This, the Wasp, was the third kit in the Gigantic Entire Scene Model Kit series.
All featured a giant insect or arachnid model, set in a diorama clearly inspired by the giant-bug Science Fiction movies of the 1950s.
It was released in the early 1970s by Fundimensions (1973 according to the Scalemates site, or 1975 according to the date on the side of the kit box). Unlike the other three kits in the series it has never been re-issued.
Gigantic Wasp Invades Park
Fundimensions, 1-0503, 1973 or 1975
No re-issues are listed
In the 1990s AMT/Ertl re-issued most of the Gigantics kits - with the sole exception of the Wasp. The most popular theory for this strange absence seems to be that the moulds for the clear wing parts were either missing or damaged when AMT/Ertl acquired the kits. However, I can not confirm this.
This kit is a little different to the others in the Gigantics series, and I am not sure if it is actually based on a real 1950s movie or not. There were not many movies about giant wasps. The only example I can think of was The Wasp Woman (1959), but that was about a half wasp/half woman of human size.
This is the Scalemates entry for the kit.
The 1975 MPC Catalogue, from the Box Art Den
The Daily Press newspaper headline on the box top reads 'Gigantic Wasp Invades Park !!'. Actually this is an amusement park, and the name Funland appears on one of the buildings. As usual, small plastic people are fleeing in panic.
The Wasp model is 6 inches long, with an impressive 8 inch wingspan. Given that even a Queen Wasp is only an inch or so long (worker wasps are considerably smaller), the model is much larger than life-size.
Most of the Gigantics are moulded in white or light grey plastic, but the Wasp also includes clear parts - for the four wings and two large eyes.
The model can be displayed on its own as a scientific specimen - one side of the box declaring the model 'an accurate and detailed replica', or in the diorama. This comprises a printed cardboard fold-up scene, showing the entrance to the Park, a Ferris Wheel, and various buildings in the background.
Moulded plastic parts include the Wasp itself, a damaged roller-coaster along one side, with a set of passenger cars hanging off the end, another building, cars, and people. It is a simple kit, with a limited number of parts, the big challenge would likely be in the painting.
Good box photos.
Good photos of the parts.
Built
Four photographs from either Worthpoint or Pinterest
Paul Adams from New Zealand
This kit was my Waterloo back in the 70s.I bought it when I was about 8 years old and I just didn't have the patience or skill to complete it.I was grateful for a chance to redeem myself later with the other AMT releases.I was more mature and able.My Rampaging Scorpion kit survives to this day
ReplyDeleteI am glad you had a second chance with these kits. They look like a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteMy testors paint would not stick to it..(70's) was a weird brown plastic...
ReplyDelete