The thread on Sci Fi models got me thinking. As a child in the 60s, I was an avid model builder, particularly of WWI & WWII aircraft. As I recall, I preferred Revell model airplane kits over the others. Any thoughts?
Aurora - great sci-fi and monster kits but their military stuff was horrendous.
Thanks! That is my recollection as well. I seem to recall in particular that there were often problems with the propeller bushings on airplane kits. Seems they often would bind and prevent the props from turning freely.
Also, I forgot to mention Lindberg. The "Lindberg Line" of model kits.
I was really into the Aurora Prehistoric Scenes. Most were thrown out by my Mother when we moved. Over the years I recollected two thirds of them ether with the re-releases or originals on Ebay. I also loved the Comic Book Scenes and various Sci Fi subjects like the Flying Sub and Invaders spaceship. I proudly display a re-release of the Aurora T-Rex in my office.
Interesting, thanks! Not familiar with Frog kits, were they available in the USA back in the 60s? How were they quality-wise? I assume they were good, based on your comments about Aurora.
I'm from the UK so I have no idea if they were available in the States.
I never built that many Frog kits but I remember they were pretty good quality with good fitting parts ( something that both Airfix and Revell could have you spitting blood over ), as I remember, Frog did a 1/72 scale B-47 Stratofortress, I wanted that mother so bad I saved for weeks and hoped it would still be in the shop when I could buy it, it was!
I'm from the UK so I have no idea if they were available in the States.
I never built that many Frog kits but I remember they were pretty good quality with good fitting parts ( something that both Airfix and Revell could have you spitting blood over ), as I remember, Frog did a 1/72 scale B-47 Stratofortress, I wanted that mother so bad I saved for weeks and hoped it would still be in the shop when I could buy it, it was!
I saw a couple of kits at Scalemates; they look good.
Of all the models I most regret not collecting was one of a battle damaged German fighter, Messerschmitt ME-109 I think, could have been a Focke Wulf FW-190. It had bullet holes in the fuselage and wings, the canopy was shot up and the pilot was positioned exiting the cockpit, bailing out. I'm sure it was a very limited edition. Every time I saw it in the store I wanted it but somehow wound up buying some other model instead. I'd love to see just the box art again for old-time's sake.
I was an Aurora man all the way. But also an "anybody" man when it came to spaceships.
I still have the T-Rex tucked away upstairs (in fragments, probably--LOL). The original unpainted red plastic was nauseating, wasn't it?
The Polar Lights Jupiter 2 has been sitting on a shelf for years now. I still don't have the nerve to tackle it.
Yes in retrospect the red plastic was gaudy. I really love the Atlantis reissue in flat orange. It really brings out the details and not over powering. It's also the first re-issue with glow parts since the Aurora days.
Of all the models I most regret not collecting was one of a battle damaged German fighter, Messerschmitt ME-109 I think, could have been a Focke Wulf FW-190. It had bullet holes in the fuselage and wings, the canopy was shot up and the pilot was positioned exiting the cockpit, bailing out. I'm sure it was a very limited edition. Every time I saw it in the store I wanted it but somehow wound up buying some other model instead. I'd love to see just the box art again for old-time's sake.
Never seen or heard of that one? I'd have snapped it up if I did.
I had all the Aurora model monsters. Probably started in about '71 or '72... I tend to hoard things, so they'd been in the attic back in the Auld Country until last year when, on a trip home, I thought - I'm going to auction these off. Got 170 pounds for them! Wasn't sad for too long!
I had all the Aurora model monsters. Probably started in about '71 or '72... I tend to hoard things, so they'd been in the attic back in the Auld Country until last year when, on a trip home, I thought - I'm going to auction these off. Got 170 pounds for the six of them! Wasn't sad for too long!
Aurora for the monsters, Revell for the cars. I had Mickey Thompson's Challenger 1 (4 engines - Bonneville Salt Flats "World's Fastest Car") and Attempt 1 kits. Super detailed and a joy to build as a young kid in the 60s. Still have an unassembled Hindenburg zeppelin by Aurora in the box in storage somewhere.
Aurora for the monsters, Revell for the cars. I had Mickey Thompson's Challenger 1 (4 engines - Bonneville Salt Flats "World's Fastest Car") and Attempt 1 kits. Super detailed and a joy to build as a young kid in the 60s. Still have an unassembled Hindenburg zeppelin by Aurora in the box in storage somewhere.
@ Octobermam- It was an Ebay purchase. About 8 years ago it was a buyers market! I have 3 other "Land cels" but those were purchased at going market price from a cel dealer.
