Moebius Models 1/9 Herman Munster Kit Build Review

by Steve Causey

Build Review

Being born in 1960, I grew up watching the Munsters and I loved the show. The interplay between Al Lewis (grandpa) and Fred Gwynne as Herman was very funny.

This new figure kit from Moebius captures some of the silly comedy between the two characters. It comes in sprues of gray well-detailed styrene, a clear sprue of Spider web, and laboratory glassware. As well as vinyl tubing used to connect this kit to the Grandpa Munster kit (sold separately).

Assembly begins with the figure and as I was dry fitting parts together, I was impressed by the very precise fit of the parts. Seam lines fall along hidden areas or in some cases, along clothing seams, making for a very good-looking image of Herman. The only places I used any filler (Mr. Surfacer) was along the head of the figure's hairline, and neck and in two spots on the hands. Herman's hands seem to be the weakest part of the kit; detail is vague in places and the seams need a bit of work.

While fitting the figure together, I was struck by the way the figure's face really looks like actor Fred Gwynn. I assembled the figure in sub assemblies and those assemblies fit well enough without glue that the figure can be put together and taken apart as needed to aid in painting. The instructions give a very good guide to the colors needed.

The kit includes a detailed base and a very nicely done work table with great filigree and wood grain detail. I used several brown washes on the wood grain and Tamiya clears on the glassware. The base fits together with the base included in the Grandpa kit. It adds to the humor with a grinning skull and several spider webs.

The figure's face it is the only difficult part of the kit to paint. I ended up painting the face and hair of the figure twice before I was happy with the look. Having a very good likeness of the actual actor is both a blessing and a curse. It makes for a great looking finished kit, but getting the look just right can be a test of the painter's skills.

I think Herman looks great with a sly silly grin on his face watching Grandpa about to throw a big switch.

I added all the finished and painted assemblies to the base, and as I was connecting the two kits, I decided that the way they were connected out of the box didn't look quite right. I set up the two bases so the figures could make eye contact and grin at each other.

I really enjoyed building this kit, the fit was excellent and added to the ease of assembly. Highly Recommended!

My sincere thanks to Moebius Models for this review sample!