PREORDER: 1/1 EFX COLLECTIBLES Precision Cast Helmet - "Battlestar Galactica: Colonial Viper Pilot Helmet" Prop Replica

PREORDER AVAILABLE

•Preorder Code: PO-2011-0104
•Product: 1/1 Scale eFX Collectibles "Battlestar Galactica: Colonial Viper Pilot" Precision Cast Helmet
•Release Date: September, 2011
•Edition: Limited 500pcs Worldwide
•Product Status: Mail Order Only [Full advance payment needed due to this item we will only be carried based on order(s) quantity received]
•Retail Price: RM2,875 (US$599)
•Preorder Price: RM2,695
•Preorder Price: RM2,575** (Save RM120)
•Min. Deposit: NIL
•Blocking Fees: NIL
•Full Payment Special: NIL
•Estimate Release Date: September, 2011 [*Expecting stock receive: Late Q4, 2012]
•Preorder First Cutting Date: 17th May, 2011
•Preorder Deadline: 22nd May, 2011
Note: **Denotes non-refundable or exchangeable down payment

Animage Toyz Studio (ATS), Malaysia will be bringing in this exclusively limited edition EFX Collectibles Colonial Viper Pilot Helmet from the most remarkable Sci-Fi TV drama series Battlestar Galactica and these are extremely limited worldwide. Preorder allocation was limited (First come first basis).

Helmet History

The original Colonial Viper Pilot helmet was created in 1977 for a proposed 7 hour ABC mini-series named Battlestar Galactica by Glen A. Larson. The mini-series starred Lorne Greene, Richard Hatch and Dirk Benedict. The original concept sketches of the helmet were drawn by Joe Johnston, who was the Effects Art Director at MCA-57. Its Egyptian inspiration was likely due to the huge success of The Treasures of Tutankhamun exhibition (1972-1981) that was touring the United States. In fact, at the time of the start of the pre-production, the exhibit was at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

The helmet was made by MCA-57 model maker Steve Gawley based on Johnston's concept sketches and guidance. Early in the development of the helmet, Steve requested to fit the helmet to the actor with the largest head. But this was not possible since in 1977 the roles had not yet been cast. So, he recruited some of his fellow artisans at MCA-57 to try the helmet on for size. The goal was to make one size helmet to fit all.

The microphone was made from two castings of the left side view mirror gasket from his Volkswagen Scirocco and the final color of the helmet was the color of his 1976 GMC pick-up truck! Another MCA-57 model maker, Dave Sosalla, sculpted the gold eagle that is mounted on the top of the helmet. It was one of the three sculpted possibilities that he made for the helmet, with the eagle being the final selection.

The helmets were constructed in fiberglass with two rows of light bars. This lighted “force field” was made by casting clear, heat proof urethane resin from two light bar shapes. Holes were then drilled into the light bars for very small, high intensity halogen “inspection” lights. Unfortunately, the actors had to endure the very uncomfortable heat generated by the halogen lights. Ultimately, only four “hero” helmets were made and fitted with these lights.

The series pilot first aired on September 17, 1978. Many of the original helmets were subsequently repurposed for the short lived Galactica 1980 television series and the Universal Studios - Hollywood attraction Battle of Galactica (1979-1992)

In 1979, Battlestar Galactica won two Emmys for Outstanding Costume Design and Outstanding Individual Achievement - Creative Technical Craft for a series. It was also nominated for Outstanding Art Direction the same year.

To ensure a faithful reproduction of this iconic helmet, eFX's engineers digitally scanned an original, screen used helmet. The data was then “tweaked” slightly to make the helmet symmetrical. The eagle, microphone and earpieces were cast from original parts. Because of the known, direct pedigree of the source, features like the illuminated “force field”, and a numbered plaque hand signed by both Richard Hatch and Dirk Benedict, we are confident you will be proud to display this helmet as the centerpiece of your Battlestar Galactica collection for many years to come.

eFX thanks Steve Gawley, Jon Billings and Greg Jein for their invaluable contributions to this project.

Helmet Features
* Richard Hatch & Dirk Benedict DUAL Signature Edition
* Worldwide Edition Size: 500 Pieces
* LED "Force Field" Light effects
* Quality fiberglass and resin construction
* Full lined interior
* Individually numbered plaque
* eFX helmet stand and plaque stand
* Informative prop story and Certificate of Authenticity