This, the Mantis, was the second model in the Gigantics Entire Model Scenes series of diorama kits.
It was first released in the 1970s by Fundimensions, re-issued in Britain by Airfix, and eventually re-issued again by AMT/Ertl in the 1990s.
Fundimensions, 1-0502, 1973 according to Scalemates, 1975 according to the copyright date on the box side.
Airfix, 05850-2, 1976
AMT/Ertl, 8389, 1996
Like the other kits in the series, it put a realistic model of an insect or arachnid in to a 1950s science fiction movie setting. In this case a giant Praying Mantis is attacking a railway goods yard (or railroad freight yard).
The usual Daily Press newspaper headline reads 'Colossal Mantis Attacks City'.
When assembled, the Praying Manis model is 6 1/2 inches long. Size varies, but that is larger than life-size for all species. It can be displayed on its own as a scientific model, and background information on the real creature is provided.
The printed, full-colour card sheet provides the ground and background. There are various tall buildings, a couple of which are on fire, a pair of railway tunnels, and three railway tracks.
Moulded plastic parts include a long building - possibly a railway station - that is under attack and is damaged at one end, a goods loading platform, a railway caboose (guards van), cars, and people.
Although the scene is clearly based on a 1950s movie, the cars are much more modern, and look to be from the 1970s. The kit is most likely based on The Deadly Mantis/The Incredible Praying Manis (1957).
Scalemates listing for the kit
MPC 1975 Catalogue, from the Box Art Den
This was one of two Gigantics kits that Airfix re-issued, which were only included in the 13th and 14th Edition catalogues (1976 and 1977).
The instruction sheets for these can be downloaded from the Vintage Airfix site. Airfix re-used the Fundimensions box art, with the addition of the Airfix logo, and a few other changes. Series 5.
Airfix Catalogue, 13th Edition, from the Box Art Den
In the 1990s AMT/Ertl re-issued three of the Fundimensions kits - including the Mantis. All the kits had new box art.
The original Fundimensions/Airfix box tops had been looking down on the creatures, as though from a tall building. The Mantis artwork is rather dark, and may be intended as a night scene, with glowing red flames.
The AMT box art switched to a much lower angle, with the monster looming above the viewer - you are about to be trampled. The buildings are still on fire, but it is now daylight.
Parts layouts for three Fundimensions kits.
A close look at the Mantis in the kit
Built
Vintage 1975 Fundimensions Colossal Mantis Model Kit Diorama Monsters | #1880396028 (worthpoint.com)
Five photographs from Worthpoint
Paul Adams from New Zealand
