timetrap

I love crappy plastic models . . . Even more to the point I love crappy sci-fi plastic models. After reading these 2 statements you can tell that I just fell in love with the Maschinen Krieger Zbv 3000 series of models.

According to wikipedia:

"Maschinen Krieger ZbV 3000
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Maschinen Krieger ZbV 3000 (originally known as SF3D and now also known by the abbreviation Ma. K.) is a science fiction universe created by Japanese artist & sculptor Kow Yokoyama in the 1980s as a feature article in Hobby Japan magazine. The story is set eight hundred and eighty years in the future, as two opposing human forces are fighting for control of the habitable areas of Earth.
Ma. K. began as a series of SF3D photo essays in Hobby Japan. Kow scratch-built 1/20 and 1/72 scale models of unique, retro-futuristic armored fighting suits and vehicles. A small but dedicated fan following soon developed, and models were produced for retail by the company Nitto.
Nitto has recently reissued most of the kits, repackaged under the Maschinen Krieger Zbv 3000 namesake (for copyright reasons). There are currently two Ma. K. 'encyclopedias' in print by Dai Nippon Kaiga. The Japanese model kit company Wave has also recently issued several new kits, and for many years Model Kasten has produced resin conversion kits. There are also many fans who produce kits and accessories. The continued support and recent surge in activity by all parties has helped to maintain & expand the fan base.

Website of Kow Yokoyama
Fan-compiled story background & timeline
Fan-compiled pictorial references "

They look just like big tanks, heavy, well used, and battle scared. The photo gallery at Krueger's Krieger has a wonderful assortment of pictures (two of which are featured above), a nice tips section, and a great links resource.

--Cheers! (Yes, I just got back from a trip to London, but that's another story)