Academy 15822 - Mechander Max & Tri Max

Self-assembly model kit of Mechander Max and Tri Max - a set of 6 vehicles

Academy 15822 delivers the "6 in 1" concept: the box holds parts for six vehicles that combine into two larger forms. Mechander 1, 2 and 3 together make up Mechander Max, while Tri F1, GT2 and B3 assemble into Tri Max.

All parts are moulded in multiple colours and snap together, so the colourful machines are built without cement or paint. The subjects are the support machines from the 1977 Japanese animated series "Mechander Robo".

What's in the box:

• Parts for 6 vehicles
• Mechander 1, 2 and 3 - combining into Mechander Max
• Tri F1, GT2 and B3 - combining into Tri Max
• Plastic parts moulded in multiple colours
• Snap-fit assembly
• Illustrated assembly instructions with a painting guide

Specifications:

• Catalogue number: 15822
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Year of release: 2024
• Number of vehicles: 6 (two combined forms: Mechander Max and Tri Max)
• Difficulty: beginner

Please note: This model is intended for self-assembly. The kit does not include paints or modelling tools.

Building the model:

Six separate vehicles mean six short, approachable stages of work - the kit lends itself well to a build spread over several evenings, or to a shared project with a younger modeller. Parts are cut from the sprues with side cutters, cleaned up along the gate marks and snapped together without cement.

With vehicles designed to combine into larger forms, it is worth paying attention to the mating surfaces - carefully cleaned edges make assembling Mechander Max and Tri Max easier later on. Anyone who wants to paint the set will find a painting guide in the instructions, and a wash applied to the panel lines brings out the detail on these small vehicles.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up gate marks
• Optional: plastic cement for permanently joining selected parts
• Optional: modelling paints and brushes in various sizes
• Optional: a wash to accentuate details

About the machines - Mechander Max and Tri Max:

Mechander Max and Tri Max are support machines from the "Mechander Robo" series. Each is formed from three smaller vehicles - an extension of the same combination idea on which the series' title robot is based.

For the modeller this means a kit with a dual character: six standalone vehicles that can be displayed separately, and two larger forms created once they are joined. That arrangement lets you change how the models are presented without rebuilding them.

About the series - Mechander Robo:

• Japanese animated series from 1977
• Produced by Wako Production / Toei
• Belongs to the classic super robot genre
• The title robot is formed by combining several machines
• Mechander Max and Tri Max appear in the series as support machines

About the manufacturer - Academy:

Academy Plastic Model is a Korean model kit manufacturer that has been in business since 1969. Its catalogue covers aircraft, armoured vehicles, ships, cars and subjects drawn from popular culture, in scales from 1:144 to 1:32. The brand is known for kits with multi-coloured mouldings and snap-fit assembly, which make it easier for newcomers to get started. Academy also produces lines aimed at experienced modellers, with finely rendered detail and extensive decal sheets. Alongside military and aviation subjects, the company develops lines inspired by Japanese and Korean animation, including the Mechander range. Academy kits are sold worldwide and are among the best-known modelling products to come out of South Korea.