Gerry Anderson Trophy for Scale ModelWorld 2013

IPMS (UK) is honoured to announce the inauguration of a special Gerry Anderson Trophy for Scale ModelWorld 2013. The new award, to be present annually, will be for the 'best model in the science fiction category of a spacecraft, vehicle or diorama'. Anderson passed away in late December 2012 but his legacy lives on in the TV series he created over a period of some 40 years.

Gerry Anderson will be best known for his classic 'Supermarionation' TV series such as Thunderbirds, Fireball XL-5, Captain Scarlett as well as the later live-action UFO and Space 1999. The characters and more importantly the vehicles and spaceships, inspired modellers all over the world. Models, both commercially available examples and amazing scratchbuilt masterpieces have graced the science fiction classes and display tables at model shows for many years and they remain popular to this day.

The new trophy is the brainchild of the Wakefield Branch of IPMS (UK), who approached Competition Secretary Tony Horton with their proposal. IPMS (UK) approached the Trustees of the Gerry Anderson Estate, who have graciously allowed us to use the Gerry Anderson name for the new trophy.

Gerry's son, Jamie, said "I'm sure Dad would have been pleased to know that talented modellers would be recognised with a trophy bearing his name".

Tony Horton, IPMS (UK) National Competition Secretary said "The Gerry Anderson Trophy is in honour of the man who has had an influence on our hobby, but in particular those modellers who enjoy creating and modelling Science Fiction subjects".
Ends

All images should be credited to Keith McNeill

Firefly-1: Talented modeller Keith McNeill has long been inspired by the work of Gerry Anderson. This scratchbuilt model of 'Firefly' is photographed by Keith against a realistic background inspired by the Thunderbirds series.

Mole-1: Another of keith's scratchbuilt models, this image of 'Mole' also demonstrates Keith's mastery of Photoshop in creating the right setting for the model.

Thunderbird-1: Keith McNeill's interpretation of the Thunderbird 1 Launch bay on Tracy island.