Help finding models from my youth
Discussion
I haven't really built a model since being a teenager. I had the idea of building two of my favourite models from then. Apparently easier said than done.
So.. any pointers appreciated. Both models from mid '80 s.
Model 1 - tomcat with swing wings. They were geared together, so when you moved one the other moved too.
Model 2 - converting battle robot thing, like a titan/ mech. Can't remember much about this one, except it stood about 300mm tall, and the pilot had a swivelling armoured cover to protect them. Remember it being really difficult to build, as it converted, so had to built joints, swivels etc
Any ideas appreciated!
So.. any pointers appreciated. Both models from mid '80 s.
Model 1 - tomcat with swing wings. They were geared together, so when you moved one the other moved too.
Model 2 - converting battle robot thing, like a titan/ mech. Can't remember much about this one, except it stood about 300mm tall, and the pilot had a swivelling armoured cover to protect them. Remember it being really difficult to build, as it converted, so had to built joints, swivels etc
Any ideas appreciated!
Depending on scale, the Tomcat could have been from any of the main manufacturers - many swing-wing aircraft models have some kind of gearing between the wings - Airfix, Matchbox and Revell Tomcats to name just three of the more popular makes all had geared wings. Others would have a linkage mechanism. I had a larger scale Revell Tomcat (long gone) which also incorporated the wing root glove vanes into the swing mechanism, which was cool to play with.
Given the standard of modern kits the obvious question is how strong is the nostalgia?
One of my favourite kits as a kid hasn’t yet been bettered, so I have a few in stock:
However if you look at Tamiya’s 1/48 F-14 it is a work of art. I wouldn’t waste a moment on an older kit now this is out.
My guess is the kit you built as a kid was the Revell F-14A.
But I’d look at the Tamiya kit.
One of my favourite kits as a kid hasn’t yet been bettered, so I have a few in stock:
However if you look at Tamiya’s 1/48 F-14 it is a work of art. I wouldn’t waste a moment on an older kit now this is out.
My guess is the kit you built as a kid was the Revell F-14A.
But I’d look at the Tamiya kit.
Jumpy Guy said:
Model 2 - converting battle robot thing, like a titan/ mech. Can't remember much about this one, except it stood about 300mm tall, and the pilot had a swivelling armoured cover to protect them. Remember it being really difficult to build, as it converted, so had to built joints, swivels etc
This will almost certainly be one of the innumerable gundam kits.Transforming between battroid, gerwalk and fighter modes.
I'd suggest googling bandai catalogues for the most likely years you made it.
One of the coolest models I built back in the '70s was the original Revell 1:72 F-111 originally released in the '60's. In common with many kits of that era is was part model, part toy, but the working features were fascinating:
Fully pivoted undercarriage mechanism (the main gear folded back together and up, as per the real aircraft). Really quite complex, but it all worked, and all stowed correctly.
Nose and main gear doors opened and closed.
Geared swing wings.
Linked elevators.
Removable crew escape pod.
Removable nose with radar behind it.
I remember it was moulded in white plastic, and I messed about with it for hours. I might even get one off EBay and build it again for old times' sake. Bit like the O/P
Fully pivoted undercarriage mechanism (the main gear folded back together and up, as per the real aircraft). Really quite complex, but it all worked, and all stowed correctly.
Nose and main gear doors opened and closed.
Geared swing wings.
Linked elevators.
Removable crew escape pod.
Removable nose with radar behind it.
I remember it was moulded in white plastic, and I messed about with it for hours. I might even get one off EBay and build it again for old times' sake. Bit like the O/P
That's more like it. The one I just saw was nearer £50. eBay tax. When I was completing my slightly deranged project to "buy all of Airfix Series 5 in Type 4 boxes"* a few years ago, they were around the £30-40 mark.
*In my defence I was under incredible pressure at the time – it was an effective diversion.
*In my defence I was under incredible pressure at the time – it was an effective diversion.
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