Monstrology Models "Edison Frankenstein"

The first William Paquet reissue in the Monstrology Models line will be the 1993 classic kit Edison Frankenstein. Based on the 1910 Charles Ogle interpretation, this 1:6 scale kit is a true classic. The kit above is painted by Bill Harrison.

Shown below is one of the final issue kits with metal hands. At first these were cast in grey polyester, but were soon issued in white resin and lastly in tan resin. The kit has been out of production for about 10 years.

The Headless Hearseman reissues will remain faithful to the original releases and history of Monstrology Models. Working closely with old friend Jon Wang, the man whose vision brought us Monstrology in the first place, most of the original line will be reissued in due time. If you have images of any of these kits, or want to see something reissued, get in touch.

Find more images and contact detail here.

My Dear Heart

My pride and joy is my son. He turned 4 recently, and is already an accomplished puzzle builder without instructions or pictures. Model kits are no different. This is a reissue Aurora Triceratops he built at 3 years and 9 months--his first kit. Makes a Dad proud!

Armand Tesla

Here is a figure of Bela Lugosi as the vampire Armand Tesla in the 1943 film Return of the Vampire. I oversculpted the Billikin Lugosi head for a puffier look, and reposed the body. The folds in the sleeves are now made more natural to the pose. A modern tux shirt, cravat, and changed vest complete the style changes to the 1948 Dracula tux.
The base is made of cell foam, spackled and covered in ivy. Twigs, bats and an 'iron' gate detail the scene for the mausoleum. Brown and manilla paper was sprayed with red and brown paint, then cut with a leaf shaped confetti die.

Kitbuilders #32

In 1999 I got to do two articles for Kitbuilders. One on the Janus Company, and one on Bela Lugosi model kits. Collecting Lugosi had long been a passion of mine--his portrayals and acting are quite memorable. But perhaps the biggest affinity I have for the actor comes from my Dad.

As a child I watched classic movies with Dad. He saw Dracula as a 13 year old in New York when it was new to the screen in 1931. When we would watch his old films, every entry of Lugosi's on screen was met with my Dad's announcement of "Bel-La Lew-Go-SEE!!"

The cover of this magazine ties the two articles together. It depicts the Janus Lugosi Dracula kit. And it was painted by me... although the decision to paint the cape red was not mine. But that, my friends, is a story for another time.

What is The Headless Hearseman?

The Headless Hearseman is dedicated to the art of the garage kit. Model figures; representing early Horror Cinema--for the most part before 1950. I hope you will join me, Headless Fritz, as I present some of the figures I have been involved with since my start in the hobby 17 years ago. I will showcase photos of models I have built, as well as my involvements with Monstrology Models, Wonder Models, aka Supporting Castings, Mental Mischief, and my own company, formerly known as Vampir Unlimited.
I have painted figures for Janus Company and numerous collectors. I have kits in some notable collections out in Hollywood. I have produced a couple of model kits of my own, and you caan see these at http://www.headlesshearseman.com/. You will also find my specialty--name plates. Not only do I offer resin name plates to accessorise people's custom model displays, but I also can make custom plates. One-of-a-kind plates, or plates that can be used by kit companies and artists for their prototypes.
Most importantly, I hope that you will enjoy this chronicle and archive as it unfolds.