Professor McClaine’s Jet Air Car by Imai.
I believe this version was released in the 1980’s, and then
re-released in 1997 using slightly different tooling and different box art.
The kit is fairly simple to make, although it does benefit from
a couple of enhancements. I’ve added
additional detail to the turbines which come looking quite plain, and I’ve
scratch-built a new cockpit with a couple of 1/72 scale figures of Mac and Joe,
as I was disappointed with the cockpit and figure that came with the kit which
gave it a kiddie toy - like look
It’s a fairly reasonable representation of the screen model,
with the position and size of the wheels the only obvious let down for anyone
wanting a more accurate look, although to be fair, part of the model’s gimmick
is that the thin front wheels can be folded underneath and the rear wheels can
be flipped up, an idea that may well have inspired the similar looking Vivid
die cast Jet Air Car produced in 1994.
The wings pull out, and the rear tail fins pull back to
complete the flying look.
In my experience it’s always best to dry fix parts together
to make sure everything fits right. By and large most of the kit fits together
reasonable well, however I did have to file off the lugs that stop the wings
from disappearing inside the main body, as the wings stuck out too far in the
closed position. I glued a new set inside using a couple of bits of plastic
from the sprue.
As I couldn’t find any viridian metallic green paint locally
for the body of the kit I chose to mix some Rover Java green with some Ford Neptune
green metallic, which isn’t an exact match but is certainly close enough for
me.
Oddly enough the kit comes with decals of the Joe 90 logo
and the wording,’ Mac’s Car’. Needless to say I chose not to bother with those.
There’s also a nice colour paint guide on the reverse of the instructions.
The great looking box art by prolific Japanese sci-fi
illustrator Shigeru Komatsuzaki.
Magnificent piece of work there. Well photographed too.
ReplyDeleteCheers Kevin. I have been a bit busy of late, but It's been quite therapeutic to use any spare moments putting this kit together, and taking a few snaps.
DeleteReally like your cockpit upgrade with Mac and Joe. Pics are ace as well, Scoop :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Tony. I reckoned the upgrade was essential, as what came with it was pretty bad - a cabin base that was too low, and a half figure of Joe!
DeleteSame as the above. Might've been an idea to 'disguise' that seam at the back 'though. However, that's a trivial point - superb job.
ReplyDeleteHa, ha! don't be picky Kid : D - seriously, I did toy with the idea of adding the two red strips that can be seen at the rear of the screen model, and may still do it.
DeleteBeautiful build Scoop. It does look superbly clean and sleek. The pics are excellent as always and the shots of the parts on the workbench are really interesting. How did you scratchbuild the cockpit and the figures? Seeing the rear wheel-legs in the flipped up position reminds me of Dinky's Lunar Bug. Do you think Dinky were inspired by Mac's Car?
ReplyDeleteCheers Woodsy. The cockpit is made up of a rounded plastic base with three ejector seats and two altered pilots glued on, from a couple of discarded Airfix kits. I believe Corgi actually did the Lunar Bug Woodsy, but I've no doubt they took their inspiration from Joe's Car, although I will admit the Lunar Bug is a particular favourite die cast of mine.
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