ToyLvr

Yeah, but "Popular Mechanics" magazine existed back then.... I've got a copy of the magazine from 1966 in my automotive literature collection which contains a story about the Batmobile's fabrication. It confirms that Barris used the "Futura" as the basis for the build. I was a kid at the time, absolutely crazy about the Batmobile, and I really enjoyed the article, so I saved the magazine. Little did I know that this would be the start of my literature collection. It was a bit of a letdown, though, to learn that the Batmobile wasn't really jet-powered. :-)

Thought you might enjoy this. Wish I could take credit for it, but the model is actually the work of Robb Shelby, who is a member of my local model car club (Back Porch Modelers Group).

Gorgeous!

Well, the color of the real 1:1 car was "Turbine Bronze". As for the model kit, only the first and second issues of the kit were molded in a bronze color, which was supposed to replicate the prototype. All of the rest of the issues of this kit were in white, or a variety of other colors (some very strange, depending upon what plastic pellets JoHan/Seville had available at the time). Also, look for a strip of adhesive-backed foil in the kit (lie "Bare Metal Foil"). This was included in the original kits for use on the rocker panels. Anyway, I'd say you've very likely stumbled across a genuine 1st edition, which is typically worth $50-$100 USD here in the USA. So, you really did get a good deal on the kit. Plus, as an original issue, it shouldn't have a lot of problems with "flash" like the later reissues. Enjoy building it - it's one of the best car kits ever made.

X2

Lucas - the box would indicate that you've got your hands on an original issue of that kit. Are the contents molded in "Turbine Bronze" color?

Yeah, Ron, that's the great thing about this kit. The kid isn't expected to put the completed model on the shelf and just look at it!

Del, unfortunately we're too late on the video games. Jack has been playing them as early as 12 months old. At age 18 months, he could grab my iPhone or iPad, turn it on, then flip through the icons until he found a game he liked. He's a really smart kid! (not that I'm proud grandpa or anything like that...) He noticed the snap models on a visit with me to the LHS that I frequent. In particular, he noticed the kid on the Mustang box art, and indicated to me that if that kid could build the model, so could he. Naturally I jumped at the chance to accommodate his request. Y'all can be sure that I'll be doing my best to encourage his participation in the hobby. As it's been discussed in other threads, I consider this to be a wholesome hobby that anyone in the family can participate in. Thanks for your kind comments!

Looks great! I'd keep it away from any '67 Camaros you might have in your collection, though...

He needed a little guidance, but he took right to the idea of "snap". Revell made it very easy. Also, I found out that Jack is like "Snake"; doesn't believe in reading instructions, but then again, he's only 3-1/2 years old!

My grandson, Jack, tackles Revell's 2015 Mustang snap kit....

My grandson, Jack, tackles Revell's 2015 Mustang snap kit....

Was at my LHS today when the UPS man arrived with the weekly shipment of goodies. So, I got to watch all of the boxes being carefully opened, then grabbed a new Piranha for myself. Kinda like the proverbial kid-in-a-candy-store. :-)

An Edsel "Corsair", spotted in the parking lot of the local "Hobby Lobby". Unusual to see one of these anytime, much less during the bad weather we've been having here in the Greater Cincinnati area. ..

X2

Whatever happened to the "IMC" version?

CORRECT! For those not familiar with this Barris creation, see the following link: http://www.ponysite.de/sonny_cher.htm

Picked up this one that's been on my "Holy Grail" list a while. See if you can identify....

As for the Fiero "look", I guess all I can say is " Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery". ;-) I had an '84 Fiero for a while. Fun to drive, but constant mechanical issues, so I got rid of it. Anyone thinking about buying a 1:1 Fiero should just stick to a 1:24 or 1:25 and save your money (IMHO).

X3

I like this thread, too! I'm awaiting the arrival of some misc parts to start such a build. I have a Model King issue of the Allison Thunderbird which I bought for the chassis parts. What to do with the leftover T-Bird body? Well, the T-Bird body in that kit looks fairly stock to me. Chromed stock bumpers are included, door handles and other details are molded into the body, so I think it'll all work to replicate a stock Bird. I stumbled across an evilBay auction where the guy was selling individual parts from an original AMT '67 T-Bird kit, and I scored the chassis and interior parts at a decent price. The plan is to use that stuff to build a "stock" '67 T-Bird. The engine, wheels, and tires will come from my parts box.

I was mostly interested in the little Tempest because it shares some parts with Chevy Corvair. Also, if you place them side-by-side, there's definitely a family resemblance.

Picked this '61 Tempest up recently. Ancient brushed-on paint, and the obligatory go-fast decals. Roll bar installed, too! ;-) The book was a belated Christmas present from my kids. It came from a vendor in England. First published in 1970. I had never even heard of it until recently.

Nicely done, John! I bought a couple of the plated version many years ago just so I could use the firewall on my unplated kits. The plated kit's firewall, properly detailed, looks very close to the prototype Duesy aluminum unit. Of course, nowadays we have Alcad to help with that. Also, Monogram did their Caddy V-16 in a plated version as well (see attached photo). (hint: this one is spare one I don't need, if you want to have one to accompany your Duesy)