Tamiya Flak 88

[James Tainton]

Can anyone out there tell me what is wrong with this kit.

[Ed Tainton]

Kit

What kit

[Newlyn]

Flak 88

James, I recall building one of these when it first appeared, it was generally regarded as a phenomenal trend setter, ( We are going back about 30 years). The fit and detail were very good. Of course it isn't going to be up to today's Tamiya standards, but it will still be a good kit. If you are into using etched brass I'm sure Eduard or Aber do some super detail sets.

[Ralph A]

And here it is.

Tamiya "Superkit" from the late 70's, I believe. I've had this one for decades, in any event.

I can't believe this thing has survived about 10 moves across the span of 30 years. Battered, but enough of the parts remain to hint at the incredible detail these kits originally entailed. A real relic.

One of the components of the special carriage survives, as shown in the background.

For about 7 years, the thing sat on a wood shelf outdoors, exposed to the elements! But it still looks good enough to sit next to my monitor and offer a bit of protection from bombers.

[Ralph A]

Wow.

Cool. As I see the thing "up close" I am amazed that it is in this shape.

At one time, it was a real jewel amongst my plastic models.

But "something" happened (I forget what) to bang it up pretty good, and instead of trying to salvage it, I disappointedly stuck it in a box, then on the aforementioned shelf, then into a paper sack for storage, also into another unmarked box sandwiched betweeen some books , under the bed at one time - you get the idea - etc etc over the years; not consciously trying to destroy it, but nonetheless not really caring if it got totally wiped out or not.

A real survivor, and as I say, a relic. Damn thing deserves some sort of "survivor" medal. I think the cat played with it once...

Well, it's safe now. The thing has found a place in "Der Bunker" forevermore.

[Ralph A]

Here's the other "Jewel"

PzkwIII-M/50, also Tamiya. It's even older than the FlaK gun. As you can see, I have protected it well over the years.

[paddywhack]

i found a matchbox centurian tank on a widow still on my basment window (i still to this day dont know how it got there!!!)and played with it for a few year but never realy toke care of it by leaving it out side in mud etc but after seeing a program on centruins on tv i looked to see if it was still there some 7 years later and it was!!! so i toke pity and care of it by putting a new barrel on the gun(it didnt have one at all!!!) and putting it in my room but it looks like its been through the whole korean war twice!!!!!! so it actuly has REAL weathering!!!!!!