41 replies to this topic

[Art Anderson]

I've never seen any explicit discussion on this, but my theory is that since so many parts on these engines needed to be chromed, in the interest of keeping all the parts on a single tree they just chromed the whole thing. It's such a simple explanation it must be true...

Actually, given the era in which those parts packs were first released--the kids who were expected to buy them were clamoring for completely chrome-plated engines.

Art

[Greg Myers]

Two very nice renditions Dennis. Getting rid of all that chrome really helps.

[Bernard Kron]

When this first came out in 2008 I wrote up a review of it. Unfortunately I can't locate it now so here it is again. My apologies to Bill for stepping all over his thread - and a big thanx to Bill for reminding us all of this terrific offering so worth adding to one's stash.

Stevens International’s “New” AMT Competition Parts Pack – Old Skool Heaven

Stevens International has brought us a wonderful recreation of an AMT Competition Parts Pack. To say it’s a re-issue is not wholly accurate because this particular combination has never existed before. It also features all new cover art with a very cool diorama.


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This limited issue release consists of 5 engines and the basic body and interior parts to start an Altered Competition T roadster. Here’s the breakdown:

• 283 cu. In. Small Block Chevy V8 – Can be built either w/ Potvin Front Mount GMC Blower or 4 bbl. Carburetor.
• 392 cu. In Chrysler Firepower Hemi – Top Mount GMC Blower with either Fuel Injection or carburetor.
• 421 cu. In. Pontiac V8 - Can be built either w/ Top Mount GMC Blower with either Fuel Injection or carburetor or with dual 4 bbl. Carburetors.
• 145 cu. In. Corvair Air cooled flat-6 – Can be built with either stock dual single throat carburetors or “Spyder” turbocharger option.
• 1,710 Cu. In. (!) Allison V-1710 V-12 – Turbocharged aircraft engine with 3 carburetors.

• Competition “T” Body Kit – Does not include rolling chassis, wheels and tires, etc.

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This offering is an incredible time capsule. All the tooling was created in 1963 and 1964 and is a highly accurate snapshot of the state of the art in drag racing circa 1960-62. If you use these parts in your builds it virtually guarantees authenticity of the first order. As someone who is recently returned to car modeling, having left the hobby about the time these parts were first released (!), I don’t know a lot about the history of reissue of these parts and will leave it to you car modeling historians out there to fill in the details. What I have been able to determine is that most of this Parts Pack has been only very rarely available, if at all. The T-Body Parts Pack was last seen in the mid 60’s and has never been offered in the modern era. The Allison was last offered in a parts pack in the middle 90’s as a rather odd assortment of “Drag Strip Accessories” with a TV camera, tripod mounted speakers, Christmas tree starting lights, etc. That giant V-12 would certainly make an impressive “accessory” at any drag strip! The V-12 has most recently shown up in the Model King re-issue of the Allison Thunderland ’69 T-Bird flopper funny car. The other four motors last appeared together in a mail order only Blueprinter parts box from AMT in the mid 90’s in black plastic with no chrome.

Overview

The first thing that jumps out at you when you inspect the parts in these kits is how crisp and detailed everything is. Clearly these were all always limited offerings because the tooling is like new. There was no flash on my parts, and almost no low spots and visible ejection pin marks. As a result the detail and depth of engraving on the parts is second to none.

All five motors are fully chromed. Some may consider this an annoyance but the plating is of high quality on white plastic and, frankly, stripping chrome off of the parts I want to paint totally beats prepping and painting or plating unplated parts that I want to have a chrome finish. The box top builds of the motors show them with most of the parts left chromed to give a suggestion of a “show engine” type of build. In my estimation I consider offering the motors plated is a big plus, not a negative.

The motors come on 3 trees, the Poncho and SBC on one, the Hemi and Corvair on another, and the V-12 in all its massive glory on its own tree! Interestingly, on the trees which pair the engines, the parts for the engine can be found spread across the tree, not necessarily grouped all together in one area as you might expect. The T-Body parts are all cast in white plastic and come all on one tree. Again, no flash was to be found anywhere and even the thinnest, most detailed parts were crisp and fully realized.


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All the V-8’s are super detailed and include some parts that will never be seen after assembly, such as separate camshafts, crankshafts and flywheels. This is great for diorama work. The Corvair and Allison,, while having superb exterior detailing don’t include these finely made interior parts.

With the exception of the Corvair, all the motors come with separate transmissions. The Allison obviously has its own unique transmission which will most likely not be useful anywhere else. The V-8’s come with iconic trannies from the period, the SBC with a CAE in-out box, the Hemi with Corvette 4 spd. (weird juxtaposition, huh?) and the Poncho with a B&M hydro. All are very well made and come with separate linkages for easy paint detailing. Strangely, all 3 are mounted to their respective engines in completely different ways so if you want to swap transmission among them you will have to engage in some minor cutting and fabricating.

The instruction sheet is a 7 page affair with a single exploded view of each kit on a page. Suggested assembly is in numerical order and the parts numbers are molded into the trees next to the related part. There are no suggested paint colors and the box art builds, as mentioned before, really only provide a rough guide because it’s clear they wanted to leave as many parts plated as possible. If you are a detail builder you will land up stripping most of the plating off. Here’s a sample of a couple of pages:


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The instructions are clearly reproductions of earlier sheets. They provide a piece of authentic “back-in-the-day” nostalgic fun because the parts list often calls out a part with a hot speed equipment brand from the period. For example the hemi’s clutch is no ordinary clutch but a Schiefer clutch. Young builders of the period I’m sure were very impressed! There is the occasional humorous typo as well, as for example a “Vortex” magneto is indicated on the Chevy instead of a Vertex magneto.

283 cu. In. Small Block Chevy V8

On the surface this kit looks very similar to the discontinued Revell Parts Paks 283 which can still be found on e-bay. In actuality it is quite different. To begin with the carburetted version has a single four barrel instead of the dual quads found on the Revell setup. And the name on the box, “Competition Parts Pack”, tells it all. The engine comes with a nice timing cover which serves double duty on both the blown and unblown versions, but there is no water pump and accessory drive and fan to make a street version as offered by Revell. On the other hand the AMT 283 comes with a very pretty finned “Cal Custom Oil Pan” rather than the fairly generic affair on the Revell version. The Potvin setup is completely different between the two, the AMT being a more beefy looking version with the earlier dual injectors instead of the four stack version on the Revell motor. The crisply sharp, finely detailed castings really stand out and capture the stout look of a Potvin front drive exceptionally well, giving this mill a real period uniqueness. The blower setup will look fabulous stripped of its chrome and finished out in accurate shades of aluminum.

392 cu. In Chrysler Firepower Hemi

This is a unique AMT parts Pack offering but blown hemis are hardly rare. The special appeal about this hemi is its very early 60’s vintage with dual throat Hilborn injectors, a very nice cast aluminum Hilborn scoop, single fuel pump, early style “weedburner” exhaust manifolds and nicely engraved Chrysler Firepower valve covers. This is strictly a drag racing setup so including a single carburetor option on a blown hemi may seem odd to the modern eye, but looking through period journals will show this to be a common setup for those who couldn’t afford the Hilborn rout.

421 cu. In. Pontiac V8

Like the Chevy, the AMT Poncho is a strictly competition offering with no accessory drive, generator, etc. even in its carburetted form. The detailing and casting quality is very good indeed and the dual quad intake manifold, like the Chevy’s single quad equivalent, is especially nice. In addition this engine comes with a couple of hyper-obscure Old Skool variants on the fuel system of the blown version that will make a fabulous addition to any Traditional Rod builder’s parts box. First off, there’s a very cool side mount carburetor intake manifold that mounts on top of the blower and locates the carb to the left of the blower. But the most obscure and cool detail is an Algon four port injector with its signature stepped cast scoop (it’s so obscure that even AMT didn’t identify it as an Algon on the original parts list). A quick perusal of the major resin vendors on the web drew a total blank on this piece, so you parts box freaks out their consider this a heads up!


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145 cu. In. Corvair Air cooled flat-6

I’m no Corvair expert so I can’t speak to the accuracy and detail of this motor except in the most general way. I will say that it appears slightly more generic than the V-8’s, lacking some of the detailing of the more conventional engines. On the other hand the typical Corvair engine is pretty much buried in shrouding and sheet metal anyway so I may be wrong on this score. What detailing there is, however, is very well done, super crisp and very finely cast. The turbocharging option is especially nice this way. Applications for this mill are by no means as clear as for the competition V-8’s Unlike the V-8’s this is not a competition engine, coming with a full complement of streetable accessories. Uses that come immediately to mind would be rear engined show cars, dune buggies and VW Bug hop ups. As mentioned earlier, be aware that this motor does not come with a transmission.

1,710 Cu. In. Allison V-1710 V-12

If I’m no expert on Corvairs then what does that make me regarding Allison V-12’s? So I’m looking at this one strictly from a car modeler’s perspective. Any aircraft experts out there should probably take anything I write with a very large grain of salt!

When first confronted with the tree for this engine, which, as mentioned earlier, is so massive it gets one all to itself, one is struck with the beautiful texture of detail that will result when this motor is built up. How accurate it is I have no idea but it begs to be made up as a display engine. As far as applications go it will always dominate any build unless its hidden under vast sheets of bodywork (can you say “Fantasy LSR”?). It’s hard to say if it should ever be built with any chrome on it at all, but I suspect there’s a show car version out there that will just sparkle with it.

This motor may not appear to be “useful” the way the V-8’s so obviously are, but it has such a striking presence that it’s sure to stimulate some spectacular projects. Don’t sell this one short. Here are a couple of examples from this board that shows what can happen when you let this baby have its way with you:
http://www.modelcars...8190&hl=Allison
http://www.modelcars...907&hl=Allison#

Competition “T” Body Kit

This is the only non-engine part of the Parts Pack and highlights what a Parts Pack is all about, which is to provide key parts for building models that are not available entirely in kit form, acknowledging the kit bashing aspect that’s so crucial in the car modeling world.

The Competition “T” Body kit consists of 1925 “T” Roadster bucket which has been relieved aft of the doors to accept a pair of big slicks, with a separate cockpit tarp which is shaped and textured to specifically be a cloth tarp and not a hard tonneau as would be common practice just a couple of years later. There is, of course a separate Roadster Turtle Deck so if you have a pickup box you would rather use you can. There is a roll bar and its attendant braces are designed to hold a very nice steering box and pedal assembly that would be useful in a large variety of drag racing and rat rod projects. There is a beautifully made, very finely cast tiny little butterfly steering wheel that is really exceptional. There’s a “deceleration chute” that will float nobody’s boat, the ubiquitous AMT T-bucket instrument panel, a separate tachometer, a nice chopped T radiator shell, a steering column, a racing bucket seat and that’s it. No frame, no suspension, no wheels, no tires. Scratch builders and kit bashers need only apply.

The Competition “T” Body kit just screams 1960 in all its details. Consider the roll bar. It’s a square piece with low braces that wouldn’t pass tech inspection even 5 years later. The cutaway in the tarp is designed specifically for it. The rollbar itself is located entirely within the T-bucket, so, other than the tire cutaways the bucket is completely intact.

Everything is cast in thin white styrene, and like everything else in this Parts Pack, the details are clear , crisp and visible.


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Conclusion

This Parts Pack is old skool heaven executed to a very high level of quality. There’s enough here that it should be part of everyone’s parts box. It sells for $20.00-$25.00 which will buy a tiny fraction of all this in the aftermarket and everything here requires virtually zero cleanup and detailing. So whether you’re a modeler who enjoys an occasional traditional build now and again or a committed Old Skool enthusiast, I would very seriously consider adding this fabulous Box O’ Parts to your arsenal. Two enthusiastic thumbs up to Stevens International for bringing us this great “kit”!

Edited by Bernard Kron, 01 November 2012 - 07:28 AM.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Great review Bernard, and I honestly think it's a great kit /pack/set /whatever. Always did, always will. I just started this thread to heads-up anyone bidding on or buying one, what is listed and pictured on the box is mis-leading, so be sure the seller understands the actual number of engines in this before you shell out for it.

The first one of these I bought was the one that brought it to my attention, and I was able to work out a partial refund from the seller, as it was listed as having more stuff in it than it actually does....and he took his list of contents straight from the side of the box.

I had originally intended to post this little problem under the recent thread dealing with mis-leading box art.

[Daf57]

I've scanned the instructions booklet - check out the level of detail in these engines! They even have cranks and cams for Pete's sake!

page 1 has the list of chrome grill included - in addition to the 4 complete engines...

[Crazy Ed]

What's funny about the AMT Chevy and Pontiac engines is although they include stock style intake manifolds they donot include fans nor fan belts and generators so they can't be used in stock configuration while the Revelle engne kits have the parts for stock use including distributors to replace the magneto's.

[Daf57]

You're right about that. They are both interesting parts packs, that's for sure.

[johnbuzzed]

Actually, given the era in which those parts packs were first released--the kids who were expected to buy them were clamoring for completely chrome-plated engines.

Art

IIRC, there were some kits produced back in the day with chromed engines. All the better for those hot rods and customs that could be seen at car shows. I'd like to see some of the trailers and the Wheel Horse tractors that MPC produced brought back as parts paks.

[Greg Myers]

Comes to mind

[johnbuzzed]

Yup. I think I have a chrome engine from a Lindberg reissue of that kit; if I find that engine it will wind up in an AMT '56 Ford.

[horsepower]

I can remember in around '66 or so when our local Woolworth's (remember those?) had a model car contest, & the winning car was kept by the store for display purposes, & my Uncle who was assistant manager got the model when they were through with it. Well back to what I was going to say in the first place, the entire model (except for the AMT '29 Model A Ford roadster body) was built using Revell parts packs, it had the tubular drag car frame, with the Cadillac engine, drag wheels & tires, it even used the "show car" stanchions, & display items. the body was converted into a one piece tilt up style ala modern Funny Cars, it was a really nice model the only thing that was painted on the thing was a couple of detail items like the seat, & some pieces on the engine like the magneto, & the body, that was done in a bright yellow, & the entire deal was mounted on a piece of red velvet covered wood for a base, with the show standards, & some silver "piping thread" between them it made for a very impressive display.

[Ace-Garageguy]

I don't know if this is common knowledge or not, but Revell issued 3 double-car kits in '63 that were nothing BUT parts pack trees: #H-1223 Sanitary 'T'Bucket / Mooneyes dragster; #H1222 Scarlet Screamer / Bantam Bomber and #H1221 Thunder Charger / Fumin Fiat.

The parts packs were actually engineered to go together into the models offered in the double-kits, and the instructions included ideas for bashing into different cars.

[Bernard Kron]

I don't know if this is common knowledge or not, but Revell issued 3 double-car kits in '63 that were nothing BUT parts pack trees: #H-1223 Sanitary 'T'Bucket / Mooneyes dragster; #H1222 Scarlet Screamer / Bantam Bomber and #H1221 Thunder Charger / Fumin Fiat.

The parts packs were actually engineered to go together into the models offered in the double-kits, and the instructions included ideas for bashing into different cars.

From Bob Black's excellent DPMCC Model car Instructions site ( http://www.thedpmcc....tionsintro.html ) :

See: http://public.fotki....l-sanitary-t-b/




See: http://public.fotki....l-scarlet-scre/



See: http://public.fotki....l-fumin-fiat-c/

[Joker]

I picked up Revell parts pack kit C1124 Dragster Speed Equipment..
Only problem is it's in a Blown '58 Chrysler V-8 Engine package.
Couldn't pass it up..it was a whole dollar.What I saw was the two
quick change set ups.. the Moon tank and gas pedal.

My question is does anyone have a pic of the back of the Dragster
Speed package..I couldn't find it on Bob's Fotki.

Thanks

[Ace-Garageguy]

I picked up Revell parts pack kit C1124 Dragster Speed Equipment..
Only problem is it's in a Blown '58 Chrysler V-8 Engine package.
Couldn't pass it up..it was a whole dollar.What I saw was the two
quick change set ups.. the Moon tank and gas pedal.

My question is does anyone have a pic of the back of the Dragster
Speed package..I couldn't find it on Bob's Fotki.

Thanks

You got the deal of the week. I've got a few of them...can send you a pic if you still need it.

[Joker]

Thanks to the links..I found out what I had.
Still need any info on the Dragster Speed Parts.
Missing the parachute and wishbone steering wheel..that's fine with me.
Thanks again.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Here ya go....

[Joker]

Thanks for the faster than quick response Bill.
Very appreciative help and info.
Thanks again..I'm saving the pic on my Fotki.

[Crazy Ed]

Comes to mind

And here's the engine from that kit.

[horsepower]

I just finally picked up the Firestone Champions tire set from AMT/round2, & noticed that on the back of the package it says to watch for more parts packs & engines, tires in the future, does anyone have any particulars on what they are planning for us. I love the idea of bringing a few of the oldies back, but there are a few engines, etc from the modern era that would be nice to have as separate kits too.