered: Feb 2010
posted 03-20-2010 03:33 AM
quote:Originally posted by johnraiders: I guess how limited will they be, are shops going to have stock?
That is a question isn't it? Does anyone know if these will be a limited run or mass production?
Blacklion1 (above) has paid $550 US which is about the same it'll cost us buying from Japan mail order so I doubt the USA route will save anything.
I think our only hope of significant savings will be if Japanese shops sell it at a discounted price and someone can bring them back to the UK as part of their luggage allowance, thus saving the carriage charge?
posted 07-23-2009 04:53 PM
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