UFO

An original miniature used in the production of UFO, the 1970 science fiction series created by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson.

The Markers Universal Transporter is a large lorry like vehicle which is used to transport the SHADO Mobiles to their destinations. First appearing in the episode The Square Triangle in some of the series’ most beautifully shot miniature effects sequences and favourites of noted miniature effects artist Derek Meddings who enjoyed the challenge of creating the realism required for the Earth based model shots. The tractor unit makes its next appearance in Court Martial as the truck with which Straker almost has an accident, this time towing a low loader style trailer with two identical vehicles as its cargo, these vehicles were actually hovertruck miniatures which were used extensively in previous Anderson series Joe 90, featuring in several episodes. The vehicle was also used in the episode E.S.P back to its Square Triangle appearance towing the Markers Universal livery trailer containing a SHADO Mobile.

Designed by Mike Trim, the Markers Transporters were built in miniature by the talented Century 21 model team in large scale for use on the massive model sets required to generate such realism it is believed that three complete transporters were created for filming. Constructed in carved wood the miniature is built upon a suspension system used on many Century 21 models of the period which was devised by Derek Meddings, this incorporated foam under the axles allowing the model to bounce slightly resulting in very realistic movement on screen. Such is the detail on this miniature the rear axle suspension is spring loaded resulting in the rear of the tractor unit standing slightly higher than the front, this would have been counteracted by the weight of the trailer again providing great realism on screen. The miniature features a cab fabricated in wood and heat formed acrylic with residue to the interior where the driver once sat with the back of the model dressed with an exhaust and various detailing and a locating hole where the trailer could be attached. The front of the model features two hooks that would have been used for towing the vehicle during filming and three headlights which are wired to light and remain operational to this day; these are controlled by a switch which can be seen next to the spare wheel to the side of the cab. Various decals, side grills and a dirtied down weathered paint job complete this incredibly detailed large scale filming miniature which represents the only example known to remain in existence.

The miniature measures approximately 19" long and remains in generally excellent vintage screen used condition lacking the top of the cab and exhibiting some minor paint wear.

This represents an exquisite example of an original Anderson series filming miniature of which very few remain in existence today, a highly displayable and incredibly rare artefact from this classic series which remains noted for its groundbreaking effects.