Friday 16 February 2018

Mazinger Z's Jet Pilder


Woodsy,

Here's a maybe for Moonbase Central. Something called a Jet Pilder from a Japanese anime TV show called Mazinger Z. Goofy little thing...

Rob C
USA

19 comments:

  1. YES! YESSSSSS~~!!
    Mazinger and Getter Robo are a staple series for any fan of giant robots

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    1. All new to me Ranalcus! I don't know where I was when all this was on TV!

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    2. Mazinger Z vs Daimos.

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    3. Mazinger Z vs Getter Robo.

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  2. I like the look of that colourful craft. It's a new one on me.
    Wonder if it's a toy or model kit? :)

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    1. it looks more like toy
      But there are model kits too, both old from early 80's and new ones from current era

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    2. Believe it or not, this was a model kit, from Bandai, a 1998 reissue of a1974 release. Very toylike though, and my paint job doesn’t help matters any!

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    3. Superb pics Zigg! Lovely paint job! I thought it was a die cast toy! I'm familiar with ZX in Thunderbirds but what's it mean in Mazinger world?

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    4. Sorry I've been so late in replying - my ipad does not like leaving comments, apparently! I did not paint this model in its official colors, just decided to make it generic SF. ZX is my homage to Derek Meddings...

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  3. What a lovely piece! It threw me for a curve at first since it doesn't have the ducted rotors on the tips like in the show. Mazinger Z and I go way back. The very first Japanese record I purchased was a Mazinger Z album which included an English version of the theme but wasn't an actual translation. It was more of a same song different lyrics type of thing.

    We had a barely edited version of the show here in the states but it was retitled Tranzor Z.

    And just last Monday, a theater near my house showed the new Mazinger Z Infinity movie. There was only a dozen or so people in attendance but it was great! Movie had interviews with the director, art director and Go Nagi. It was great hearing Go say 'Pilder on!" to start us into the movie proper.

    Movie opens with Great Mazinger (the sequel series) fighting the kikaiju at the Texas Photon Plant. But not to fear, we get plenty of Mazinger Z action!

    One thing slightly changed from the original series was the Jet Scrander (winged jet pack) launch. In the movie it seemed to be rather Thunderbird 2 influenced. Instead of a rock sliding down on a mountainside to expose a tunnel and track to launch from, well, this clip below shows what I mean.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_6U4Pj5Xgc

    As for what the Z stands for, no offical word that I can find but my best guess is this: The Z is for Super Alloy Z which is what Mazinger is made of.

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    1. Fabulous lance, I loved that clip. Mazinger Z looks really great. I wish they showed films like that at cinemas round here. I see what you mean about the Thunderbirds 2 homage but I bet Gerry A would be thrilled. I think the Japanese are his biggest and best fans. Super Alloy Z, Yes!

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    2. I bought this kit on ebay about ten years ago, and had no idea what it was until I got the packing slip from Japan, which said "Jet Pilder, Mazinger Z." I bought it just because it was so cool. I would love to have seen the show - the craft are certainly extraordinary. Like many Japan SF kits, I bet the modelmakers took liberties with the vehicle's original design.

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    3. Mazinger and Getter Robo are classic series from 70's that got LOTS of new versions/series during the decades. There will be new movie this or next year

      Mazinger Z, Getter Robo and Kotetsu Jeeg are REALLY popular in Italy (every single "hobby" shop had a statue of it and lots of merchandise of those

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    4. Ran, are you in Italy?

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    5. I love that Zigg, you put ZX on the model yourself. Just reread your comment! Your haomage to Derek M! Excellent. Is this model back in Japan now?

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    6. Tranzor Z American version of Mazinger Z syndicated animated action adventure mecha superhero melodrama TV series in syndication worldwide.

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    7. Mazinger Z a fictional character created by Go Nagai based from the animated science fiction action adventure mecha superhero melodrama TV series.

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    8. Mazinger Z was part of international superheroes in popular culture in TV films comics animation and media throughout the world.

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  4. I was in Italy (Rome) month ago for few days (there was a Mini4wd local race)

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