Godzilla - Aurora Model Kit (1969 version)

Aurora's first re-issue of their 1964 model kit (and the first with glow-in-the-dark extra parts) has become very highly sought-after these days.  Today we are going to compare artwork with the 1972 re-release, just in case you ever need to know the differences.

If you can get your hands on one, it's pretty easy to tell the difference, as the 1969 kit is the "hard box" version, and the 1972, while the same dimensions, comes in a flimsier box.  But, let's say you can't get close to one, or maybe you are looking at poor auction photos...? Well, it could happen.

The colors are a little washed out on the 1972 box, but the quickest way to differentiate is the bottom-left corner.  The 1972 has white text reading "For Ages 8 and Up, 1/600 Scale," while the bottom-left of the 1969 is blank.  Also, the 1972's copyright info in the top-left says "WESTON MDSE CORP" in a blue box, while the 1969 merely has white text reading "c) RKO GENERAL, INC."

Three side panels are unique:

A box on its side is more difficult.  The 1969 has an extra "-200" added to the kit number.

Now, if THIS is your view, in a glass case at a flea market, you have got it made. The years are printed on this one side only.  More fine print on the 1972 issue.

Also on this side, there is more print on the 1972 (note printing has been moved to Canada by 1972).  Also "CEMENT AND PAINT NOT INCLUDED."

If you want to see the contents, it's the same as was reissued in 1972, and again in 1978 by Monogram, so you can check out our articles on those!

For completeness, here are scans of the instructions! It goes without saying, but if you do ever run into one of these kits...buy it.