Happy (would be) birthday to the late, great Ed “Big Daddy” Roth.
Big Daddy Ed Roth
He was interested in cars and motorcycles as a teen, and began working on custom fiberglass body modifications shortly after leaving the Air Force.
He dove headfirst into the hot-rod culture. He made cartoon character illustrations for handmade t-shirts that he airbrushed at car shows. His wacky illustrations and hot-rod designs helped spark the iconic Kustom Kulture of the late 50’s through the early 70’s. Ed was one of several illustrators who were regularly featured in CARtoons Magazine.
CARtoons magazine
Among his most well-known characters are Rat Fink and Mr. Gasser. They were usually depicted driving souped-up cars or surfing (another 60s sub-culture that resonated with his odd brand of humor.)
That epitome of class, the noble Rat Fink
Although not necessarily created by Ed Roth, several toys and model kits took “inspiration” from his style.
Frankenstein’s Flivver
Mummy’s Chariot
Aurora Models used their hugely successful monster kits to mash up with crazy car models (such as “Frankenstein’s Flivver “ and “Mummy’s Chariot.”) Louis Marx Toys created a line of “Nutty Mad” toys that featured goofy Roth-esque characters, as well as Hawk Models series of “Weird Ohs.”
Marx Toys Nutty Mad “Thinker.”
My personal memory of Roth’s creativity is limited to a handful of hand-me-downs from older cousins and neighbors. I came across several of those toys when going through our parents’ house. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to build some of those Hawk model kits that were re-released in 2005.
When the subject of Aurora models is brought up, my first thoughts always go to the Universal Studios movie monsters. The majority of my first model kits were from this assortment. But I also remember that Aurora made other models – especially wildlife, prehistoric animals, and knights in armor. One that has previously evaded my capture is the subject of today’s narrative.
Blackbeard was a 1966 plastic model. Like most of these Aurora releases, the completed kit is a mini-diorama type of scene. It was re-tooled by Atlantis in 2011, and repackaged again in 2020 in the “square box” style. I’ve seen it featured in several YouTube videos, and found it on the shelf of my local hobby store a few weeks ago.
A little over a week ago (Black Friday, for you Christmas shopping aficionados,) gave me an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. The model usually retails for $26 or so, which in and of itself, isn’t outlandish. With a couple of different special promotions, I was able to snag this guy for $5!
I got it on SAIL…
In typical fashion, I forgot about all my current projects and immediately removed the cellophane to examine the contents. The figure and accessories are modeled in light gray, and his scenic base is in brown. The sprues are bagged in 3 parts for ease of sub-assembly. The instructions are clear, well illustrated and straightforward. This appears to be a faithful re-tooling of the classic Aurora original.
Photo of the 1911 edition of Treasure Island – used without the author’s permission. You could say it was PIRATED!
His pose is dynamic: flintlock pistol in one hand, and a raised cutlass in the other. A brace of 3 more pistols is slung over his shoulder and across his chest. He is standing at the helm, protecting a treasure chest. If you were to ask any random 8 year old about a pirate, this is what he’s likely to describe.
As I began to dig through the contents of the box, I got more curious about the actual Blackbeard. With the exception of being born “Edward Teach,” I knew very little. As it turns out, even his real name is the subject of some debate. After an exhaustive search (truth be told, I actually spent about an hour on it,) I got a lot of ideas, but few hard facts. The various sites all had interesting information, but some of the more scholarly articles admitted that much of his biography is speculation. One YouTube channel that I particularly liked is Gold and Gunpowder, and it’s certainly worth viewing if you have any interest in the subject.
Since I’ll be building an almost 60 year old model kit and not an historical museum piece, it doesn’t really need to be entirely accurate; I suspect I’ll take some creative license. I’m also getting ideas about changes I’ll make to the scene. There are a few things I’m sure I can improve upon.
Unofficial flag, often attributed to Blackbeard. Sources disagree on the accuracy.
As I delve into this little treasure, I’ll take a few pictures, and share them in a follow up article. Until then, keep your powder dry, kick back, and enjoy a little rum.
-Toph
P.S. – Have YOU built this kit? What were your opinions, and how did it turn out? Send me an email – I’d love to hear about it!
