Universal Monster Army
Collecting Monsters => Monster Kits => Topic started by: Hepcat on March 31, 2011, 06:08:45 PM
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Aurora made more figure kits from the fifties to the seventies than did any other model kit manufacturer. Many would argue that Aurora also made the best - and for the most part they may be right. What's absolutely certain though is that Aurora had as pivotal a role in the Universal monster revival of the early sixties as did "Famous Monsters of Filmland" magazine. The Aurora monster model kits captured the imagination of kids across not only the depth and breadth of the country but overseas as well. This was partially due to the incomparable box art of James Bama which has since become the gold standard by which any other depictions of the Universal monsters are measured.
So showcase your Aurora MIB figure kits and built-ups right here! I'll start.
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Hepcatlookingattshirt-2.jpg)
The bottom two shelves of my model cabinet are devoted to Aurora kits. Most of these are of figures:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/ModelCabinetAuroraKits.jpg)
Here I am with some of the individual kits:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/HepcatMonsterKits.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/HepcatAuroraMonsterKits.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/HepcatLookinginsidekits.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AuroraModelKits.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/WolfMansWagonKit.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/WolfMansWagonKit3.jpg)
cl:)
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Part of the success of the Aurora line of monster kits was the marketing. Professional build-ups from the Aurora factory were distributed to model shops across the country. At the time these were of a quality well beyond the capability of the target market to replicate. Nonetheless, they were the proverbial lollipop used to entice young boys.
In addition, Aurora sponsored contests for budding young monster builders. The contests and the fabulous ads promoting these on the back of comic books acted to fuel the already fevered imagination of a whole generation of youngsters.
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AuroraMonsterKitAd1963-1.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Aurora.jpg)
;)
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Nice collection, Hepcat!
Love those Aurora monsters!!!
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I love the James Bama artwork .. The link below is an interview with him ...
http://gammillustrations.bizland.com/monsterkid7/bama1.htm (http://gammillustrations.bizland.com/monsterkid7/bama1.htm)
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(http://i54.tinypic.com/o77zah.jpg)
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Wow! Great display! You have to post close-ups of some of your built-up kits. Are they reissues or originals? Are those the enpty kit boxes behind the finished models or do you keep extra M.I.B. kits?
???
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Here's a picture of James Bama's original art to the Aurora Creature and Mummy kits.
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/ABama.jpg)
I've always wondered who the original owner is and how he got his hands on it.
???
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Hep I don't know how you do it, but I would have to put those kits together! Seeing those open boxes with all the parts in there waiting to be assembled and painted is fantastic! I find there is such a great feeling of promise with a new kit in that state! But I am a model maniac for building and painting, I totally understand collecting mint in box is a whole different mind set!
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One of these days I'll start putting some of the reissue Polar Lights or Aurora kits together but the paint jobs I see some of you fellows doing intimidate me. As a kid I painted them to reproduce the box art. Therefore the Mummy ended up a nice glossy turquoise colour with his cobra a metallic green with red eyes. So I'd be painting them the same way again. Why mess with a tried and true formula? And then you'd all sneer at my efforts.
:(
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hey i've got a lot of those ready to build... and 2 black cats wandering around... are u channeling me?
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Here are a few of mine...
(http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss74/FRANKENSTIEN53/DSC01628.jpg)
(http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss74/FRANKENSTIEN53/Guillotine081.jpg)
(http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss74/FRANKENSTIEN53/Guillotine078.jpg)
(http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss74/FRANKENSTIEN53/Guillotine077.jpg)
(http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss74/FRANKENSTIEN53/HauntedHamlet013.jpg)
These 2 are my Favorite...MIB Kits
(http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss74/FRANKENSTIEN53/FloydandLloyd010.jpg)
Love the Old Aurora kits
Mcdee
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Great looking collections! I love the Aurora kits.
There are some real artists in the UMA. But this is the only place where people will care about a monster model and get it. My wife kept looking at me like I had three heads when I was painting my Drac and Frank, but the UMA was Kool and the Gang about it.
When I look at my Auroras, I know I painted them, whatever they look like. Drac may be too bluish white, but I loved those 70's vampires like Count Yorga and 'Salem's Lot as a kid.
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Here are a few of mine...
([url]http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss74/FRANKENSTIEN53/DSC01628.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss74/FRANKENSTIEN53/HauntedHamlet013.jpg[/url])
Love the Old Aurora kits
Mcdee
Cool! Three questions:
1. What are those plastic boxes in which you have the kits stored? Are they intended for model kits?
2. Why do you have all those Guillotine kits? Are they all different variants in some way?
3. When it comes to the original iisues, Godzilla's Go-Kart may be the toughest kit of them all to find. That's the only build-up I see though. Hopefully you built a re-issue.
???
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But this is the only place where people will care about a monster model and get it. My wife kept looking at me like I had three heads when I was painting my Drac and Frank, but the UMA was Kool and the Gang about it.
Ask her whether she'd rather you grow up, i.e. grow old.
::)
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Ask her whether she'd rather you grow up, i.e. grow old.
::)
My wife has a youthful soul...she says is "25" forever. She always says I'm the old one with my old school music and I'm three years older than her, which she always reminds me about.
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Cool! Three questions:
1. What are those plastic boxes in which you have the kits stored? Are they intended for model kits?
Yes, they were made especially for the Aurora Long Boxes by a guy at the Clubhouse Forums named Dr. Syn,I bought over 40 of them! and they protect the kits from all kinds of damage!
2. Why do you have all those Guillotine kits? Are they all different variants in some way?
Yes again,2 of them are the Madame Tussaud's Chamber of Horrors issue, Aurora was told by them to stop using their name and so these were very limited and as such rarer than the second( third from the left) and subsequent issues. Thr Kit second from the left is #0 (of I believe 100) signed by Tom Lowe from Polar Lights...I love collecting Varients of model kits!
3. When it comes to the original iisues, Godzilla's Go-Kart may be the toughest kit of them all to find. That's the only build-up I see though. Hopefully you built a re-issue.
3 Questions and 3 Yes answers...That build up is indeed a Polar Lights reissue...I couldn't bring myself to build an Original Godzilla's Go Cart....well... if I found another, I think I just might ...it would be cool to say tou did!
???
I also have a couple of Addams Family Haunted Houses MIB and a ton of Polar Light ones as well I Plan on building onr of the Originals soon
Cheers
Mcdee
[/color]
1Y
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Aurora's entry into the monster model kit market came with a sensational bang since Universal's licencing of its classic monster movies to local television stations had created enormous pent-up demand for monster related items. Retailers could not keep up with the demand for the Frankenstein kit that was released in 1961 and Aurora added a second line to its manufacturing plant to increase production to 8000 Frankenstein kits per day!
The success of Frankenstein prompted Aurora to release twelve more "monster" kits over the next few years:
1962
Dracula
Wolfman
1963
Mummy
Creature
Phantom of the Opera
1964
Hunchback of Notre Dame
Dr. Jekyll as Mr. Hyde
King Kong
Godzilla
1965
Witch
Bride of Frankenstein
1966
Forgotten Prisoner of Castlemare
In response to the success Hawk and Revell were having with their Weird-Ohs and "Big Daddy" Roth Fink lines of model kits, Aurora released yet another six monster themed kits in 1966:
Frankenstein's Flivver
Dracula's Dragster
Wolfman's Wagon
Mummy's Chariot
King Kong's Thronester
Godzilla's Go-Kart
Although many purists argue that these latter six kits represented a cheapening of the Universal monster heritage, the kits nonetheless continued to feature quality box art by James Bama and have passed the test of time insofar as they're highly prized by collectors today.
Rather than continuing to release additional kits to a market that was arguably still hungry for new offerings, Aurora incomprehensibly took a sabbatical from the monster kits stressing other product lines instead. Aurora then in 1969 chose to try to revitalize its existing line of model kits with minimum investment by molding them partially from glow-in-the-dark plastic. The kits were marketed with the addition of a Frightening Lightning logo on the box. Surprisingly enough, the gimmick worked, so well that Aurora was forced to repackage the kits as "Glow-in-the-Dark" kits in new square boxes to eliminate confusion as to which of the previous long boxes came with glow-in-the-dark pieces. Gone though was James Bama's artwork as the new series of kits featured plain and unimaginative box art.
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Aurora-Glow-In-the-Dark-Dracula-Kit.jpg)
The Glow-in-the-Dark kits are nowhere nearly as highly prized now by collectors as a result.
It wasn't until 1971 that Aurora offered its next series of monster related models termed Monster Scenes:
Dr. Deadly
Frankenstein
Vampirella
The Victim
The Pain Parlor
The Hanging Cage
The Pendulum
Gruesome Goodies
While the new Monster Scenes line had promise at first glance as it featured the very popular Vampirella character, the quality of the Vampi cast was abysmal compared with Aurora's monster kit offerings from the early to mid-sixties. Worse yet, the kits were cheap Snap-Together models at which any self-respecting modeller sneered. Nor did the box artwork compare favourably with the earlier kits illustrated by James Bama. Sad for a company that had always been known for its box art.
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Frankenstein.jpg) (http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/FrankensteinVictim.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/victim.jpg) (http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Vampi.jpg)
Aurora promoted these kits as "Rated X ... for Xcitement and once again ran ads in the pages of DC comics for the new kits. The advertisement featured an anatomically correct Vampirella with visible camel toe.
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/auroramonster-1.jpg)
Young boys were enthralled, but their mothers were appalled by both the kits and the advertising campaign. The Hysterical Mothers of America Opposed to Just About Everything installed the fear of God in Aurora's then parent General Mills with threats of a boycott of the company's cereal products and the Monster Scenes kits were swiftly dropped.
Aurora's final effort at monsters was the Monsters of the Movies line in 1975:
Frankenstein
Dracula
Wolf Man
Dr. Jekyll as Mr. Hyde
Creature
Rodan
Ghidrah
While the casts were good and Rodan and Ghidrah were very welcome additions to the plastic model kit family, the kits were once again cheap Snap-Together things and the box art wasn't up to the quality standards to which Aurora fans had become accustomed in the sixties.
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Rodan.jpg)
They flopped immediately.
To this day the Aurora monster model kit offerings up to and including 1966 featuring James Bama artwork are highly prized by collectors. The rest are more often than not just bought to be built, which is perhaps just as well since Rodan and Ghidrah have thus been freed from their cardboard constraints to spread their wings on shelves across the width and breadth of several continents.
cl:)
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it's all good. them was the days.
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Aurora issued many other figure kits in addition to monsters. Included among these were the superheroes. Superman was the first. Here's the ad Aurora ran to promote this kit in DC comics:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/ASuperman.jpg)
When the Batman TV show exploded onto TV screens in late 1965, Aurora released a whole host of Batman related kits.
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/batman_model.jpg)
8)
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([url]http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/ASuperman.jpg[/url])
Hmmmm.....That superman ad sure looks familliar...
(http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss74/FRANKENSTIEN53/NosferatuAdScan0001.jpg)
;D ;D ;D
Mcdee
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I love modern horror but my first love, my greatest love is the classics. I am 43 yrs old and recall when I was a kid late at night hiding my small screen telly under my blankets with the sound down low so my folks would not hear it whilst I watched such gems as Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman, The Mummy etc. Great times.
Here is some of my collection, most are Aurora...
(http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j36/mofourban/Nemesis/Phantoms.jpg)
(http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j36/mofourban/Nemesis/Aurora3.jpg)
(http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j36/mofourban/Nemesis/Aurora2.jpg)
(http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j36/mofourban/Nemesis/Aurora.jpg)
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Cool! I like the way they're all in a jumble together by the "Famous Monsters" LP. Did you build the kits yourself?
???
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Cool! I like the way they're all in a jumble together by the "Famous Monsters of Filmland" LP. Did you build the kits yourself?
???
Hi Hepcat, I did paint the kits myself it is the one true enjoyment I get I love the finished product. If I had more room they not only would not be jumbled together but would be behind glass.
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Nice collection and paint!
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Here are a couple of shots of my superhero themed Aurora kits:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/BatplaneRobinAurora.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/HulkWonderWomanSuperboyAurora.jpg)
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Here are some more of my Aurora model kits that are based on TV shows:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/TheMunstersAurora.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AddamsFamilyHauntedHouse.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/SeaviewAurora.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/ManfromUNCLEAurora.jpg)
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I am glad to see someone started a thread on the model company that started it all for us. Everyone has great collections shown here. I saw a "Dick VanDyke" episode the other night, the one when the F.B.I. agent played by Godfrey Cambridge was using Ritchie's room to conduct surveillance on a neighbor across the street. In the room on a shelf was Aurora's Frankenstein, the Mummy, and King Kong. On a dresser was the Wolfman and on a desk was the guillotine and at the end, Laura was moving the Bride of Frankenstein on to a shelf. It didn't appear that any of them were painted.
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Here's an Original that I restored for Ebay a while back; I went for a "'60's kid did this" paint job.
(http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/aef35fd5c910cc53c902b7a1275d8c0f851a32b.jpg)
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You totally NAILED IT, Craig! I can almost smell the Testors glue and paint...[probably explains why i'm slightly dizzy!]
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I went for a "'60's kid did this" paint job.
That's the way I think they should all be painted. After all, kits are for kids.
8)
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Many thanks, men!
That was the most wild styrene I'd wrangled in 30 years (and I probably shortened my life with all the oven cleaner & paint remover used to break down the nasty old work first!)
-Craig
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Here's an Original that I restored for Ebay a while back; I went for a "'60's kid did this" paint job.
([url]http://images.yuku.com/image/pjpeg/aef35fd5c910cc53c902b7a1275d8c0f851a32b.jpg[/url])
There it is in all its glory!! Nice job Craig!
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"Super" job, Craig!
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I am glad to see someone started a thread on the model company that started it all for us.
One was sorely needed. Just about every fellow who grew up in the baby boom years has fond memories of Aurora.
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Great job on the Superman kit, it really brings back memories.
I love my Aurora monsters, but I have to say that my favorite kit has always been Aurora's Superman. For me the combination of the sculpt and the box art hold a special place in my childhood. I remember seeing the kit at the Paducah, KY Sears and begging my Dad to buy it for me. He did, and then I begged my older brother to put it together and my mother to paint it. I still have it and display it proudly!
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Thanks again, guys!
Yeah, the one I had later was the one with the Curt Swan cover. I love Curt, but that original "George Reeve-esque!"
box art is so great!
(http://0.tqn.com/d/collectibles/1/0/M/1/4/SupermanKit.jpg)
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I wasn't the least impressed with the George Reeves' Superman TV show. As a result I prefer the later version of the kit with the Curt Swan box art myself. Superman is a comic character so he should be rendered with line art. And Curt Swan was the quintessential Superman artist.
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AAuroraSuperman2.jpg)
:-\
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Here's my Superman.
I remember my father would drive me to the next town over because they had a great hobby shop that carried the Aurora models. I would buy one and take it home and sit at the kitchen table stinking up the kitchen with glue and Testors enamels. I never did any tank or plane models but had tons of figure kits in the '60's and '70's.
(http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab97/monolith_06/sc0d83510a.jpg)
Here's my Spiderman
(http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab97/monolith_06/sc0d834191.jpg)
This is my brother Kong from the '60's. I still have it.
(http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab97/monolith_06/sc0d6df562.jpg)
My brother also painted this Hunchback.
(http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab97/monolith_06/sc0d832d33-1.jpg)
I painted this Mummy
(http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab97/monolith_06/sc0d83182a-1.jpg)
I painted this Dracula.
(http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab97/monolith_06/sc0d6e3fe9.jpg)
Here's my Phantom.
(http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab97/monolith_06/sc0d6e6530.jpg)
And I painted this Creature.
(http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab97/monolith_06/sc0d6e2a1c.jpg)
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I like your painting! I've always leaned to the type of gaudy colour schemes a kid would have used in the sixties for the Aurora figure kits. Adult paint jobs are far too often overly subdued.
8)
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Fun stuff, Mono! Yours is the later Supes head; I think the orgininal is, along with the '60's Captain Action mask, one of the best sculpts of Silver Age Kal ever done.
>As a result I prefer the later version of the kit with the Curt Swan box art myself.<
Hep, is that reissue art Swan's? This was the one I had in the early '70's:
(http://www.supermanfan.net/main/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/aurorakit-70scomic.jpg)
>Superman is a comic character so he should be rendered with line art.<
Well, Aurora's breaking that boundary here too, yes?
Best,
-Craig
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Hep, is that reissue art Swan's? This was the one I had in the early '70's:
([url]http://www.supermanfan.net/main/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/aurorakit-70scomic.jpg[/url])
I'm not completely sure. But the Comic Scenes box that you posted certainly looks done by Curt Swan, and it features much better artwork than that on the box I posted.
In general the artwork on the Comic Scenes boxes that Aurora issued in the seventies was superb. Some of it was done by Neal Adams. Looking at the boxes makes me want to start adding those to my collection even though they're technically reissues. Here are a few more pics of these boxes I just lifted off the web:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AAuroraSuperboy.jpg) (http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AAuroraBatman.jpg) (http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AAuroraRobin.jpg) (http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AAuroraSpiderman.jpg) (http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AAuroraTarzan.jpg) (http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AAuroraTonto.jpg)
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Hep, that 70's Supes box (that came with a mini-comic, as well as a b.g. for the model) was indeed Curt!
-Craig
(For whom, one of the best Kal's ever will always be Swan & George Klein's:)
(http://go.redirectingat.com/?id=12593X700933&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.wikia.com%2Fmarvel_dc%2Fimages%2F5%2F56%2FWorld%2527s_Finest_Vol_1_172.jpg&sref=http%3A%2F%2Fdc.wikia.com%2Fwiki%2FWorld's_Finest_Vol_1_172)
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Here's some of my Aurora Comic Scenes comics/instructions.
(http://i853.photobucket.com/albums/ab97/monolith_06/IMG_3397.jpg)
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Nice little collection!
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My wife has a youthful soul...she says is "25" forever. She always says I'm the old one with my old school music and I'm three years older than her, which she always reminds me about.
Were all young, otherwise we wouldnt be doing this.Music & models-still makes me feel like I did 30 + years ago.
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Were all young, otherwise we wouldnt be doing this.Music & models-still makes me feel like I did 30 + years ago.
Agreed :)
Mcdee
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Awesome lot, love the models.
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Here are some shots of a few more of my Aurora character kits:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/MadTarzanSteveCanyonGreenBeretKits.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/TontotheLoneRangerModelKits.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/DickTracyModelKits.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/ZorroJesseJamesModelKits.jpg)
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Hep, those are off the chain!!
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Aurora's figure models were only a part of Aurora's model kit offerings. The company was just as well known for its ships and planes, many of which featured Jo Kotula box art. Here I am with some of my Aurora military model kits:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/HepcatAvroArrow.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/HepcatRussianM-10.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AlbatrossKit.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AuroraPlaneKits.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/GermanWolfpack2.jpg)
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I love seeing this classic stuff, awesome lot Hepcat.
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It's no wonder the Aurora monster model kits were a smash hit with youngsters. Check out these ads that appeared on the back of DC comics in 1963-64:
Rip Hunter 17
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/20-09-201184028PM.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/20-09-201184025PM.jpg)
Rip Hunter 19
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/20-09-201184035PM.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/20-09-201184032PM.jpg)
Combined with the fabulous box art by James Bama, kids didn't stand a chance of resisting these on store shelves!
;)
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Here are scans of three more super cool Aurora monster model ads from the back covers of some of my DC comic books:
Rip Hunter 23
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/15-10-201145730PM.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/15-10-201145726PM.jpg)
Hawkman 6
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/15-10-201145618PM.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/15-10-201145614PM.jpg)
House of Mystery 154
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/20-09-201183950PM.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/20-09-201183947PM.jpg)
cl:)
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The Mummy (http://img38.picoodle.com/s5al/dizorder/ub1c_f1e_u90yb.jpg) (http://i.picoodle.com/2d1ipaxz)
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Oh yeah! Nice one!
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Beautiful paint job, Dirtyhorse! One of the best I've seen. I love the variations of color on the slab of rock and overall tones.
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The Mummy ([url]http://img38.picoodle.com/s5al/dizorder/ub1c_f1e_u90yb.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://i.picoodle.com/2d1ipaxz[/url])
Love the colors!! Great!
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The Creature (http://img38.picoodle.com/s5ao/dizorder/wy8y_1a4_u90yb.jpg) (http://i.picoodle.com/4d5ipk1h)
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DH, I know it would vary from kit to kit but how much time on average does it take you from start to finish on one of these?
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Yes, there are variables, of course, but I would say between 5-7 hours which includes the prep work. I usually have several projects
going, aside from my other businesses, so I never go from start to finish on any one piece. I jump around to prevent the burn out
factor, but still meet clients deadlines.
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I usually have several projects going, aside from my other businesses, so I never go from start to finish on any one piece. I jump around to prevent the burn out factor, but still meet clients deadlines.
I used to paint the individual parts of my Aurora kits prior to glueing them together when I was a kid. Do any of you pro fellows still do it that way?
???
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I assemble and paint the sub assemblies.
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(http://img38.picoodle.com/s5ap/dizorder/irta_515_u90yb.jpg) (http://i.picoodle.com/bc7ipmgy) The Phantom! (http://img38.picoodle.com/s5ap/dizorder/q9ib_106_u90yb.jpg) (http://i.picoodle.com/39eipmh6) ...and the Wolfman.
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Stunning paintwork on the Phantom and Wolfman. I love how you have painted the Phantom's face and his cloak. The rocks on both kits look amazing and lifelike.
([url]http://img38.picoodle.com/s5ap/dizorder/irta_515_u90yb.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://i.picoodle.com/bc7ipmgy[/url]) The Phantom! ([url]http://img38.picoodle.com/s5ap/dizorder/q9ib_106_u90yb.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://i.picoodle.com/39eipmh6[/url]) ...and the Wolfman.
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Dracula.... (http://img38.picoodle.com/s5aq/dizorder/jbm4_df0_u90yb.jpg) (http://i.picoodle.com/788ipon5) ...appreciate the comments, all.
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Wonderful job on these kits -- some of the best I've seen.
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I think the Wolf Man is my favorite.
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That's certainly up there with the very best Draculas I've ever seen.
8)
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More awesome build ups!!
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Here's a scan of the ad for the Aurora Batman kit that ran on the back of DC comic books cover dated June 1966:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/15-11-201163308PM.jpg)
8)
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([url]http://img38.picoodle.com/s5ap/dizorder/irta_515_u90yb.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://i.picoodle.com/bc7ipmgy[/url]) The Phantom! ([url]http://img38.picoodle.com/s5ap/dizorder/q9ib_106_u90yb.jpg[/url]) ([url]http://i.picoodle.com/39eipmh6[/url]) ...and the Wolfman.
My favorite is the Phantom, any chance of getting a close-up of his face?
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Sorry, mate...those were shipped off to the collector some time ago, so unless I do another one, that's the only pic available at this time.
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(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/ABama.jpg)
I've always wondered how the base of the Mummy kit should be coloured. Should the polished steps be a different colour than the background rock? What colour should the pottery be? Should it be all one colour?
When I was a kid I think I painted the polished steps and the pottery black and the background rock grey; all glossy colours of course. The cobra I painted a metallic green, with red eyes.
8)
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I used to paint the individual parts of my Aurora kits prior to glueing them together when I was a kid. Do any of you pro fellows still do it that way?
???
I haven't assembled a kit since I was a kid, and I believe the correct way would be to paint then assemble, but I never had the patience for that as a kid. My folks would always tell me to do it that way, but I wanted to build the darn thing!! LOL!!!
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Here's a scan of the ad for the Aurora Superman kit that ran on the back of DC comic books cover dated January 1965:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/16-11-201173552PM.jpg)
8)
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([url]http://i54.tinypic.com/o77zah.jpg[/url])
Wow, wow!
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I've always loved the Aurora Superman kit. To me it captures the spirit of the Curt Swan Superman perfectly. Does anyone know who did the box art for the original release?
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Aurora model kits are something of wonder and fun. Those particular brand
of models kits bring so many great memories, growing up.
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I've always loved the Aurora Superman kit. To me it captures the spirit of the Curt Swan Superman perfectly. Does anyone know who did the box art for the original release?
Possibly Murphy Anderson--he did some of the Aurora comic book ads (like for the batman model and I think their race cars)
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I've always loved the Aurora Superman kit. To me it captures the spirit of the Curt Swan Superman perfectly. Does anyone know who did the box art for the original release?
Good question. To me it looks like it was done by James Bama as opposed to any DC artist.
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/ASuperman-1.jpg)
:-\
Possibly Murphy Anderson--he did some of the Aurora comic book ads (like for the batman model and I think their race cars)
I think it was Carmine Infantino who did the Aurora Batman kit though!
;)
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Good question. To me it looks like it was done by James Bama as opposed to any DC artist.
:-\
Wow, I forgot about the the first version of this box. This always struck me as going more for George Reeves than the comic so Bama would make sense. The second version which was more in line with the comic was more in the Swan style which all of DC's artists were at that time. But, I think MDG is right that it was Anderson. Would love to see it again to make sure.
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Here's a site where a fellow recounts his memories of building the Aurora monster and other figure kits:
Aurora Moments! (http://www.bucwheat.com/aurora/aurora.htm)
8)
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This always struck me as going more for George Reeves than the comic so Bama would make sense.
Good thinking! It's more the George Reeves look alright.
But, I think MDG is right that it was Anderson. Would love to see it again to make sure.
Hmmmmmm. On second thought you and MDG could be correct:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/ABatman.jpg)
I actually never liked the original box art on either the Superman or the Batman kit, which partially explains why I still don't have either. I'll get them one of these days or years though!
:-\
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The Batman box art is by Murphy, no question. Don't know for certain who did either Superman box!
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Agreed. Very Murphy. Loved his work on Hawkman and the Atomic Knights. I had a strange reaction to the Batman box cover. While the drawing looks more like Anderson, the photo inset looks more like Infantino! I think I need to get out more.
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Here are pictures of some of my favourite Aurora model kits:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/JCbridefranknstnMIBA_lg.jpg) (http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/aurora-figure-kit-forgotten-prisoner1.jpg) (http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/aurora-figure-kit-customizing-monster-kit1.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AuroraBlackBeauty.jpg) (http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AuroraVoyagetotheBottomoftheSea.jpg) (http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AuroraTheVoyagerFantasticVoyage.jpg)
8)
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I believe the original Batman box art was penciled by Infantino and inked by Anderson. The head of the 2nd Superman looks like Swan inked by Klein, but the "S" on his chest is way off. Could have been partially redrawn by someone at Aurora.
I've always suspected Neal Adams may have done the box art for the orignal Robin issue. This would have been several years before his work on Batman. His early Robin in World's Finest has the two spit curls and looks very similar.
Dick Giordano did the artwork on the Comic Scenes version of Batman and Robin (and their interior comics, I believe). The Superboy box art looks like Mike Grell to me, and we was the Superboy and the Legion of Super Heroes artist at the time.
Chris
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The Comics Scene SUPERBOY art was by Dave Cockrum. Mine was autographed by Dave at a Wonderfest show some years back.
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Well, that makes sense. Grell came in after Cockrum, and his early stuff looked like Cockrum's in a way. Nice to get his autograph on it!
Chris
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You can still vote for your favourite Aurora monster model kits in this thread:
http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=17099.msg274103#msg274103 (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=17099.msg274103#msg274103)
8)
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Finally finished Kong. Except Godzilla this marks the completion of the original 9.
(http://i46.tinypic.com/jzd4xj.jpg)
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Here are a few original Aurora kits I picked up cheap on Ebay and refinished:
Before
(http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu69/YukonLeeFX/AuroraDracb4a.jpg)
(http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu69/YukonLeeFX/61frankb4a.jpg)
After
(http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu69/YukonLeeFX/AuroraDrac1.jpg)
(http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu69/YukonLeeFX/61frankd.jpg)
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Very nice restoration work!!
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Here are pictures of my three Aurora monsters in hot rods:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/DraculasDragster.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/FrankensteinsFlivver.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/WolfMansWagon.jpg)
cl:)
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Awesome stuff.
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Finally finished Kong. Except Godzilla this marks the completion of the original 9.
([url]http://i46.tinypic.com/jzd4xj.jpg[/url])
Your King Kong Is KING! I love the Spider Pit Scene monsters included!!!!
gonna get a kit and build it, your paint job is astounding.
what kind of paints did you use?
all flat?
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here are my boxes so far....
(http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m635/huedez/aurorafamily.jpg)
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Are those boxes empty or do they contain the unbuilt kits?
???
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Here are mine.......
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/014.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/014.jpg) (http://[img width=800 height=600)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/015.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/015.jpg) (http://[img width=800 height=600)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/011.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/011.jpg) (http://[img width=800 height=600)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection260.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection260.jpg) (http://[img width=800 height=517)
"D" ;)
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Great display overall!
8)
But where/how in particular did you get the Prehistoric Scenes backdrop?
???
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I received it as a gift. I think it came from a place called python kits.
"D"
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Love the Haunted Mansion kits as well!
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Thanks Jimm!!!!!! ;)
"D"
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Propman, cool collection.
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Thanks MarsAttacks666!!!!!
"D"
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Looking through this thread makes me feel like a kid at Christmas! I remember that first holiday season Aurora's Prehistoric Scenes were out; I had a bunch of those models on my Christmas list, resulting in a lot of "Jurassic Plastic" from my parents and grandparents that year! (Missed out on a few that never got reissued by other companies over the years, such as the Tar Pit. In fact, I think one of the cave people, saber-tooth tiger and woolly mammoth were the only mammal kits I got out of the lot.)
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BB8mm - Me too!
Dr.Terror - One of the BEST Kongs I've ever seen - freakin' awesome!
propman - Your collection is amazing! I keep going back to look at it!
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Thanks MarsAttacks666!!!!!
"D"
You are welvome. Please, more pix. ;D
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What is that top Dracula kit? Looks awesome!
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I believe you are talking about the vampire kit from the Haunted Mansion series. I will post some close up pics of some of the kits as soon as I get a chance.
"D" ;)
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Here are a few shot of my Aurora built ups. I love painting model kits!!!!! Hope you like!!!!!!
"D" ;)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/DwayneseBayitems040.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/DwayneseBayitems040.jpg) (http://[img width=600 height=800)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/002-1_zps8c200ce9.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/002-1_zps8c200ce9.jpg) (http://[img width=600 height=800)
[url(http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/003-1_zpsdc984d61.jpg)][/url]
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/001_zpseff52396.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/001_zpseff52396.jpg) (http://[img width=800 height=600)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/004-1_zpsd372b154.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/004-1_zpsd372b154.jpg) (http://[img width=800 height=600)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/005-1_zps56413747.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/005-1_zps56413747.jpg) (http://[img width=800 height=600)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/006_zpsa269c7c1.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/006_zpsa269c7c1.jpg) (http://[img width=800 height=600)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/007-1_zps0a9e018e.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/007-1_zps0a9e018e.jpg) (http://[img width=800 height=600)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/008-1_zps8b023082.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/008-1_zps8b023082.jpg) (http://[img width=800 height=600)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/009-1_zps150c6d76.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/009-1_zps150c6d76.jpg) (http://[img width=600 height=800)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/010-1_zps42cdeaab.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/010-1_zps42cdeaab.jpg) (http://[img width=600 height=800)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/DwayneseBayitems056.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/DwayneseBayitems056.jpg) (http://[img width=800 height=600)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/DwayneseBayitems053.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/DwayneseBayitems053.jpg) (http://[img width=800 height=600)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/drac043.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/drac043.jpg) (http://[img width=800 height=782)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection204.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection204.jpg) (http://[img width=428 height=800)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection261.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection261.jpg) (http://[img width=800 height=599)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection263.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection263.jpg) (http://[img width=800 height=618)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection267.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection267.jpg) (http://[img width=800 height=372)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection194.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection194.jpg) (http://[img width=539 height=800)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/DwayneseBayitems046.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/DwayneseBayitems046.jpg) (http://[img width=600 height=800)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/DwayneseBayitems060.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/DwayneseBayitems060.jpg) (http://[img width=600 height=800)
http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/DwayneseBayitems055.jpg[/img]](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/DwayneseBayitems055.jpg) (http://[img width=800 height=600)
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Mad skillz!!
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Dyn-O-mite work. ;D
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Nice collection and well done!
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If I had to pick the two I liked the most, they'd be the Saber Toothed Tiger and the Hulk.
:)
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Thanks for the kind words guys!!!! And thanks Hepcat for picking out a couple of pieces that stood out to you. And for anyone else who may take a look at my photos, please feel free to give your input as well. I've won a couple of smaller model painting contests but I'm thinking of going to Wonderfest this year and entering a couple of kits. So if something stands out to you please let me know. Also, if you see something you don't like about the paint work please feel free to express your feelings as well. Like I said earlier, I love to paint kits. I'm always striving to better myself at the craft. So any input is always appreciated! Good or back; You can only learn how to make things better.
"D" ;)
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I am not a comic hero fan but you did an amazing job on them. Spiderman is excellent. The black and white renderings are also fantastic. Hard to point out a favorite, they are ALL very, very good.
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Thanks Jethro!!!!! Thanks for your input!!!!!
"D" 8)
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Great work on those Prehistoric Scenes! And a good paint job on Vampirella!!! The sculpt on that kit could have been better, so how the finished piece comes across really depends on the paint job.
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And a good paint job on Vampirella!!! The sculpt on that kit could have been better....
Aurora did a terrible job on the Vampirella sculpt, particularly in comparison to the monsters issued in the early sixties.
>:(
I suspect that a major reason behind the poor sculpt was that snap-together model kits by nature had to be cruder in order to snap together more easily.
:-\
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Thanks again for the input guys. I'm Listening!!!!!!
"D" ;)
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Just a poor sculpt on Vampi, heck look at the snap Creech from the MoM series, it's beautiful.
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I suspect that a major reason behind the poor sculpt was that snap-together model kits by nature had to be cruder in order to snap together more easily.
My only reason to not totally buy into that is that the Victim sculpt is better than Vampi. (As was the cave girl from the Prehistoric Scenes line.) I wonder if the idea was to play down what was essentially a pretty erotic character/costume for the day, given the intended audience for the models.
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Dwayne your kits and displays are like walking into the hobby shop of our dreams and seeing them all professionally built and displayed!
Your Prehistoric Scenes, Monster Scenes and Super Heroes in particular are outstanding and trigger so MANY fond memories of owning and building these kits in my youth. Plastic dreams indeed - WELL DONE!
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Thank you Count!!!! That means a lot!!!! ;D
"D"
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I remember that first holiday season Aurora's Prehistoric Scenes were out; I had a bunch of those models on my Christmas list, resulting in a lot of "Jurassic Plastic" from my parents and grandparents that year! (Missed out on a few that never got reissued by other companies over the years, such as the Tar Pit. In fact, I think one of the cave people, saber-tooth tiger and woolly mammoth were the only mammal kits I got out of the lot.)
Here are a couple of comic book ads for the Aurora Prehistoric Scenes kits that I lifted off the net:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/Auroraad2.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/Aurora3.jpg)
And here's a Captain Company ad from a Warren publication:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/Auroraad5.jpg)
cl:)
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Boy, those ads bring back some memories. Thanks! The T-Rex was like the Holy Grail of those when I was a kid. It wouldn't be until some of the kits got reissued in the Eighties that I finally got him. (Fortunately for me, given the price tag on the current reissue from Atlantis.)
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I'll never forget one of the neighbor kids older brothers having these scattered all over the kitchen table, a half dozen of 'em. Quite a spectacle at the time!
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I never really had any of the Prehistoric Scenes kits as a kit but my cousin did. So when picking out what I wanted for my collection room I decided to do my display of them in memory of him.
"D"
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The one Aurora kit I remember seeing as a kid was a Prehistoric Scene I believe. I remember my sister and a friend (a boy that lived up the street) working on it when I was REALLY young. I can't even recall what it was. I remember a cave man and it being cast in brown plastic. I later got the MPC Super Powers reissues of Superman and Batman when I was 10 or so, and then my first monsters when I was in high school.
Chris
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I like the way Mr. Enamel has painted up the Mummy to duplicate James Bama's box art:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/mummy_zps43d01f76.jpg)
cl:)
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I'm with you Hepcat, I like that he followed the box art!!!
"D" :)
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DAMN! He totally nailed the box art...perfect!
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1961 Aurora Frankenstein:
(http://i1339.photobucket.com/albums/o715/mrestfla/monsters_zps94a7acdc.jpg)
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Cool! Which was your first effort and which the follow-up?
???
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Cool! Which was your first effort and which the follow-up?
???
thanks! I actually had paid to have both painted.
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Here are two fabulous takes on the Forgotten Prisoner.
First a high quality job by Jim Bertges that's everything a professionally built and painted kit should be:
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/100_6170_zpse74f748b.jpg)
With flash:
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/100_6155_zpseef1b514.jpg)
And then an absolutely awesome eye-popping one done by Witch Hunter with glow-in-the-dark paints:
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/high_stakes/IMG-20130122-00644.jpg)
8)
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The Frankenstein kit that Aurora issued in 1961 and the Dracula and Wolf Man kits which followed in 1962 were a key element in turning a generation of baby boomers into monster kids. The feverish demand for the Frankenstein kit when first released prompted Aurora to keep production running 24 hours a day to turn out more than 8,000 kits per day! The runaway success of these Aurora monster models ushered in an era of monster toys as other toy companies went after a piece of the action.
Here are photos of the Frankenstein, Dracula and Wolf Man kits from my collection:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/FrankensteilModelKits_zps5c54c422.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/DraculaModelKit_zpsf6fd8324.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/WolfmanModelKit_zps8bdc5819.jpg)
cl:)
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More than VERY COOL Hepcat!!!!!!!
"D" 8)
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Thanks for posting those. The Frankenstein and The Forgotten Prisoner give me so many good time memories. 'Truly: Frankie began it ALL.
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OK... I'll bite.
I have all of the polar lights etc. longbox re-issues... I will occasionally take one out and build it up for the monster room.
It is a learning process for me. The only models I ever had growing up were a short fascination with snap-together big rig trucks... and one Aurora Tarzan built with my dad when I was about 7 and quickly broken. So here is my learning curve.. the first models I ever did... in order.
First up... my creature. Abysmal when viewed as a finished product... but now that I look at it... it doesnt look like there is anything some extensive drybrushing can't fix starting from where it is. To be fair... it was the first model I ever did.
(http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y431/Woodface69/IMG_1491_zpsa27bafe8.jpg)
then we move on to Frankie... I got a little better at drybrushing with the grass, etc... but... still room for improvement. I added a little mud spatter to his feet for giggles.
(http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y431/Woodface69/IMG_1495_zpsac8f4786.jpg)
(http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y431/Woodface69/IMG_1494_zps9e3b9820.jpg)
...then the mummy. My PL kit was missing the small bandage from his outstretched arm but I didn't sweat it. I was always troubled by the monochromatic nature of the kit so I tried to add a little color... I probably should have washed it back a lot more if I wanted more realism but... I kinda like it. I went with the Egyptian Banded Cobra for the snake... which despite the name might be a little out of it's range... I just thought it was a nice pattern and close enough.
(http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y431/Woodface69/IMG_1501_zps8ac34bca.jpg)
(http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y431/Woodface69/IMG_1500_zpsddae13d4.jpg)
(http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y431/Woodface69/IMG_1498_zps8a515fab.jpg)
then I started the phantom... stopped for eight years... then finished it a couple of weeks ago finally. (It took me eight years to do the last hour and a half worth of paint and assembly.) Presented masked and unmasked for your viewing pleasure...
(http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y431/Woodface69/IMG_1511_zps2dddc7e6.jpg)
(http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y431/Woodface69/IMG_1510_zpsc5cc0d5e.jpg)
then lastly... I decided to do dracula. I gave him a little buddy from the customizing kit. I finished gluing the last bat this morning.
(http://i1274.photobucket.com/albums/y431/Woodface69/IMG_1519_zps8bf2da88.jpg)
I am pretty happpy with the progress I've made with my first five kits. They arent as good as many on this site, but they are good enough for my needs. Now I am in the middle of a rebuild of the tarzan kit I did with my dad when I was a kid... but I might also start the Wolf Man because it looks quick and will round out the major players in the monster room. I will have to find some more display space before I tackle any more. :)
-Steve
Tarzan will just have to live in a different room.. though with this lion it might get bloody.
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It is a learning process for me.
I am pretty happpy with the progress I've made with my first five kits. They arent as good as many on this site, but they are good enough for my needs.
Yeah well your paint jobs are already way better than I could manage!
I gave him a little buddy from the customizing kit.
That dog is way cool!
;)
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Hey Woodface, your models look great! I wish I could be half as good as you on painting these kits. I have my kits pro-painted and am very happy, but I would love to be able to say that I painted them! I especially like the Mummy and the added dog with Dracula. The colors on the Mummy and the debris look really cool. Way to go, my friend!
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Granted Woodface, the Creature could use a little touch up but the rest are very good. The Dracula kit is fantastic. I never tire at looking at the numerous entries of the Aurora kits submitted here.
I love seeing the paint jobs that actually were done back in the 60's when they first came out.
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Thanks Guys.
Yeah I like some of the ones painted by kids, etc... they have a nice quality... but when I have the time, I enjoy the process of painting them. Seam work... not so much. But both are good for teaching me patience... of which I have precious little.
I can fix that creature I think.. he looks more "half-finished" than ruined.... but I want to get him off of the base so I can have some room to move and work on both him and the base. He seems pretty glued down but with careful application of a hobby knife I maybe could free him from his position.
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You have done a fantastic job on these kits,especially The Mummy.I have to say I think it is certainly one of the best paint jobs on this kit,you have inspired me to re-paint my Mummy again as I can never seem to get it right.
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Here are shots of three more of my Aurora monster kits:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/ThePhantomoftheOpera_zps00609423.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/TheMummyModelkit_zpsfe795981.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/TheCreatureModelKit_zps777d0ef1.jpg)
I very clearly remember how much I wanted that Creature kit when I first saw it in a center aisle display at the Kresge store in downtown London in 1963. I never got one as a kid though, but now it's a different story!
:)
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Here are shots of three more of my Aurora long box kits;
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/DrJekyllMrHyde_zps12cad2cf.jpg) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/Balticprince/media/General%20Album%202/DrJekyllMrHyde_zps12cad2cf.jpg.html)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/TheHunchback_zps258537bc.jpg) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/Balticprince/media/General%20Album%202/TheHunchback_zps258537bc.jpg.html)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/TheForgottenPrisoner_zps580edfbd.jpg) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/Balticprince/media/General%20Album%202/TheForgottenPrisoner_zps580edfbd.jpg.html)
I never had any of these three as a kid but my best buddy had the Forgotten Prisoner. Very cool Mort Kunstler box art!
8)
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Thanks for showing the box art on the Phantom of the opera kit!!!
I forgot what it looks like. 'Gives me a great idea to build a wall behind him so I could also put the prisoner at eye-level with him just like the box cover! COOLNESS. 8)
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WOW...Impressive collection! The only long box originals i have are Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolf Man and the Phantom.
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WOW!!
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I would love to have all of these, but my budget only allows me the Polar Lights re-issues.
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Here are two more of my Aurora kits:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/TheWitchModelKit_zps56687ccb.jpg) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/Balticprince/media/General%20Album%202/TheWitchModelKit_zps56687ccb.jpg.html)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/TheBrideofFrankensteinAurora_zpsde26c3c1.jpg) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/Balticprince/media/General%20Album%202/TheBrideofFrankensteinAurora_zpsde26c3c1.jpg.html)
I have a particular soft spot for the Bride because that was the first Aurora monster model I ever built and it was truly a fabulous kit!
8)
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(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/Auroraad5.jpg)
When I had "The Giant Bird", I painted it the same colors of Harryhausen's Phorohacos from MYSTERIOUS ISLAND rather than the color scheme on the box art.
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Here's a few of my Prehistoric Scenes kits.....
(http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection260.jpg)
[url=http://[URL=http://s697.photobucket.com/user/propman1/media/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection263.jpg.html](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection263.jpg)
[url=http://[URL=http://s697.photobucket.com/user/propman1/media/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection264.jpg.html](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection264.jpg)
[url=http://[URL=http://s697.photobucket.com/user/propman1/media/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection267.jpg.html](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection267.jpg)
[url=http://[URL=http://s697.photobucket.com/user/propman1/media/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection215.jpg.html](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection215.jpg)
[url=http://[URL=http://s697.photobucket.com/user/propman1/media/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection261.jpg.html](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection261.jpg)
"D" ;) (http://[URL=http://s697.photobucket.com/user/propman1/media/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection260.jpg.html)
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Nice buildup, looks fantastic!
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Aurora also released a Great Moments in Sport series of kits in 1965. The only one I have is this one:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/JerryWestModelKit_zpsdf646e1a.jpg) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/Balticprince/media/General%20Album%202/JerryWestModelKit_zpsdf646e1a.jpg.html)
Others featured Jack Dempsey, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Johnny Unitas and Jim Brown. The Johnny Unitas one I'd like to add to my collection at some point, but the rest don't interest me. I would have liked Willie Mays had Aurora not chosen to commemorate the moment when as a New York Giant he made a heartbreaking catch in the 1954 World Series against my beloved Cleveland Indians.
>:(
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This is like being a kid again at Christmas, drooling over all the photos in the Sears catalog.
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This is like being a kid again at Christmas, drooling over all the photos in the Sears catalog.
Yeah!! I loved the lingerie section too!!
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Yeah!! I loved the lingerie section too!!
Spent a lot of time in the bathroom with the Sears catalog.
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Spent a lot of time in the bathroom with the Sears catalog.
Yeah, let's start a National Geographic appreciation thread!.......not. :P
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Just to change the direction that the conversation is going here..... I am now working on a Aurora John F. Kennedy model. Here's a photo of the head and hands. They are still a WIP.
(http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/001_zpsa2c5a2e6.jpg)
"D" ;) (http://[URL=http://s697.photobucket.com/user/propman1/media/001_zpsa2c5a2e6.jpg.html)
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Wow. That's the first time I've ever seen a photo of the actual model pieces for JFK. Prior to this, I'd only seen the box.
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I've had a couple of JFK kits but they were already built up and the decal sticker of the painting always had a crease in them. I sold those copies off to buy an unbuilt on still in the box so I could really go off on this kit. A friend of mine had one when we were around 8 years old and I always wanted one. Now that I'm older and a professional painter, I figured now is the right time to get one and really have fun with it. I'm taking my time on it so I can really make it the best that I have ever seen. Does anyone else here have a built up one that is painted?
"D" ;)
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I posted 3 articles on my Blog about Aurora Kits, if anyone cares to read/see them :)
Aurora Model Kits Box Art - http://parlorofhorror.wordpress.com/2013/03/30/horror-art-aurora-model-kit-box-art/ (http://parlorofhorror.wordpress.com/2013/03/30/horror-art-aurora-model-kit-box-art/)
Aurora Monster Models and Prehistoric Scenes Kits - http://parlorofhorror.wordpress.com/2013/04/06/aurora-monster-models-and-prehistoric-scenes-kits/ (http://parlorofhorror.wordpress.com/2013/04/06/aurora-monster-models-and-prehistoric-scenes-kits/)
The Aurora Monsters (2010) – movie review - http://parlorofhorror.wordpress.com/2013/04/30/the-aurora-monsters-2010-movie-review/ (http://parlorofhorror.wordpress.com/2013/04/30/the-aurora-monsters-2010-movie-review/)
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I like the Parlor of Horror name of your blog.
8)
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Propman---I never collected the Prehistoric Scenes. But if I ever saw a set painted as well as what you have shown here---they would be the prize of my collection. ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I like the Parlor of Horror name of your blog.
8)
Thanks Hepcat, my blog is about everything horror - movies, art, books, model-kits, memorabilia (although I'm not well knowledged in that aspect but learning), horror magazines, and my own horror fiction. I thought of the name because it would cover all of those aspects :)
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Thanks Phibes!!!!!! That really means a lot!!!!!!!!!
"D" ;) 8)
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Here's my finished JFK kit. I've always wanted one of these. But to be honest, I'm ready to get back to the monster kits now. LOL
(http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/001_zpscb10671f.jpg)
"D" ;) (http://[URL=http://s697.photobucket.com/user/propman1/media/001_zpscb10671f.jpg.html)
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I like seeing the other Aurora stuff also, got any of the Sports Action kits?
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Great stuff on your blog, Cerebus!
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Great stuff on your blog, Cerebus!
hey thanks BijouBob,
I try to mix the old with the new and all different aspects of horror, sci-fi, & fantasy - not just movie reviews. Thanks so much for checking out the site :)
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Here's a scan of a comic book ad for Aurora's American Astronaut kit:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/08-06-201375541PM_zpse619b931.jpg) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/Balticprince/media/Comics/08-06-201375541PM_zpse619b931.jpg.html)
8)
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Totally remember that.
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Only a dollar! Amazing! Wish I bought 3 of everything back then and just kept them stored. Hindsight is 20-20, lol :)
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Only a dollar! Amazing! Wish I bought 3 of everything back then and just kept them stored. Hindsight is 20-20, lol :)
Better than the stock market or pension plans, that's for sure.
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Better than the stock market or pension plans, that's for sure.
In the last 10 years my 401K turned into a 4K. Never made that money back. Now the company wants to hook me up with a 'strategic markets expert', probably so they can scam the rest of the money from my account, lol. "The horror, the horror..."
I wish I had some of my old GI Joe stuff, too. Saw some of that sell for $$$.
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Here are a couple more DC back cover ads for Aurora model kits from late 1966:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/08-07-201375600PM_zps401d7a0c.jpg) (http://"http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/Balticprince/media/Comics/08-07-201375600PM_zps401d7a0c.jpg.html")
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/08-07-201375607PM_zps07f1143a.jpg) (http://"http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/Balticprince/media/Comics/08-07-201375607PM_zps07f1143a.jpg.html")
8)
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Got my check for $.98 ready to send.
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I need The Frog! Don't remember ever seeing that one! Worth .98¢ no matter what it looks like :)
I had the Skeleton Pirates which I think came out a few years later.
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Recently picked up the Blackbeard reissue; would love to see the Captain Kidd model brought back as well.
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OK, Hepcat egged me on, so I'm posting this on one more thread.
I just found this a few days ago when going through my dear departed Mom's cache of old photographs...that's me being a Happy Monster Kid in 1964. :)
(http://imageshack.us/a/img209/9238/b3a9.png)
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The photo actually makes more sense in this thread than in the others in which you've posted it.
That was a great score for you at the time though. At a price point of just under five dollars, the Gigantic Frankenstein was the ultimate kit in 1964. Since not many sold at that price, it's also the ultimate monster model kit for collectors today.
cl:)
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My Dad was a watchmaker and a very creative man, but his profession was not extremely lucrative. Things were always a bit tight financially. That makes it even more touching to me now, knowing all the sacrifices he made. And plunking down an "Abe" for this; wish I could thank him again now...
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Man, that's a fabulous pic!!
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The "Way Out Witch" and the "Frog" remind me of those very elusive William Castle greeting cards. I had a few of those back in the day. Anybody know if there is a connection there?
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Good eye! Both the Aurora Frog and the Vampire kit below whose picture I found on the net are models of William Castle Creatures:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/AuroraVampire_zps15713023.jpg) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/Balticprince/media/General%20Album%203/AuroraVampire_zps15713023.jpg.html)
They're tough kits to find.
8)
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Oh, yea. Now I see the little Castle logo there at the bottom, just like on those cards...
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Oh, yea. Now I see the little Castle logo there at the bottom, just like on those cards...
Good old William Castle....striking the pose in his director's chair. ;D
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Here's a built up copy of the kit.......
(http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/001_zps7d58c11f.jpg)
"D" (http://[URL=http://s697.photobucket.com/user/propman1/media/001_zps7d58c11f.jpg.html)
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I had a few of the cards; not sure if I had the complete set. In a small bit of ballyhoo, they came with a note stating that if you mailed them to a certain address, William Castle would autograph them and send them back. I didn't get it together to do that, and now I don't even have the dang cards. :/
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I took a pic of the Aurora reissues my son and I have worked on for the last several years. The monsters wanted to get out in the nice, brisk fall air. We completed the Wolfman just a few weeks ago.
I'm no master modeler, and I don't fill in the cracks, sand, etc., but we have a good time with these. The Creature is up next!
(http://megomuseum.com/mmgallery/files/2/2/monsters_outside_original.jpg)
Chris
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Those look pretty pro to me. I have very fond memories of building some Auroras with my dad. I'm sure your boy will, too.
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I took a pic of the Aurora reissues my son and I have worked on for the last several years. The monsters wanted to get out in the nice, brisk fall air. We completed the Wolfman just a few weeks ago.
I'm no master modeler, and I don't fill in the cracks, sand, etc., but we have a good time with these. The Creature is up next!
([url]http://megomuseum.com/mmgallery/files/2/2/monsters_outside_original.jpg[/url])
Chris
Those are way cool! 8)
Being a master modeler is great, but doin' it monsterkid style is the heart and soul of what we love. :)
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Having a good time actually building the kits is what counts. You've done an excellent job and you've encouraged your son to join in the fun. Two great accomplishments in one!
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Thanks guys. This is a fun way for me and the boy to share our love of the Universal monsters. I'm sure he'll have fond memories of it in years to come.
CHris
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I'm no master modeler, and I don't fill in the cracks, sand, etc., but we have a good time with these. The Creature is up next!
([url]http://megomuseum.com/mmgallery/files/2/2/monsters_outside_original.jpg[/url])
They sure look good to me.
Being a master modeler is great, but doin' it monsterkid style is the heart and soul of what we love.
Absolutely!
8)
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i still have that old aurora comic-back-ad around here somewhere. and like 14 of those 15 in the build list. only built like 5 of them wbw - couldnt lay my hands on all of them from rural south tx. almost can now.
regarding the man from uncle diorama halves, found an ebay auction awhile back for the pair. assembled but unpainted. that could be interesting...
i built the old aurora hulk and spidey years ago, but i prefer the new "normal aurora" scale moebius versions. that was a good idea.
good stuff...
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Here's a built up copy of the kit.......
([url]http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/001_zps7d58c11f.jpg[/url])
"D"
(http://[URL=http://s697.photobucket.com/user/propman1/media/001_zps7d58c11f.jpg.html)
I dig this kit.
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I Love seeing all these great Aurora figure kits! I wish PL would or could reissue all of them!
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The horror stuff is mostly done, really want the missing MOM and Scenes kits. I'd like the sports kits too
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Here's a original set of Aurora Monster Scenes kits and a set of Aurora MOM kits. I did sell the MOM kit's off.
(http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection018.jpg)
[url=http://[URL=http://s697.photobucket.com/user/propman1/media/COLLECTION%20ROOM/Dwaynesebay063.jpg.html](http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/COLLECTION%20ROOM/Dwaynesebay063.jpg)
"D" (http://[URL=http://s697.photobucket.com/user/propman1/media/COLLECTION%20ROOM/MaskCollection018.jpg.html)
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I really like the sculpt of the Aurora Monsters of the Movies Creature. It's even better than the original one which is saying a lot.
cl:)
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I really like the sculpt of the Aurora Monsters of the Movies Creature. It's even better than the original one which is saying a lot.
cl:)
Yes, and a great pose too.
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Here's a cool ad from the back cover of DC comics cover dated November 1968 for Aurora's UFO from The Invaders show:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/Comics001/014_zpsebdf7870.jpg)
8)
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Here are some new pictures I've taken of my model kit cabinet with the Aurora kits on the bottom two shelves:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202013%20%20Deuce%20Styx%20Cowboy%20Cake/DSCN3173_zpsea8058c8.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202013%20%20Deuce%20Styx%20Cowboy%20Cake/DSCN3174_zpsea461e53.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Halloween%202013%20%20Deuce%20Styx%20Cowboy%20Cake/DSCN3177_zps0d586899.jpg)
8)
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Here are three videos going though my collection of the original 12. Most are not original, I did these some years ago.
Part 1
http://youtu.be/LZ8W7zZJfLM (http://youtu.be/LZ8W7zZJfLM)
Part 2
http://youtu.be/tEO56amDdZA (http://youtu.be/tEO56amDdZA)
Part3
http://youtu.be/rxqFx5P82QM (http://youtu.be/rxqFx5P82QM)
Rob
Monster Model Review
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Pretty slick! I'm as impressed with the videos as the models. Is that you doing the narration?
A couple of quick questions.
1. Aurora was known for warplanes, ships and sundry figure kits prior to releasing the monster models. It was Ideal Toys that released Mr. Machine in 1960. Why do you associate it with Aurora?
2. Do you ever paint the parts of a model kit before you glue it together?
???
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My goof in doing an episode off the top of my head and yes, I always do my kits in subsections.
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Here's a scan of the cool back cover ad from the one-shot Warren Super Heroes magazine cover dated October 1966:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/Comics001/002_zps5020b034.jpg)
8)
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Hi Hepcat, you might know something about this, as it seems to be a Canadian exclusive... I grew up in Ottawa Ontario and vaguely remember my buddy getting a separate Portrait of JFK when he bought his Aurora JFK model back in 64/65. I saw this kit on ebay a few weeks ago and got it... here are the photos of the JFK kit with the added Portrait and paperwork that came with my ebay purchase. It is the same size as the Box art but the Mort Kunstler signature is visible and not cropped off by the Aurora graphics. On the paperwork it starts off by saying "Enclosed in each carton you will find 24 authentic memorial JFK Portraits". So I'm thinking these came in with a Carton of Aurora JFK kits and the storekeep would hand one out to you if you bought the kit. That would explain my memory of my childhood friend getting this with the kit. We used to buy all our kits from a Smoke Shop and the Store owner knew us by name (back then) So I imagine this was a sort of promo and by the time I bought my kit... it was long over...
Until I saw this on ebay I had totally forgotten about my childhood friend getting this portrait with the kit. Do you have any knowledge of this promo from waaaaay back then. I've not seen it mentioned in any Aurora books I've picked up over the years??? I really admire your collection and knowledge on this subject and was hoping you could shed some light on it. :)
I'm an Aurora collector also but I can't find any info on this .
(http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss74/FRANKENSTIEN53/KennedyKitBonus001_zps0c8e4664.jpg) (http://s563.photobucket.com/user/FRANKENSTIEN53/media/KennedyKitBonus001_zps0c8e4664.jpg.html)
(http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss74/FRANKENSTIEN53/KennedyKitBonus002_zps871f0b1c.jpg) (http://s563.photobucket.com/user/FRANKENSTIEN53/media/KennedyKitBonus002_zps871f0b1c.jpg.html)
(http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss74/FRANKENSTIEN53/KennedyKitBonus004_zps9c05edbf.jpg) (http://s563.photobucket.com/user/FRANKENSTIEN53/media/KennedyKitBonus004_zps9c05edbf.jpg.html)
(http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss74/FRANKENSTIEN53/KennedyKitBonus005_zpsfe0da933.jpg) (http://s563.photobucket.com/user/FRANKENSTIEN53/media/KennedyKitBonus005_zpsfe0da933.jpg.html)
(http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss74/FRANKENSTIEN53/KennedyKitBonus006_zps9cdf5528.jpg) (http://s563.photobucket.com/user/FRANKENSTIEN53/media/KennedyKitBonus006_zps9cdf5528.jpg.html)
The kit is mint and all this came in with it...
Denis
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The kit is mint and all this came in with it....
Oh wow! Great find! Those are tough, particularly with all the paperwork.
Hi Hepcat, you might know something about this, as it seems to be a Canadian exclusive... was hoping you could shed some light on it.
I really know nothing about the Aurora Kennedy kit. I have a hazy recollection of having seen ads for the Kennedy model kits, but I don't remember seeing any in stores. But then again that wasn't a subject that would have caught my eye at the time. Kits of real people would not have interested me. I was much more into kits of the Creature, Mummy, Bride of Frankenstein, Roth Mysterion, Brother Rat Fink, Francis the Foul, warships and planes, slot cars etc.
I grew up in Ottawa Ontario.... We used to buy all our kits from a Smoke Shop and the Store owner knew us by name (back then)....
Oh man, those were the days when model kits were a central feature in the lives of most young fellows! That's why I'm still collecting the kits I remember.
Whereabouts in Ottawa was this shop? Do you remember its name? Which kits do you remember buying and building?
???
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Man, I was into the same kits you were...Loved Francis the Foul and of course all the Monster kits by Aurora. The Kennedy kit was a must have kit at that time as he was shot just 2 1/2 years before it's release, I was 9 when he died and 12 when I got this kit, then Batmania hit...You're right, it was a great time to be a kid. The name of the store which was in Vanier on Beechwood ave. in Ottawa and its' name was, I believe Model land. We moved to Gatineau Quebec in the early/mid 60s (Just outside of Ottawa)... and the Smoke shop was called Notre Dame Smoke Shop as it was on Notre Dame Street in Gatineau...So of course we called it the Smoke Shop of Notre Dame. (How cool was that! :D)
Cheers
Denis
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....Just wanted to add that the owner of The Smoke Shop of Notre Dame name was Guy and he was a cool cat...He sponsored a monthly Monster Model contest but later expanded it to all figure models like Batman, Superman and of course the Weird-oh kits as well...Every month someone would walk away with a Grand Prize of a Shiny Silver dollar and anything you wanted off of (what we called) the 10¢ rack....Oh Man...Good times!
Denis
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He sponsored a monthly Monster Model contest but later expanded it to all figure models like Batman, Superman and of course the Weird-oh kits as well....
Was the winning kit then displayed in his store window? That would have been smart on the part of the store owner because the winner would of course proudly drag his parents and buddies to the store to show off his celebrity status, which would lead to additional sales of pop and cigars.
8)
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Yep...You nailed it! Actually all the kits entered were in a display case for the full Month and the Winner got his kit moved to the Store front Window for the next Month ...a Real Honour complete with Bragging Rights!... The Kits that didn't win could be re entered (of course) and more times than not, when you Won... That Shiny Silver Dollar bought your next cool Kit ! The Principal of my School would even announce the Winner over the School intercom....Times were waaaay different then....Building Models was a cool thing to do and over the endless years it seems that everyone would eventually win a Month of Glory.
Guy was a very smart man as this Model Contest became very well known. I remember The Gatineau Review(local Newspaper) even did an article on the Smoke Shop Contest... calling it The Smoke Shop of Notre Dame. I think I spent every allowance and monetary Birthday gift there....we all did :D. It was a Great Hang out... Where's my Time Machine...I want to go back there now!
Denis
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That Shiny Silver Dollar bought your next cool Kit !
And in Canada that Silver Dollar was still made of silver until mid-1968!
(http://www.amergold.com/vault/images/1966canadiansilverdollarrev.jpg)
The Principal of my School would even announce the Winner over the School intercom....
Announced by the principal over the intercom! That is wild cool!
8)
Here's a write-up I did on one of the variety stores I frequented in London:
http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=14482.msg346578;topicseen#msg346578 (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=14482.msg346578;topicseen#msg346578)
:)
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I like the plexiglass cases , great way to store them and still keep them safe from "prying" hanhds. Great collection it must have taken a lot of time and patience to collect.
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That Davis Variety store sounds like a blast, and I loved Black Cat gum, candies 3 for a penny... different world...By the way Hepcat, that was a great and nostalgic review you did, Thanks for that!
Those plastic cases have already saved a few of my kits from disaster ....the curiosity of my 2 cats and 3 Grandkids have proven these cases to be worth their weight in gold :) I've put my collection together over the years trying to recapture the feeling of being 10 years old again, for being between the ages of 8 and 16 were probably the best years of my life. Back when the biggest decision I had to make was spending my allowance. ;)
Denis
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You know I wouldn't say that those were the best years of my life, but I still remember and cherish the things that were cool from those years. And of course the cool things included the model kits, gum cards, comics, magazines, vending machine premiums, cereal premiums and other monster related and toys in general. They also included things like soda pop in returnable bottles, home milk and bread delivery, passenger trains to all kinds of cities and towns, and wonderful local candy stores and diners with unpretentious menus and counter seating on rotating stools! And the items related to what I liked about those bygone days are what I collect these days.
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Too cool, I remember having these models they were and still are great.
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I bought my JFK model NIB a couple of years ago. I always buy model to build and not just to leave in the box. I know they are worth more unopened, but it's just not as fun for me that way. Mine did not come with the post either.
(http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/001_zpscb10671f.jpg)
"D" (http://[URL=http://s697.photobucket.com/user/propman1/media/001_zpscb10671f.jpg.html)
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I bought my JFK model NIB a couple of years ago. I always buy model to build and not just to leave in the box. I know they are worth more unopened, but it's just not as fun for me that way. Mine did not come with the post either.
([url]http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/001_zpscb10671f.jpg[/url])
"D"
(http://[URL=http://s697.photobucket.com/user/propman1/media/001_zpscb10671f.jpg.html)
Beautifully done! I'm the same way. I know the models are worth more unopened, but I just love putting them together. For me, their is nothing better than a late night of relaxing while watching a horror movie, drinking a few cold ones, and putting a model together. That is my idea of relaxing.
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Too cool, I remember having these models they were and still are great.
Which ones?
???
I always buy model to build and not just to leave in the box. I know they are worth more unopened, but it's just not as fun for me that way.
I don't keep my kits unbuilt because of any kind of value considerations either. I keep them that way because I find that owning kits that look like they could be on a store shelf leaves me with feelings of wonder and delight.
;)
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Hepcat, I respect everyone's collection and the reason for the way they display their stuff. It's all about memories and what puts a smile on you own face!!!
But I am the same way BigShadow is. Building kits with a classic monster movie or some 1970's music playing is my form of relaxation as well!!! That's just how I spent my childhood. I would get an allowance on Friday and always by an Aurora kit. We use to have a show named Creature Features (in the early 1970's) which would show the classic Universal films at night and I would build my model while the movie was on. I guess it's something I'll never grow out of (and Thank God for that!!!!!).
"D" :)
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propman....I wish I would have known about model kits when I was younger. I didn't find out about them until I was in the army and a buddy of mine was doing some Japanese robot fighters of some sort. We then began a discussion on the models. After that he took me to the local hobby store where I purchased my first model, I believe was the Bates Motel. That was the only model I did while I spent 3 years on active duty. But when I got home, I immediately went out and bought the Hunchback and a few others. After several years of deployments with the National Guard, I only recently got back into model maybe about 3 years ago. I think the Monster Scenes are my favorite to complete and show.
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Where did you grow up?
???
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Youngstown, Ohio. As a kid I just watched horror movies and played sports. Didn't know anything about models or anything of the like. :(
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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This Monsterama video narrated by Elvira is pretty good:
Monsterama - Aurora Models Kits. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIlX-bIbYng#ws)
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Elvira herself is more than just pretty good.
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Great video Hep!
Thanks for that. I built a bunch of those as kid. Brings back a lot of memories.
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Here's another good video you can get on the Aurora monster model kits:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/AuroraDVDFront_zpsff7adf1a.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/AuroraDVDBack_zpsa79410d2.jpg)
:)
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My Monster Hot Rods!
(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/314457_2451997652012_1722357620_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/t1/383850_2451998012021_1535190984_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/383679_2451998492033_1084856165_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/384793_2451998772040_773816415_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/318470_2451999292053_242176036_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/t1.0-9/380212_2451999732064_188762135_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/t1/316659_2452000052072_1589843662_n.jpg)
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Man, they look great!
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Thank you Sir, I tried to fill the seams so they were pretty seamless. I also tried to paint them as close to the box tops as possible.
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Great collection! Always loved Godzilla's Go Kart the best. Fantastic!
Steve S.
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Well done! So nice to see the set!
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They look fantastic! Great job!!!
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Excellent work LSFPaul on you Monster Rods.
Propman, I too build my models with either music from the 60's and 70's playing or with a Universal monster movie playing right at my work station.
It's all about the memories for me as well, so much so that I am trying to buy as many of the toys I had in the 60's to have on one shelf in my "monster-man cave". I still have all my Famous Monsters, Creepy and Eerie mags from then, some displayed over my shelves of Aurora models in one section of the room. One wall is silents, 30's and 40's classic monster models, one is all 50's science fiction and another b movie models.
I'll never grow out of it, and I'm 54.
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Thanks I appreciate it guys, I love my Monster Hot Rods. I commissioned Jay Holopeter to do a new Creatures Crate I plan to kit at some point.
(https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1922205_10202462116366901_333796563_n.jpg)
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Really...outstanding :)
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I love my Monster Hot Rods. I commissioned Jay Holopeter to do a new Creatures Crate I plan to kit at some point.
It would be advisable for the box art of any commercial release of this kit though to mimic James Bama's style.
:)
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Monsters in Motion sell them, quite similar to your design... http://www.monstersinmotion.com/cart/spaceships-vehicles-item-list-a-e-c-13_191/creatures-crate-model-resin-kit-p-2079 (http://www.monstersinmotion.com/cart/spaceships-vehicles-item-list-a-e-c-13_191/creatures-crate-model-resin-kit-p-2079)
(http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss74/FRANKENSTIEN53/05CPP01_CREATURES_zps5f82d33f.jpg) (http://s563.photobucket.com/user/FRANKENSTIEN53/media/05CPP01_CREATURES_zps5f82d33f.jpg.html)
I do like your added features though :)
Denis
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Here's a scan of the ad for the Aurora Tarzan kit from the back cover of the DC comics that were on newstands in September 1967:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/Comics001/005_zpsfcf3f01a.jpg)
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I just finished this batch of Auroras and Aurora re-issues. It was a total of 2 weeks from assembly to final paint. What do you think?
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/100_7907_zpse324cc96.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/100_7913_zps658b2abf.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/100_7915_zps071565a4.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/100_7916_zps2668c6d2.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/100_7920_zpsa9460a3d.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/100_7924_zps2c6259a3.jpg)
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They look great Jim. Nothing funner than a 60's kid build Aurora stuff! Not sure if you are a 60's kid. I for one are one of the fortunate ones.
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I just finished this batch of Auroras and Aurora re-issues. It was a total of 2 weeks from assembly to final paint. What do you think?
I'm constantly amazed at the level of detail you fellows achieve with your paint jobs. Did you use a regular paint brush?
???
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Wait...what head did you use for the Dracula? That's Bela.
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I just finished this batch of Auroras and Aurora re-issues. It was a total of 2 weeks from assembly to final paint. What do you think?
([url]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/100_7907_zpse324cc96.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/100_7913_zps658b2abf.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/100_7915_zps071565a4.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/100_7916_zps2668c6d2.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/100_7920_zpsa9460a3d.jpg[/url])
([url]http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c346/JimBertges/100_7924_zps2c6259a3.jpg[/url])
They looked very nice! It took me two weeks to finish Frank, your good.
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2 weeks for the whole batch, takes me longer to unwrap them... Looks great!
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Great work Jim!
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Those look fantastic! You ARE a fast worker!
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Maybe Jim can chime in here, but I believe the Lugosi head is the Thomas Kuntz sculpt put out by Diceman about 15 years-or-so ago.
Tom
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First of all, thanks to everyone for your kind comments. It really means a lot that you've taken the time to have a look at my work.
Next, Hep, I use many paint brushes and a variety of techniques, everything from rattle can spray to washes and dry brushing. My mantra has become, "Wash, dry brush, wash", it helps blend things together.
Tom, I'm pretty sure you're right, that Bela head is from Diceman. I had it laying around for years and finally decided to use it. When you mentioned it, I was reminded of where it was from.
If anyone is interested, these kits are all at Creature Features in Burbank and may even be offered by them on line. I'm kinda sorry I didn't get to keep them, but I promised to help fill their Classic Plastic case.
Oh yeah, I'm definitely a 60s monster kid. Built my first Aurora Frankenstein in 1963 and never looked back.
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Here's a scan of a back cover ad from DC comics that were on sale in the early fall of 1965:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/Comics001/015_zps9ce4a9ec.jpg)
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One day I'll find a Willie Mays kit! (and be able to afford it!)
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OK, Hepcat egged me on, so I'm posting this on one more thread.
I just found this a few days ago when going through my dear departed Mom's cache of old photographs...that's me being a Happy Monster Kid in 1964. :)
([url]http://imageshack.us/a/img209/9238/b3a9.png[/url])
I don't know what's scarier, the kid or the dog.
:o
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I don't know what's scarier, the kid or the dog.
LOL, I'd say the "box".
On a side note, I was 1 years-old when this pic was taken.
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I know this is a long shot, but does anyone have the backdrop for the Aurora Babe Ruth kit they could scan for me? I have the kit built, but don't have the backdrop to complete the scene. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Steve S.
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This ad for the Aurora Glow-in-the-Dark kits ran in the spring of 1969 on the back cover of DC comics:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/Comics001/034_zpsd374040a.jpg)
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And this ad for the Aurora Glow-in-the-Dark kits ran on the back cover of DC comics in the spring of 1970:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/Comics001/011_zps4d8103d2.jpg)
tynhrt
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A friend of mine was doing some work for an older lady down in her basement a few years back. There, displayed on a shelf, were a bunch of the old Aurora kits (boxing, baseball, JFK, etc.) He was totally blown away to see all these builds just sitting there gathering dust. Asking her about them, he found out they had belonged to her son or husband (who may have passed away...I forget). At any rate, she offered to let him have them on the condition he wasn't just going to turn around and sell them on eBay. (Which wasn't what was going through his mind at all at the sight of all that plastic treasure.) Talk about being in the right place at the right time!!!
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At any rate, she offered to let him have them on the condition he wasn't just going to turn around and sell them on eBay. (Which wasn't what was going through his mind at all at the sight of all that plastic treasure.)
I like the old lady's thinking though! Give them away though only to someone who doesn't have dollar signs in his eyes but will treasure them for their own sake.
8)
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This ad ran on the back cover of DC comics in the early fall of 1968:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/Comics001/007_zps1a253428.jpg)
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Here's my "wrapped" Mummy build...
(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f206/regantr6/imagejpg1_zpsdcbbeca2.jpg)
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(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f206/regantr6/imagejpg2_zps7ea3f816.jpg)
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Oh man, that's a nice one!
8)
But you need to move an opening bracket for your second picture to come up. Here it is:
(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f206/regantr6/imagejpg2_zps7ea3f816.jpg)
:)
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Incredible job! I've never seen this kit done this way.
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Here's my "wrapped" Mummy build...
([url]http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f206/regantr6/imagejpg1_zpsdcbbeca2.jpg[/url])
This is excellent and very creative. cl:)
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Freddie Poe just got back from the spring Chiller show with this still sealed original Monster Scenes kit!
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/Fred6_zps67p1z3d9.jpg)
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WOW, and it's still sealed. Like I've said before I'm new at this and my Classic Horror collection consists of one issue of Famous Monsters of Filmland, pretty sad eh. Hopefully with a little luck I'll be able to find some items like that. Awesome find Poe, WTG.
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Like I've said before I'm new at this and my Classic Horror collection consists of one issue of Famous Monsters of Filmland, pretty sad eh.
Hey, that's a lot better than having no issues of Famous Monsters of Filmland.
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Infinitely better!
;)
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I't a French version...which will be cheaper.
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Guys,
I understand the collecting mania perfectly well, and more power to ya if you want to maintain a stack of virgin plastic-wrapped kit boxes than finished models. But for me, I don't care a rat's patootie about whether a model is MIB or not. Once I get my epoxy putty-encrusted, hobby knife-scarred mitts on a kit, I want to build it.
Here are some photos of my Aurora monster models. You'll find many more on my web site: http://www.mcgovernsmodels.com/ (http://www.mcgovernsmodels.com/). And my compliments to the work of all you other builders who posted photos in this thread!
(http://static.wixstatic.com/media/2c5bcc_92a1df1b33054790a1460ef893d3a696.jpg_srz_p_976_604_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz)
(http://static.wixstatic.com/media/2c5bcc_8eb23d4c1bc84a4d91f9daf5eefbbcf0.jpg_srb_p_600_620_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srb)
(http://static.wixstatic.com/media/2c5bcc_c6c4edbcbdd647b191fcaba8333af63f.jpg_srb_p_600_620_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srb)
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Mark, with that kind of talent, it would be a crime to keep them in the box. I would love to have your entire collection. Magnificent!
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Mark, with that kind of talent, it would be a crime to keep them in the box.
That's one of the two reasons I keep mine in the box. I don't have Mark's kind of talent.
:laugh:
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That's one of the two reasons I keep mine in the box. I don't have Mark's kind of talent.
:laugh:
Same here, Hep.
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The display surround Gigantic Frankenstein is truly awesome. Also like the Bride's nameplate. Good stuff!
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The display surround Gigantic Frankenstein is truly awesome. Also like the Bride's nameplate. Good stuff!
I was thinking the same thing. That Gigantic Frankenstein display looks like it required a lot of time & skill.
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Guys,
Thank you for your kind remarks. Jim Berteges said in his post, and I redouble it, that coming from people like you all, who know what they're talking about, makes your comments all the more heartwarming. As for talent, I dunno; I'm very nearsighted and am obsessive about getting the effect I want - let's leave it at that. ;)
I prefer to go the extra mile on presentation with my models, so the base for Big Frankie kind of designed itself. Most of the construction is Styrofoam; the walls were textured with Celluclay and the floor with Durham's Rock Hard Water Putty. My late father suggested the idea for the damaged name plate. It's also Styrofoam, faced with a piece of poster board; I laid out lettering in the style of the "FR" on Franky's rock and cut them out with an X-ACTO knife. The poster board gave just the right depth for the incised letters and Styrofoam showing through pretty well matched the texture of the letters in the kit rock.
BTW, this model was my 10th birthday present from Dear Old Dad; I restored it in 2000. Who could part with a model that they learned about from this ad?
(http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/bd/59/8d/bd598da9c2239853c6cb83c1c9456a60.jpg)
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That makes it even more special. You're a MonsterKid to the bone!
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You've knocked those kits right out of the park! I love 'em all, but that Bride kit...I can almost hear the electrical crackle of the machinery!
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Big FRANKIE. Always a classic kit.
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Here's a useful listing of Aurora monster kits:
Fantastic Modelling - Aurora FAQ (http://culttvman.com/main/aurora-faq-1-which-kits-were-in-the-monster-series/)
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My Monster Hot Rods!
(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/314457_2451997652012_1722357620_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/t1/383850_2451998012021_1535190984_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/383679_2451998492033_1084856165_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/384793_2451998772040_773816415_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/318470_2451999292053_242176036_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash2/t1.0-9/380212_2451999732064_188762135_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/t1/316659_2452000052072_1589843662_n.jpg)
What happened to your hot rods? I don't see them. Did you take them outside as targets for your BB gun?
???
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Here's an ad for one of Aurora's Great Moments in Sport kits that appeared on the back cover of DC comics cover dated December 1965/January 1966:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/Comics001/Mar95A_zpsriima96h.jpg)
Very cool!
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Guys,
I understand the collecting mania perfectly well, and more power to ya if you want to maintain a stack of virgin plastic-wrapped kit boxes than finished models. But for me, I don't care a rat's patootie about whether a model is MIB or not. Once I get my epoxy putty-encrusted, hobby knife-scarred mitts on a kit, I want to build it.
Here are some photos of my Aurora monster models. You'll find many more on my web site: [url]http://www.mcgovernsmodels.com/[/url] ([url]http://www.mcgovernsmodels.com/[/url]). And my compliments to the work of all you other builders who posted photos in this thread!
([url]http://static.wixstatic.com/media/2c5bcc_92a1df1b33054790a1460ef893d3a696.jpg_srz_p_976_604_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz[/url])
([url]http://static.wixstatic.com/media/2c5bcc_8eb23d4c1bc84a4d91f9daf5eefbbcf0.jpg_srb_p_600_620_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srb[/url])
([url]http://static.wixstatic.com/media/2c5bcc_c6c4edbcbdd647b191fcaba8333af63f.jpg_srb_p_600_620_75_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srb[/url])
Such an impressive display you created for the monsters! Great paint jobs too. The base you made for Big Frankie is just nothing short of a great idea. Excellent work. A tip of the hat to you.
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Great stuff!
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Mark McGovern, that's some incredible work. Dropping by the website in the link you shared, there's even more great stuff. That may be the most Sean Connery-looking build I've seen of the old Aurora James Bond kit.
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Here's an ad for an Aurora kit that appeared on the back cover of DC comics cover dated May/June 1967:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/Comics001/Justice%20League%20550002_zpsgyni8unf.jpg)
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While it may not be gallant to discuss a lady's enhancements, I really like the tweaking to that BRIDE kit.
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While it may not be gallant to discuss a lady's enhancements, I really like the tweaking to that BRIDE kit.
BB8,
Since the enhancements were made to the base and not the Bride herself, we'll consider your gallantry intact. ;) And I appreciate your comment about the James Bond figure. Most of the resemblance to Sean Connery was achieved with artists oils and careful reference to photos of him in Goldfinger (1964). But I think what really brings home the model's likeness to the actor is that little lock of hair drooping on the forehead. That was created with a couple applications of white glue; as the saying goes, "Little things mean a lot".
Thank you all for your kind words about my work.
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Here's a good write-up on the Aurora monster model kits and James Bama's artwork:
Frankenstein by James Bama - Dial B for Blog (http://www.dialbforblog.com/archives/583/)
Unfortunately, the fellow doesn't have as much expertise in comics as he does in James Bama's artwork and the article contains a few factual errors:
This ad, or one like it, was seen on the back cover of nearly every DC comic for many years...
([url]http://www.dialbforblog.com/archives/583/monsters.gif[/url])
Many years! Actually only the DC comics hitting the newstands in September 1963.
This ad for the model ran on the back cover of countless comic books...
([url]http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/15-10-201145618PM.jpg[/url])
Hardly countless. I count 32:
DC Newstand December 1964 - Mike's Amazing World of DC Comics (http://www.dcindexes.com/features/newsstand.php?publisher=dc&type=calendar&month=12&year=1964&sort=alpha)
After Frankie's car got its own model, his bride demanded equal time. She soon got her wish....
Wrong order. The Bride of Frankenstein kit was issued in 1965 while Frankenstein's Flivver wasn't released until 1966.
cl:)
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Beautifully painted models, Universal Steve. I like the added accessory to the Bride model.
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Those are Mark McGovern's build-ups!
C:)
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[url]http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/011.jpg[/url][/img]]([url]http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv340/propman1/011.jpg[/url]) (http://[img width=800 height=600)
thank you so much for posting this image
it helped me get an idea of the size of the original Marvel models next to the DC one's
plus it confirmed for me that Hulk is still big for Spider-Man
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Superman is original, small Spider-Man is Comic Scenes but with some replacement pieces I wiped together quick
all the rest are reissues
I only start back in early 2015 so that should explain the uh, quality of these
(https://scontent.fbos1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t35.0-12/16833047_10212131434786842_1793540033_o.jpg?oh=b87ee0a6449ee6e65fa19f6d52a9f563&oe=58A9AEA2)
(https://scontent.fbos1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t35.0-12/16810964_10212131440906995_754734040_o.jpg?oh=2c9bcbb284ee29e7d36069f8ff84adab&oe=58A9FD91)
(https://scontent.fbos1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t34.0-12/16809992_10212131449147201_1645317328_n.jpg?oh=a9ba433889f19f5369484d9f07745066&oe=58A9A0BA)
(https://scontent.fbos1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t34.0-12/16831542_10212131455827368_1980288189_n.jpg?oh=f9eea0514526ca65e8da9cae14b12c39&oe=58A9A021)
(https://scontent.fbos1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t34.0-12/16830532_10212131457507410_1442461330_n.jpg?oh=648b32532cbb9b5d8d4c9563a550ae73&oe=58A99C28)
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I only start back in early 2015 so that should explain the uh, quality of these
Huh?! They look just right to my eyes as a monster kid.
???
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Huh?! They look just right to my eyes as a monster kid.
???
heh, thanks
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Some interesting and useful information regarding the scarcity of the original Aurora monster model kits can be gleaned from this book published in 1996 by noted board game enthusiast and collector Rick Polizzi:
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/612VDTHDM9L._SS500_.jpg)
The book contains the following estimate of prices for boxed Aurora monster kits:
Godzilla's Go-Cart $2700
King Kong's Thronester $1600
Lost in Space (Diorama) $1400
Gigantic Frankenstein $1350
Lost in Space $900
The Munsters $875
Lost in Space - The Robot $700
The Bride of Frankenstein $650
The Addams Family Haunted House $600
The Chamber of Horrors Guillotine $600
Mummy's Chariot $480
Godzilla $450
King Kong $400
The Creature $400
The Forgotten Prisoner of Castel-Maré $400
Wolf Man's Wagon $400
Land of the Giants $375
Dracula's Dragster $325
Frankenstein's Flivver $325
Dracula $300
Wolf Man $300
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Anthony Quinn) $275
The Phantom of the Opera $275
Dr. Jekyll as Mr. Hyde $250
The Frog $250
The Mummy $250
The Witch $250
Frankenstein $225
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (redrawn face) $175
The Vampire $175
Customizing Monster Kit - Vulture & Mad Dog $140
Customizing Monster Kit $120
Yes we can argue from now until the cows come home about a current price list let alone one from 1996, but the fact is that Polizzi's estimates provide a very decent ranking of the relative scarcities of these kits.
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The Vampire $175
What? But I thought The Vampire (along with The Frog) was one of the most rare Aurora model kits just in general.
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They are usually rare because they weren't that popular or good sellers when they were introduced. Thus they didn't stay in the catalogs long and had low production runs. The Go-Cart was stopped by a cease-and-desist order from Toho (twice actually, because they did it to Polar Lights as well.) The Gigantic Frankenstein was just too expensive at that time to sell many units and the Bride was hard to find because she was never reissued...possibly because the molds were misplaced.
The Castle Vampire and Frog kits still don't have much appeal except for die-hard collectors. Aurora had a lot of misses (Captain Action comes to mind) and with a lack of cross-over appeal to collectors of other genres (horror, superheroes, TV shows, spy stuff) the value goes down. For example, the Whoozits series were a very short run and can still be had fairly cheap MIB.
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What? But I thought The Vampire (along with The Frog) was one of the most rare Aurora model kits just in general.
They are usually rare because they weren't that popular or good sellers when they were introduced. Thus they didn't stay in the catalogs long and had low production runs.
The Castle Vampire and Frog kits still don't have much appeal except for die-hard collectors.
That is correct. The Vampire and the Frog are both very tough model kits to find these days for the reasons given.
The reason for the comparatively "low" price of these two kits in 1996 was relatively low demand. Back in the 1990's they were a fairly low priority for most model kit collectors, and that included me! The top priorities for most Aurora monster model kit collectors (and builders) were the classic ones with James Bama artwork, particularly the original six.
The very largest and best organized figure kit dealer from the eighties was probably John F. Green. I remember that a Vampire kit appeared on John F. Green's offering sheets for a number of years at a relatively low price of $150(?) or so. I inquired about it but I passed on it when I learned that the box wasn't in very nice condition. I also thought that the box art was a bit strange.
After acquiring most of the classic Aurora monster model kits though, my attention shifted to some of the secondary ones such as the Vampire. Now it's one of my higher priorities in the kit area.
cl:)
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Aurora had a lot of misses (Captain Action comes to mind)....
It's strange that the Aurora Captain Action model kit wasn't very popular when released because the Captain Action line of Ideal action figures had such a tremendous impact on a generation of youngsters that it still remains among the most widely collected toy lines from the sixties.
Toys You Had Presents Captain Action (http://www.toysyouhad.com/Captainaction.htm)
Collector's Club - Captain Action (http://www.captainaction.com/characters/captain-action/collectors-club/)
Here's a good Captain Action ad from the pages of the DC comics that hit the newsstands in November 1966:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/Osgood39/Time%20Capsule/Time%20Capsule%202/Capt%20Action%20ad%20-%20Nov66_zpsbdqdvcc7.jpg)
Captain Action is another excellent example of an Aurora kit in which I had no interest back in the eighties and nineties but would gladly add to my collection today!
:-\
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I was crazy about Captain Action when I was a kid and I had CA, Action Boy, Dr.Evil, The HQ Carrying Case, the Silver Streak car with garage, and several costumes and accessory kits, but I had zero interest in the kit. It just seemed unnecessary and repetitive if you already had the action figure which you could actually play with.
I sold my CA stuff back in the late '70s and used the money for comics. I wouldn't mind collecting CA if everything weren't so expensive these days, but since I focus mostly on monster stuff now I really don't miss it that much. There's only so much money and storage room. I did buy the Playing Mantis reissue Captain Action, Dr. Evil, Green Hornet, and Kato, when they came out new a few years ago. I have those displayed on closet shelves with my Sideshow 12" monsters.
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There's only so much money and storage room.
So very true!
:)
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([url]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v328/Osgood39/Time%20Capsule/Time%20Capsule%202/Capt%20Action%20ad%20-%20Nov66_zpsbdqdvcc7.jpg[/url])
When Captain America shoots his mighty laser!!!!!!!!
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also just looked up the Captain Action model
the problem is obvious in that he doesn't really have a cool base or anything, but I realize the reason why is because we don't really know anything about Captain Action other than the fact that I doubt kids kept him in his own suit as much
what they should have done was work out some kind of legal deal so he could have like parts of the costumes of the other characters with his base
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>the Captain Action line of Ideal action figures had such a tremendous impact on a generation of youngsters<
Cap lived, and lives, large in our legends, Hep - but he never SOLD all that terrifically. In ANY of his incarnations.
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That five spaceship gift set seen on the cover of that model book posted up above by Hepcat is slated for reissue soon...retaining that original box art!
A few pages back there was talk of the JFK kit from Aurora. For a while I'd been seeing these show up on a semi-regular basis on eBay. I recently stumbled across an open but complete one at a local antique mall. Been tempted to pick it up, but so far haven't.
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>the Captain Action line of Ideal action figures had such a tremendous impact on a generation of youngsters<
Cap lived, and lives, large in our legends, Hep - but he never SOLD all that terrifically. In ANY of his incarnations.
So true, and something the current managers never got either. They kept trying to make the Captain the main focus instead of just producing costume sets, which is what everyone kept asking for. They wasted tons of time , money, and resources slapping the CA logo on hats, mugs, T-shirts, a new comic series that was D.O.A and even an animated series. All flops.
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Ooops. Meant to post this up above....
http://www.culttvmanshop.com/Spaceships-of-the-Future--classic-5-kit-set--reissue-from-LindbergRound-2--4395-PREORDER-RESERVATION-_p_3698.html (http://www.culttvmanshop.com/Spaceships-of-the-Future--classic-5-kit-set--reissue-from-LindbergRound-2--4395-PREORDER-RESERVATION-_p_3698.html)
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It's tough to overemphasize how crucial a role these Aurora monster model kits had in turning me into a monster enthusiast as a kid.
You see unlike most of my fellow baby boomers on this board, I wasn't exposed to any of the Universal monster flicks as a kid. First of all, we didn't acquire a TV until sometime in 1961. Secondly our TV only picked up the one local London station, CFPL, until we got cable in 1966. I don't remember CFPL televising any monster movies while I was still in grade school meaning that any monster movies that CFPL might have aired would have been well past my bedtime. And there was certainly no horror host on CFPL.
Moreover I just wasn't a big TV watcher as a kid anyway. I doubt that I even watched six hours of TV a week, and most of that was cartoons when I came home for lunch and right after school. Watching baseball games bored me and Hockey Night in Canada was telecast only on Saturday evenings and initially only the last part of the games was televised between 9:00 and 10:30. I'd typically fall asleep before the end of the game anyway. Regular CFL telecasts on CFPL didn't start until a couple of years later. I remember listening to radio broadcasts of CFL games on CKSL radio in 1961 and 1962 instead.
The only horror movies I can remember seeing prior to mid-1962 were the following:
The Day of the Triffids (at either the Twilight or Sunset drive-ins).
The Monolith Monsters (at either the Twilight or Sunset drive-ins).
The Curse of Frankenstein & Horror of Dracula (double feature at either the Capitol or Loews downtown theatres).
Target Earth (at a Saturday kids' matinee at our neighbourhood Hyland Theatre).
The Quatermass Xperiment (at a Saturday kids' matinee at our neighbourhood Hyland Theatre).
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Hyland.jpg)
Now I'd been exposed to the fabled Topps You'll Die Laughing cards in the schoolyard in 1959 but I didn't have any at the time:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/04-12-201284652PM.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/04-12-201284655PM.jpg)
And the Leaf Spook Stories cards were the first non-sport cards I collected aggressively as a kid in early 1962:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Spooktheatrefront.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/SpookTheatreback.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/SpookTheatrestickers.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/SpookTheatrewrappers.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/SonofSpookwrapper.jpg)
I had the complete set of the first series and a bit of the second series.
But it was an expedition with my mother to the Kresge store on Dundas Street in downtown London one day in late 1962 that proved truly pivotal:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/Kresge_zps52be753c.jpg)
That's when I first encountered the Aurora Wolf Man model kit:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/WolfmanModelKit_zps8bdc5819.jpg)
When the Creature then turned up with the others at the Kresge store in 1963 my already fevered longing for these kits shifted into overdrive:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/TheCreatureModelKit_zps777d0ef1.jpg)
I couldn't imagine my mother buying me one of these kits so I just didn't ask. DC then stoked the fire of my desires with these two ads on the back covers of their comics hitting the newsstands in September 1963 and January 1964 respectively:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/20-09-201184028PM.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Comics/20-09-201184035PM.jpg)
As it turned out, before getting one of these kits I managed to score a super cool Creature-Wolf Man wallet by meeting my sales quota of Globe and Mail newspapers one Saturday morning in the spring of 1964:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/walletdz9.jpg)
It was the Mummy that would actually be the first Aurora kit I'd then acquire and build:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/TheMummyModelkit_zpsfe795981.jpg)
The Bride of Frankenstein was the second:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%202/TheBrideofFrankensteinAurora_zpsde26c3c1.jpg)
All great memories of course, but not one of them has anything to do with watching the classic Universal monster movies on TV!
;)
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Moreover I just wasn't a big TV watcher as a kid anyway. I doubt that I even watched six hours of TV a week, and most of that was cartoons when I came home for lunch and right after school. Watching baseball games bored me and Hockey Night in Canada was telecast only on Saturday evenings and initially only the last part of the games was televised between 9:00 and 10:30. I'd typically fall asleep before the end of the game anyway. Regular CFL telecasts on CFPL didn't start until a couple of years later. I remember listening to radio broadcasts of CFL games on CKSL radio in 1961 and 1962 instead.
Watching TV has actually never been a big part of my life. During my high school years from 1966 to 1970, I only watched these programs on any kind of semi-regular basis:
1. During the school year reruns of Wild, Wild West which were replaced by reruns of Star Trek at 5:00 PM on channel 35 from Erie, Pennsylvania. (The Erie stations were so popular with viewers in London that local merchants advertised on the Erie stations much to the bewilderment I'm sure of residents in northern Pennsylvania! :laugh:)
2. The Bugs Bunny - Road Runner Show Saturdays at 5:00 PM. The Beverley Hillbillies at 7:00 PM Saturdays. Maybe some of the Ed Sullivan Show then.
3. Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea at 7:00 PM on Sundays followed by some of Bonanza.
4. Canadian Football League telecasts. I only started following the NFL in 1969 but that only lasted until 1980 by which time I'd had enough of the constant hype (i.e. overexposure). I've rarely watched any NFL telecasts since that year.
5. The Stanley Cup Playoffs.
6. Reruns of I Dream of Jeannie on Saturdays at noon (I think). I'm not sure whether I started watching Jeannie before the seventies though.
What was I doing with my time then? My homework during the school year! During the summer months.I was hanging out on the streets and at the park with my friends in the neighbourhood. And of course I had my LPs and library books.
For that matter TV still isn't a big part of my life. I never bothered to get my TV fixed when it broke down in 1992. Maybe one of these years I'll spring for one of those newfangled flat screen thingies but I don't like the thought of monthly cable bills. What do I do instead? I listen to LPs on my nice stereo, I listen to classic rock stations and sports broadcasts on the radio and I read books and magazines.
Admittedly I doubt that my lifestyle preferences reflect those of the broad populace but I'm me. And I'm not going to change.
cl:)
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Here's a good Youtube clip devoted to one of the very best Aurora monster kits of them all!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDaeOKIg6sU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDaeOKIg6sU)
Phantom of the Opera - Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDaeOKIg6sU)
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Here's a very good history of the Aurora Plastics Corporation:
Aurora History - Old Model Kits (https://www.oldmodelkits.com/blog/plastic-model-kit-history/a-brief-history-of-aurora-plastic-model-kits/)
Here are a few brief excerpts:
From the start, Aurora marketing strategy was simple and effective. Revell and Monogram prided themselves on making kits that were highly accurate and had the maximum number of operating features. Aurora simply wanted to sell low- priced kits of fascinating new subjects to the younger audience. The accuracy of early Aurora kits suffered accordingly, but the young model market did not care. Injection molded kits were completely pre-shaped and went together quickly with out carving or sanding.... and introduced an entire generation of boys to model building. At Aurora, Shikes and Giammarino kept overhead low and operated with a minimal staff. Many ‘Lean’ Manufacturing practices (Toyota Production System) were put into place long before they were practiced in Japan. The mold presses ran 24 hours a day and some popular kits had runs of over 1,000,000 copies. Aurora had no trouble turning a profit. It was the right strategy for the 1950s/early 1960s, but not for the future.
By the mid 1950s, plastic kits were selling very well. In a survey, approximately 80% of all young boys said that modeling was their primary hobby. This is more significant when you realize that ‘model building’ never even made it to the list of boy’s hobbies before this time. Aurora’s gamble had paid off, and the future belonged to plastic.
The 1960s were a happy and busy time for modelers, and Aurora and its competitors released dozens of new kits. In 1963, Aurora purchased Comet and many of their kits were released with new box artwork.... Around this time Jo Kotula, the famous aviation illustrator, was hired to do the Aurora box art to provide a new look.
In the 1960s the famous Monster, Movie and Television figures began production. These kits fueled the “Monster” craze that swept the nation, as popularized with the TV shows ‘The Addams Family’ and ‘The Munsters’. The Aurora figure kits sold so well that other companies found themselves playing ‘catch-up’ to Aurora’s find.
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Here's a good video on Aurora's superhero and sundry TV-series related kits:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnwN7D4CXlU (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnwN7D4CXlU)
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Here's a video on the knights and warriors model kits that Aurora released over the years:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTLFzXr6H-M (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTLFzXr6H-M)
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The Phantom of the Opera...that was the very first Aurora monster model I ever had. Mom and Dad weren't big on monsters, so the model collection tended to be more sci-fi oriented until I hit my teens. They were OK with me picking up the Moonbus from 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, or the Flying Sub from VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA, or spacecraft kits based on real or concept ships. (The up side of this is that those model spaceships eventually became miniatures during my student filmmaking days.)
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The Phantom of the Opera...that was the very first Aurora monster model I ever had.
That though was one of the very best sculpted and presented Aurora kits!
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Here's a good video on Aurora's (intentionally) silly kits:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lobg0kQq6bs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lobg0kQq6bs)
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An Aurora enthusiast from Alberta:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lttx3GDOyNQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lttx3GDOyNQ)
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