Falke Pkf.85 Armored Raider in 1/35th Scale from Max Factory

Today Clayton reviews this kit to show you what comes inside the box…

In-boxed: Antigravity Raider Pkf.85 Falconke

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 Today Clayton reviews this kit to show you what comes inside the box…
In-boxed: Antigravity Armored Raider Pkf.85 Falke from Hobbylink Japan

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

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. The leap to 35th scale was a no-brainer for me as it offered the chance to incorporate support vehicles, figures, and other elements into the alternate universe. It seemed endless and exciting. This imagery gives newcomers to Ma.K a look at the worn and weathered nature of the universe, and may give them some ideas on how to build their model. The instruction book also features the beautiful artwork by Kow Yokyama. 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. The kit comes with marking options for 3 different colour schemes. 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 is asking for its parts back…Küster in 1/35 by a company called ArtplaOriginally, the kits were built using pieces and bits from existing commercial models. The two arms of the Falke clearly show the P38 Lightening lines. The kit is more accessible and has fewer parts, while still presenting a busy appearance. Selective and careful painting can bring these single piece assemblies to life. 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. This is worth noting, I think this kit snaps together…although I’ve never tested it myself. The maintenance trolley, and the figure set included with the kit are two of its main attractions. The parts of the trolley were initially hidden but I found them around the sprue perimeter. 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. The colour is not accurate. The colour of the plastic will make them look much better under paint. Painting them something different than Olive Drab and Field Grey is going to be fun. The Japanese manufacturers seem to be adept at producing kits for all skill levels, which is a great thing for the hobby. For those who want to super-detail their Falke model, there is plenty of room to rivet, weld, wire and texture. There are also endless possibilities for painting and weathering. Limitless.

I like making these kits to review, but I’m currently bursting with work. So, please accept this inbox review to give you an insight into the kit. Great subject, fantastic scale and an exciting universe. What is not to like?