Author
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Topic: Blitzway Apollo 11: LM-5 A7L Astronaut
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apolloprojeckt Member Posts: 1517 From: Arnhem, Netherlands Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 02-05-2021 12:11 PM
Blitzway release Astronaut (Apollo 11: LM-5 A7L ver.)The first moon landing by Apollo 11 and the first footstep ever imprinted on the surface of the moon. Blitzway introduces the Astronaut statue that captures this exact moment. In July 1969, there was a historic moment that more than half a billion people worldwide watched on their televisions, Blitzway strived to turn this unforgettable moment into a vivid piece of art. As it was the project to reproduce the historical fact, Blitzway did a lot of research and information gathering to present the elaborate spacesuit and equipment. The astronaut's posture and the safety belt, connected to the ladder, make the astronaut seems to be standing on the moon and the realistic props used for the lunar mission add realism to this statue. The supporting structure rising over the helmet can make people imagine the scale of the lunar module. The designed base reconstructed from the motifs of the spaceship shows respect for this great achievement. - Product Size: Approximately W 570mm L 450mm H 790mm
- Product Weight : Approximately 19 kg (including package)
- Dimension (Shipping Box): Approximately W 880mm x L 620mm x H 450mm (Dimension and weight could be changed later.)
- UPC: 8809321479463
- Release: 4Q, 2021
- Price: USD $799
- Limited Edition: TBD
![](http://www.collectspace.com/review/blitzway_astronaut_apollo11_lm5_a7l01.jpg) |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 48864 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-05-2021 12:31 PM
Additional photos:![](http://www.collectspace.com/review/blitzway_astronaut_apollo11_lm5_a7l02.jpg) ![](http://www.collectspace.com/review/blitzway_astronaut_apollo11_lm5_a7l03.jpg)
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randyc Member Posts: 851 From: Denver, CO USA Registered: May 2003
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posted 02-05-2021 05:58 PM
It's an incredible model but they need to add a PLSS antenna. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 48864 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-05-2021 06:20 PM
A few other observations: - The flag carrier is missing from the ladder.
- The plaque is missing the astronauts' and President Nixon's names and signatures. (This is likely due to licensing concerns.)
- The plaque is uncovered. (This is not an issue if depicting a moment later in the EVA after the cover was removed.)
- The Lunar Equipment Conveyor (LEC) tether should be brown, not white.
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MOL Member Posts: 167 From: Los Angeles, CA Registered: Oct 2004
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posted 02-05-2021 10:18 PM
The red "N. Armstrong" tag is missing from the back of the PLSS. I suppose they do not have permission to use his name at all? |
Rocket Chris Member Posts: 416 From: Guttentag Registered: Nov 2009
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posted 02-06-2021 12:55 AM
Nontheless... Sick! This will be my next on the list... awesome |
David C Member Posts: 1357 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
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posted 02-06-2021 01:19 AM
Looks pretty good (apart from all the previous mentioned criticisms).
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Rick Mulheirn Member Posts: 4482 From: England Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 02-06-2021 05:31 AM
Would supplying the red Armstrong name tags loose in the box be an option: so the prospective buyers can apply if they so choose? |
David C Member Posts: 1357 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
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posted 02-06-2021 06:15 AM
One other thought, looks like the LEC tether is wire stiffened. Perhaps they were thinking back to the zero-g look of their previous EVA figure. In my opinion, not required for the 1/6g lunar look. I also think either his visor looks a bit small, or the surrounding helmet insulation seems a bit puffed up. |
Altidude Member Posts: 129 From: Registered: Jan 2016
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posted 02-06-2021 06:53 AM
I kind of like the tether. It conveys a sense of action rather than being lifeless. |
GACspaceguy Member Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 02-06-2021 08:29 AM
My two cents coming: - The flag carrier and PLSS antenna at this scale is a must. Also, the PLSS antenna has to be flat and silver like the original.
- I do not believe the tether even depicts anything like a LEC, wrong color as Robert mentioned, it was never attached to the astronaut or the ladder and it was much longer than depicted. Also in the website for the model they call it a "safety strap."
- The plaque really needs the cover if this is the first step. The signatures, if not to be used for reasons mentioned, should then be some sort of scribble rather than blank (let us hope this and the Armstrong tags are not on the porotype as they are still negotiating permissions for the 4Q21 release).
- Why would they put a sample container in his hand at all?
- Finally based on the tether, the plaque, the sample container and the uncovered boot print, I suggest this is not a "first step" depiction as much as it is a "first human moon exploration" diorama.
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Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 48864 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-06-2021 10:30 AM
quote: Originally posted by Rick Mulheirn: Would supplying the red Armstrong name tags loose in the box be an option?
Any use of Armstrong's name in this product, loose or not, might be a violation of his estate's rights. ("Might" because there exists a fair use exception when reproducing a historical scene, but that would still be subject to a judicial decision.) quote: Originally posted by GACspaceguy: ...it was never attached to the astronaut or the ladder
Armstrong used the LEC during his first descent down the ladder as a safety tether. But it wasn't attached to the ladder. The LEC was attached by carabiner to Armstrong's neck ring tie down strap on one end and to a pulley hanging from the lunar module's cabin ceiling on the other. quote: Why would they put a sample container in his hand at all?
It might be a confusion with the contingency sample task, but Armstrong concerned himself with taking photos before venturing out further from the lunar module to get an initial scoop of soil and rock. |
GACspaceguy Member Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 02-06-2021 03:00 PM
I stand corrected, looks like a safety strap of some sort was used and for a truncated LM ladder their placement is acceptable. Interesting detail to add when others were missed like the antenna and flag holder.Also, I plan to have one of these just as soon as they come out. Great scale and overall great model. Thanks. |
Altidude Member Posts: 129 From: Registered: Jan 2016
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posted 02-06-2021 05:30 PM
How do we buy this? It says it’s on sale but there is no way to purchase. |
Robert Pearlman Editor Posts: 48864 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 02-06-2021 05:42 PM
As noted above, it is not expected for release until later this year (fourth quarter), and given Blitzway's past record, that may slip into 2022. When available, it will be through retailers, such as Sideshow and Entertainment Earth, among others. |
David C Member Posts: 1357 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
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posted 02-07-2021 06:01 AM
On the plaque, I'd be happy if the cover was somehow optional or removable. On the boot print, I see no problem with this being the "second step." I think the PLSS and RCU name tags are essential — by some means or other.I think the ten (velcro?) strips on the back of the PLSS are the wrong color. Shouldn't they be tan/yellowish? Again the velcro on top of the OPS should be tan (3 strips?) The tan velcro strips for the gas connector protective fabric cover (that wasn't used) seem to be either missing or the wrong color. Judging by EVA pictures of Aldrin, the PLSS waist belt is the wrong color. (I'm uncertain, but think it should be dark green looking at the pictures.) His right strap is easy to see, by inference for his left. Should the sample container be in a pocket? No watch is correct, but wouldn't it be nice to provide one as an option for those who may wish to purchase two? Since these are currently unlabelled, some may wish to "make" one Aldrin. The central "cog" of the LM footpad should be exposed and medium gray, not covered with insulation. |
Kevmac Member Posts: 302 From: College Station, TX Registered: Apr 2003
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posted 02-07-2021 10:51 PM
As the advertisement displays, "final product might be slightly different from the prototype shown," I would expect improvements to be made. Blitzway obviously did a great deal of research to develop this, but as the above comments relate, have missed in several areas. This is probably coming from China but I would think there was some way to provide official feedback before they get too far and not be able to make proper modifications. I'll buy it when available. |
Mike Dixon Member Posts: 1625 From: Kew, Victoria, Australia Registered: May 2003
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posted 02-07-2021 11:25 PM
Corrections included, these should walk out the door. |
David C Member Posts: 1357 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
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posted 02-09-2021 09:38 PM
quote: Originally posted by Kevmac: I would expect improvements to be made.
I would not "expect" modifications. My experience of working with model companies (not Blitzway I hasten to add), is that such things don't just happen, collectors have to make them happen. At over twice the price of DID, I'm not saying to Blitzway "take my money," I'm saying "show me." Actually I'd like to say, "can we have a chat?" Looking at one of my comments again, the PLSS waist belt. I've studied the Apollo 11, 12 and 14 surface EVA shots closely. The right strap is relatively commonly seen and looks dark green. The left strap is almost always entirely obscured. The front just behind the hook appears green, then as odd as it seems it appears white in most shots. There is an Aldrin shot where the back (nearest the PLSS) seems green, and a couple of Bean shots where a large rear portion appears green. The PLSS shoulder straps were "green" but ran through white beta cloth covers so that only the front and back ends should look green. Perhaps the left waist belt had such a cover which was "riding up"? Daniel Schaiewitz's materials, whilst not including photography on the lunar surface, show that the straps were actually brown — same as the LEC. Also, both waist straps were the same color, and that there was no cover for the left waist belt. So, both waist straps brown. Shoulder straps brown, running through white covers. Tan velcro. Would folks be happy with that? How to tell Blitzway? Plus the almost certainly missing metal waist LM restraint system anchor bars. Plus all the other stuff. At this price and 1/4 scale it needs to be right, not just big. |
Kevmac Member Posts: 302 From: College Station, TX Registered: Apr 2003
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posted 02-10-2021 12:01 AM
David, I agree with you. The improvements and modifications won't happen by themselves. If Blitzway had wanted to do it right, they would have done it right the first time. Yes, there needs to be input from the expert community to drive a better product. |
holcombeyates Member Posts: 307 From: UK Registered: Dec 2010
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posted 02-10-2021 05:45 PM
This is a stunning model.Just one observation that Armstrong's yo-yo is missing from the waist band. Aldrin definitely wore one. |
David C Member Posts: 1357 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
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posted 02-13-2021 06:47 AM
Final EVA Procedures, dated 5/26/69 page 2-3 states that both crew were planned to use yo-yos, attached to their right hand PLSS waist belts. I can't confirm that's what actually happened. As we know, there were some deviations from plan.For those wondering what we're on about, see: EVA Retractable Tether ("Yo-yo"). |
Captain Apollo Member Posts: 328 From: UK Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 02-13-2021 10:29 AM
His helmet is too small, surely? |
h00ktern Member Posts: 15 From: FL, USA Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 06-19-2021 08:57 AM
Pre-ordered with Entertainment Earth last week. Said release estimated for February 2022. I bought the EMU version from them and had a very good experience. |
Daugherty54 Member Posts: 621 From: Cabot, Arkansas, USA Registered: Sep 2010
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posted 06-19-2021 10:28 AM
You can pre-order via Amazon also. |
Michael ApolloJack Member Posts: 59 From: Melbourne Vic, Australia Registered: Feb 2015
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posted 07-23-2021 07:57 PM
Wow, fantastic looking figure. The tether is attached to Neil wrong, but looks like it can unclip to the right anchor point. I'd be interested in this, as I made a 1/16 in this exact pose with a lander leg. I believe he holds the forth rung up on the footage. In Australian money, it would be well over $1000. I think it is great they release historical figures like this. I wonder if the visor raises to reveal a likeness of Neil Armstrong. The helmet does look to be right size, as the Dragon/Hobby Masters helmets had been slightly oversized I believe. |
GACspaceguy Member Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 12-18-2021 04:11 AM
I see that this is now "out of stock" on Amazon. Has this started to ship or has distribution been pushed right? |
apolloprojeckt Member Posts: 1517 From: Arnhem, Netherlands Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 12-18-2021 07:35 AM
That is strange, info on German site is: Delivery in Germany: February/March 2022. |
RocketmanRob Member Posts: 291 From: New York City USA Registered: Mar 2005
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posted 02-22-2022 04:02 PM
Unfortunately the pre-order I placed with Amazon months ago has been cancelled. Everywhere else it seems sold out. Not happy with Amazon today. |
Altidude Member Posts: 129 From: Registered: Jan 2016
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posted 02-22-2022 07:38 PM
Mine got cancelled as well. |
GACspaceguy Member Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 02-22-2022 07:43 PM
I really do not believe anyone is sold out. Typically, it means they have not gone into production and may never. |
David C Member Posts: 1357 From: Lausanne Registered: Apr 2012
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posted 02-23-2022 02:30 AM
Yeah, it’s gone from “pre-order” through “no product pictures ever seen” to “sold out.” I agree. |
cspg Member Posts: 6312 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
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posted 02-23-2022 03:47 AM
They were testing the market to see how many potential customers are out there. Maybe not enough. |
GACspaceguy Member Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 02-23-2022 04:29 AM
If that is the case, I wish they would say so and maybe more would back the project. For me, I have seen these type offerings fall through before so at that price I want to see product before putting out any money. Which might just be the case here. |
cspg Member Posts: 6312 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
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posted 02-23-2022 05:55 AM
There may be also Covid related issues here too with prices of pretty much everything going up (making their initial retail price obsolete). |
apolloprojeckt Member Posts: 1517 From: Arnhem, Netherlands Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 02-23-2022 08:08 AM
What I did understood from Germany they did have last year polystone material problems, but they run out already. What I see on eBay (203348999088), does soon they must be deliver.![](http://www.collectspace.com/review/apolloprojeckt/blitzway_apollo11_lm5_astronaut01.jpg) ![](http://www.collectspace.com/review/apolloprojeckt/blitzway_apollo11_lm5_astronaut02.jpg)
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h00ktern Member Posts: 15 From: FL, USA Registered: Jan 2011
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posted 02-23-2022 06:25 PM
I just received an email from Entertainment Earth stating the new release date is March. It may slip, as before, but they didn't "cancel" - for what it's worth... |
randyc Member Posts: 851 From: Denver, CO USA Registered: May 2003
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posted 02-23-2022 07:26 PM
This figurine looks fantastic, but they didn't include the PLSS antenna. I mentioned this in an earlier message on February 5, 2021, over one year ago, when the initial photos of the figurine were released.They paid a lot of attention to small details so I'm surprised they missed the antenna. They also didn't make the other changes noted in posts by other members such as adding the flag canister, changing the color of the LEC tether, covering the plaque, etc. |
GACspaceguy Member Posts: 2864 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 02-24-2022 09:09 AM
The photo looks like a ready to ship package, but that is the eBay ad's pics as well. If I recall it was the same way with the ISS astronaut and it was a long time from picture to actual model shipments. |
apolloprojeckt Member Posts: 1517 From: Arnhem, Netherlands Registered: Feb 2009
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posted 02-24-2022 01:32 PM
I hope Blitzway take more care of the parcel package of this Neil Armstrong figure. The MMU version was a disaster. I did repair eight figures for people, lot of broken parts. |