Author Description

This book tells the story about the earliest days of plastic scale kit modelling. It brings to life how the three instigators of International Model Aircraft / FROG, Joe Mansour and the brothers Charles and John Wilmot, started the first range of plastic scale model kits in 1936. They were the forerunners of what was to become a globally-spread toy and hobby in the 1960s and 70s, by well-known manufacturers like Airfix and Revell. Loved by boys aged 6 to 16 and still a favourite pastime for older boys too… This fascinating reference work took over 10 years to be completed and is the first book to focus entirely on the Penguin range. The story is accompanied by well over 400 photos, many of which have never been published before. Written in cooperation with family members who shared many valuable memories about the lives of Joe, Charles and John. It includes information about the early history of plastic injection moulding, the wartime activities of I.M.A. between 1940 and 1945, collecting and restoring Penguin model kits and a price guide. The date of publication is not by coincidence: it marks the celebration of 80 years of plastic scale kit modelling. Peter van Lune (1963) from The Netherlands is a dedicated kit modeller and collector, whose passion it is to document the earliest history of plastic kit modelling. Some reviews: Richard Lines (co-author Frog Modelaircraft): "A masterpiece". IPMS UK: "Very highly recommended". Collector's Gazette: ""Fascinating reference book". IPMS USA: "Interesting and valuable". FineScale Modeller: "Comprehensive collection" Scale Model Aircraft: "Intriguing and superbly researched".