Ok, Time For The Report Out On The Ihobby Expo

[Exotics_Builder]

First, I’ve already given you a few of the Revell 69 Nova SS and 32 Ford Sedan. But here’s the information I got.

Second, please feel free to share these photos with others as you please. My intent is to inform you as to what I saw and learned.

Paints:

Testors new Lacquer Colors – Per the representative there, they are shipping this week. Expect them soon. They are also redesigning the look of their other spray paint cans to have the colored tops and revised logo. I saw no model kits on display in their booth. They were strictly paints, airbrushes and accessories (with a separate booth for Floquil).

Kustom Kolors was there again this year. The person I talked to said they are switching distribution and getting away from the Big Box Stores. They were pushing heavily to the RC crowd. I haven’t tried their paints yet, but some folks that did indicated some problems. Unfortunately, the person I talked to was a sales person and when I got back to their booth before leaving for the day, they were very busy and I wasn’t able to get any more info.

Models:

Revell, Lindberg, Stevens International and Accurate Miniatures were there for the car modeler side. Tamiya was present, but strictly in the RC side.

Steven’s International is doing two AMT truck kits, the Mack Cruise-Liner and Autocar A64B Tractor. As previously stated in posts, Trumpeter had no new car/truck issues and likely won’t because of mixed sales and poor reception.

Accurate Miniatures related some sad information to me. Their last reissue of the Corvette Grand Sport Coupe did not do well, so they are likely not to do the Grand Sport Roadster or the Cobra 289 variant. All they had on display at the show were aircraft models.

Lindberg had a big display, a lot of which was there last year as well. The 1/6 scale 6.1 liter Hemi is out in kit and built up and two variations of a Ford Flathead are coming out, one ¼ scale and visible. The second one is 1/6 scale and kit or built-up. A Prototype of a Ford Model T engine was also there.

Lots of new Dodge concept vehicles box artwork was displayed, including the Rampage P/U concept, Demon concept and Challenger concept. Dodge Charger Super Bee, Viper SRT-10 coupe and convertible were shown as well. The boxes said 1/24 scale.

For Emergency Vehicle fans, there is the 1/32 American LaFrance 900 Series Pumper

They had the Raminator Monster Truck on display, as it is now out. Also, they’re doing a lot of the previous Testor kits like the 37 Fords. The Lindberg representative said they actually owned those molds.

In trucks, more variants on the Dodge L-700 including a box trailer and flatbed with crushed autos.

They also had a bunch of the Weird-Oh’s figures box art on display as well as some of the models.

The Hawk side of Lindberg is mostly diecast autos as well as the aforementioned Weird-Oh’s.

Other than the current Chrysler products/concepts and the newer L-700 variants, it was hard for me to determine what was new and what is a reissue.

Revell had the biggest amount of new/reissue kits. In the Hot wheels snap kits, for 2008, there will be a 69 Camaro Z/28, ‘63 Corvette Sting Ray and Dodge Concept Car.

Of note in the reissue side is the ‘50 Ford Pickup. The kit now includes corrected Ardun heads. I forgot if the exhaust headers were corrected as well and will need to follow up on that.

The 30 Ford Woody now has a 32 grill shell and the sample looked quite nice (picture in the album).

A new 32 Ford Sedan is due out with a new tool flathead and Ford small block options.

Continuing in the theme of redoing diecasts in plastic, the Uptown Cadillac Escalade and 58 Chevy are due out. I was told the 58 includes the stock parts.

Finally, from the diecast side, the Subaru WRX STi will be released. As I am not very familiar with versions of the WRX, I can’t tell you what year range the kit represents.

From the Revell Germany connection, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Audi R8 and Audi R10 are due out. Cheaper prices for the US version, and white plastic bodies.

A 1970 Dodge Challenger and a 2008 Challenger (1/25 scale) are due out. Revell indicated they are contemplating a production version of the Camaro as well, but did have the Snap version of the Concept on display.

On the Ford side, a 1968 Mustang GT, 2007 Shelby GT500 and 2007 GT350H are coming.

For the GM camp, we get a 57 Chevy 150 (Black Widow) in both stock and racing trim. It will have the FI engine. The racing version will have roll cage and no back seat. I have an outstanding question on whether the six lug wheels depicted in the artwork are there. The artwork was “photoshopped†so it contains some inaccuracies. Revell indicated those inaccuracies are not going to be in the kit.

Also shown, and currently on the cargo ship to the US, is the 55 Chevy Hardtop. Besides some custom options, you’ll also get a window tray with food and beverage. How’s that for an extra?

Finally, the big surprise is a 1969 Nova SS with small block Chevy engine that can be done in stock or drag racing versions. The body looked accurate from my viewpoint and, of course, Revell’s very nice Chevy bigblock can always be substituted. Remember that Model Car Garage already has Photoetch for a 69 Nova.

Follow the link to the photos. Sorry that some are a bit blurred.

2007 IHobby Expo Photo Album

[gasman]

The Subaru is a 2003-2005 body style. its got a real nice 2.5l Turbo boxer engine.

[RJWood]

Gerry,

Thank you for the excellent report. With AMT totally out of the picture, I did not expect much in new kits. Maybe a couple from Revell, but nothing like this. Its great news. But I was disappointed that the Accurate Miniatures Cobra kits are not going to be produced. I put in a pre-order for one, but I will have to forget about it.

Lindberg is the biggest surprise. The Demon Concept roadster gives me chills up my spine, soooo cool.

and the Challenger and Rampage P/U are nice too. good job Lindberg. Made in USA.

And also the ton of re-releases from Lindberg are appreciated, I missed them the first go around.

Thanks again for your report from Ihobby expo.

Its a good day in the neighborhood.

Cheers

Ron

[Exotics_Builder]

But I was disappointed that the Accurate Miniatures Cobra kits are not going to be produced. I put in a pre-order for one, but I will have to forget about it.

He didn't say NEVER, but was not very positive. The fellow from Accurate Miniatures feels their car offerings are not well accepted for their price point, mid-$30. And, he said they're not thinking of dropping down to the $15 range for a car offering.

[RJWood]

AM kits a geared toward the advanced modeler, so for that reason they can't expect to sell kits like Revell does.

But I must admit I have shyed away from these kits because of the price. I have the first Two Corvette Grand sport kits,

and wanted to buy at least one of the McLaren Can Am kits. But at the time my hobby funds were hurting.

I'm still on the look-out for it, but its more costly now.

Overall the Accurate Minitures kits are about as good or better than any kit I have ever seen. And IMO well worth the price.

But I will continue to hold out the miniscule hope that they may come through with the Cobras.

Edited October 22, 2007 by RJWood

[ismaelg]

Thanks for the information Gerry! Is the WRX plastic or diecast?

The R8 is a nice surprise.

Let's see: Cadillac Escalade (as long as it can be deblinged), the new Camaro (production or concept whatever), R8, R10, 599 Fiorano, WRX. The snap '69 Z/28 is great for those of us who may just want a quick shelf model of it.

THANKS REVELL!

Thanks,

[Zoom Zoom]

Is the WRX plastic or diecast?

THANKS REVELL!

Thanks,

Plastic. Revell quit doing diecast, the cost of Zamac/zinc has at least quadrupled. All the subjects you see in the list that have been seen as diecast from Revell are going to be plastic. The STi, '70 Challenger, '68 Mustang, Cutlass, Regal, scissor-door Escalade. No more diecast

The price of the WRX kit was $21 in predecorated diecast, it's $15.50 for plastic. Nice engine too. You could tell in the diecast WRX kit that they had done an STi version, so it will be nice to see this variation as well.

[ismaelg]

Thanks Bob!

That's what I thought but was a bit confused. That's a very cool pocket rocket. Looking forward to it!

Thanks,

[SteveG]

Thanks for your nice report on the show, one addition to the Lindberg list. They are bringing back the 1/12th scale Fiat Hot Rod kit. I can promise there will be no more "Flower Power" decals in this version.

-Steve

[robertw]

Thanks for the report Gerry. Next year looks better then anyone could have expected. It is very nice to see Lindberg's serious return and I hope they sell enough to realize that this is a hobby with a future. I've already noticed that my LHS has more Lindberg kits on the shelves then I've seen there for many years.

robw

[Jeff Mitchell]

Thanks for the excellent report. You easily missed a welcome addition to the Revell line near the Nova....a 1970 Mustang Mach 1 kit...! Hiding next to that Grabber Blue Boss 302 reissue was a Grabber Orange Mach with 351 hood stripes, correct grille lights, etc.

I was partially responsible for the Hwy. 61 diecast 1970 Sportsroof Mustangs in 1/18th scale and I am always on the lookout for 69-70 Mustang stuff.

I have been emailing R-M in hopes of getting a modified reissue of the Boss 302/429 tooling. We can only hope it is a Shaker car as the one in the 69 kit would be a little small for 1/24th. Also someone needs to do the 1970 and up Ford "corporate" hubcap and trim ring like is seen on so many 1970 Boss 302's and Torinos in full size.

The 1970 Mach 1 was never reissued beyond 1970 as a stock version by AMT and that was a nice kit with molded in rocker trim.

I can't wait to see the new one--it is probably one of my top ten favorite cars!

[Zoom Zoom]

Thanks for the excellent report. You easily missed a welcome addition to the Revell line near the Nova....a 1970 Mustang Mach 1 kit...! Hiding next to that Grabber Blue Boss 302 reissue was a Grabber Orange Mach with 351 hood stripes, correct grille lights, etc.

It wasn't missed - it was already announced earlier this year for release later this year and many of us already knew about it. Most people at the show were focusing on the new announcements at this particular show. It was good to see the Mach I in photos; it looks to be a great modified reissue. You'll be able to build either the Boss 302 or the Mach I from the same box.

[Rob Hall]

Thanks for the excellent report. You easily missed a welcome addition to the Revell line near the Nova....a 1970 Mustang Mach 1 kit...! Hiding next to that Grabber Blue Boss 302 reissue was a Grabber Orange Mach with 351 hood stripes, correct grille lights, etc.

I was partially responsible for the Hwy. 61 diecast 1970 Sportsroof Mustangs in 1/18th scale and I am always on the lookout for 69-70 Mustang stuff.

I have been emailing R-M in hopes of getting a modified reissue of the Boss 302/429 tooling. We can only hope it is a Shaker car as the one in the 69 kit would be a little small for 1/24th. Also someone needs to do the 1970 and up Ford "corporate" hubcap and trim ring like is seen on so many 1970 Boss 302's and Torinos in full size.

The 1970 Mach 1 was never reissued beyond 1970 as a stock version by AMT and that was a nice kit with molded in rocker trim.

I can't wait to see the new one--it is probably one of my top ten favorite cars!

This is the kit I'm looking forward to the most...and I'm glad to hear they are doing it as a 351 version. I've got a rough AMT '70 in my stash to restore..

I'd love to see Revell eventually go back and correct the front end on their '69 Mach 1 and do more '69s--a Boss 429 and Boss 302 would be great.

[Jeff Mitchell]

It wasn't missed - it was already announced earlier this year for release later this year and many of us already knew about it. Most people at the show were focusing on the new announcements at this particular show. It was good to see the Mach I in photos; it looks to be a great modified reissue. You'll be able to build either the Boss 302 or the Mach I from the same box.

Where was it announced? Are there any details about how it will be molded? Lots of exterior differences between the Boss cars and a Mach. I miss the well informed good old corner hobby shop. It's getting too hard to get info and new kits without spending alot of time on the net(I am on a computer all day at work, don't really want to spend all night too...).

Thanks for the info!

[Rob Hall]

Where was it announced? Are there any details about how it will be molded? Lots of exterior differences between the Boss cars and a Mach. I miss the well informed good old corner hobby shop. It's getting too hard to get info and new kits without spending alot of time on the net(I am on a computer all day at work, don't really want to spend all night too...).

Thanks for the info!

I saw it mentioned in the usual places (various forums, vendor sites) several months ago....if they are doing a Boss 302 and a Mach 1 from the same kit, I would assume there will be 2 grilles, the Mach 1 side trim will be separate parts, the Mach 1 taillight panel separate, 2 sets of decals, 2 engines, etc...

[Exotics_Builder]

It wasn't missed - it was already announced earlier this year for release later this year and many of us already knew about it. Most people at the show were focusing on the new announcements at this particular show. It was good to see the Mach I in photos; it looks to be a great modified reissue. You'll be able to build either the Boss 302 or the Mach I from the same box.

As Bob said, I was concentrating on the 2008 releases. Sorry I didn't reiterate the previous relase announcement. I included the 32 Ford Sedan, which was in the previous announcement as well, because it was there and there's been a lot of buzz about it.

I wish I had more time to nose around and get more pictures, but I had to work the Make and Take and after the show opened, it got very crowded and I didn't have time to go do more.

I also didn't have time this year to do non-automotive like I did last year.