Starship Modeler - The complete information source for modelers who build sci-fi, fantasy and real space subjects

Galaxy Quest Ion Nebulizer and VOX Communicator In Box Preview

By Rich Dula - images & text © 2010

Scale: 1:1
Parts: 30 injection molded ABS plastic .
Instructions: Fold-out booklet in English
Decals: One waterslide decal for VOX main screen
Molding Quality: 9 - Crisp, no sink marks, no flash
Detail: 9 - sparse, but it's supposed to be that way
Accuracy: 9 - looks pretty close to what I see on-screen
MSRP: $17.99 USD (~$13.15 CAN/ € 18.33 EUR) available from Starship Modeler (a pre-finished version is also available)
Overall Rating: 9 - Overall decent kit, possibilities for lighting

[Please click to enlarge]

Since the movie "Galaxy Quest" was released back in 1999, folks have been waiting for models. Now the wait is over because Pegasus Hobbies has released two models from the series - one with a 1:1 scale Ion Nebulizer and a VOX Communicator, and a second of the N.E.S.A. Protector.

[Please click to enlarge]

^ Main pieces

Image: Nebulizer parts

Image: Size

What You Get

This kit is listed as being 1:1 scale, made from the props in the movie. A single sheet of decals is included, and includes one decal - the VOX screen. The instruction sheet is fairly simple, with four steps to complete each item. One nice addition is a two-page section with paint color call-outs.

The kit has 30 parts and appears to be cleanly molded with ejector marks or flash. There is a lot of detail in the form of finely engraved panel lines. The parts are molded in light gray ABS plastic for the major components. There is also a sprue of clear blue parts for the Nebulizer. A small bag of screws and springs (for the nebulizer trigger and the VOX flip-open cover) is also included.

Assembly and Finish

The Nebulizer, with 17 parts, is pretty simple. The stock halves screw together with the spring-loaded trigger sandwiched between them. A nice feature is that the screws are eventually hidden beneath checkered grips. After the stock and grips are completed, the main body of the nebulizer is snapped around them, and held into place by a square-shaped peg with a lip around it. Once the body halves are snapped or glued together, you won't be able to take them apart again without a fair amount of trouble. There is definitely a way to light the kit, as there is a lot of space inside the main nebulizer body, but the question is exactly where can you put the batteries so you can replace them when needed? That's something that someone else will have to figure out.

The VOX has 13 parts and is pretty simple. The microphone portion swings down into place, and a belt clip is included so you can always have your communications device handy. There isn't a lot of detail on the VOX, and the trademark information is molded into the back side of it (looks like some sanding needs to be done before construction starts). Lighting is possible, as there is a bit of space inside the VOX body, and the rear plate can be made to be easily removed. Some modification would need to be done to remove the solid-molded circular section where the decal will be placed, but that area could probably be replaced with some clear acetate to allow the decal to be backlit.

Pegasus indicates in the instructions that Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, Model Master Liquid Cement for Plastic Models, or super glue can be used to join the ABS parts. There is a warning right on the instructions that “methyl ethyl keytone-based glues will not work to join the parts as those glues do not react with ABS plastic".

One confusing thing is that Pegasus didn't include part numbers for anything. There aren't any locator numbers on the sprues or on the parts themselves. It's pretty easy to figure out which part goes where, but it's been a while since I've seen instructions without part numbers.

Conclusion

I'm looking forward to building this kit, and I'm glad that one has finally come out. If you're a Galaxy Quest fan, you better get this kit before it's gone.


Many thanks to Rich's wallet for providing the review samples. Manufacturers and retailers, interested in getting your wares reviewed and publicized on a site averaging 6000+ readers a day? Contact us!

Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the reviewer.
Read other reader's reviews of this kit      Submit your own review of this kit

Go back up | Other Sci-Fi Index | Starship Modeler Home | Site Map | Feedback

This page copyright © 2010 Starship Modeler™. First posted on 15 March 2010.