Years ago, before TMP had staff editors, I had to run this whole place by myself. I wasn't always able to keep up with all of the wonderful projects people painted for us. When I moved house a few years ago, disorganization ensued. And the hard drive crash I suffered a few years ago also wiped out some of my records.
So here is an awesome Martian tripod. I noticed it in a display case recently, and realized it had never been featured on TMP. I don't remember who built and painted it (if you see this and it is your work, please speak up!). I think there might have been a Workbench article to go with it, but if it existed, it is now lost.
Update! The Martian tripod was built and painted for TMP by miscmini. Thanks again!
Nevertheless, let's enjoy a great model!
This is the multimedia kit from Reviresco, described in their catalog as:
A thirty-five piece kit includes adjustable aluminum tube legs, formed plastic windscreen, Martian Pilot, heat ray and detailed cockpit interior.
This is the "back" view. However, the person who built this kit made the head detachable; it can pivot (though the heat ray gun keeps it from fully rotating – you have to lift the head and place it back if you want it to face to the rear), and is held on with magnets.
Here is the upper body with the 'head' removed.
And here is the head, removed and upside down.
There is actually a detailed interior, including an alien pilot, but it's hard to see in there when the model is assembled. Here I'm holding it while shining a light on it, and the alien tentacles are barely visible.
I haven't done my research, so I'm not sure if the model is based more on the novel or on the great George Pal movie. Above, you can see the grabbing or handling arms which dug through the rubble in the novel (that scene still creeps me out).
And here is a close-up of one of the feet.
A base has been added to the model by the builder, adding greatly to the strength and stability of the model. The model is sturdy enough for wargaming purposes, but would obviously bend if anything heavy slammed into it from the side.
According to the online catalog, "…the tripod stands 9.2 inches tall and is 6 inches across the base, and is a scale 55 feet tall." The leg components telescope, so you can adjust the height when constructing it.
This is really a fantastic model, and you can see why I have it in a display case!
Another Update!
I was doing some file clean-up on my laptop, and stumbled upon this photo, which I presume must be from miscmini because I don't have three tripods!
I'm sharing the photo at its original size, so depending on your screen resolution, you might need to click on it to see it at full-size.