Updated: August 14, 2021

Land of the Giant's Spindrift Diorama By Gemini Model Build-Up Studios

This project began as a restoration of a 2nd issue Aurora Spindrift kit. I obtained it about 20 years ago at a convention but the kit included only the hull parts with no interior or figures. At a time before the internet existed you pretty much had to scrape up what you could find at conventions, Starlog ads or the few dealers who were around.

Spaceship:

I had originally started this project before the Polar Lights reissue had been produced so I built the spaceship using the parts I had available. When I was able to pick one up, I had done so much sanding and putty work on the hull to eliminate the seamlines that I didn't want to tear it open to insert the interior so I kept it sealed. To make it more accurate, I removed the engraved stripes on the rear fuselage. The center stripe was masked and airbrushed. I used silver pinstriping tape for the outer stripes, top and rear fin stripes. The model was airbrushed using an orange-red automotive paint which closely resembles what was used on the miniatures in the series. I was fortunate recently to find someone to send me a download of the original insignia decal. Unlike the Polar Lights kit, this one does not have the insignia molded on. For a final touch, I just purchased a teardrop shaped dome to replace the red bubble on top.

Base:

I had the model sitting around for a long time so I decided to make something a little more interesting since it was missing the interior. The diorama sits on a stained 9" X 12" wood base. The ground covering is made from a mixture of beach sand, craft sand and white glue. The rest of the scene is "dressed" using several varieties of silk plants, railroad foliage and a generous amount of real twigs, rocks and stones.

I still have a couple finishing touches to go and the project will be complete. When it is done, I will send the final photos so that you can post them.

I will have this project available on my site soon. Several options will be available in terms of interior and lighting. Pricing information has not yet been finalized.

For any questions or comments concerning this or any of our other projects, please visit the website at:

www.geminibuildupstudios.com or e-mail: geminibuildups@aol.com