1:24 PA-58MG "Titter Halk" w. light gatling gun (New pics, vintage model)

[Dizzyfugu]

Dorvack +++ 1:24 PA-58MG "Titter Halk" (kit conversion) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Dorvack +++ 1:24 PA-58MG "Titter Halk" (kit conversion) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Dorvack +++ 1:24 PA-58MG "Titter Halk" (kit conversion) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Dorvack +++ 1:24 PA-58MG "Titter Halk" (kit conversion) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Dorvack +++ 1:24 PA-58MG "Titter Halk" (kit conversion) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Dorvack +++ 1:24 PA-58MG "Titter Halk" (kit conversion) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


Dorvack +++ 1:24 PA-58MG "Titter Halk" (kit conversion) by Dizzyfugu, on Flickr


New pics from an old model! This PA-58N model had been an early attempt to modifiy an out-of-the box kit: after I got hold of a PA-58N "Halk Sovat" (ended up in its original livery, even though with different markings due to poor decals) and, much later, a blue/gray standard PA-58N from the TV series, I wanted to add some drama and a personal touch. Just having seen the movie "Predator" at that time (must have been in the Nineties, I guess  ), I knew that a mini gatling gun HAD to be integrated. Et voilà, this became the fictional "MG" version! ;-) And it's the ancestor of the recently posted PAC-48M, a much more massive and "professional" interpretation of the same topic, almost 30 years later. 

The main modification was the scratch-built gatling gun, made from plastic bits and hollow needles as barrels, mounted onto the left arm and replacing the respective hand. Then came a flexible ammunition feeder belt that runs along the arm to the PA-58's back, made from rubber. Worked initially well, but the material became brittle over the years and needs a replacement now. Additionally, small rocket launchers were added on top of the shoulders, which are/were modified drop tanks from a Matchbox SB2C "Helldiver" kit in 1:72, holding spare rockets from the PAM-74 Tinkle SAM kit. Furthermore, for extra mobility and somewhat inspired by a modified PA-58N in one of the conversion booklets that came with the original Gunze Sangyo PA kits, I added some rocket thrusters on the back and on the legs, leftover from a 1:144 Revell Space Shuttle kit. Beyond these mods, some more minor details from the scratch box were added, for a grittier overall look.

The color scheme is also fictional/non-canonical. Today it would certainly look more color- and/or contrastful. However, the jungle theme from the "Predator" movie prevailed and it was turned into a disruptive 3 color overall scheme in a medium, yellowish earth tone (Tamiya XF-49 "Khaki"), a bluish dark green (Tamiya XF-11 "JN Green") and light grey as a stark contrast to break up egdes and outlines (Tamiya XF-12 "IJN Grey"). The only color contrast became the blue "breast box" with the emergency ejection system. The model was lightly weathered, even though I do not remember which methods I used back then (probably only some dry-brushing, skills and tools were then not as sophisticated as today). The decals/markings had to be fully replaced because they had turned blind and were not usable anymore.

Vintage stuff, but still "part of the family". 

[NARSES2]

That's neat  Some of these would fit the forthcoming "Blue Lights" GB quite well 

Back in the late 60's there was an exceptional model shop in St George's Walk Croydon (Modeltime) which amongst it's imported stock had a selection of Japanese "1946" kits which looked very much like Wehrmacht manned versions of these. Wish I could remember more details, but I'm afraid they weren't my thing back in the day 

The shop closed in  the 70's and the owner concentrated on his import business, particularly for die cast vehicles.