defective cape parts re: Moebius 1972 Bela Lugosi model kit

[The Batman]

I purchased the kit a week ago, enjoyed every minute of painting it and assembling it. Then I discovered the cape piece that fits over his left arm DOES NOT match the rest of the cape pieces. The rest of the cape fits perfectly together, but the final left arm cape piece does not fit together with it whatsoever. So I wrote to Moebius tonight to see if they offer replacement parts for their defective parts.

I can just make a fabric cape, which will look even better anyway.

I have a lot of respect for Moebius, but they should not have released this kit with a part that does not fit with the other parts.

I have built models for many years. This is my first post.
My favorite models from the past include:
The Forgotten Prisoner of Castle Mare (built 3 times, in my life, each time more detailed)
The Creature from the Black Lagoon
The Mummy
Frankenstein
The Phantom of the Opera
The Flying Sub ( 2 or 3 times, each one better)
The Seaview
The Spindrift - awesome to include the figures with it.

The 1972 Dracula model is the first model I have encountered IN MY LIFETIME to not have a part that fits correctly.

I will let this board know if Moebius makes an effort to correct their defective part issue.

brew cheers from Dave in CA

[empty13]

yup will be watching this one

[tidroplane]

Is that the Broadway Dracula kit?

[Scary Terry]

I seem to recall (if this is the initial standard version, and not the deluxe with added female figure) seeing it reported that there was a mistaken extra cape piece included in the kit that was meant for the deluxe version.  Are you trying to make that extra piece fit? 'Cause it won't....

[aura of foreboding]

I seem to recall (if this is the initial standard version, and not the deluxe with added female figure) seeing it reported that there was a mistaken extra cape piece included in the kit that was meant for the deluxe version.  Are you trying to make that extra piece fit? 'Cause it won't....

This is true.  There were two pieces for the Moebius Broadway Dracula kit.  Only one works. 

P.S.  1972?   Lugosi died in 1956, but it would have been nice had he been around in 1972.   

[The Batman]

Is that the Broadway Dracula kit?

Yes

[The Batman]

I seem to recall (if this is the initial standard version, and not the deluxe with added female figure) seeing it reported that there was a mistaken extra cape piece included in the kit that was meant for the deluxe version.  Are you trying to make that extra piece fit? 'Cause it won't....

Thanks for the info! Perhaps I will receive a response from Moebius after President's Day...

[tidroplane]

I have assembled this kit and there is definatly an extra piece for the cape that does not fit, don`t know why it was included.

[Count_Zirock]

I have assembled this kit and there is definately an extra piece for the cape that does not fit, don`t know why it was included.

This, right here, explains it all. An extra cape piece from the deluxe version made its way into the standard kit. If you follow the directions correctly, it becomes obvious that the extra piece doesn't belong.

I seem to recall (if this is the initial standard version, and not the deluxe with added female figure) seeing it reported that there was a mistaken extra cape piece included in the kit that was meant for the deluxe version.  Are you trying to make that extra piece fit? 'Cause it won't....

[The Batman]

Moebius customer service wrote back to me this morning (after the President's Holiday Monday when they were probably closed). They asked me for more info & said they will help me. I sent 'em a reply email after work today.

By itself, the left front cape fits his left arm and fist. By itself, the REST of the assembled kit fits the body fine. They just DO NOT fit together at all, not even a close shot, not whatsover.

'Will be interested to read their next email tmrrw.

I appreciate everyone's comments. Thanks.

[The Batman]

Here's how the castle door looks. This is before I add a LOT more detail with extra fine, small brushes.
At least I have a piece of it to share, instead of just complaining about the kit.
'Still deciding on which other colors to add/blend.

I like the interesting color schemes and effects you guys have used on your models.'Lots of interesting work on this board.

[The Batman]

'Found this photo online. 'Looks like this builder just gave up and put the cape high above his left hand. This just makes it look funny - as if Bela is staring at the cape rising far above his hand and up to his chin!

I've seen other photos with the builder just giving up and removing the left arm & having the cape press against the model to conceal the missing arm.

[Count_Zirock]

All I can do is reiterate that, when the instructions are read probably, the cape goes together correctly. People having problems with one extra piece simply aren't reading the directions right, or aren't bothering with them at all.

[The Batman]

All I can do is reiterate that, when the instructions are read probably, the cape goes together correctly. People having problems with one extra piece simply aren't reading the directions right, or aren't bothering with them at all.

Yes, the instructions mention "Cape may be placed loose on figure or cemented in place in place at the builder's discretion." A translation from it being assembled in China. They don't know it doesn't fit together at all.

The one extra piece = the piece that does NOT fit= the piece that is NOT used in the deluxe edition.
They cannot figure out the piece that is meant to fit as shown on in their picture of completed kit does not fit the rest of the cape (which fits together well).

[aura of foreboding]

Here are a couple of pics showing my kit (minus the base).  Perhaps they will help show the disparity?