118 replies to this topic

[martinfan5]

I would be all over this Van kit, but sadly its SWB , if it was a LWB version I would be buying a few of them

[crowe-t]

Has anyone built one of the AMT 'Vantom' Ford Econoline Van kits?

I had one many years ago but it didn't get finished and eventually it was thrown out.

I'd love to see any pictures of this one built or even a picture(s) of this kit's parts.

Round 2 recently re-released this kit again(picture below) with the name 'Phantom' on the box. I also attached a picture of an original issue 'Vantom' kit

Edited by crowe-t, 24 August 2012 - 01:17 PM.

[checkmate]

I've got a "Vantom" here and 3 "Phantoms" on the way from the states, I'm keen to see if there's any differences in the two when they arrive.

[mikemodeler]

Just ordered my Phantom from Tower Hobbies tonight ( along with another kit) to take advantage of their free shipping on orders over $25.

Looking forward to building this old friend from my childhood!

[checkmate]

I buy multiples too to make the overall cost cheaper, I got my 3 from GMS Customs, also bought 6 Vantasy vans and 6 Revell Vans from them, not to mention a dozen cabover Kenworth's when they released them.
It works out more economical to buy in bulk when they have to ship them to Australia, Gene at GMS Customs has been excellent to deal with.

[Rob Hall]

I'd love to see AMT reissue the MPC Ford 4x4 van from around 1980 or so, along w/ the Dodge van...though they would need to retool the grille to the early '80s style it had before they botched it.

Edited by Rob Hall, 24 August 2012 - 04:16 PM.

[checkmate]

Monogram Chevy 4x4 van would be cool too and the Dodge would be excellent to see back in production.

[crowe-t]

I've got a "Vantom" here and 3 "Phantoms" on the way from the states, I'm keen to see if there's any differences in the two when they arrive.

Hey Rob,

When your 'Phantoms' arrive, would you mind posting some pictures of the parts as well as some pictures of the original 'Vantom's' parts for comparison?

Mike.

Edited by crowe-t, 24 August 2012 - 05:47 PM.

[checkmate]

No worries mate.

If no one else beats me to it.

[kingiguana]

Why did they change the name of AMT's Vantom to Phantom ? I assume legal issues, I know Testors, had their panel custom van based on Boyds Smoothster, and it was named Vantom. But AMT's Vantom name was way before Testors. So what gives on the change, anyone out here know ?

[checkmate]

Hey Rob,

When your 'Phantoms' arrive, would you mind posting some pictures of the parts as well as some pictures of the original 'Vantom's' parts for comparison?

Mike.

Here you go Mike, here's some pics of the two kits to compare them.

The original "Vantom" issue first.



The reissued "Phantom" kit layout.



The main differences are the decals, which basically are the same except the obvious required name changes where needed and the glass. The reissues has included an additional tinted glass sprue.

Original glass and decals.



Reissue glass and decals.



It's great to see some vans getting reissued and this ones a nice addition for sure, if your a collector the original would be your choice, or if your like me you'd get both! But if your a builder than the reissue is a must, cheaper, easier to get and with the fresh decals and new tinted glass options just a bit cooler. Plus it'll add some nice spares to your stash for your next van project!

Cheers Rob

[checkmate]

Instruction set is a repro just with a name change and a little larger.

[crowe-t]

Here you go Mike, here's some pics of the two kits to compare them.

The original "Vantom" issue first.



The reissued "Phantom" kit layout.



The main differences are the decals, which basically are the same except the obvious required name changes where needed and the glass. The reissues has included an additional tinted glass sprue.

Original glass and decals.



Reissue glass and decals.



It's great to see some vans getting reissued and this ones a nice addition for sure, if your a collector the original would be your choice, or if your like me you'd get both! But if your a builder than the reissue is a must, cheaper, easier to get and with the fresh decals and new tinted glass options just a bit cooler. Plus it'll add some nice spares to your stash for your next van project!

Hey Rob,

Thanks for posting the pictures of the 2 kits. I like how you laid the parts of both kits out in the same configuration.

Other then the tinted windows and name change they look identical.

Mike.

Cheers Rob

Edited by crowe-t, 28 August 2012 - 06:28 PM.

[crowe-t]

Why did they change the name of AMT's Vantom to Phantom ? I assume legal issues, I know Testors, had their panel custom van based on Boyds Smoothster, and it was named Vantom. But AMT's Vantom name was way before Testors. So what gives on the change, anyone out here know ?

I had contacted Round 2 and asked about the name change. The response said "it's a legal reason why, and we're not at liberty to say more than that."

It makes a bit more sense now.

Edited by crowe-t, 28 August 2012 - 06:30 PM.

[crowe-t]

Instruction set is a repro just with a name change and a little larger.

Rob,

Thanks for posting all of these.

Do you plan on building one as it appears on the box with the 'grave yard' decals'?

Mike.

[checkmate]

Keen to build one pretty much box stock, maybe a wheel change though. Just finished a AMT Vantasy and have kicked off another one as a diorama though. I better get some pics on my days off.

[crowe-t]

Keen to build one pretty much box stock, maybe a wheel change though. Just finished a AMT Vantasy and have kicked off another one as a diorama though. I better get some pics on my days off.

By 'box' stock' I assume you mean as it appears on the box top with the decals?!

This kit can also be built as a plain Ford van.

[michael1969]

I have the Vantom sitting on my shelf right now. I also have the ford off-road built on my display shelf. Still haven't decided how to do the Vantom.

[crowe-t]

I have the Vantom sitting on my shelf right now. I also have the ford off-road built on my display shelf. Still haven't decided how to do the Vantom.

This is an original Vantom you have?

[1972coronet]

Thank you much , Checkmate, for posting pics of the kits' contents .

I still have to pick up the reissued Chevy van as well (next pay period ...) . This is such an imperial year for reissues ! I've been wanting this van (no Ford vans in over 20 years !?!) to reappear ; and along with the Gremlin and the aforementioned Chevy van , I'm in heaven !