This is a nice model, but it's not a beginner's job. There's a moderate amount of flash to be removed and the arms need fastening on, as does the base. The arms don't fit completely flush so some work with modelling putty is needed to smooth out the joins.
This is a white metal model, so the arms need attaching with superglue or similar. Ideally, the arms need fastening with a metal pin to make them more secure.
For those who want to paint the model, but don't want the hassle of assembling it, we offer the following:
The model is available from:
Imar Models as a kit only and as a kit, assembled and fully painted through Judith.
As a kit: Priced £8.30 UK and Europe, and £8.80 or $15 to the USA and Australia.
Assembled and matt black: Priced £11.30 UK and Europe, and £11.80 or $21 to the USA and Australia.
Fully painted: Priced £16.30 UK and Europe, and £16.80 or $29 to the USA and Australia.
The current batch have already been assembled and undercoated, so I can't report on the casting, but Kelvin informs me that it is a three- part casting, base, body and left arm, and the arm is a right [censored] to pin to the body. Looking at it I can well believe it.
The figure is of Vila in his "coat-of-many-colours", his left hand held out in front of him and holding a gadget. The face isn't as good a match as on the Blake models, but it's not bad considering the small scale of these figures. The slouch, on the other hand, is very Vila:-) It's one of Vila's more visually interesting costumes, and I like this figure a lot.
Last updated on 24th of September 2001.