It's only a model...May 4th Vintage Gathering

"Camelot...Camelot....CAMELOT!...." err, wrong film. Sorry, sorry everyone! 

An interesting MPC banner from Return of the Jedi

Continuing the May 4th tradition from last year, we had a great get-together hosted by Mark Enright this past Sunday in sunny La Crescenta. Beyond the delicious BBQ and brews, the group got a first-hand glimpse at the "Mortar Heads" workshop and of one of the coolest and most unique focus collections out there. Mark's model kit collection has everything that a vintage Star Wars enthusiast could want -- multiple toy companies represented, international flavor,  kitsch advertisements, displays...essentially, stuff you just don't see every day and most likely wouldn't find unless you knew how and where to look.

Here we go with a photo re-cap of the afternoon....

The man behind "Mortar Heads" poses with one of his recent molds.

4-LOM from concept....

...to incredible sculpture.

Tessa and Ara enjoy the spread (while Steve chugs).

The traditional cardback swap-meet (with two ESB carded figures that have made their way to every meeting thus far!)

Ara brought along a great stash of vintage Marvel comics.

Several of which made it back to West Hollywood -- thanks Ara!

Mark's extensive run of R2 & 3PO model kits.

Jedi kits and other model gems.

This ROTJ Airfix 4-Kit Set was sold through the 1983 Sears Wish Book in the United States, even though Airfix kits came from the UK.

Meccano Millennium Falcon Kit - Canadian Parker Box with English and French text and a Meccano sticker.

Phidias acquires a neat addition to his Bib Fortuna focus -- a snap kit Bib from Mark.

Thanks again to Mark for being such an awesome host and for sharing his killer collection. Hope to see more members at the next gathering -- stay tuned for details!