Construction Corps Barudam
Review by JoshB
This one has been giving me a hard time - I cannot, for the life of me figure out who made it.
The toy is "Gokin Robo Construction Corps. Barudam (合金ロボ【改造軍団～バルダム】)"
Whether Barudam is the toy line, the show or the name of the toy, I do not know. There are four different designs in the line, and each of those may have been made in a different color. The toy features a diecast frame with attachable bits or armor.
There is no manufacturer on the box. There is a small KS logo on the back, which could stand for "Kawai Shokai" or "Kato Seisakusho 加藤製作所". The first being an active hobby company, the latter being a heavy equipment manufacturer. Although this seems like an odd choice, Kato Seisakusho did appear to produce small toys of some of their construction machines, and this toy is labled "Construction Corps", so who knows?
Another theory is that the toy is associated with the toy company Aoshima. Construction Corps Barudam is mentioned in both Aoshima Model kit books:
In Aoshima's corporate history they mention a partnership with Kawai Shokai, which continues to this day.
Another clue on the box lies in the copyright - ©Koma. Who or what Koma is I have not been able to figure out.
Regardless of the toy's origins, it's a neat little figure and would feel right at home alongside your dougram mecha.
Barudam consists of a diecast body with plastic add on parts. The toy comes with one set of armor applied, and two more sets come on sprues. You can mix and match the armor to your hearts content. Barudam is about 2.5 inches tall.
Good luck finding one.