This was the first of the four Gigantics Entire Model Scene Kits, and depicted a giant arachnid rather than a giant insect.
It was first released by Fundimensions (in 1973 according to the Scalemates site, although the copyright date on the box is 1975). It was then re-issued by AMT/Ertl, whose boxes are dated 1996.
Fundimensions, 1-0501, 1973 (Scalemates) or 1975 (date on box)
AMT/Ertl, 8391, 1996
The kit name takes the form of a Daily Press newspaper headline 'Hugh Tarantula Crushes Power Station !!', and that is exactly what you got in the box.
The giant plastic spider kit assembles in to a model 6 inches long. Depending on the species, that could be life-size, or a little smaller. This is a detailed and accurate model of a real Tarantula, which can be displayed on its own as a scientific model, or placed in the diorama.
This kit was so well designed that, according to the review site Modelling Madness, there was even a stand to support the body during assembly, which ensured that all the legs would be touching the ground once the cement set. Each leg was in two halves.
A full-colour, printed card sheet folds up to create the ground, background, and one side. A low relief power station building, various items of electrical equipment, a damaged power pylon, fleeing people, and a car, complete the scene.
These can all be painted to match the box top illustration.
Photos along one side of the box show the diorama under construction, while the other side shows the spider on its own.
The original Fundimensions box shows the Tarantula in the same setting as the diorama in the box, in the act of crushing the power pylon, but the later AMT/Ertl box has different artwork, showing more of the spider, with just a corner of the pylon off to one side.
These kits were clearly inspired by the science fiction movies of the 1950s, in which various giant bugs went on a murderous rampage. The actual firms appear not to be mentioned, but the one that inspired this kit was likely Tarantula (1955), or perhaps Earth vs. the Spider (1958).
This trailer for Tarantula does show a power pylon, although it is set out in the desert.
Scalemates listing for this kit
MPC 1975 Catalogue, from the Box Art Den
Kit review on Modelling Madness, showing all the parts laid out, including the support stand.
Built
Three photographs form Worthpoint.
Have you got a Tarantula?
Paul Adams from New Zealand
I never built one of those, but they sure looked like fun!
ReplyDeleteTony K
ReplyDeleteGreat series of model kit creature feature reviews.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It is always fun to dig in to the history of these oddball kits. I just wish someone would re-issue them.
ReplyDeletethey really are the old B-movies in plastic aren't they Paul, this one of course the classic black and white desert shocker Tarantula! Great kits and so much fun. I wonder of any have been used in making a small film set?
ReplyDelete