Sunday, September 7, 2014

Hinchliffe Models Taisho by Ray Lamb

Here's a very old metal model that I picked up off of ebay some years ago for about $30.00, IRRC. I see it going for a lot more now. Anyway, it's a huge and weighty piece of metal that measures about 135mm from soles of feet to top of the kabuto (not including the crest). The seller (or someone else) had epoxied the torso ad legs together - rather messily too I might add. I soaked the epoxied parts in DOT3 brake fluid for several weeks - basically because I forgot I had done it. By the time I check on it again (using latex gloves), the epoxy had loosened off and the parts were cleaned up. Here it is below with the main parts glued together with Loctite Super Glue. A Dremel was used to even out parts of the seams - as the casting didn't fit together as perfectly as current models. A 28mm T.A.G. samurai sits on the base for size comparison.
Here's the model with all the parts separated. The kit is from the 1970's, and incredibly all the parts were in pristine condition - as well as the box and full-color instruction sheet.
I don't plan to spend as much time and effort on it as the one pictured on the box art. I will likely paint it up much the way I do 28mm figures now - that is, a basic paint job followed by Minwax staining. This is just one of the few remaining large scale models I have packed away that I want to get painted up.

13 comments:

  1. Crikey, what a monster! The metal cost alone now would be significant.

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  2. HUGE but nifty model. Anxious to see your finished treatment of this.

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  3. Thanks, Gents. I have resin Samurai that is about twice as big as this one too :)! Best, Dean

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  4. That would definitely go for more today.

    You have a resin Samurai twice as big as this? Have you painted it?

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    1. Anne:

      Thanks for visiting. The other kit is a Testors Model Master 1/8th resin model. Another ebay purchase. I'll eventually paint him up too. Best, Dean

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  5. Wow, he cuts quite a dash, doesn't he? :-) Looking forward to seeing what you do with him. Chees, Paul :-)

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  6. I really look forward to seeing it when it is done. I don't know when you are going to have time to paint this project and get your new (?) warband done for SAGA-

    Be sure, and I know you will, to update us on your progress with this piece.

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  7. I remember this model from many years ago. Looking forward to seeing him painted up!

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  8. Thanks, Gents. Although I don't intend to be too meticulous with him, he'll still be a side project if anything else comes up. Best, Dean

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  9. Remember this from the cover of Military Modelling magazine!

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  10. Golly that's a good size! Looking good, will be interested to see it complete.

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  11. I have a TAISHO ray lamb original in the box.anybody know what it's worth.not really my thing.tia.

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  12. I have one also, did anyone respond to the valuation?

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