Indiana Jones Model Kits

I've had a look at Indiana Jones kits.

All I found on Scalemates were a few resin or vinyl items, mostly figures.

The lack of kits surprised me, given the popularity of the films. So I asked Max from the You Tube channel Max's Models, and he said the only kit he knew of was an MPC diorama set from 1982. Somehow, I had missed this kit entirely.

Raiders of the Lost Ark - Desert Chase Action Scene

MPC, 1982, model number 1-1906

Snap together kit. Molded in Color

Scalemates listing for this kit.

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/mpc-1-1906-raiders-lost-ark--1234914

The set got a two-page spread of colour photographs in the 1982 MPC catalogue. This can be found on the excellent Box Art Den site. The kit was no longer in the range by 1984. It was one of a series of Action Scene diorama kits MPC made at the time, most of which were tied-in with various films.

The kit does not appear to have ever been re-issued. Despite its short life, there seem to be plenty of on-line listings for this set, if you want one.

https://boxartden.com/collections/gallery/index.php/Vintage-Model-Kit-Catalogs-1950-1999/MPC/MPC-1982/MPC82-49-960

The set included a large, vacuum-formed plastic base measuring 11 3/4 inches by 17 3/4 inches, in cream plastic. All the other parts were injection-moulded in brown plastic.

The set depicts the Tanis archaeological dig site in the desert. Included are the German Flying Wing aircraft, several vehicles, figures (including Indy on a horse), a camel, buildings, tents, an elevated railway line with tipping wagons, trees, and other accessories. No scale appears to be given, but it is clearly small. The figures, vehicles, and aircraft do not look to be to a common scale.

The large box has an action-packed painting on the lid, with a photograph of the diorama in one corner. More photographs of the model, and stills from the film, appear on the sides of the box. Also on the side is a copyright notice for Lucasfilm Ltd 1982; and 1982 Fundimensions Division of CPG Products Corp., Mt Clemens, MI 48045.

This is a Snap together kit, for easy assembly. The vehicles are all two-piece mouldings, mostly left and right halves, although the motorcycle combination consists of a separate motorcycle and sidecar. Even the Flying Wing only has four parts, including the two propellers.

Thanks to Max for pointing out the existence of this kit.

Six photographs, all from Worthpoint.

Have you any Indiana Jones kits and collectables?

Paul Adams from New Zealand