Classic Matchbox - LRDG completed and ready for inspection

[Faust]

One of the hardest things about finally getting your hands on a “grail” kit is deciding if you’re good enough to build it. Well, at least that’s what I find. I used to always worry that I’d somehow screw it all up and be worse off than when I started. However, the more I model, the more I realize that grail kits are the ones I really should be building first. I mean, what’s the point in having something you’ve longed for if it’s just going to sit in a box, right?

A perfect example is the Matchbox 1/76 LRDG set. I’ve wanted this Orange Range two-vehicle set since even before I became obsessed with Matchbox armour. Of course, once that bug took hold, getting this went to an even higher priority. I never had luck finding one, until my good friend Alan sent me one, out of the blue!  Thanks again, man!

I couldn’t resist the siren call of all that original Matchbox box art and those three-colour pieces, and decided that, no matter how it came out, I’d feel a lot better getting a chance to build this one! So, off I went, and now it’s all done.

Check out this awesome little blast from the past below.

I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out; given I’m not an “armour guy”, and I just kept it simple to what was in the box, I think it looks good. At least I didn’t ruin it!

https://adamrehorn.wordpress.com/matchbox-1-76-lrdg/

Edited December 3, 2020 by Faust

[Dragline]

I've always remembered Matchbox kits with a certain fondness. The box art was always first rate, and they made subjects that others seemed to pass on. Building Matchbox kits was another matter usually. I became disheartened in the late 70's with a car kit that I barely even remember. I just recall it being fiddly [this coming from a guy who built 60's and 70's Revell mind you], and a bit hamfisted. Perhaps it was me. Years later I would build a couple of their classics and was pleased with the results. I believe there was a Harrier in the mix at some point.

 

Building grail's is something of a letdown to me. At some point what is in your mind and reality eventually meet. The result is often a shortfall of expectation dashed with a smattering of failed memory. I'm glad you didn't let yours fail you.

[peteski]

In my mid-teens I built bunch of Matchbox WWII fighter planes. I also fondly remember them, and the multi-color parts trees.  Then on the bottom of the box was a painting  diagram, and a clear window so you got a peek at the parts inside without having to open the box.  I always thought that was very clever.  Then was that cool clear display stand with the base shaped like letter "M" and a clear ball joint on the top, so you could position your "flying" model at any angle.

Those models are long gone, but over the years, as an adult, I was able to pick up few unbuilt examples.  I'm not sure if I'll even build them, or just keep them boxed for the memories.

[Faust]

I love the Matchbox kits, not jus the armour, but the planes, too. 

I have found lots of uses for those "M" stands over the years - I have a couple on my website that are used to support some Sci-Fi craft. Those stands were great, and the gimbal at the top is brilliant. 

While they require a lot of work and are nowhere near as fine as today's kits, I still love building Matchboxes. Simple and fun, they have the advantage of allowing tonnes of customization while at the same time being very solid and transportable when done. Not only that, but until just recently, you weren't going to find a Skyknight, a two-hole lightning, viggen or Hunter in many other 1/72 places. Still don't think anyone else has made a 1/72 Heyford since them. 

I love esoteric subjects, simple kits and great box art. No wonder I'm all over the old MBs.