Model Kits - AMT Gigantics (1975 - 1979)

[Cerebus]

These are my AMT Gigantics kits (ERTL), giant insects attacking cities in some really nice dioramas:

Colossal Mantis -- Rampaging Scorpion -- Huge Tarantula

There was a 4th in the series, a Wasp in a scene at an amusement park, but it is impossible to find. I had bought these in the late 80's, long after they were discontinued, at a close-out warehouse and held on to them until now.

In June, 2013, I built and painted them. I set them up together to make one huge scene.











A few of modifications I'd like to point out: I used a spare Tarantula kit that someone had sold on eBay - only the diorama (no Tarantula included), for the second power-line tower. I bought an additional building and made one from plaster to fill in the spaces between the Tarantula and the Mantis. I also used some Scene-it shrubs and trees for a realistic effect. I had to make the fallen woman because, although she is shown on the Tarantula box, there is no woman in that position in the kit, so I cut one to pieces and reassembled her to match the box art. Lastly, I removed all the bases for the people and glued their feet directly to the base.





Back in the late 1970's I had won 3rd place in a model building contest at a local hobby shop using the Scorpion and the Tarantula. It was fun to rebuild these kits after all these years.

Check it out on Video:
gigantics model kits

[RedKing]

Sweet! I have these kits in the pile too. One of these days I'll get them built. I had all 4 as a kid back in the 70s and was very disappointed the wasp was not included in the reissues from the 90s.

[ChrisW]

Very cool Cerebus! I like the additioin of the train cars for the mantis, helps cement the scale and really adds to the dio.
I bought these at closeout as well. In fact I bought them in Marshall's Creek, PA, after visiting the Frazetta Museum on their property there a number of years ago.

[tidroplane]

Very cool man, you just don`t see this stuff anymore!

[marsattacks666]

The kits all look fantastic. Great job.

[Cerebus]

Very cool Cerebus! I like the additioin of the train cars for the mantis, helps cement the scale and really adds to the dio.
I bought these at closeout as well. In fact I bought them in Marshall's Creek, PA, after visiting the Frazetta Museum on their property there a number of years ago.

I was sad to hear of the Frazetta Museum closing, I always wanted to go but never had the time. Don't suppose they let you take any pics in there?

[Cerebus]

Sweet! I have these kits in the pile too. One of these days I'll get them built. I had all 4 as a kid back in the 70s and was very disappointed the wasp was not included in the reissues from the 90s.

Thanks,
I looked looked for the Wasp for a few months before building this with no luck. All I found was one partial kit, without the Wasp, for sale.

[Cerebus]

Thanks Tidroplane and Mars attacks, it was good fun working on these

[ChrisW]

I was sad to hear of the Frazetta Museum closing, I always wanted to go but never had the time. Don't suppose they let you take any pics in there?

Actually, Ellie Frazetta was there and as long as I didn't focus on any one piece she let me take as many pictures as I wanted. They're on a disk...somewhere!

Back to the kits - have you tried to find the wasp on ebay?

[Cerebus]

Actually, Ellie Frazetta was there and as long as I didn't focus on any one piece she let me take as many pictures as I wanted. They're on a disk...somewhere!

Back to the kits - have you tried to find the wasp on ebay?

I would love if you posted some of the Frazetta pics on the forum one day

I did look for the Wasp on eBay but all I found was an incomplete kit.

[Dr Wolfenstein]

There's one on ebay now for $155. Great job one the kits Cerebus.

Gab

[The Batman]

Nice work! 'Love the scorpion extra with the crushed car and running people!!! 

[Scatter]

Holy mother of Elvis!! I love it!! Great job!!

[Hepcat]

I had all 4 as a kid back in the 70s....

Can someone post pictures of the boxes in which the kits were originally released by AMT?

[Cerebus]

There's one on ebay now for $155. Great job one the kits Cerebus.

Gab

WAY out of my price range. I'd love to have it but wouldn't pay more than $50 for it. I have to feed the family and what not.