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Woodsy,
Here is yet another classic Mogura Drill Tank I managed to get off eBay recently.
It’s the Jet-Raizer Rock Drill Tank from Nitto. Originally issued in 1967, this is the 1983 reissue.
Nitto produced a trio of SF Mecha models in 1967, and this is one of them. All three models were designed by Shusei Nagaoka, a famed illustrator better known for his Rock LP Covers.
The Jet-Raizer is an ill-fitting and clunky thing, but that is often what you got with this “first wave” of Japan SF model kits. Still, I tried to paint it up as pretty as I could.
Due to the crummy fit of the armor side-plates, even the clockwork-powered treads don’t work! I feel sorry for any Japanese youth who tried to build an operating version of this lemon back in the day!
Rob C
USA
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Nice build Rob. I take it the rubber caterpillar tracks rub against the side shields and nothing works properly?
ReplyDeleteI had some trouble tracking down a picture of the original 1967 issue box art.
Ultimately Scalemates came to the rescue.
https://www.scalemates.com/es/kits/nitto-95-400-z-riser-mlx-1--1273173
I was intrigued the original 1967 illustration was similar to the 1983 reissue ( I remember seeing that one in Uncle Pete's Toys in St Leonards, Sydney!) The reissue seems to have been a careful reinterpretation of the original art. The painting style is similar, but the 67 cover features an an open dorsal hatch with a helmeted soldier firing a big laser rifle.
More intriguing is the 1975 re-issue that features a typical Shigeru Komatsuzaki scene, painted in his distinctive "everything all at once, including the kitchen sink" style!
Compared to the other cooler versions, it looks older!
Yes, the side armor kind of crushes the wheel assembly, which is too wide to allow the side armor to attach to the fuselage correctly, I've built all three of the Nitto 1967 SF models, and they all have glaring fit issues. But that's what you get with these kits - you sacrifice accuracy for the "cool factor"!
DeleteAs for the box art, yes indeed the 1967 and 1983 boxes look very sedate next to that terrific piece of "action art" used for the 1975 version! Also, as is often the case, the vehicle shown in the artwork is much slimmer and sleeker than the somewhat stocky "real thing."
SF Ziggurat
A fab model Rob and supercool painting! Well done! I love Nitto models and their box art. The Jet Razer could be straight outta Thunderbirds, even the name! Beautiful. Will you be keeping this magical Moguras?
ReplyDeleteThank you kindly for posting this one - it's been on my Bucket List for years, and oddly enough, there are several of the 1983 reissue kits available on eBay now for peanuts! Even the old decals were usable, after varnishing them for reinforcement. Oh yes, this one is a keeper! SFZ
DeleteAnother stunning model, especially considering that the basic kit gave you so many problems. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you, sir, some models are worth suffering over! SFZ
Deletethats an ace kit and a fab build. I do love kits abd toys witj drills on! Bill
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing like a Mogura, I always say! I should gather up all my drill tanks and take a group photo! SFZ
DeleteDo do do SF!
DeleteWhat a bummer that it was a bear to build Rob. I kind of remember Lindberg airplane kits of the '60s being problematic as well. In any case, your Mogura displays well!
ReplyDelete