Tom Daniel T'rantula--and a funny story

[Terry Jessee]

When I was working on Hot Rod Model Kits, I wanted to get some of the Monogram Tom Daniel kits in. I started working on several, but eventually got to visit with Tom, and he sent some original color transparencies that the publisher was able to use. So my built-ups just went into the display case.

This is the T'rantula. It's one of my favorites. As I built it, I tried to get that box art look, but had fun adding little bits and pieces, too.

I asked Tom what the deal was with the little plastic spider (originally meant to be a pin) that was included with the kit. He told me that he thought it was a fun idea, and said, "I just think spiders are cool."

As I was putting the model together, I decided to paint the spider and include it in the photo. Once I got it painted, it looked too plain, so I used flocking on the body to make it look hairy. One night my wife was down in our basement where my work bench was set up, and she thought the spider was real. I heard this "bang!" and looked around to see her holding her shoe and peering at the top of the work bench, where there were a bunch of little green plastic pieces scattered around. She looked at me and said, "I think I just broke one of your toys."

So I got another one, and covered him with flocking, too.

Terry

Edited December 8, 2013 by Terry Jessee

[Nitro Neil]

Thanks for making my wife laugh Terry. Although she would have tried to save it by taking it outside....

[DPNM]

Nice build on the model Terry. I did a butcher job on this kit when I was young and it first came out. I'd also suggest dulling down the "fang" and eye color on the spider.

I had a tarantula in the early eighty's. Best pet to own. As long as it has food and water you never have to clean the cage and you don't have to touch it if you don't want to. I handled mine, it freaked most people out.

[Tom Geiger]

Thanks for making my wife laugh Terry. Although she would have tried to save it by taking it outside....

Yea, I do that. I figure they're just lost travelers. So I send them on their way. This summer we had several huge spiders set up shop out and around the house. Interesting to watch but the webs were in the way. So I relocated them to the woods out back. Nobody came back so I guess all's well.

I had the T'rantula as a kid and the only spray can we had was Christmas green so I used it. I remember being very pleased with my overall results. So anytime I think of that kit I picture it dark green. Maybe I'll do that someday.

Edited December 9, 2013 by Tom Geiger

[Skip]

Terry, Great story, being a prankster at heart I loved it!

A spider nearly got me fired once! Long story but it involves several bored engineers, a six inch Hairy Plastic Halloween Spider complete with suction cup on it's bottom and fishing line strung through the dropped ceiling. We waited until the boss had her morning cup of joe, engrossed in email.... Spider drops from the ceiling... Boss Lady proves unassisted human levitation is possible while screaming loudly. Peeing her pants on the process then attempting to convince everyone said liquid was coffee!!! (At times the office coffee has been classified as swill but never that liquid!!!) Lucky it was April 1st, even better the Boss Lady went home early, claiming she had an errand to run.

[PappyD340]

Great looking build Terry, and funny story to boot, and Skip's story was funny too, thanks for the chuckles guys!!

[James2]

TOYS?

[slusher]

Very good looking build.

[Custom Hearse]

That was humorous... she thought it was real... funny.

[jrherald420]

Too funny

[crazyjim]

Love the story.