Power Loader & Ripley from the sci-fi movie "Alien 2" are now available as plastic kits! We made MODEROID "Power Loader" which can be enjoyed in unexpected ways [Taiyuki's Weekend Plastic Model Kit No.58

When you are a working adult, you tend to have a lot of plastic models piled up in your busy life. ...... In this series, Yasuyuki Tai, a voice actor who loves robots and plastic models, takes on the challenge of building plastic models on your behalf!

The concept is "even busy working people can make it this far on their weekends off. There are only two rules: bare bones assembly and a production period of one to two days! If you read this series, you will surely find the plastic model you want to build.

So, "Weekend Plastic Model Making by Voice Actor Taiyuki! Let's get started with the 58th issue!

Part 58: MODEROID "Power Loader

This time we will introduce a live-action model from the MODEROID series, the Power Loader that appeared in the 1986 film "Alien 2.

Many of you may remember it from the breathtaking close-up battle that Ms. Ripley had with the Alien Queen at the very end of the story.

Although there have been a few three-dimensional models before, this kit is one of the larger MODEROID kits, and the contents show a great deal of attention to detail.

The package shows a sample of the finished product with a spirited paint job. Yes, Ms. Ripley is included in this kit!

The lid and bottom of the box also have pictures of the finished sample in different orientations.

On the back of the box, there is a description of the product, but the Japanese-language information is modest, which I think makes it easy for people overseas to pick up the product.

On the side of the box are drawings of both sides.

Two instruction manuals are included, one explaining the assembly. The other has tube placement and water-transfer decal directions.

Although there appear to be more runners, some of the larger sized parts make assembling the body surprisingly easy.

Since the tubes will become a nuisance in order to apply the water-transfer decals and clear coat, it would be better to attach the tubes after the decals and clear coat are finished.

So, please take a look at the completed figure without the tube and decal.

The unassembled model looks as if it is brand new, although it looked very used in the movie.

As you can see, the style is perfectly reproduced.

The rotating lights on the top of the fuselage are clear parts.

The cushion where the human body fits is also well reproduced.

The power loader's shin has a belt that holds the ankle of the human.

The base of the arm claw has a metal shaft.

Of the cylinders located throughout the fuselage, the large ones actually extend and retract as the fuselage moves.

The roll bar can be sprung up for boarding.

The shoulder section can swing back and forth.

The rotating axis of the shoulder connection part has a modest range of motion due to the cylinder gimmick, just as in the play.

When the elbow is bent, the cylinder also works together.

The claw part can be rotated by the wrist and can be snapped to the left or right slightly.

The claw can be opened and closed. It has a good holding power.

Arm control levers slide back and forth.

The hip joints are movable back and forth, but only to the extent necessary for heavy machinery.

Knees are also minimally movable, but they did not seem to bend that much during the show. The cylinder is interlocked.

The hip joints can only be opened to the left and right.

The ankle movement is about the same as the hip joints and knees are not as mobile as the other parts of the body.

That's all for the range of motion of the power loader itself.

Next, let's take a look at Ripley.

The power loader alone would be a viable product, but the nice thing about MODEROID is that it can be used where it is needed most. The color is gray, but it is nice to see Ripley included.

The reproduction of the head, including the face, is quite high. The neck and head are connected with ball joints, so they can be rotated.

Shoulder movement. Rotation in the axis of connection is a little oblique upward, but 360° rotation is possible. Horizontally, it can be raised to 90 degrees.

Wrist can be rotated by connecting axis. The elbows can rotate about 90°, and the arms and sleeves can roll.

A wristwatch is also attached.

The hip joints are also connected with ball joints, and the legs can be opened to this level.

The legs rotate on a roll axis above the thighs.

Knee bending ends here. I guess this kit is only for mounting on a power loader. Still, I am glad that they included it.

The hips can be rotated by connecting the axis, but it seems that the parts are divided for painting rather than for mobility.

Now let's put Ripley on the power loader!

First, replace the grip of the power loader with an axial type one.

Bounce up the roll bar of the body, remove the belt parts, and attach the connecting shaft to the seat.

Remove once the step to put the leg on the shin part.

This part can be installed in three different heights.

Attach the connecting shaft of the seat to the hole in Ripley's back,

Put the grips on your wrists. ......

Attach the parts of the step to match the position of Ripley's legs.

Attach the belt parts to hold Ripley in place and lower the roll bar. ......

Ripley boarding is complete.

Ripley is also movable to some extent, so you can display it in motion with the power loader.

When the arm is raised, Ripley's arm is also raised together.

There is also no problem to thrust the claw forward.

The mech was fighting with heavy machinery with limited movement rather than fighting flexibly in the movie, so this level of mobility is probably enough to recreate the action in the movie.

Next, please take a look at the power loader with decals and tubes attached.

The installation of the tubes is complicated, so much so that it is explained on a separate sheet of paper.

It is best to take your time when you have enough time and energy to install the tubes!

So here it is with decals attached and matte coated.

The tubes are already storming when seen from the back!　It was a lot of work, but it was worth it.

The claw, which played an important role in holding down the queen, also looks more like it did in the movie, thanks to the decals. The metal shaft is also very effective.

Some of you may remember the shape of the ankle well since there was a cut in the play where she starts walking. How do you like this reproduction?

The decals from the arms to the back are like this. The numbering "4" is also available, so you can choose your favorite.

So, you know. ......

Just before writing this article, I happened to be assembling the "Tito Cerium Series IV Carbonia Lons Delight" also by Good Smile Company, and I had an idea.

I was wondering if it might be possible to put other figures or humanoid kits on it? I thought, "Maybe I can put other figures or humanoid kits on it?

If you are an astute person, you may have noticed at the beginning of this article that the platform on which Ripley's legs are placed can be adjusted in three different positions.

So, let's give it a try!

I got on!

Due to the shoulder ornaments, I was not able to secure the body with the belt, but I think I was able to get on it like that.

Incidentally, the step to put the legs on was installed on the second step from the bottom (Ripley is on the bottom step), which is just the right position.

I think the combination of the industrial mechanical power loader and the gothic atmosphere of the TITCELIUM is also a good match, but what do you think?

The power loader is 1/12 scale, but the Titocerium is 1/1 scale in this size, so you can bring the paint needed for painting like this or ......

You can also play with it by helping with gluing .......

Of course, as long as the size is right, it can hold a variety of things, including 1/12th scale movable figures, so both "Alien" fans and figure fans can have fun with it as they wish.

However, this makes me want to paint Mr. Ripley, too. Please try it when you have time.

See you soon!