How Space 1999 Did This! Battlestar Galactica

[@kevinputry5655]

It all makes perfect sense. Clearly the Space: 1999 and Flash Gordon figures prove that these classic sci-fi TV shows and movies are profitable. It can also be done for Galactica as long as Dirk and everyone else won't ask for too much.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

I agree. We just need Neca to agree with us!!

[@LightOfReason7]

I love Space:1999 and UFO!

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Very good shows!

[@RHampton]

I love that you were talking to these vendors and making a business case. You are definitely doing more to keep the flame alive than most others.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Very frustrating to see shows like BSG and Buck Rogers neglected. I wish that Neca would just do a Cylon to test the waters. I think they would be surprised how well it would sell!

[@peppermintspacecapsule9898]

Back in the '90s, I didn't know anything about expensive Likeness Rights, so I made the mistake of not giving the Maximum Press comics and Trendmasters figures a chance, because they didn't look like the classic actors. Now that I have actually read all of those comics, I love them! I know the figures aren't popular, but I can really understand the appeal of dodging those huge costs. However, with 1612's shared body technique, we could secure everyone from Apollo & Starbuck to Troy & Dillon! By the way, *thank you* for shouting-out a British company, a British TV show, and a co-British film! 🇬🇧🫡

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Planning an episode soon about those figures… Stay tuned!

[@paulaburrows8660]

Their work is amazing. I was lucky to get a stun gun and comlock replicas just before they went for crazy amounts. They also did some incredibly detailed 5 inch Eagle ships. It would be wonderful to see that kind of love given to BSG

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

I agree. I’m not a very big fan of Space 1999 but the toys they produced were incredible!

[@Cycle.every.day.]

Starbucks best episode was his BG1980 episode (the only decent episode in that 1980 season)

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

I agree!!

[@judgejase7583]

I bought ALL those Space 1999 figures (including Alan and the Buggy) after having to WAIT 50 years for them to be made - these are very good figures, good articulation and realistic sculpts ! I'm also an old time Battlestar Galactics fan and YES ... we NEED good 1/12th scale action figures of BG characters. Apollo and Starbuck for sure, but Imagine Athena or Cassiopeia ... ooh baby !

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Well said!

[@borusa32]

I guess sixteen 12 do models based on Gerry Anderson shows including Space 1999 and UFO. They make lots of Eagle variants and other ships from the show including the Swift and the Hawk and they are pretty pricey. The action figures seem to be a bit of a sideline. So I think if you could get a company interested in doing vipers and raiders maybe they would try some action figures too.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

I think you’re right. I’m into action figures but have to admit there is bigger demand for really accurate ships.

[@GottiPrime]

I would love Mattel to do an homage line to their old figures from the 80s but in 6” scale.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

They teased an anniversary figure back in 2013 (everyone thought it would be Apollo) but nothing ever came of it!

[@ZombieFBody]

NECA Galactica would be a dream! I love the new Flash Gordon figures. As an action figure collector I can confirm that body reuse is a common practice in toy lines these days. Very rarely do you see 100% new sculpts for a figure. Marvel Legends, WWE, figures lines like that thrive on mold reuse. Maybe we ought to do a write-in campaign to get NECA on board! Their big boss Randy is a Gen X'er like most of us and grew up with shows like BG. Speaking or Dirk, I chatted with Randy briefly on social media years back and The A-Team was another brand they'd like to do also.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Let’s do it! Everyone needs to convince Neca that BSG would be a good choice!

[@mikesmith2905]

I've been researching 'play' (it's not at all what we thought). One thing the has come up is the lack of 'toys' (as in toys made to be played with, not collectibles). I have actually looked into working with a Chinese manufacturer to produce a range of toys in the 'standard scale' of 1:32 (it was called standard scale from the 1920s to the early 1980s, it came from Gauge One model railways, it's the nominal scale for US Army Men sets). Having everything to a standard scale means kids can add to the sets over time, allowing them to build up a range of poses (that really helps). In this context an un-painted set in 1:32 would consist of a base set of 15 figures in (about 8) poses, one each for the humans and cylons. America is better placed for this than the UK, UK 'toy' firms have virtually disappeared, those that remain are focussed on people with long memories and deep pockets, the 'collectible' moniker means prices are high, the scales are often 'iffy' and they are not designed for children. Designing toys is actually not so simple and MBAs love simple. The experiments we have done suggest there is a rather lucrative hole in the market, kids seem to like the sets we have given out. Were a manufacturer be persuaded to produce such sets, marketed through discount and end-of line stores, the kids would play with them and that would generate interest in the TV series. Being to an estalished standard scale they could be played with alongside Army Men or the Airfix and Italeri toy soldier sets. The range could then be expanded with a Viper fighters and possibly a Cyclon ship (although that would be quite large) but a couple of land-vehicles would be cheaper and would probably sell more. As I say we have been researching play and toys and it really is a specialised field, a lot more complex than bashing out a single replica but it's worth it when you see the kids at play. PS - We settled on 1:32 based on watching children at play, its big enough to paint and detail and easily handles but small enough to play with on the dining table - One common complaint we have received is 'I want my dining table back'. For children over the age of about seven and a half (when second order reasoning kicks in) 1:72 is preferable as you can get 4 x as much in the same space, allowing more complex stories to be created (and there is a lot available from model railways that can be pressed into service). I'll add these sets to our proposal, they might have to be not-quite-copies due to licensing fees, but that's their loss.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Thanks for all that incredible information! There is a lot there to think about! Thanks!!

[@kingbolo4579]

That's very impressive face sculpting on these 16-12 figures. These smaller figures generally don't get good representations. The Neca Flash Gordon ones are phenomenal.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Neca is in the zone right now. Just imagine them doing BSG!🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

Whew, more to collect. 😉👍

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Let’s hope Neca decides to take on BSG. Fingers crossed!

[@kenasche3114]

I like idea of bringing back the Battlestar Galactica figures. Back in the late 70's Mattel had the rights, But they dropped the ball, They could have made a line of 10 inch figures using the Big Jim bodies but they went with the 3 inch like kenner did for Star Wars toys. I have found on E-bay 12 inch and 8 inch of Adama, Apollo and Star Buck Most over $100.00

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Wow! Never heard of the Big Jim option. Now that would have worked better than what they did produce! Thanks for the info!

[@rickytoddbotelho9555]

Great job 👍

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Thanks 👍

[@zaiusbaltar7091]

i bought the phaser / communicator , all these figures and the moon buggy, cost me about a thousand dollars canadian with taxes, customs, outrageous shipping costs from UK etc. That said the quality is great and i;m glad i bought them

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

😳😳😳😳wow! I did not that they were that expensive. I found the figures at SDCC and paid $75 each for them. The com set goes for about $500 now!!

[@ClayHarris-g4r]

Love it keep going

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Thanks! Will do!

[@mikeselwa2298]

Great detail on these Space 1999 figures. Classic BSG would be well served if this company would make BSG figures.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

If we could just convince Neca to do it!!!

[@PrivateCitizen84]

One Space 1999 episode the burning cindered corpse in the draw messed me up (and JC The Thing). I don't normally react to body horror or extreme deaths. Something about those two stuck with me all my life.

[@london19657]

I'm 61. I remember seeing that episode when first aired and thought it a bit laughable. Still remember that day though. Bonkers. Cheers.

[@bri55118]

Death's other dominion. It was a slow burn episode with a shocking twist. Another episode with a burnt corpse was Dragon's domain.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Very scary show! Not very kid friendly!!

[@diggingattycho7908]

I'm not as optimistic about Galactica figures doing well. That's how I feel about sci-fi in general. I will give it Gerry Anderson, he did excel at toyetic shows. My guess is his IP is easier/cheaper to license. Besides having been producing shows since the fifties, he has a much broader audience than Larson. But they are aging out. The reason I think most sci-fi figures(or sci-fi products in general) wouldn't do well, is because of the licensing environment. There are way too many people to pay just to make one figure. I think the lawyers have ruined it all, yes it is fair for people to get paid. But there is always a point of balance. Do people ever seem to know when to stop. I've said it before, if you want figures from just about any old show. The fans are your best chance. That is until someone figures out how to put a stop to it.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

I agree with you. I’ve heard that Dirk Benedict wants a huge fee for his likeness. Very sad as it may be one of the reasons why we’ve never seen a modern figure.

[@seanmc7128]

If someone made new versions of battlestar galactica figures I'd buy them

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

A lot of fans would. The toy companies just need to be convinced!

[@Scotty-Z70]

that's why we never get reproductions of anything other than robots (Black Hole)...the likeness $$$

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

What’s frustrating about both Super7 and Diamond Select is that they did not issue a Sentry Robot. I begged them at past SDCCs and both companies believed that it was not wanted (beyond the big three robots that they did do). I tried to explain what an army builder and that it would sell. They just smiled at me like I was out of my mind! They just did not get it! 😡

[@Scotty-Z70]

@@battlestarcollectica7106 and they could have done the Humanoids. I have yet to own one of those.

[@boblowes]

The reuse of parts is very common in the world of action figures these days. Visual Imagination Ltd, produced figures for Thunderbirds, Stingray, Captain Scarlett and Space Precinct in the 90s. Many of these used the same body to reduce costs. Hasbro does exactly the same with Marvel Legends, Star Wars, Indiana Jones etc. Character Options does the same with their Doctor Who range as well.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

It’s a very smart idea! I know for a fact that Neca paid a lot for their Flash Gordon figures because the bodies were so unique. BSG would be easy for them! Come on Neca!

[@boblowes]

For Battlestar, they'd only need to produce one male Colonial Warrior body, one Cylon, one office (and maybe one female Colonial Warrior if there was enough demand) as a bare minimum, and then head sculpts of Starbuck & Apollo and Adama & Tigh. It'd probably work best if they released figures in double packs, where you'd get one Colonial Warrior, and then one of the more unique characters designs, such as Ovions, Imperious Leader, Altar, etc. That way, you're stretching the cost of a new figure with one that essentially has already paid for itself. Character Options does this all the time for Doctor Who, and it seems to work for them.

[@OLYMPICHELLO]

Go for it !!!

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

I wish Neca would!!

[@skyfire43]

Super 7 reaction + o-ring Battle Star Galactic figures.😁

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Now that would be amazing!!!

[@stevethefishdotnet]

I can't imagine how TOS Galactica figures couldn't at least match the sales of Flash Gordon figures!

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

I agree! Come on Neca!!

[@decadentdave]

Sadly the Sixteen 12 Space 1999 action figure line was cancelled after the first 3 figures. They had planned to produce Alphan uniform variants and showed prototypes but cancelled due to poor sales. Super7 is probably the last best hope.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

I think the company is restructuring due to the economy. They are only going to produce high end items now. Very sad because their stuff was really good!

[@bri55118]

@decadentdave we got Koenig, bergman, Carter, and morrow in space suits. Doing the regular alphan uniform should have been done first as there was more chance to appeal to collectors.

[@NealWiser]

Just curious, but do you know how many of the Space: 1999 figures were produced and sold? I’m trying to gauge the current popularity of Space: 1999 for a project. Any info or advice would be helpful.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

They made 3000 of each figure and they all sold out in about 2 years.

[@damagedink1]

The hard part of using the same body for Apollo and Starbuck is that Apollo is left handed and Starbuck is right handed. Their gun holsters need to be on opposite sides

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

I think that the holster & belt would be a separate piece glued onto the body. Should be easy to manufacture one left and one right.

[@Ken-vk8pb]

Mattel did make and produce a line of Space 1999 "8 or "9 inch action figures in 1975 but only about 4 different figures. One was Commander Koenig and also Doctor Russel Barabara Bain's character and Professor Bergman and an alien figure named Zython which the alien Zython figure is kinda rare and hard to find today and is the most expensive one. Even Playmates Toy Company has made and produced several lines of Star Trek action figures based on both the Original '60's series with William Shatner and Star Trek The Next Generation in recent years even though those TV series were cancelled many years earlier. Even Mego Toy Company is back in business and they have made some figures based on Classic TV series and Sci-Fi shows of the past in more recent years. I don't think Mattel will ever produce anymore figures of Battlestar Galactica again since they are more focused on mass producing various different lines of Barbie doll's and their popular Monster High doll's which all seem to sell very well. They know that producing new Battlestar Galactica action figures would only appeal to a relatively small number of collectors such as us here on this channel and they are making bigger profits on Barbie doll's and their other current newer toy lines. But other toy manufacturers could make and produce them so long as they can get the licensing rights at a reasonable price.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Thanks for all that info. You know your stuff!

[@Ken-vk8pb]

@@battlestarcollectica7106 Yeah, I had some of these figures as a child in the '70's and there is also information on these figures online and some collectors own some of these figures and show carded ones in KZbin videos if you search for them.

[@sailingspark9748]

a few years ago, on Second Life, there was a very healthy BSG community. They built everything from the Galactica on down. Universal Studios got wind of this, and rather than encouraging or even directing them on how to do it legally, DMCAed the whole thing and forced Linden Labs to delete all the ships they had built, not only those in world, but even those in people's inventory. Universal jealously guards their trademarks.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

I never heard of this! Very interesting! Thanks for the info.

[@jatin7361]

One issue that could upset collectors if the same body sculpt was used is that Apollo was a lefty and Starbuck was a righty. The blaster holster would need to be made as an attachable piece or ignored completely.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

That may be an easy fix. I’m sure the belt/holster would be a separate piece that could be reversed.

[@doctorclu]

Haha, swapping bodies. You could have all the pilots that way. Bring on Bojay! (Won't work for Jolly)

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Poor Jolly! 😂

[@doctorclu]

@@battlestarcollectica7106 And such a fun character.

[@ClayHarris-g4r]

I'd never had toys sorry guys as a child Australia

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Sorry! Never too late to start collecting!

[@bri55118]

If a company did the original galactica, the first figures naturally would be Apollo and starbuck, with maybe adama and a cylon. As they are the most well known characters in the series. Any other characters possibly done later will be head swapped like boomer and tigh, if a female is done, then athena and Sheba, maybe serina (and possibly bree or dietra). Cylons would be in gold commander, chrome, battle damaged. Lucifer and spector with simple repaints for other il series versions. The imperialist leader would be about the only one done that wouldn't have a repaint option.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

I agree with you. I just wish that some company would give BSG a chance!

[@darthcerebrus5074]

I don't know if we will ever get the Galactica figures.Last i heard families,studios and actors were still going to court over the rights to the show and everything else associated with it.Might just have to wait for it to end up in Public Domain to get anything done.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

I think that an agreement between Universal and the Larson estate was worked out a long time ago (but I could be wrong). You can still license the property but right now no one will. Very frustrating!!

[@benerval7]

we can hope.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Maybe someday (but we are all getting older so I hope it’s soon!). Lol!

[@CosmicTimesTV]

Any idea what Universal is charging for the license?

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Years ago it was a million dollars for a 3 year master toy license. Much less for a single product.

[@tommarvel9442]

If NECA is seeing this... I will buy any and all classic BSG figures, especially the bad guys like Imperious Leader with throne, regular and Gold Cylons, Lucifer, and Baltar.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Neca said that they were looking into BSG. They could test the market with a Cylon figure (which would sell great!) and then build from there!

[@captlazer5509]

Mego, since 2018, when it returned, has done some random, not very popular licenses with good results. While it wouldn't be as detailed as a Neca figure, imagine paying just $20 for an Apollo figure.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

There was talk a few years ago about them doing BSG and Buck Rogers but nothing ever came of it. They could really produce some fine figures!

[@Sierra-Golf-19]

Not as popular as Battlestar?, but still sells out around the world. That comment tells you how popular Space 1999 really is.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

It also shows why a company should give BSG a chance. If Space 1999 sells so should Galactica! We just need to convince (Neca) to pick up the license!

[@kingbolo4579]

Space 1999 was more popular than Battlestar Galactica with me! I guess that's not a large sample size.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Space 1999 was a great show but it just never reached the ratings heights that BSG did here in America. Now in Europe it was another story. Space 1999 was and still is huge!

[@GooeyGluey]

How about putting out a 'generic' colonial warrior figure with pop-off head and hands, both male and female. Gradually, over time, release 'Head-Hand-Helmut' sets, holding the likeness license of each actor -- one at a time. Get each license for a short manufacturing run. Generic figures could be released in warrior, officer and ceremonial outfit (with cape) both male and female.

[@GooeyGluey]

Hey me...that sounds good! Essentially, you are talking about six figures (3 male and 3 female). You could make the generic head different for each outfit. Some people might even be satisfied with that. Every three months or so release a Head-Hand-Helmut set with main character likeness.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

That’s actually a very good idea!

[@kfeltenberger]

Fanbase? Certainly. However, you're missing one of the biggest costs involved; production. The molds are going to be in the mid to low six figures, and if you're lucky you'll be able to get one mold to make all the parts so you won't have to spend multiples of this. Then there's the assembly and painting. Finally, when people are having to decide whether to eat, pay the utilities, or pay the rent, it's the height of hubris to expect them to shell out a premium for toys. They're too expensive for kids to play with (unlike when I was a kid and the action figures were dirt cheap) and they're a bit on the expensive side to just sit and collect dust. The majority of BSG's (original series) fanbase is in the US and you need to consider US economics. In 2019, certainly, this could have worked. In 2024...it's a recipe for receivership. Final thought...how many toys do you expect to sell, at what price point, and what profit do you expect to wholesale them at? The number of toys x profit each has to be more than a trip to Texas Roadhouse on family outing night.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

I think it can be done if aimed directly at collectors. Neca is the one US company that could pull it off (especially if it was just a Cylon). They seem to have a formula for obscure licenses.

[@GooeyGluey]

These 'Space: 1999' figures are nice but a bit pale-faced. Galactica characters should have a California tan (not sure how they achieved that in space). People looked very tanned in the seventies, on TV that is.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Your right! Lol!

[@kriswingert1662]

Mego did it too with all of the Star Trek posable 12". It is not a new idea.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Brilliant idea by Mego back in the 1970s when action figures were basically (hate the word) dolls. Today collectors want that 6”/7” molded figure that requires a new body for every character. Very costly!

[@magnumrex]

Hot Toys die cast Cylon. No actor fees.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Now that would be AMAZING!!!

[@P90F55]

That's not going to work for Jolly.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

😂Poor Jolly!!

[@thomasjoseph5876]

Space 1999 was kind of a weird show. There didn't seem to ever be very many people on screen at the same time. It was like their ship and base were void of people all the time. Since it is a bit before my time, does anyone know if Space 1999 was ever on a weekly series run in America, or was it just like syndicated and run on different days and times??? I would imagine that Universal probably charges an arm and a leg and your firstborn child for their licensing fees. The actors are probably pretty reasonable. I wonder if some of the action figures for different movies and tv shows that never seem to look like the actual persons are done to not have to arrange a deal with the licensing with the actors.

[@bri55118]

Space 1999 was a syndicated show. I remember seeing episodes at times on Saturday. Moonbase alpha was around 2.5 miles in diameter, with underground levels with a staff of 311 personnel stationed there, with the odd visitors present at the time the moon was blown out of orbit. It also was the most expensive show of the time, so I guess the actors where used when needed for the episodes. I think studio license fees depend on what type of items being produced, and the likeness for characters is up to the actors agents for approval with fee's agreements. I believe that's why we didn't get a Apollo figure in the original line because his agent asked too much.

[@rumblehat4357]

I too remember seeing it on Saturday evenings (maybe 6 or 7 pm) back in the day.

[@battlestarcollectica7106]

Space 1999 used to scare me as a kid! I think the very first episode I ever saw was the one with ship graveyard (with alien!). Gave me nightmares! Lol!

[@bri55118]

@@battlestarcollectica7106 dragon's domain, how that episode got shown on TV was insane with how graphic it spit out the bodies for a tv show. but the show had many freaky episodes that fans refer the series as sci fi horror.

[@rumblehat4357]

@@battlestarcollectica7106I think the episode for me was called The Bringers of Wonder? With the freaky melted aliens. That one did not for me as a kid!