While visiting a model shop recently, I came across this set of Bachmann Plasticville Sitting Figures With Paints, Item No.2914. It includes a palette of solid paint cakes, along with a bottle of cement/painting fluid, and a brush.
This was similar to the paints that Bachmann included in their various Paint-by-Number kits in the 1950s and 1960s, which I have covered previously. Finally, a chance to see first hand what these paints looked like.
The fluid included is 1 1 1 Trichloroethane, but in the 1960s some sets included Carbon Tetrachloride – was this a replacement ?
I have no idea how old the set is, as there are no dates anywhere on the box or instruction sheet. My guess, from the box style, would be 1970s ?
The box says 24 sitting figures, and the instructions say 22. The difference is due to one moulding comprising two figures sitting side by side.
The figures look to be spectators at a sporting event, and the sole standing figure seems to be a Hot Dog salesman ? One standing male figure; seven seated male figures; and four seated female figures.
There are 12 different figures, with two examples of each. All were detached from the sprues in my example.
The glass jar has a black metal cap. The label is printed in red and blue.
BACHMANN STYRENE PAINTING FLUID AND GLUE
CONTENTS: 1 1 1 Trichloroethane (14 cc) Plus 1/4 % Oil of Mustard
CAUTION: Use in ventilated area. Do not inhale concentrated vapor. Do not take internally. Avoid prolonged contact with skin. Do not keep in warm area.
ANTIDOTE: If taken internally, induce vomiting.
BACHMANN BROS., INC., PHILA., PA 19124
The paint palette is made of dark grey plastic. It is only 2 1/2 inches across, or 63 mm.
There are eight tiny cakes of paint, each just over a 1/4 inch across, or 7 mm. The colours are White, Yellow, Tan, Light Blue, Light Green, Black, and Dark Brown.
The figures are moulded in a pink plastic, so that takes care of the flesh areas. The brush is far too large for painting such tiny figures.
Painting instructions are included, and state 'Allow approx. one minute for paint to dry'. Very fast - I should imagine the jar of 1 1 1 Trichloroethane would evaporate very quickly if the top were left off.
The address on the back page of the instruction leaflet is:
Bachmann Bros., Inc.
1400 E. Erie Ave.
Philadelphia, PA. 19124
A fascinating piece of modelling history!
Paul Adams from New Zealand
Philadelphia, less than an hour from my home.Dangerous city,but it's got everything a collector could want
ReplyDeleteYou're not referring to the " City of Brotherly Love" are you?
DeleteYes.Its a warzone anymore.
DeleteI love your title - Lumps of Modelling History.
ReplyDeleteAh, I recall these Bachmann paints vividly! We used to try and make them work, with that weird and creepy solvent, and the results were usually terrifying! Most of us model teens just ditched the supplied paints and went for good old Testors Pla! And needles to say, that giant brush would be useless on those tiny figures! SFZ
ReplyDeleteBachmann! Makes me think of Batman! ha ha. Bachmann and Robin! ha ha. I agree SF, an amazing find Paul. Youre doing really well finding vintage models and stuff in Auckland! Well done.
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