Monogram "Space Taxi" finished...

[rodsnracin]

Posted this on some other forums, forgot to post here!  Another in my longline of (hopefully) slump-busting builds.  Still can't seem to get going on a car build!

Tried to build one of these as a kid, total failure! Picked up the '96 re-issue a LONG time ago, started it, got frustrated and boxed it up. Pulled it out a while back, saw the Space Force logos and just had to finish it. Ended up using aftermarket decals, glad I did. The originals had brown carrier film, would have looked horrible. Not a real easy kit to get to look right, if anyone else is attempting it, I have some helpful tips if interested. Also have enough A/M decals left to do most of another if anyone is interested.

[donculley]

I've seen this kit, but never seen it built , it looks really great. I like it, it the sort of thing that people thought we would be doing by the 1990s - like those personal jet packs that I was really hoping we would have by now !

[Paul B. Canney]

Fantastic!

[rodsnracin]

Thanks, and don't forget the flying cars! We're a little behind schedule on some things!

[stevielewis]

First time ever seeing one of these kits built. Nice work!

[showrods]

GREAT JOB RODS! Stunning!

It's funny that you say that "it's not a real easy kit to get to look right" because on first glance, it doesn't look to be all that complicated. BUT, as we all know, looks can indeed be deceiving.

This is a kit that I've wanted to tackle for a while. I have a soft spot for these "future vision" kits from the late 50s/early 60s. Gotta get one of these.

Thanks for your offer of tips/advice, I will no doubt have to call on you for it. LOL

Out of curiosity, where did you get your after market decals?

PS - just looked at the original box top which says "Easy to Assemble" LOL

[rodsnracin]

Thanks! I like the "someday we'll have" kits, too. Unfortunately, reissues aren't plentiful and the originals cost big $$! I'd be happy to convey my ideas on assembly with you whenever you need them. This was first released in 1959 and re-issued twice, 1968 and 1996. This is the '96 issue. I just learned recently that the '68 issue had chrome-plated end cages and astronauts! Be neat to find one of those! The decals came from e-Bay, and were pretty pricey but shortly after I found them, e-Bay gave me a $25 gift code off any purchase so I used it for the decals and am glad I did. The kit decals had a very darkened carrier film and would have looked like crap on that stark white body. The seller was great and included extras of almost all the decals so I have quite a few left, almost enough to do another. If you're interested in those shoot me a PM.

Brian

[showrods]

Thanks Brian - much appreciated. I'll hook up with you when I get the kit. In the mean time, someone else may want those decals.

It's been a quarter of a century since the last re-issue of this kit so maybe it's time for another.

Doing some research, there are a fair number of these late 50s space themed kits including a "space station" which looks like a lot of fun. Are you listening Atlantis? LOL

[duck]

I got the kit as a kid, with the chrome astronauts.
Luckily, I still have it as I keep everything.
Your build looks great.
Duck

[Bert]

Really great job and hopefully a good slump buster. I've never seen this kit and don't remember it as a kid.