Joel Tavera’s Invaders UFO

Here is a recent model for a client. He wanted the saucer kit from THE INVADERS television show manufactured by Monogram Models. The customer wanted this to be built straight from the box with no lights or augmentation. The only extra detailing was in the paint job. It not only reflected the box art but also the actual studio miniature.

Pic 1: Is the model 3/4 top forward view. Although you never saw the window in the actual episodes, it was etched into the plastic by the manufacturer. It was airbrushed to reflect the box art.

Pic 2: A close up of the viewport and the rotating blue lights at the top. You might be able to make out that although this is painted blue, it is highlighted on the right edge with a lighter color.

Pic 3: Straight on view.

Pic 4: Extreme close up of the figures. Notice that they have green jumpsuits as some the episode had rather than the medium blue ones from later ones.

Pic 5: Here you see the regenerating station…I took the liberty of turning them around as in the TV show and with that you get a good view of the figures straight on.

Pic 6: The pilots seat with controls.

Pic 7: More encompassing shot of the interior.

Pic 8 & 9: Gives a good view of the central power source and the domes. Instead of the red or the blue renditions I opted for the five clear domes to be airbrushed a Tamiya Transparent Green, again to follow what was on the studio miniature. Too bad the customer didn’t want this illuminated.

Pic 10: Extreme close up of the transparent green dome.

Pic 11: Extreme close up of the power source. The whole disk area was painted Tamiya Orange, then the rim was followed by a Tamiya Gloss Red to give the impression of radiating energy.

Pic 12 & 13: Just climb up the stairs to my parlor David Vincent. Remember, don’t ever go up to one of these if a saucer like this lands near you.

Over all this was a simple kit. Ideas that I ran by the client that he declined were a completely sealed saucer with top blue LED chase lights. A yellow LED illuminated viewport Pulsating red lit power source along with green domes all via colored LEDs. Suspended over a rocky terrain base as if it were just about to land and the interior built and displayed outside the model. In any case these are ideas that I might employee down the road when I build my own…whenever that will occur.

This is a good kit that I would recommend for any modeler wanting to try his hand at upgrading or just for fun. Enjoy!

Joel Tavera