Good afternoon ladies and gents! Today I have a special treat for everyone… we’re going to play classroom! History specifically, and today’s subject is the classic Rooftop Predator, that was originally issued back in 1992 and is due for a re-release this year. This kit has a tremendous amount of history and has undergone many changes since it was first cast, and it’s my pleasure to bring you this special report on a wonderful kit. before we get started though, a huge thanks has to go out to Ian Campbell, who went on a HUGE fact finding mission for this piece, and who also supplied all the photos. This is really Ian’s article, I’m just typing it out on his behalf.

The Rooftop Predator was originally conceived by the talented mister Mike Hill and the 1:6 scale sculpt was first produced by Phoenix Models out of the UK. Mike is the same guy that sculpted some of the oldest Predator related kits out there, including Predette and Sprogette, a Predator Bust and a nice Dutch kit. The kit had light texturing, and included a base, which came in the form of a rectangle piece with some surface texturing and a skull on it. The entire “Wall Hanging” concept had not yet been added to the kit, and would come later once Gary White of G-Force Models got his hands on it. The exact number of kits issued by Phoenix Models is completely unknown.

Fast forward a bit to 1993, and Gary White of G-Force stepped in and acquired the rights to the kit, and with permission from Mike Hill and Ray from Phoenix, sold the re-release under the name Replicants Inc. However, once Gary received the mould and kit copy, it because very obvious that a new mould and some re-tooling would be needed to make the kit a winner.

During the re-moulding process, Ian Dickson re-textured the whole body, made accessories and fitted parts. He made the mask, hand weapon, medical kit (with respirator) and re-made almost all of the armour and strapping. Dean Eyre made the shoulder Cannon and mount. Then Gary came in and designed a new base that could also be wall mounted. Apparently the Rooftop Predator was the first kit released that was wall mountable!

Once the new parts and mould were done, sales resumed in 1994 and in Issue 1 of AFM, there was an add on page 42 with the kit listed.

Eventually the kit was no longer produced, but with renewed interest, Gary is once again looking to dust off the Replicants Inc. banner and release a new version of this kit, once again with some re-tooling improvements! With the new 2008 version coming out very soon, Gary has announced the following changes that were sculpted in by Scott Herel:

1. The groin and torso will be 1 piece with the leather pouch attached to the waist
2.The left foot has been adjusted to lift the heel off the ground
3.Base details are now textured rather than smooth
4.Rather than solid resin, the kit will be cast hollow in the thicker areas to reduce overall weight and will include with original wooden base and parts

In total, 5 artists have had their hand in this project to bring you the latest edition… Mike Hill, Ian Dickson, Dean Eyre, Gary White, and Scott Herel. I really look forward to seeing the new version and hope to see some nice painted sample photos soon! Keep your eyes peeled on the latest news and I will post when this kit becomes available.

Thanks again Ian, and all the best to Gary with his new release!

Dan