I actually still use my original Alpha range box from 1982 or thereabouts. It's sort of a "backup" box these days with some supplies that I want to have at the launch, but aren't my 'primary" ones.

I also have a range box that came from the mid-90's, I believe it was another Alpha starter set. And I had a slightly larger box from the same time period (mid-late 90's) that came with a rocket (not a starter set). Can't remember the name of the rocket off-hand but it was a USAF model that I still have but have never actually had the guts to fly because it's now OOP and it would be very hard to clone (plastic fins, etc). I'm at work now but I could verify it later...

BTW both my 1982 and mid-90's alpha sets had black porta-pads. The first one had a removable piece where the rod attached that fit into the base piece where the legs attach- looks like the one in your pic has this as one piece, like the newer style did.