Orion III Space Clipper

Moebius Models’ take on the iconic Space Clipper from 2001: A Space Odyssey offers a reasonable representation of this elegant spacecraft. The silhouette is unmistakable, sleek, futuristic and still visually arresting decades after Kubrick’s film first hit screens.

The kit is straightforward to assemble, with clean moulding and minimal flash. While the panel detail isn’t moulded into the plastic, it’s provided via decals and surprisingly, they work well. The decals are thick, which makes them easy to handle and apply but I had to sand out a few creases to get a smooth finish.

The kit doesn’t include the iconic Pan Am markings. Aftermarket options do exist, but the postage costs were prohibitive. I settled for some 1/144 scale airliner decals, not a perfect fit but good enough to capture the spirit of the original design.

It comes with a clear stand, which I left unpainted. The model balances well and looks great on display. I do wish it were 1/144 scale to match other spacecraft in my collection.

This kit won’t win awards for hyper-detail but it delivers a satisfying build and a visually striking result. For fans of 2001: A Space Odyssey, it’s a worthy addition, especially if you’re willing to improvise on the decals. It now sits proudly on my shelf, a reminder of cinematic elegance and retro-futuristic design.