Space News
space history and artifacts articles

Messages
space history discussion forums

Sightings
worldwide astronaut appearances

Resources
selected space history documents

  collectSPACE: Messages
  Models & Toys
  Code 3 Collectibles Smithsonian model series (Page 1)

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
profile | register | preferences | faq | search


This topic is 2 pages long:   1  2 
next newest topic | next oldest topic
Author Topic:   Code 3 Collectibles Smithsonian model series
mensax
Member

Posts: 861
From: Virginia
Registered: Apr 2002

posted 10-05-2002 01:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mensax   Click Here to Email mensax     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I noticed that the Smithsonian has just licensed Code 3 Collectibles to release a new set of scale "sculptures."

They appear to be very nicely made. I found out about these in an advertisement in Air&Space magazine. The ad's photo shows both astronauts wearing a helmet with a red stripe on it. On Code 3 Collectibles' website however, neither has one. Let's hope they mix the astronauts up so we get one of each... to ensure accuracy!

Cliff Lentz
Member

Posts: 657
From: Philadelphia, PA USA
Registered: Mar 2002

posted 10-07-2002 01:19 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Cliff Lentz   Click Here to Email Cliff Lentz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I thought I was the only one to notice that! The standing moonwalker with the flag has the commander red stripes. To me that means Alan Shepherd since he was the first to wear them on the Moon. Jim Lovell was supposed to be first, but we know what happened there.

Rizz
Member

Posts: 1208
From: Upcountry, Maui, Hawaii
Registered: Mar 2002

posted 10-08-2002 02:19 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rizz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Does anyone out there know what the models are made of?

It states that they are hand cast and they have a considerable amount of weight to them. Are they resin?

andrewcarson
Member

Posts: 349
From: Liverpool UK
Registered: Sep 2002

posted 10-14-2002 12:01 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for andrewcarson   Click Here to Email andrewcarson     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have just taken delivery of one of the LMs. The model is resin but has a very heavy feel to it. The model is beautiful.

I ordered my model last Sunday, and it arrived well packaged, today - Monday.

The model is in my opinion worth the money. One I'm glad to have as a part of my collection.

Rizz
Member

Posts: 1208
From: Upcountry, Maui, Hawaii
Registered: Mar 2002

posted 10-15-2002 05:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rizz     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Thanks for the info Andrew! I think I'll add one to my collection.

Rick Mulheirn
Member

Posts: 4379
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001

posted 10-25-2002 07:26 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
If anybody is thinking of buying the Smithsonian Lunar Rover I can recommend it. Took delivery of one this morning and I am very impressed with the finished article. Much of the rover is die-cast with the remaining parts resin. The photos on the website do not do the model justice. Excellent value for money. 10 out of 10. I think more orders are required...

Larry McGlynn
Member

Posts: 1343
From: Boston, MA
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 12-03-2002 10:21 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Larry McGlynn   Click Here to Email Larry McGlynn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
My Code 3 models have arrived. They are really well done for the price. All models are good, but the LRV is excellent.

Larry McGlynn
Member

Posts: 1343
From: Boston, MA
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 12-13-2002 04:31 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Larry McGlynn   Click Here to Email Larry McGlynn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by mensax:
The ad's photo shows both astronauts wearing a helmet with a red stripe on it.
Code 3 came through on their promise on the LMP change. Today I received a small box in the mail from Code 3 that contained my updated replacement LMP with no red stripes.

Nice job Code 3.

By the way, those of you who are fans of Alan Bean's paintings can now recreate his painting called the Fantasy with your Code 3 LM Diorama and put three astronauts on the Moon.

ModelMaker
Member

Posts: 12
From: U-S-A!
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 01-24-2003 01:30 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for ModelMaker     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I ordered all three Code 3 Apollo models (LM, rover and astronaut). These things rock! My quick review:
  • LM - I wanted a used Franklin Mint lunar module but who can afford it? For the same price I picked up all three of these. This LM looks awesome. The base it sits on is heavy like marble and features a 3D lunar landscape and a nice plaque. The LM has all the correct antennas and other details like the ladder and gold paint where the foil should be, and the two tiny astronauts are incredibly well detailed with gold on the faceplate of the helmet, two very small NASA emblems clearly visible along with - get this - the Apollo 17 logo! I could not believe it! This is a freaking Apollo 17 model! Had they mentioned this in their ad I would have bought these two months ago.

    And the Apollo 17 surprises keep getting better!

  • The astronaut is Gene Cernan! No doubt about it. He too sports a much larger Apollo 17 logo that is so clear you can read the names Cernan * Evans * Schmitt on it! Of course he has the commanders red stripes on his sleeves and his legs. He has a snazzy gold faceplated helmet and is saluting old glory. This thing is even heavier than the LM and feels like it is made of iron. Cernan stands a good nine inches tall and with the cover it is an impressive 11 3/4 tall.

  • Now for the rover. Wow! Double wow! This is without a doubt the nicest, finest, best available lunar rover ever made. As a model nut I have never seen a contractor model of a rover with as much detail as this baby has. It is incredible. A true work of art. It is also on a heavy base with a 3D lunar surface (the Cernan astronaut figure also is on a 3D lunar surface complete with lunar boot prints in the soil). The rover tires actually move. It has a big antenna in the front and it swivels. It has the flimsy copper colored bumpers just like the real thing. Words cant begin to describe just how incredible this model is.
I was hesitant about spending the money for these since the pictures on the Code 3 website were not that good. I should not have been.

These things are worth every penny.

I agree with the other rave reviews I have read elsewhere on this site.

One other thing: I did not realize it but was told when I ordered these are a limited edition of 2500 pieces. That is it.

ModelMaker
Member

Posts: 12
From: U-S-A!
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 01-24-2003 01:34 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for ModelMaker     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I almost forgot.

Who is sitting in the rover? Oh yeah, Gene Cernan again. Red commander stripes and Apollo 17 logo on his lunar suit. He sure does get around!

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 46820
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 08-12-2003 12:05 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Code 3 Collectibles release
Code 3 Collectibles Immortalizes the Apollo Moon Missions with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Collection

Endorsed By The Last Man On The Moon Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan

Code 3 Collectibles celebrates the great space race and preserves the history of America's exploration of space through detailed replicas of the Apollo 17 Mission. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Collection, a set of hand-casted replicas, captures the heritage and pioneering spirit of aviation and space flight and includes "The Apollo Astronaut: The Last Man On The Moon" "The Lunar Module: The First True Spacecraft" and "The Lunar Roving Vehicle: Exploring the Moon." The line is officially endorsed by Apollo 17 Commander Captain Eugene A. Cernan.

Captain Cernan was one of fourteen astronauts selected by NASA in October 1963. He occupied the pilot seat alongside of command pilot Tom Stafford on the Gemini IX mission. During this 3-day flight which began on June 3, 1966, Cernan was the second American to walk in space. Cernan subsequently served as backup pilot for Gemini 12 and as backup lunar module pilot for Apollo 7 and Apollo 14. He made his third space flight as spacecraft commander of Apollo 17--the last scheduled manned mission to the moon for the United States. He was the last American astronaut to walk on the moon.

"This historical collection from The Smithsonian Institution's National Air & Space Museum is a tribute to the pioneering spirit of the Apollo Missions and to all those who made our steps on the moon possible," stated Captain Cernan. "The collection captures the imagination and mystery of space exploration. Code 3 Collectibles has done a remarkable job recreating authentic detail with craftsmanship literally out of this world."

"We've been committed to creating collectibles that preserve the honor and history of America's heroes," said Arnie Rubin, President of Code 3 Collectibles. "From the firefighters that protect our neighborhoods to the astronauts that explore our skies, each replica that we develop is an authentic representation of an important piece of Americana. We're proud to welcome the Smithsonian's expansive collection of historical artifacts to our growing assortment of collectibles."

Each product in Code 3 Collectibles' National Air and Space Museum Collection is a hand-casted, hand-painted, exquisitely recreated sculpture of an important moment in America's efforts to conquer space. Code 3 Collectibles' artists worked to painstakingly replicate each scene in intricate detail, from the 24K gold plated reflective surface of the astronaut's face shield to the authentic reconstruction of each lunar craft. Each Apollo replica comes with a lunar surface base complete with a pewter plaque, and a numbered certificate of authenticity.

  • Standing 11 inches tall, the Apollo Astronaut represents the commander of the Apollo 17 mission, Captain Eugene A. Cernan. The handcrafted astronaut figure is accompanied by a replica of the United States flag propped on the moon's surface. Each crew that landed on the moon planted a flag at their landing site.

    Upon seeing the Apollo Astronaut sculpture, Captain Cernan commented, "I am extremely pleased with the craftsmanship on the Apollo Astronaut sculpture. The detail is amazing, from the space suit itself to the Commander's red stripes, 24K gold-plated face shield, Apollo XVII patch and detailed life support system. Does it look like me? It's as authentic as it gets — next to the real thing. It brings back many memories."

  • Modeled after the lunar module at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum — one of twelve built for Project Apollo — the Lunar Module stands seven inches tall, appearing just as it would have during a moon-landing mission. Featuring two stages — ascent and descent — the module contained exploration equipment and a crew compartment that returned the astronauts to the orbiting command module after their exploration of the moon.

  • A replica of the Lunar Roving Vehicle, used in Apollo missions 15 through 17 (which celebrated its 30th anniversary on December 7, 2002), recreates the "moon car" driven by astronauts to travel and explore miles away from the Lunar Module work station. Standing 7 inches tall, the model features the LRV's complex instrument panel, a foil-covered television camera used to communicate with Mission Control in Houston, a satellite dish and an astronaut driver.
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Collection models retail for $132.00 each.

Larry McGlynn
Member

Posts: 1343
From: Boston, MA
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 08-12-2003 02:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Larry McGlynn   Click Here to Email Larry McGlynn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Does this mean that Gene might sign the models?

mensax
Member

Posts: 861
From: Virginia
Registered: Apr 2002

posted 08-12-2003 04:05 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mensax   Click Here to Email mensax     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
So, are these any different than the previous models...

nasamad
Member

Posts: 2181
From: Essex, UK
Registered: Jul 2001

posted 12-24-2003 03:21 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for nasamad   Click Here to Email nasamad     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I got my Code 3 Lunar Module today and I'm very pleased with the quality of it.

I was under the impression that the twin CDR issue was resolved now, but when I opened my box I found I have two with red stripes. Did I get and older stock model or does everyone have to ask for a revised LMP?

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 46820
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 12-24-2003 03:27 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by nasamad:
Did I get and older stock model or does everyone have to ask for a revised LMP?
If you ordered directly from Code 3, then it should arrive in the mail over the next few weeks in a small package.

If you bought it from an authorized retailer, than you should contact Code 3 for the LMP to be sent.

If you bought it from eBay, you'll need to contact the seller for him/her to request the replacement figure.

nasamad
Member

Posts: 2181
From: Essex, UK
Registered: Jul 2001

posted 01-18-2004 08:26 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for nasamad   Click Here to Email nasamad     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Well like Robert said, my revised LMP arrived safe and sound! Well done Code 3.

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 46820
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 09-05-2003 06:39 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Code 3 Collectibles is continuing to prepare their next model, Alan Shepard's "Moon Shot" for release. Presented below are a few images of their latest revision.

For more about "Moon Shot" see: Code 3 debuts Shepard, previews CM

Philip
Member

Posts: 6103
From: Brussels, Belgium
Registered: Jan 2001

posted 09-06-2003 05:20 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Philip   Click Here to Email Philip     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Superb photos of this A14 model figurine. Did they think about detailing the Omega Speedmaster wristwatch worn on the left lower sleeve?

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 46820
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 09-06-2003 05:33 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Admittedly, this doesn't show great detail, but at current its the best shot I have of the watch:

1202 Alarm
Member

Posts: 462
From: Switzerland & France
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 12-13-2003 04:34 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for 1202 Alarm   Click Here to Email 1202 Alarm     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
From the cS front page:
Code 3 goes to Mars: To date, Code 3 Collectibles has focused its National Air and Space Museum Collection on the exploration of the Moon. That will change December 17th when they begin taking orders for a 1/10th replica of the Mars Exploration Rovers now on their way to the Red Planet.
Well, I think it's very courageous considering that both rovers can fail, a sad situation that would probably not help making this replica a big hit. I've got all Code 3 items so far, they're great, but to me, a more interesting Martian piece would have been a 1976 Viking replica.

cklofas
Member

Posts: 221
From: Euless,TX USA
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 12-14-2003 09:24 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for cklofas   Click Here to Email cklofas     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
The Code 3 site still shows "Pre-Release", so it hasn't shipped yet. I got an email from them last week saying it would arrive by xas, "barring any port authority delays". So, let's hope.

James Brown
Member

Posts: 1288
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Registered: Jun 2000

posted 12-23-2003 09:18 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for James Brown   Click Here to Email James Brown     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I received my Code 3 Shepard model this afternoon. Very nicely done. I'm sure everyone who ordered one of these will be impressed.

1202 Alarm
Member

Posts: 462
From: Switzerland & France
Registered: Nov 2003

posted 01-04-2004 03:45 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for 1202 Alarm   Click Here to Email 1202 Alarm     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
quote:
Originally posted by 1202 Alarm:
Well, I think it's very courageous considering that both rovers can fail, a sad situation that would probably not help making this replica a big hit.
What a beautiful experience! Watching the whole landing sequence LIVE on a NASA TV web link was fabulous. And so... Code 3 guys must be happy too, as if the rover will leave (in one week) the platform, their model will probably be a hit and their bet successful.

I'm still amazed by their courage to produce this item before today's achievement. Now, I would be so happy to display it with a similar Viking 1 1976 model...

scout706
Member

Posts: 166
From: Phoenix, AZ USA
Registered: May 2002

posted 01-05-2004 02:11 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for scout706   Click Here to Email scout706     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I received my set of Code 3 1/24 models of Mercury 7, Gemini IV and Apollo 11. They look fantastic! The detail seems excellent, with the exception of the A11 CM. The panel is still painted with yellow and red switches as in the pre-production models. All the windows are clear, and the hatch detail is good.

lewarren
Member

Posts: 269
From: Houston, TX, USA
Registered: Aug 2001

posted 01-05-2004 06:51 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for lewarren   Click Here to Email lewarren     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I'm happy with my purchase.

They look better than the pre-production photographs.

The outside of the capsules are "weathered" quite well. I'll have to refer to some books to check the details of the control panels and astronaut couches.

I'm sure the technical experts will find inaccuracies, but I'll be proud to display them for what they are: models.

Dennis Beatty
Member

Posts: 373
From:
Registered: Jan 2000

posted 01-06-2004 03:04 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Dennis Beatty   Click Here to Email Dennis Beatty     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
For those of you who have received your models... did anyone else notice that the display stand for the Apollo 11 capsule "leaned" to one side? Or was it just mine? The right side is not quite 1/8 inch "shorter" than the left. Dang it! It looks really odd. I've contacted Code 3 and they are looking into it.

James Brown
Member

Posts: 1288
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Registered: Jun 2000

posted 01-06-2004 04:52 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for James Brown   Click Here to Email James Brown     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
My models arrived today. Very pleased overall.

andrewcarson
Member

Posts: 349
From: Liverpool UK
Registered: Sep 2002

posted 01-09-2004 07:38 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for andrewcarson   Click Here to Email andrewcarson     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Very nice models, the pictures don't do them full justice they really are superb!

tegwilym
Member

Posts: 2339
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000

posted 01-09-2004 12:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for tegwilym   Click Here to Email tegwilym     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I feel that I'm getting behind. I finally got the Code 3 Rover a couple weeks ago (ebay for $56!). So much good stuff I need to get, so little money...

Ben
Member

Posts: 1916
From: United States
Registered: May 2000

posted 01-20-2004 05:05 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Ben   Click Here to Email Ben     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I received my Code 3 Mars Exploration Rover today. It is just fantastic! Very detailed and accurate from everything I've seen. I had seen it in person once before but it was a surprise once again when I opened the large box.

My model is number 21 of 5000. I guess I was one of the first to order.

I recommend it even if the earlier Apollo models are higher on the list for you. To me (being one of the younger members whose interest lies in today's missions more than yesterdays) this one jumped right off the page.

Madon_space
Member

Posts: 680
From: uk
Registered: Sep 2002

posted 02-19-2004 11:50 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Madon_space   Click Here to Email Madon_space     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have just received my first Code 3 model, the NASA Astronaut saluting with the US Flag.

I must say I am very impressed with the detail and quality of the item, so was just wondering what everyone else's opinions are to the quality and detail of Code 3's collection in comparison to the other types that are out there.

Just need to save up for the Apollo Lunar Module and Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle and so on and so on...

Rick Mulheirn
Member

Posts: 4379
From: England
Registered: Feb 2001

posted 02-20-2004 01:42 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Rick Mulheirn   Click Here to Email Rick Mulheirn     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Overall the Code 3 models I have are very good. The model purists amongst us may see lots of flaws but I think their pretty good.

In my humble opinion the LRV is probably the best model. The LM is not so good but then the market is not awash with LM models....

I was treated to the Shepard golfing figure by my wife for Christmas. That too is impressive though the red commanders strips look a tad thin...

andrewcarson
Member

Posts: 349
From: Liverpool UK
Registered: Sep 2002

posted 02-20-2004 03:57 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for andrewcarson   Click Here to Email andrewcarson     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I have the Code 3 LEM, and Apollo, Mercury, Gemini set... I think they are really nice. As Rick says, purists may find fault but by and large well cast nice models.

Code 3 service is quite good, having had dealings with them a few times.

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 46820
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 03-31-2005 12:08 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Code 3 Collectibles, as of now, has halted expansion of their line of National Air and Space Museum models. Further news about this series' future is expected in the coming months.

NC Apollo Fan
Member

Posts: 261
From: Belmont, NC USA
Registered: Jul 2000

posted 05-01-2005 09:10 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for NC Apollo Fan   Click Here to Email NC Apollo Fan     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
I was at the Star Wars Celebration III in Indianapolis last weekend. Code 3 also has a fairly substantial Star Wars line and they had a booth set up in the vendor area. I stopped by and asked what their plans were for the next Air & Space offering. The response, without hesitation, was: 'There are no plans.'

Given the staggering number of people there I did not have much of an opportunity to ask for any other details.

Robert Pearlman
Editor

Posts: 46820
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999

posted 05-01-2005 09:32 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Robert Pearlman   Click Here to Email Robert Pearlman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
As noted in my previous post above, as of now the Air and Space line is not continuing - at least not in its present format. I can't share much more at this time, other than to say that Code 3 has promised to forward details as soon as they are ready to announce their plans.

tegwilym
Member

Posts: 2339
From: Sturgeon Bay, WI
Registered: Jan 2000

posted 05-27-2005 04:20 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for tegwilym   Click Here to Email tegwilym     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Dang, and I still have to get one of those Apollo CM models one of these days. This will just increase the eBay value when I do find one up there.

I KNEW I should have bought some of those when they first came out!

I do have the LM and the Lunar Rover models, they are great!

machbusterman
Member

Posts: 1779
From: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland
Registered: May 2004

posted 06-17-2005 02:24 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for machbusterman   Click Here to Email machbusterman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
This is indeed a great pity. I had been looking forward to the "Air" models from the Code 3 Air & Space range. I'm sure the detail on a Code 3 Spirit of St Louis, Bell XP-59A, Bell X-1 or North American X-15 would have been visually stunning!

Gkitman
New Member

Posts: 9
From: Houston, TX
Registered: May 2002

posted 11-05-2005 07:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Gkitman   Click Here to Email Gkitman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Can someone tell me whether the base for the Apollo figures, the 'salute' and the Shepard 'moon shot' are the same size - will the same acrylic cover fit both?

machbusterman
Member

Posts: 1779
From: Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland
Registered: May 2004

posted 11-06-2005 12:59 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for machbusterman   Click Here to Email machbusterman     Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote
Sadly, the bases are NOT the same size. The Shepard golf shot base is perhaps 2 to 3 inches narrower in the width department.


This topic is 2 pages long:   1  2 

All times are CT (US)

next newest topic | next oldest topic

Administrative Options: Close Topic | Archive/Move | Delete Topic
Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:

Contact Us | The Source for Space History & Artifacts

Copyright 2021 collectSPACE.com All rights reserved.


Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.47a





advertisement