Bandai Excalibur

[Chuck Most]

I'd just like to see a few sprue shots, and comments on how well it builds, if you've built it. What the heck- post some finished pics if you have some. Thanks!

[sjordan2]

I'd just like to see a few sprue shots, and comments on how well it builds, if you've built it. What the heck- post some finished pics if you have some. Thanks!

This is the best I could find, Chuck. Never seen one built, but I built its sister model in the series, the Alfa Romeo Gran Sport, which was overly simplistic with low detail and a very undersized engine. When I built the Alfa, I thought the body was also inaccurate, but it was quite good when I realized the kit was of the 1966 replica built by Zagato for Alfa – which wasn't particularly accurate to the original.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73704649/excalibur-ssk-mercedes-car-model-kit112

EDIT: Brush up on your German for more detailed info:

http://pochermodellbau.foren-city.de/topic,289,-bandai-excalibur-ssk-1-12.html

Edited July 3, 2011 by sjordan2

[ZIL 111V]

Got that one back in the late 70's in ENTEX box.

Not bad...but not the best, pretty basic & simple Bandai large scale "motorized" toy to assemble &..play with!!!:

Cons: Simple assemblies, many innacuracies: bad innacurate V8 engine/ rear differential, basic one piece frame/chassis, basic suspensions detailing, pretty basic detailed interior/top...BAD Wire mags (could have been much better at this scale....ouch!!!!)

Pros: Body design & proportions are good ++++ molded open hood louvers, really nice real rubber Firestone tires, like also the flexible metal side pipes look

1st version with 4 "Cycle" fenders, 2nd version with full sidesteps/fenders.

...Bought a few (full fender version) for dead cheap in FUMAN boxes a few years back, on eBay...still available,

with a little TLC the kit can look good....just don't show... keep hood shut!!! & replace the wheels

..check out the attachement will give you a good idea.

[sjordan2]

Paul, that is outstanding. Seems to me that, just like any kit, some resourcefulness and TLC can make quite a good model out of this. As you alluded to, though, motorized kits make a lot of compromises in accuracy and detail.

I think it's interesting that the Fuman reissues of many kits use the Bandai instruction sheet covers as their box art. I wonder if that has to do with not wanting to pay royalties to the original box art photographers, or is used simply to create differentiation.

[Chuck Most]

Cool! Thanks for the info, guys.