Vega Scout Ship 1/72 Scale Model Kit UFO Mystery Ship

Vega Scout Ship 1/72 Scale Model Kit UFO Mystery Ship:

Here is a 1/72 scale model kit of the tiny scout ship that came inside the classic original Leif Ericson / UFO Mystery Ship / Glow in the Dark UFO plastic model kit from AMT.

In 1967, shortly after the successful release of its 1:650 scale "Star Trek" U.S.S. Enterprise model kit, AMT models commissioned "Star Trek" art director Matt Jefferies to create designs for a new line of wholly original starships it hoped to market under the "Strategic Space Command" moniker.

In 1968, it launched the first kit in this proposed series, the "Leif Ericson." Later the inspiration for the starship U.S.S. MacArthur in Larry Niven & Jerry Pournelle's classic sci-fi novel "The Mote in God's Eye," the "Leif Ericson" contained a large shuttle bay that housed a small, in-scale scout craft, popularly known as the "Vega."

Just as the "Leif" herself carried echoes of other Matt Jefferies designs -- most notably S.S. Botany Bay sleeper ship from the "Star Trek" episode "Space Seed" -- the Vega scout ship's main body and layout took unmistakable inspiration from his Klingon D-7 battlecruiser.

Although the "Leif Ericson" kit was a hit among sci-fi modelers and was subsequently re-issued by AMT as the "Mystery Ship" and "Glow in the Dark UFO," sluggish sales put the kibosh on any subsequent "Strategic Space Command" entries.

Scale: 1:72
Number of Pieces: 11
Length: 10 inches/Width: 8 inches
Includes cockpit interior, landing gear, snap-in clear vauform canopy, and display stand.
Pattern: Ed Holt

Casting: Millennial Models International (MMI)

NOTE TO PURCHASER: This is a Resin Model Kit and requires model building and painting skills. Many parts may require prep, sanding, fitting and some scratch building. Some models do not come with printed box or instructions and are intended for experienced modelers. Our amazing staff of professional model builders can build and paint this kit for you. Please use the BUILD UP SERVICES link on our home page to contact us for more information or a price quote.