Who would have thought it? That there was once a time when the BBC actually made sci-fi drama other than Doctor Who!
Blake's 7 was a well written and well acted tv series that ran for 4 seasons on BBC1 between 1978 and 1981. At that time of its original broadcast, I loved anything to do with space - but I will admit that at the age of 16 in 1979, I did find some episodes of the second season a bit too "boring" and I could never accept Brian Croucher as an actor replacing the irreplaceable Stephen Grief as Commander Travis. My interest reignited in 1980 with the introduction of Josette Simon as Dayna Mellanby and Steven Pacey as Tarrant. All fans were saddened at the loss of the magnificent Liberator spaceship at the end of season 3, but were happy to still have the series for one last season with the Scorpio cruiser as the gang's replacement means of transport (and escape). The series ending is legendary.
The modelwork was mostly achieved with physical models - and even by today's standards remains as impressive as much of the effects work seen on Gerry Anderson's shows. What has dated is the early and primitive overlay work, with what were essentially photographs of the spaceships simply enlarged to make them look like they were flying towards or away from the camera.
All three of the models I acquired were produced as 3D printed kits and bought off eBay. I built the Federation Pursuit ship first, followed by the Scorpio which was like a 3D jigsaw puzzle to put together and fun to paint in a "decrepit rust bucket" style. I tackled the Liberator last of all when I had the courage to do so.