Early modern humans

It is believed that Homo sapiens first appeared anywhere from 300,000 years to 800,000 years ago (depending upon whether morphological or cladistic definitions are used).

These early humans are often referred to as "cavemen", but I don't think much stock can be placed in any particular depiction of them because practically every theory is based entirely on speculation.

My main interest in caveman miniatures is based on needing miniatures for playing Tusk from Wessex Games. The game is normally played with 15mm figures, but not for me. In the absence of proper miniatures in 1/72 scale, proxies such as ancient Libiyans (Caesar), ancient Germans (ESCI), or Zulus (ESCI) can be used.

I have recently picked up a few different sets of 1/72 caveman miniatures, but I think that the majority of people will find that they are not really practical for gaming purposes. Despite that, the miniatures are very nice, and many are perfectly posed for use in a game of Tusk.

The first three sets are from Phersu Miniatures. These miniatures were sculpted by the late Leonardo Torricini, and are essentially out of production.

PCH1 Prehistoric Cavemen Hunters 1

I was only able to get an incomplete version of this set, but the figures include one metal casting, a beater with sticks to flush out game, a figure carrying his catch, a firestarter, figures armed with clubs and spears, and some figures laying in ambush.

Some clubs and metal pins are supplied as weapons, but I think the original sets had white metal parts for the spears.

PCH2 Prehistoric Cavemen Hunters 2

The set consists of various hunting poses, and include a couple of figures that represent members of Homo erectus.

Three metal pins are supplied as weapons, but I think the original sets had white metal parts for the spears.

PCCF Prehistoric Cavemen - Cave and Fire

The set consists of some standing figures, perhaps a couple of artists, and various figures sitting around the campfire.

The set includes a resin bonfire and animal pelt, and various white metal weapons.

PAV1 Prehistoric Animals

The set contains a large deer with white metal antlers, a baby mammoth, a wild boar, a small bear, four wolves, and a sabre-toothed tiger.

I bent the deer antlers a bit before attaching them so they would have a curved appearance when looked at from the front.

For those interested in these (and other) Phersu sets, contact Massimo Costa of 42nd Black Watch Miniatures. Massimo does not have a website yet, but he can be reached at the following address regarding availability:

daikaigan@hotmail.it

Not all of the sets are readily on hand, but it seems like Massimo plans to produce at least some of the sets under the 42nd Black Watch label in tribute to Leonardo.

I hope there are plans to bring the caveman figures back in metal since they would be more sturdy for gaming.

The next three sets are from munich-Kits from their Stone Age (Steinzeit) line.

The first set is titled the First Hunters (Die ersten Jäger FHH01), and includes two hunters and a bear.

The hands and spear of one hunter is cast as a separate part in white metal.

The second set is also titled the First Hunters (Die ersten Jäger FHH02), and includes two hunters and a firestarter.

The hands and spear of one hunter is cast as a separate part in white metal.

The final set is titled the Middle Stone Age (Die mittlere Steinzeit FHH03), and includes a family of three.

The spear carried by Dad is a separate resin part.

All of the munich-Kits figures are tall, and are perhaps based on estimates from specific finds of Cro-Magnon remains.

I can't wait until the Neanderthal vs. Denisovan vs. Homo sapiens set from Linear-A reaches North America so we can get some more cavemen in plastic.

Komatsu G40 & PC30E

Komatsu has been sending scale models of their heavy machinery as a thank you gift to long term shareholders since 2015.

The models have typically been 1/87 scale, but for their 100th anniversary celebration back in May, they sent out a set of two 1/72 scale models.

The two models are of a G40 Komatsu type 1 bulldozer (小松1型均土機), and a PC30E-5 electric mini excavator (バッテリー駆動式ミニショベル).

Komatsu was commissioned by the IJN to produce a bulldozer for airfield construction at the end of 1942. Given a very short timeline for turnaround, the G40 bulldozer was essentially a G40 farm tractor fitted with a hydraulic mechanism and bulldozer blade.

The model is most likely based on the G40 bulldozer at the Komatsu Techno Center in Shizuoka, but from various pictures, I get the sense that there were different types of mount for the blade (and different types of blades as well).

The model is mostly diecast metal, with some plastic parts for the hydraulic mechanism, cab, and wheels. The tracks seem to be made of rubber, and are the same color as the bulldozer.

The PC30E-5 was launched last year as a zero emission vehicle, which offered the additional benefits of  having low heat, low noise, and reduced vibration output since it uses electrical motors. The vehicle fits in with the Komatsu 100th anniversary theme of environmental protection.

The model is made of diecast metal and plastic. The excavator arm is articulated for motion, and the body can swivel about 45° to each side.

I imagine it's doubtful anyone else will make 1/72 scale models of either of these vehicles ever again.

Mechatro WeGo

The MechatroWeGo is part of a toy line designed by Kazushi Kobayashi. The backstory of these machines describe them as being developed by CHUBU Mechatronics as personal transportation for children.

I first saw the WeGo models in an exhibit at DCon 2016, but it wasn't until recently that small scale toys of the WeGo became widely available. The Tiny MechatroWeGo first appeared as promotional items in 2015 and 2016, but Sentinel didn't do a standard boxed release until 2018. I didn't get the original set at the time because I felt they were too expensive (among other reasons).

Tiny MechatroWeGo Box 1

Tiny MechatroWeGo Box 2

Tiny MechatroWeGo Box 3

Tiny MechatroWeGo Box 4

The models are typically sold as blind boxes, but I ordered a case of six models for Box 2. This guarantees that there won't be any duplicate models.

I posted my first feeble effort at making somewhat of an unboxing video at my new 1/72 Channel. I hope readers of this blog will also subscribe to 72chan.

In any event, the first set of images show the ISO, 80s, and Hi-Tech HG liveries.

The second set of images show the Taxi, British, and Kappa liveries.

For the price, I was imagining that the models would have been diecast metal, but they are made of ABS and PVC plastic.

The arms and legs can pivot at the shoulders and hips, but the figures don't have good stability due to having a combination of spindly limbs and bulky body.

The models stand about 45mm tall, and are said to be non-scale, but if the machines are supposed to be 2.6m tall, I estimate them to be roughly 1/60 scale. However, if they were to be considered as being scaled for adults instead of children, then they would work for 1/72 scale.

1/20 WeGo with Frame Arms Girl

I was also able to find a couple of individual models from Box 1 and Box 3 to complete my set of Hong Kong taxi liveries.

Urban, New Territories, and Lantau WeGos

A manga by Yūsaku Yamada about Mechatro WeGo was launched by Kodansha last year for their "Magazine Pocket" app, and the first tankōbon volume was released earlier this year.

万能変化メカトロウィーゴ

I would have loved if Arawi Keiichi who did the box art for the Hasegawa WeGo models did the art for the manga.

MechatroWeGo × Nichijou

Shinonome Laboratories × Hasegawa

20 MechatroWeGo No. 01

20 MechatroWeGo No. 02