Red Swamp Crayfish (Living Things Series by Fujimi Mokei)

Today I am reviewing a model kit by Fujimi Mokei in their Living Things Series collection. The subject of the review is the red swamp crayfish (also called the Louisiana crayfish), Procambrus clarkii, which is No. 24 in the series. The kit was released earlier this year. Forum member Isurus reviewed another model kit in this series, the Chinese mantis, although that review featured a walkaround of the final, painted product whereas mine will take the reader on a step-by-step assembly process! This model kit came in three colors: red, blue, and white/albino. I went with the blue model, which is a natural, albeit uncommon, color form. The kit is made up of 102 pieces, including hidden pieces that function as joints or connectors between other pieces. The final product is articulated, especially in the claws, antennae, and abdomen. It is intended to be painted, but I don’t think I will paint mine. If it wasn’t articulated, I would consider painting it, as I usually finish my painted models with a clear acrylic, but wasn’t sure how well that would go over on an articulated figure and it might muck up some of the joints.

Procambrus clarkii is no stranger to toy/figure form and is relatively common among the Japanese manufacturers. Why, one might ask, would a crustacean from the southeastern United States be popular among Japanese manufacturers? Well, the species has been introduced to much of the world, including Japan, where it has achieved pest status. It is believed P. clarkii introduced a pathogenic fungus that has been detrimental to the native crayfish, Cambaroides japonicus. Kaiyodo, Takara Tomy A.R.T.S., and Yujin have all made this species, and each more than once. Probably several other less-well-known companies, too.

Despite the large number of pieces, the instructions are very clear and assembly is very easy (glue not required). Except for some of the ball joints holding the abdomen together, most pieces fit very securely. The first part was to assemble the carapace and head, including the eyes, antennae, antennules, and mouthparts, which is made up of 26 pieces (I accidently broke one of the antennules):

The next step was to construct the two clawed legs, which accounted for 22 pieces (11 pieces per claw/arm):

The third (and most challenging step) was to assemble the abdomen, including the swimmerets, which consisted of 44 pieces:

Finally, flip it upside-down, connect the carapace, claws, and abdomen, and add the walking legs and maxillipeds for an additional 10 pieces:

Here are additional pics showing the end result. The final product, with extended antennae, is 25 cm long. The body length is 12 cm which puts it near the maximum end of the 1:1 scale for a large specimen:

Well, there we have it, an eggs-to-apples review of the Fujimi Mokei crayfish model kit. We will have to see if I get brave enough to paint it someday…