Imai models: a brief overview

Imai is one of those companies that was around for over 40 years yet many modelers have never built one nor even heard of them.

[@richardklug822]

I bought many of their sailing ships and still have half-built Mayflower and Roman Galley ones on my "to be finished" shelf. Good quality plastic with reasonable, if sometimes exaggerated or "chunky" detailing. Too many ejector pin marks that need filling though, often right in the middle of important parts. Not as refined as the original 1/96 Revell sailing ships IMO.

[@Grundag]

Good Morning, Mr. Max. I remember Imai mainly because my Mom kept steering me away from spending my allowance on them when I was very young. "Too complicated" :o) Thank you for the video remembrance.

[@chrispacer4231]

The Japanese do love their animation. Never seen any of their products , if anywhere at toy fairs. Another great job MAXMODELS, do I get credit for watching, 🚀🪐💫🛸 HOPE ALL OF MY FELLOW MODELERS AND MAXMODELS have a great day

[@bgeipel]

I can confirm that the old Imai armor kits were 1/76 scale and were later picked up by ARII. They had a panzer IV F2, SdKfz251, STUG IV and SdKfz234

[@SaturnCanuck]

Thanks for this, Max. For me as a child of the 1970s and teen of the 1980s, I was VERY much into the Gerry Anderson shows (parents were British). So I was very familiar with their models of these. As well, some Anime shows came out in the mid-1970s and Imai pretty much had the lion’s share of them. “G-Force” and others. Imai had the hard-to-find kits of the above that Bandai and others did not. And yes they had moving features like folding wings and detachable pods, but for us at least, that was part of the appeal. As well, at least in Toronto, they were hard to find as well and only two establishments had them. One was Mr Gameways Ark, but more common was The Silver Snail Comic Shop on Queen St. They were rare and you paid through the nose for them but - you had them. Thanks for showcasing them and bringing back some good memories.

[@garfieldsmith332]

I loved the IMAI kits. Built a lot of the Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet kits. They were toys but were fun to build; and they were in many cases the only kits made on the subjects. I miss the kits. I still have a few IMAI kits in the stash. Thanks for posting the history Max.

[@crashdive100]

Hey Max! For me, the IMAI stuff was like the Midori kits. Lots of sci-fi subjects that were more for play value than accuracy. The Gerry Anderson kits ranged from poor to hmmmm-that's-not -too-bad. The Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and UFO kits were just about the only ones in the world and I think I had most of them. Once the Macross kits showed up there was nothing toy-like about them, they were as well-done as Bandai's Gundam series. I think one thing that DEFINITELY helped sales of IMAI's sci-fi kits was the almost movie-poster look of the box art. The 8 year old in me still loves looking at that box art and hoping that when I open the box THIS TIME, that's the model I'm going to find.

[@rogerhinman5427]

Finally, A KISS song I can relate too!

[@cudathehawgjetfixer7520]

Monogram also imported Imai tall ship kits, I have Monogram/Imai USS United States and Cutty Sark kits and both have really nice details and look like there is no warpage on all hull parts for their age, 1980ish releases

[@michaelhintz5870]

Another Great Video and Song!!! Nice Work Max!!!

[@Wild-Dad]

That UFO Sky one was the one I gave my friend and from which he scratchbuilt a whole Sky Diver. I also have most of their Thunderbird series and a number ofvthe Macross vehicles. They were very famous for the bright colours they moulded the plastic parts.

[@roberthill3207]

The company that sent me down the sailing ship obsession... when ask about the miniature detail work i do i tell them i was dropped on my head expletive expletive... have a great day.

[@christopherkroussoratsky2014]

I have been fortunate to acquire 2 of what many modellers consider the holy grail of armour kits, the Imai 1/16 WW2 Elefant Tank Destroyer. The entire running gear, ie suspension, road wheels, drive sprockets, idler wheels and tracks are metal, and so is the gun barrel. All this and the 2 electric motors and gear boxes made it quite heavy, there is even an electric recoil unit for the gun barrel. It is Radio Controlled capable if you wish to do so, and i have seen several examples so equipped. I think it was released in the late 60s early 70s and it predates the current 1/16 range of vehicles by decades, it certainly was way ahead of it's time. The scarcity of this kit is reflected in the price of unbuilt kits, if you can find one! Keep up the good work Max! having

[@wkelly3053]

Makes me sorry I never heard of them. Love the geriatric rocker tune. How many of us can relate? Oh, when the ‘70’s band were young and I rode my Schwinn 10-speed to the hobby shop.😊

[@Vifam7]

A number of Imai's Macross and other Japanese anime robot kits were released here in the US by Revell under their Robotech Defenders and Robotech Changers line. Media company - Harmony Gold would later license the Macross animation series. Harmony Gold and Revell would have a co-licensing agreement and the name "Robotech" became the cover name of the English dubbed version of Macross (+ 2 other anime series) which aired in the US.

[@Anlushac11]

I built a large number of Imai kits. They covered lots of Macross and Orguss kits. I have Inau Sky-1 kit on my shelf.

[@petercich9638]

Thanks for sharing the fruits of your good work, Max! Enjoyed the video.

[@FastSports-ScaleCarGarage]

Max, great video! Yes they did make slot cars thanks for including them! I had the Imai 'Batmobile' and it was kind of close but certainly not the Aurora version! Keep 'em coming!

[@Humbertusmarius]

In my youth I built several of their Macross models, and it was always an enjoyable experience. I even won some contests with them at science fiction conventions. Good times.

[@andrewbraverman4511]

I just purchased my first Imai model kit. It is the 1907 Bianchi coupe de Otto Molle in 1/16 scale which features steerable wheels and is motorized with a functional gear shift.

[@norikotakaya14292]

I told you once I had a UFO Interceptor kit made by IMAI. I was mistaken. It was the SKY-1 kit. The Interceptor was made by Bandai. All of the other IMAI kits I had experience with were the Space: 1999 Eagle, which had spring loaded gears in it with wheels which you pulled backwards then let go and it raced forward, and quite a few of the Macross kits as I am a big fan of that particular anime series. Those were direct copies of ARII and Bandai kits.

[@johnashley-smith4987]

Thanks Max! I had no idea about the history of IMIA. I have built one of their Macross models which was a quality kit if a little toylike. Decals were fine too after a spray of gloss cote ( just in case, the model in question I'd had half completed for thirty years!) I never did get any other kits by them though. Thanks again for an entertaining and informative video!

[@modelermark172]

Thanks for another interesting model company summary, Max! I've only built a few Imai kits over the years. But I would really like to try that Catalan Ship model shown at 3:25. What I've seen of it online looks pretty good. Hopefully, another company will acquire the molds, one day. Interestingly, it's actually a model of a model. Again, thanks!

[@FMDad-dm5qo]

Good memories - the Imai Macross kits dominated over the Arii ones for quality; I built a bunch in the late 80s

[@ProtonSega]

I bought their VF-1J Valkyrie Variable Type at a supermarket called Super Kinta in Ipoh back in the day. The place closed down a long time ago, and my model has long since vanished, but the name Imai (and Arii) has left an indelible mark in my mind.

[@mbryson2899]

I always wanted their Viking ship. I figured I could rig it.

[@stefansvensson9218]

They also hade some impressive shipsmodels in wood like a big Yamato and also wood models of japanese buildings.

[@farpointgamingdirect]

I'd like to find those UFO models, especially Sky-1. I also dig the little dachshund on the packaging @ 4:11. We have two...

[@rikkiwagener2203]

My first experience with IMAI and anime kits, in general, was the 1/144th scale Queadluun Rau from Macross. This was way before Robotech hit the states. I had a lot of confusion about the size of the enclosed pilot and how big she was. I still have her, and though her decals haven't survived storage, I still treasure her. I have a few more IMAI kits in boxes and partially built in my stash.

[@lancerevell5979]

Another company I never knew of. Interesting subjects.

[@kennethkwilinski4899]

Built the Thunderbird ships. They got played with a lot. You know how some people store away their old models in a box. The models that got busted up, parts fell off. No instruction sheets or original cartons. That’s were my Thunderbirds sit right now. I still have um. Just haven’t had a urge to rebuild them. Watching this video got me thinking about it though. Good video.

[@johnd8892]

I wonder if the early 1950s racing cars were copies of the more well known early Merit kits.

[@stephensobieralski51]

Imai sailing ship kits are generally well thought of by ship modelers, particularly the 1/120 scale Cutty Sark which is considered to be as good as the Revell 1/96 version. Some of their ship kits were later repoped by ERTL Aoshima and Monogram. Imai also produced a range of large scale wooden ship kits.

[@367jima]

I had there Viking ship, and there Roman ship models they were excellent, for there time.

[@billgiltzow4464]

I have never seen the Imai Vanwall and Talbot Lago, but have a strong suspicion that they are the old Merit molds, as the timing relative to Merit's collapse fits, and many of the other Merit molds emigrated from England. Palmer got the Connaught for example, and Strombecker modified the Merit Maserati 250F , Mercedes, and D Jag into slot cars in 1959. Smer still has the Alfa 159 today...

[@DeerHunter308]

The Batmobile has been criticised by some modelers for not being very accurate ? WOW !

[@charlesqc9272]

Always a pleasure to listen to your history of model maker Learn something every time

[@leftjabrighthook]

KISS!

[@ShortBusScotty]

Great music... I only have his Christmas parodies. Most not suitable for mixed company.

[@sdaustin1]

I made their Macross Misa Hayase kit a few years ago, I was very pleased with how it turned out.

[@Corsario-ud1du]

I sure want to build that IMAI Stuka in 1/50 scale.

[@ualuuanie]

Max you were saying that you were going to do 1 on NITO. I remember having a NITO kit in my collection once and are you aware they actually have a panzer 4 in 1/76 scale with some major parts of the interior. That is the only brand I ever come across where a 1/76 scale armor having interior parts.

[@jjojo2004]

Absolutely fascinating!!!! 👍👍👍

[@juanbisogno1670]

Great Harley models kits 1/12scale .accurate Evo and shovel engines

[@orangelion03]

Was hoping that was true. Based on the detail of their R100RS I'm building, I assumed they might be nice. This kit has a really poorly engineered fairing assembly, but the rest of the kit is acceptable.

[@marcmillis8461]

I have one of their Mach 5 kits, which I started to convert to be more accurate, like adding seats - and gave up. It was very toy like and the fit of the parts was crude. On the other hand, I also have one of their 1/8 scale Citroën Traction Avant 15 (appears excellent), and finished a 1/12 scale Knight in armor (very good).

[@davidnickels3325]

Imex model company in Florida sold a lot of the Imai kits under the Imex name - same box arts. I don't know if they were running the molds or reboxing bagged kits. But, IMEX had the line for a long time. They also had some Nitto kits and probably others. I assume the Imai Monkeemobile is a rebox of the AMT kit since the two companies partnered together at the time that kit came out. Scalemates says the Imai kit is a reissue but does not say what it is a reissue of.

[@maxsmodels]

thanks

[@ecidaho]

Owned a fair number of IMAI Macross kits. They were pretty basic and had many seem lines. Would love to have some of the UFO or Thunderbird kits though. Still have a few Macross Zhentradi kits in my stash.

[@thedudemeisteragain]

I had a few of those Macross Valkyries and orgus kits, the smaller kits were simple, the larger ones more parts

[@stryderprime]

I remember getting a lot of Macross kits from them. The Battle pod was my first kit from them!

[@paulbervid1610]

Very informative and interesting.

[@JMChladek]

My first experience with Imai stuff was the Macross kits imported into the states by Revell for the "Robotech Changers" line, specifically the 1/72 VF-1 transforming kits. Bandai bought those toolings soon after.

[@hertzair1186]

Nice work Mr. Max

[@maxsmodels]

Thanks

[@ant4812]

I built a couple of their armoured knights. They were quite nice.

[@orangelion03]

I am in the middle of an IMAI BMW R100RS. Aside from some dodgy engineering of the main fairing molds, it's a decent kit. Not Tamiya motorcycle model level, but quite nice. Good detail, a little thick in places, but built up looks good. Should think some of their other bike kits would be fine. I might build one of their other BMW kits in the future (just ordered the "new" Italeri 1/9 R80G/S 1000 Paris-Dakar bike...yes, I ride a BMW). I owned, but dont recall building some of their 1/24 racing car kits...might have used them for parts.

[@calvingifford9442]

I built one of their Speed Racer Mach 5 kits which I loved! I also have a Space Battleship Yamato Super Deformed Bandai kit which I suspect was originally a Imai tooling.

[@marksmodellingmadness]

There's a familiar name. I first saw them in the early 1980's with the Megaro Zamac mecha kits. I remember them being quite delicate and precise, and finely detailed for their size. I currently have a 1/144 Valkyrie VF-1 from the Macross saga in the stash. It's a 2-type kit, that is, it has two models in the box- the robot version and the gerwalk mode version. It's been waiting to be built for over 15 years i think... :)

[@bluetopguitar1104]

Cool stuff. As always, Love the music.!!

[@paulgriffin6912]

I built one of their Super Vespa kits, trying to find another one but they are asking higher and higher prices when one does become available.

[@jamesjames2070]

I have the Imai space 1999 eagle bought it in the ninieties it has wheels! Great box art

[@GYRUSS]

I both love and hate Imai kits.

[@orangelion03]

Yeah, I'm having one of those relationships with one of their kits right now =D

[@grimwurks]

I bought 6 of the armour kits back in the 80's I think, numbers 1 thru 6 . . . not sure if that was as many as they offered, but not having any og the 60's Aurora knight kits I was determined to get these . . . they are jointed and the fit is not bad, but the pressure from the moveable joints tend to split the seams, so thinking they need to be glued solid

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

Hope the kids stay for a great ending

[@markfrommontana]

Keep 'em coming Max. These model company histories are brilliant. BTW with respect to 漫画 (マンガ see here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3STlJ9nqppkkJo Great job as always. Cheers!

[@steveyugo167]

The Macross kits were very nice.

[@OMEGATECH]

I was always amazed how some of the models in the world of Gerry Anderson like space 1999 , UFO , the Thunderbirds made because as I understand it when Jerry and Sylvia Andersen divorced it put freeze on everything related to Syfy but I guess somewhere these companies had license to make the models

[@danealley9779]

Revell/Ceji reboxed the Imai Macross VF-1 Valkyrie kits in 1984 as the Robotech Changers.

[@OMEGATECH]

@@danealley9779 And i think i have one of those kits

[@danealley9779]

@@OMEGATECH I have both of mine. The red "Axoid" and tan Trainer "Orbot" kits

[@OMEGATECH]

@@danealley9779 The red "Axoid is one of mine, couldn't find Orbot's kit

[@mrains100]

Thank's

[@douglasw.7864]

I have their Batmobile kit. It’s not the best rendition of the vehicle, but still is a cool Batman collectible.