382. Phil Tippett Collection Photo-Matched 124-Scale Tanker Bug Maquette

Last Chance

Stock #322142

STARSHIP TROOPERS (1997)

Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction: Los Angeles Summer 2026

382. Phil Tippett Collection: Photo-Matched 1:24-Scale Tanker Bug Maquette

Our expert's notes

A photo-matched, 1:24-scale Tanker Bug maquette from the production of Paul Verhoeven's Starship Troopers. In the film, Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien) and his fellow Mobile Infantrymen encountered flame-spitting aliens known as Tankers for their massive size and nearly impenetrable exoskeletons throughout their war with the Bugs, including during the raid on Tango Urilla. Distinctive striping, paint, and intentional distress patterns along the length of this maquette's exoskeleton match to a behind-the-scenes still from the production.
This maquette originate from the collection of the film's creature visual effects supervisor, Phil Tippett, whose Tippett Studio created maquettes of the various Bugs during pre-production as reference tools for shot planning, lighting, and to provide scale for digital animation. For his work on the film, Tippett received an Academy Award® nomination for Best Visual Effects.
This approximately 1:24-scale maquette with articulating joints is cast from resin by sculptor Martin Meunier, with Peter Konig adding texture details and additional finishing work to appear biological. Following production, it underwent sympathetic restoration to two of its front legs, including repainting a left leg to match its original dark blue finish. The Bug shows evidence of wear consistent with use and handling, including scratching and paint chipping throughout. Dimensions: 27" x 19" x 8" (68.75 cm x 48.25 cm x 20.5 cm)
Size

Item size: 27" × 19" × 8" (68.58cm × 48.26cm × 20.32cm)

This item comes with a Propstore Certificate of Authenticity

This item is located in London.

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