This is a brand-new model of the New God Phoenix from Tatsunoko Production's TV Anime [Science Ninja Gatchaman II] broadcasted from October 1978. (Also known as Battle of the Planets in North America).

This version includes the optional LED lighting kit.

In the box is:

• 2 x white sprues
• 1 red sprue
• 1 blue sprue
• 1 pink transparent sprue
• 1 dark grey sprue
• 1 black sprue
• 1 small yellow sprue
• 8 white parts not on a sprue
• 1 decal sheet
• 1 sticker sheet
• 1 instruction booklet
• 1 LED kit

The sprues are extremely well molded with no flash and very detailed. The parts are all molded in the correct colors so if the build is done well there is no need to do much painting. The LED kit optional kit is simple and easy to use and fully detailed in the instruction booklet.

Mottling the paint scheme on a model by hand can be difficult and rather time consuming. Keeping the paint at a consistent density, avoiding a semblance of a “pattern” in the layout of the mottling, and paying attention to panel lines are all issue that need attention when applying a “mottled” finish.

Masterpiece has addressed these issues with an easy-to-use set of templates. The templates are sturdy pieces of a cardboard-type paper. Each template contains a multitude of holes and openings that are of a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Some of the “knock-out” panels that make up the openings in the template are still in place. Removing them will bring about a diverse pattern each time you use the template. Also, reversing which side of the template you use (top or bottom) as the surface in contact with the model, will provide additional diversity.

This book provides a bounty of historical documentation on the actual “EAGLE CLAW” operation, along with the pictures of actual events taken in the run up to and aftermath of the overall event. Some aspects of the mission are still classified; sourcing data is frequently difficult for anyone attempting to produce a commercial, open-source narrative on Government operations.