The final model that makes up the trio of Project Sword
vehicles that managed to find their way onto the UFO Moonbase – The Scramble
Bug!
The Scramble Bug, Sword’s one man lunar exploration tractor doesn't
look too far out of place emerging from one of the Moonbase spheres, and in my
opinion the best of Imai’s miniature model set.
When Imai first included the Bug as part of their UFO Space
Science series, like the Moon Crawler and the Prospector, the box art was
directly inspired by illustrations in the Sword Annual, rather than the Century
21 toys.
This part cut-away of the Bug from the Annual shows a pair
of grab arms housed at the rear of the vehicle.
The Imai Space Science box art also shows those same grab
arms. (However, these don’t feature on the actual model)
In the world of Project Sword, the Scramble Bug was designed
to steer over the crater ridden surface of the Moon, however following the cataclysmic
meteor impact resulting in a dying Earth, the Bug becomes one of Sword’s
Earth-based vehicles, able to effortlessly traverse the World’s ruined
landscapes.
Here is the small Imai/Aoshima Scramble Bug compared to its
larger Century 21 cousin.
And here is the miniature in comparison to the slightly larger Imai die-cast Scramble Bug.
And here is the miniature in comparison to the slightly larger Imai die-cast Scramble Bug.
That's one brilliantly finished model and paint job Scoop! Looks superb and a dead ringer for its big brother. Who needs the Imai original in pre-coloured plastic when you've got painting skills like this! I wonder how it compares to the Imai die-cast Bug?
ReplyDeleteWell, I think I can safely say you've enjoyed this look at some miniature Sword vehicle examples, Woodsy, but I have to say I completely forgot about comparing it to the Imai die-cast. But fear not I'll soon rectify that with a quick photo. ; D
DeleteYep, some of the best SWORD pictures for years Scoop so a big thank you. The final one with the die-cast Bug is the icing on the Imai cake!
ReplyDeleteThanks Woodsy, and thanks for reminding me about the Imai diecast. I'd forgotten how it looks so similar to the little Aoshima with its large radar dish.
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