In 1969, Aurora Models issued the 1:55 scale kit of the Moon Bus from the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. It was the second kit from the movie to be issued by Aurora, following the release of the Pan Am Space Clipper. Instead of being the flagship of the new model line, the kit was only briefly released in mid-1969 and went into immediate retirement, never to be released again.

Flash forward to 2010, and Moebius Models has re-issued the Aurora kit, correcting some problems, with the original box art. At long last, builders can have the Moon Bus kit they’ve always wanted.

The original kit’s hinging top section has been replaced by a solid, one-piece styrene top. Unfortunately, Moebius kept the inaccurate curved aerodynamic front windscreen rather than including a flat front panel window. A basic interior, with seats and figures, is included. Several aftermarket interior sets are in development at this time, and one was available as a preview at WonderFest 2010 in Louisville, Kentucky, USA.

The kit is molded in white styrene with clear parts for the windows. The parts are free from flash, although some ejector marks might be lurking among the parts (I haven’t opened the parts bags yet!). Detailing is what you would expect of a 1960’s-era kit, with raised panel lines and simplified detail. Still, this is a kit that is well worth having.

The completed kit looks to be about 10 inches in overall length, the same as the original Aurora kit.

Review by: Rich “Lonewolf” Dula

Entry created: August 24, 2010