In 1997-98 Icons secured the master license to produce 1:1 scale authentic replicas based on Walt Disney Imagineering's Theme park attraction miniature study models and replicas based on props, wardrobe and miniatures seen in numerous Disney Feature Films, including : Mary Poppins, The Rocketeer, The Black Hole, Tron and 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea.
Icons at this time was considered the world leader in the manufacture and distribution of authentic Film and Television Production artifact replicas. The company's Star Wars products were called "The Crown Jewels" of the Lucasfilm Ltd. licensing family. Over 40,000 replicas were manufactured in the pioneering company's Sun Valley & North Hollywood locations. The company's fall from grace is the stuff of business legend.
The item showed here is the original manufacturers prototype of a staggering proposed product....a 1:1 scale authentic replica of a "TWA Moon Liner" miniature, utilized in the planning stages of the construction of the full size one, built for and operated at Disneyland.
Icons was given unprecedented access to both Walt Disney Imagineering and the legendary Disney Archives, for research purposes including access to blueprints, drawings and photographs, etc...But like many of Icons outstanding products, Icons R&D staff also relied on their world-wide network of contacts to procure original reference material.
Much of Icons staff were diehard Walt Disney enthusiasts. A retired Walt Disney Imagineer living in Arizona, USA, was tracked down and his personal copy of a casting of the original TWA Moon Liner miniature was procured. Photographs of Walt Disney holding a similar model to this one (primarily the main body area, though with less detail), was located and helped establish the authenticity of the miniature located in Arizona.
The craftsmanship of this incredible replica is exquisite ! The casting itself is of great quality. The main body area is hollow at one end and mounts onto a clear plexiglas rod for added display strength. The 3 landing gear act as practical support mechanisms to the display. The landing gear is beautifully made, consisting of multiple parts, also handcrafted, including small metal rods that brace the assembly.
Obviously the paint finish of the prototype is exquisite. Painted by an award-winning professional miniature painter (Larry Taylor). If you look closely, you can see the exceptional detail work including the hatch door and port windows. As well as the bold red accents to the entire piece.
The TWA Moon Liner rests on a black melamine-board base, complete with the original Walt Disney / Icons all metal plaque, which states "Disneyland...Tomorrowland's..."Moon Liner"...1955-1966...Prototype".
The center area beneath the Moon Liner consists of a cast, cylindrical object, which was machined and molded prior to casting. It is painted with a fine silver-metallic paint finish.
And to sweeten the deal, the replica comes with the original plexiglas case, which covers the entire model top to bottom, that was fabricated by Icons internally.
Measures 30" tall !!
Al Z. and Larry Taylor working on the piece !!!
i always loved this piece wow!!
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