Max Factory's 1/35 Antigravity Armored Raider Pkf.85 Falke from the world Maschinen Krieger is kitted in a smaller scale of 35th for some great crossover potential for modellers. Today Clayton reviews this kit to show you what comes inside the box...
In-boxed: Antigravity Armored Raider Pkf.85 Falke
From Plamax / Max Factory
1/35th scale (length 190mm)
Item code: 013915
Maschinen Krieger (SF3D) Series
The kit also includes three figures & a stand for the Falke
Price: $37 USD from Hobbylink Japan
The world of Maschinen Krieger & the Antigravity Armored Raider Pkf.85 Falke
If you haven’t heard or seen the buzz around the range of kits known as Maschinen Krieger or Ma.K I’d suggest you check where you are getting your news from, because the popularity of this universe has exploded in recent years. The shapes and designs have found the perfect mix of plausibility and sci-fi and the models generally appeal to modellers of most genres.Traditionally the Ma.K universe has seen the bulk of the models released in 1/20th scale, but in recent years we have been lucky enough to see the genre venture into the realm of 1/35th with a number of manufactures releasing the vehicles and armoured suits we have become accustomed to in the larger scale. To me, the leap into 35th scale seemed to be a no brainer as the opportunity to integrate support vehicles and figures into this alternate universe seemed infinite, and very exciting.
Today I’m taking a first look at the FALKE – Antigravity Armoured Raider Pkf.85 by PLAMAX in 1/35th - it is #01 in their MK Series.
The pictures in the box art of the finished model are appealing with the finish to a reasonably high standard. The imagery also gives those new to the Ma.K world a glimpse into the weathered and worn nature of this universe and perhaps some idea of how they may like to tackle their own model.
The beautiful box art by Kow Yokoyama is also on the instruction booklet
The instruction booklet seems simple enough to follow however the copy is set in Japanese. In saying that, the part numbers are all clearly marked, and the steps appear to be reasonably simple enough to be able to visually follow the suggestions.
The kit comes with marking options for 3 different colour schemes. Most people enjoy the freedom the Ma.K subjects bring in terms of not being bound by reality, but there is a degree of lore in this realm if you wanted to go down that rabbit hole, so for those of you who feel compelled, the instructions offer the following suggestions –
To compliment the 3 schemes comes a generous sheet of decals that include instrument dials and safety placard as well as the unit markings and numbers.
Last year I had the opportunity to review the boxing or the Küster in 1/35 by a company called Artpla. I recall being underwhelmed looking at the parts in the box, but being surprised at the way the pieces connected and evolved to create a good-looking model, and now I have the newly released Falke from Plamax in front of me I am getting the same impression.
AHEM! a certain P-38 wants it's parts back...
When initially designed, these kits were constructed using bits and pieces from commercially available models at the time. You can clearly see the lines of the P38 Lightening in the two main arms that protrude either side of the body of the Falke.
Just like with the Küster, the kit has been engineered and sculpted in a way that a lot of the detail is combined over one simplified piece. This reduces the parts count and potentially makes the kit accessible to a broader range of skill levels, but still presents a visually busy look to the model.
In a close up shot you get a better understanding of the ‘busy’ nature of that part – all contained on one piece. Selective and careful painting has the potential to bring these single piece assemblies to life.
Again, you can see the sculpted detail in the parts that some manufactures would have broken down into multiple assemblies.
Yes, there are limitations with the level of detail that can be achieved moulding in a single piece, but this will speed up the build process and as mentioned will appeal to a greater range of skill levels.
The stabilisers, cockpit hood and bow gun and all included on one sprue. It’s worth mentioning here I believe this is a snap fit kit…although I haven’t tested that myself.
One of the drawcards of this kit is the maintenance trolley and figure set that comes with it. I initially couldn’t see the parts for the trolley but found they are integrated around the perimeter of the sprues. Really quite clever.
There are 2.5 figures in the kit with the mechanic, and the lady rider on one sprue...
...and the pilot on the other
The sculpts remind me of the old Tamiya race pit crew figures from years ago – if you know you know. I don’t think the colour of the plastic does them justice. It will be interesting to see them under a coat of paint and painting them in something other than Olive Drab or Field Grey should be a load of fun.
I’ve said it before, but I am a sucker for the Ma.K universe and I was waiting to pounce on this when it became available. These Japanese manufactures seem to have a knack for engineering and producing kits that accommodate most skill levels which can only be a good thing for the hobby.
For those of you wanting to upgrade and super detail your Falke, the foundations are there to rivet, wire, texture and weld until your hearts content…and then there are the painting and weathering opportunities this subject brings. Limitless.
I do like to make these kits for my reviews, but my workbench is bursting at the seams at the moment, so for now please accept my inbox review in the hope it gives you the insight into the kit so you can grab one before they run out because these releases never seem to last long.
Great subject, great scale, exciting universe! What’s not to love?
Clayton Ockerby
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