Galaxy Quest Ion Nebulizer and Vox Communicator model kit from Pegasus Hobbies
Published:
April 14, 2010
 Galaxy Question Ion Nebulizer and Vox Communicator
Photo by Matt Usher
Assembly: Open the box of Pegasus’ “Standard Thermian issue” Ion Nebulizer and Vox Communicator and you’ll find parts molded in light gray and translucent blue plastic, a small bag of hardware (springs and screws for the operating features), a decal, and a nicely detailed fold-out sheet of assembly directions.
As the instructions point out, the kit parts are molded in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), not standard styrene. Methyl Ethyl Ketone-based glues won’t work with ABS, so Pegasus recommends using Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, Testors Model Master Liquid Cement, or cyanoacrylate (super glue). I used gap-filling super glue on my kit. The parts are substantial and well molded, but a few had prominent ejector-pin marks I fixed with gap-filling super glue.
All of the parts fit together nicely and Pegasus’ engineering simplifies things considerably. For example, the gun’s pebbled handgrips are separate parts (making them a snap to paint before assembly) and many of the parts are “keyed” so they can’t be installed the wrong way.
Before gluing its retaining pin in place, test-fit the Vox’s spring-loaded flip-down cover carefully. It has a nice tight fit when closed, but if the hinge is off even a little the cover won’t spring open cleanly.
I primed the models with gray automotive primer then airbrushed them using Floquil Platinum Mist. I used Silver Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Hammered spray paint (No. 7213830) from the hardware store to simulate the variegated metallic finish on the Vox. Floquil and Rust-Oleum are good-looking, and more importantly, durable paints – handy when you know the models will be handled (i.e. played with) often.
Marketing: It’s a good time for science-fiction modelers, with several new kits and classic reissues arriving from different companies. Dedicated science-fiction shelf space (or even an endcap) will go a long way toward promoting this trend. Be ready to offer basic building advice to help encourage shoppers who may be first-time modelers.
VITAL STATS
Product: Ion Nebulizer and Vox Communicator from Galaxy Quest
Maker: Pegasus Hobbies
Scale: 1:1
Stock No.: 9003
MSRP: $17.95
BOTTOM LINE
Easy construction
Plastic requires specific glues
Hits at the right time for sci-fi modelers |