Atlantis Model Company 1/12 Zorro Kit First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

From the instructions: "Justice for All' is the internationally recognized motto of the masked defender of justice, the classic hero, El Zorro, the Fox. Instantly recognized by his signature "Z", the midnight rider cloaked in the black of night, his face masked, his cape flows as he rides astride his powerful steed, the black stallion Tornado. Zorro is synonymous with a jaunty laugh, unparalleled athletism, and a tongue as rapidly witty as his infamous blade. The sting of his whip and the quickness of his sword leave his adversaries marked by the defense of the oppressed.

Zorro is the alter ego of Diego de la Vega, heir to Alejandro de la Vega, one of the wealthiest land-owners in the pueblo of Los Angeles. The time period is the 1820s when California was a colony of Spain. Aided by his mute friend Bernardo, Diego/Zoro keeps his trusted horse Tornado in a secret cave beneath the de la Vega Rancho. Diego is a handsome man who effects an effete air with interests in the arts. He is known to disdain violence to deflect any suspicion of his identity as Zorro. The Fox is a romantic hero, gallant, mysterious, strong, yet tender and compassionate."

Atlantis Model Company has reissued the classic Aurora Zorro kit. This model has not been a true model in many years as the remaining Aurora examples have long since become classic collectibles commanding amazing prices when you can even find one. Even so, the model will build into an impressive display with a little patience, skill, and paint.

Molded in black styrene, this kit is presented on five parts trees plus separately provided base and horse halves. Since my wife is horse lover, I've become more than familiar with horses and their gear (AKA tack). This kit captures most of that detail including saddle, stirrups, bridle, girth, and reins. About the only thing missing is the horse blanket that goes between the horse and the saddle, as depicted in the box art, but this is easily replicated.

The Zorro figure is patterned to replicate the original television Zorro - Guy Williams, who would later star as Professor John Robinson of the original Lost in Space series.

Even though the model is black and so is most of the subject, this project would be a fun opportunity to work with a variety of shades of black as well as variations of gloss, satin and flat variations. The details are not really black given that the tack was leather, it would be dark browns with silver buckles and hardware. A really eye-catching model could be created with just the right touch of flair and subtlety.

The kit comes with a display base which has some desert brush provided so the subject is portrayed on the California desert (which used to be earth-toned but is now mostly concrete around Los Angeles).

When I saw this kit on display at iHobbyExpo, I was pleasantly surprised to see it and a number of other Aurora classics that are either released or scheduled for release in the near future. If you're looking for a break from the regular modeling fare, here is a fun subject that hasn't been available to the average modeler in many decades.

My sincere thanks to Atlantis Model Company for this review sample!