Faust

Chuck Most: I guess that means that this thing is going to be either a lot of work to get right, or else I'll just go with what they gave me! I always enjoyed Knight Rider, though, and have long felt the longer, pointier nose really helped those cars. Maybe that helped to inspire the Banshee and the 4th-Gen F-bodies? I don't know what's with the Knight 2000 on the nose. I think I'd likely sand that off, but leave the other fender badges, just to be cantankerous. At least it would be a conversation starter, and the "turbo" emblem would go with the turbo engine. You want to talk about MPC and various "shares", consider the lame turbocharger that's the same in the EXP, Omni and Cavaliers! WTF? I am going to enjoy the KITT regardless, though. Well, that is unless someone wants to buy it because it's a freaky variant. Then I'll just buy the reissue and build it! Now I'm really eager to see the reissue. I hope the backdate it properly, so at least it matches the box!

I was just in my local hobby shop the other day and was amazed by how many die cast collectibles there are now. I then got thinking about when all of this started, and it occurred to me it was probably with the old Matchbox Models of Yesteryear. My Uncle has collected cars since he was a kid, and he had some of the first Models of Yesteryear. He and I were amazed at how much the lineup, as well as the cars themselves, have changed in the decades. It seemed like a cool thing to put up on my website, since I like die cast as well as plastic replicas. So, I decided to put up a new section on my website to sort of trace the evolution of the Models of Yesteryear, as well as give people a chance to appreciate them. If you like die cast, or early cars or history, I think you’ll find something to enjoy! (http://adamrehorn.wordpress.com/cool-stuff/lesney-matchbox-models-of-yesteryear/) Check it out, and let me know what you think. My uncle has a lot of these, so I’ll be adding more in the future!

Hey Edsel-Dan! I am very certain that mine is not a reissue. It has the TV pictures on the box, the box is Copyright 1986 and the logo says MPC/ERTL. It must be a really weird transition piece. The kit was still sealed when I got it, although you're right in that those machines are everywhere. I got it from the owner of my LHS, who sells his old kits in the store too. However, no matter how nice the boxes are, he never re-shrinks them if they're opened, so I do have confidence that it is exactly has the factory intended. I wonder if there was a warehouse of unused bilingual boxes somewhere in Canada and when Ertl got MPC they decided they may as well use them. The windows and T-tops are dark tint, for sure. Almost black, actually; I wish they weren't! The interior looks nice, so I'll likely leave the T-tops off! You're right about the winged wheel, of course, but can you tell me on your pace car, is the wheel both moulded into the cladding as well as the body side? I mean, why mould it where it's going to get covered up anyway? I wonder, should I leave the badges on there when I build this thing (won't be for a while, that's for sure) just so people can see what a weird hermaphrodite this thing is? I mean, I know it would be incorrect as a KITT, but it would definitely be interesting. I want to leave the turbo writing since I'm going to use the twin turbo 8 in there anyway. Maybe it's a KITTT - Knight Industries Two Thousand Turbo! See, it all works out in the end!

Man this is interesting! I figured it was something like what niteowl was saying, where they just kept using whatever mould was available. My box has MPC/Ertl on it, and is Bilingual, since we're in Canada and have two official languages (English and French). It is like the original issue, with pics of the TV version on the box. It has red taillight lenses and is moulded in black. I still don't know why the winged wheel is on the lower body, not on the cladding. I'll try to get some pictures one of these days. I've got to do an out of box review for it for the Lagoon anyway! Thanks for all your help, guys!

Niteowl: That is indeed the parts layout and breakdown of the MPC/ERTL Knight Rider I have! I haven't opened the bag yet (thanks to so many parts being loose - good job MPC!), but I didnt' see the normal front or rear in my bag, but I did see the spoiler. I know I have the KITT parts, though, because the front seats are different, and I can see the dash and overhead console. I am confused, though. What "annual" kit and Turbo Firebird Indy car did MPC make? Would that be the AMT/Ertl one? Is that kit just a knockoff of the MPC mould? Even so, why is the winged wheel on the lower body, but not on the lower body cladding, like on the real car? There isnt' any cladding on KITT, nor in my kit. However, that annual above seems to have it (bottom right, unless I miss my mark, is the cladding to glue on, just like on the Monogram GTA). Still seems very odd when you take that into consideration. Was MPC planning on doing a turbo? Did they not know about the cladding? This thing is a real Frankenstein!

Whoa, weird... So then, that means that this kit is a version that uses the MPC annual body, but was issued later in the company's life, after they had the body tuned up for the GTA? This whole thing is really weird. So this must be a later kit, since it's MPC/Ertl, right? It's an MPC body, though, because it has the scanner. However, it's an 89 TGTA car, since it has the Turbo, flying wheel and GTA Style sail bird. BUT, MPC didn't do an '89 TGTA did they? I thought MPC dies in 88. So, did they tune up the moulds to do the turbo car ahead of time, but died, and Ertl kept issuing the kit as it was, with the changed body? Man, I'm tempted just to leave the emblems and stuff on when I build it, just so people can see how freaking odd this thing is. Does anyone have any pictures of another kit like this? Thanks, Steve!

Okay, I was in my local hobby shop yesterday. (A day off AND a hobby shop run! On a Friday! WOOT!) The owner has a good selection of car kits, and constantly brings in his older stuff so that people can buy them, if the want to. Normally, there's not a lot exciting. However, this week, I bagged the MPC (Fundimensions issue) Mustang SVO (1984) and the MPC/Ertl Knight Rider KITT model. Both were still sealed. Neither are now. I couldn't resist. I've wanted both for a while, and while I know they're not worth as much open, I don't care, because models need to be free! Anyway, looking at KITT, I was pretty confused. The kit is a 1986 issue, and has a "vented" nose, kind of like the breathers on a 1980 TA, vs. the flat plate grilles on a normal 3rd Gen T/A. Normally, KITT is seen with lights in that spot, even before Season 4 when he got tons of lights. I've seen some pics of KITTs with the vents "open" (I think) to reveal a few lights. What the what is correct? I see that there's a large-scale Mattel version of KITT that has the exact same grilles as this 1/25 kit, so now I'm confused even more. Does anyone know what is up with this nose? Okay, then it gets REALLY weird. I noticed that the kit of KITT has "Turbo" written on the fender, has no side extractors (while KITT seems to in real life) and it has a small badge on the sail panel (B-pillar). Even odder, there is an Indianapolis "winged wheel" emblem low on the fender. Now, I know that there was a pace car of the 1989 GTA Turbo versions. I found some pictures on the net of the badging, and it's dead on. The "Turbo" writing is the same, the winged wheel is the same and in the same place. The KITT kit comes with a GTA-type hood, with the vents, as well as the real KITT hood. The model also comes with a wraparound GTA-type spoiler. However, there is NO cladding on the lower body, like GTAs had (and in fact, where the winged wheel is). The "Turbo", a GTA like badge on the sail and the winged wheel are moulded in. WTF? Can anyone shed any light on this? How is it possible that an '86 kit would have the body of an 89 GTA Turbo in it? The model is definitely original; that's how it was when I popped open the celophane. Also, the model has the right "scanner" on the front to peek through, so I'm pretty sure that's the right body shell. Is this thing a time traveller, or am I missing something obvious. Thanks, guys!

I’ve noticed that it’s not only model kits that seem to be improving in detail and accuracy lately; die cast seem to be doing a good job catching up too. However, it’s good to remember your roots, and when it comes to military die cast, the Dinky Toys Military series is probably the sturdiest cornerstone you can find! To remind us all of the past, I thought a review of the Dinky Toys Bedford QL truck (http://adamrehorn.wordpress.com/cool-stuff/military-dinky-toys/dinky-toys-bedford-ql-army-covered-wagon/) would be appropriate. This is a simple, but very sturdy model of the rugged Bedford that carried the British and Commonwealth soldiers anywhere and everywhere in WWII. Sure, it’s not the most detailed bit of armour around, but it has a charm all its own. Check it out at the link above!

Hey all! Thanks for the offers of help! I really appreciate it. I'm going to be away the rest of the week, so a.) I won't be able to get the measurements until next week and b.) I won't be able to be at the RCAC meet. I will definitely get back to you guys with what I need, though. Thanks a tonne!

Crud. That's what I was afraid of. Unfortunately, I don't have many spare tires, probably not 4 of the same. I'm pretty new to the car scene; I've got no years of accumulation behind me. Why couldn't they just have made them out of Styrene, like the Omni O24 I have? Man "half tires" are lame as heck...

Okay, so I just got given an AMT '77 Monza. Awesome, I know! However, less awesome is the pile of 1/2 tires in the box. AMT didn't obviously count them, because there are enough halves to make 7.5 tires. The "WTF" moment in that alone is enough to give me pause. I never thought I'd write "7.5 tires"... Anyway... What glue is good for these? They feel like they're not just normal plastic, but a hard vinyl-like material, like a normal kit tire. Will Ambroid hold these, or will it melt them? I could really use the voice of experience on this one. Thanks!

Whoa... a real 78 Pacer X? That's awesome! Do you have any pictures? That's pretty awesome! I'm with you on wanting "Dark ages" cars; I'm doing well though; I've got a Fiero and a Fiero GT, a Mustang SVO,. Shelby Charger, Cavalier, EXP, Omni 024, '82 Camaro, Pacer, '77 Monza, '76 Gremlin, another EXP and the 81 Citation (even though it's not an 81). Oh, I have an 85 Civic too. That's pretty lame, right? However, Pintos, Mavericks, Comets, Hornets (were there kits of ANY of these?) would always be welcome to the fold.

Oh, okay. That does make sense. I didn't see the Pacer topic when I posted my review link. Sorry about the duplication!

Epic! I had a Majorette toy of something like that, and I always though it was cool. I'd love that kit, and a fleet of those Japanese 3-wheeler things to go with it. Superb job and diorama, too! That's one way to make an ugly duckling of a truck look like a true swan!

Oh man, if they could repop the Chevette kit, that would be amazing! I would, most likely, hyperventilate if I saw that coming. I've read in a few spots that the "formal" grille on the '78+ Pacers had nothing to do with the engine, radiator or any other mechanical fit issue. As far as I can tell, it was purely an aesthetic update. There are a few components to this: 1.) The Pacer needed a facelift; three years of the same fishbowl is a lot. If you want customers to keep buying a weird car, you better refresh it a bit. 2.) "Personal Luxury" cars were becoming increasingly formal, in fact, obnoxiously so. Check out the silliness of things like the Mustang II Ghia and Monza Town Coupe for details. Thus, it only made sense to make the Pacer follow this trend. 3.) As a proof of #2, the Pacer was constantly being pushed upmarket at AMC. The deletion of the "X" and the improvement in equipment of the D/L (later DL) model, and the introduction of the "Limited" a bit later showed that Pacer was being marketed to those who wanted comfort. The Limited, at the end of Pacer's life, was, in fact, the most luxurious model in AMC's lineup! So, I think it was just AMC going with the trends, and trying to make the Pacer more relevant to people who were looking for a "formal"-type personal luxury car, but wanting to downsize to save money on gas and save some room in the garage. Given the sales and how they petered off, I guess it wasn't very successful!

Oh, alrighty then. Plain, light blue it is... Kinda boring. By the way, what happened here; It seems like my topic got merged with this one. Is that normal?

Whoa! Now that's weird! What about the 6 cylinder enignes? This kit only has the 258 I6! Are they the same wacky colour?

My LHS has all of these, plus the Planes ones, too. They're a bit rough looking, I guess, given that Hudson, but still, that's more or less what you expect from Zvezda. I think that they're a great way to get kids into modelling, and likely make for a fun subject for more mature modellers too!

In Canada, it’s Thanksgiving Day weekend, where we give thanks for what we have, or what we don’t, depending. Well, I’ve definitely got something to be thankful about this year! I’ve wanted a Pacer kit for a while, but the old MPCs just command too high a price. Well, they did, until the Round 2 reissue of the 1978 Pacer X came out! I picked up this newly repopped classic the other day, and I couldn’t wait to share it. You can click on the link to see my Out Of Box review of this newly available classic! Just out of curiosity, what colour should an AMC Engine block be? I’ve found out colours for the body and interior, but the engine is still a mystery. Thanks for any help!

Thanks guys! Figuring out how to do the taillights was one of the most important things to me. I was really glad that they gave them as smoked glass. Given that the kit isn't among the best of them out there (especially for underhood detail) it's amazing how nice the interior and taillights are. At least they got those things right! I wonder how that method works on 4th Generation T/As. I have an Anniversary 4th Gen (I think it's a 2002), but I can't remember the colour of the taillight plastic. If it's red, that's going to suck, because I think they had dark lenses too, no? I hear what you're saying, Jordan. The GTAs were always a favourite of mine growing up, too. It was like Knight Rider on steroids!

Yeah, it's a great piece. I really do like the fact that they went and made a cool custom box for it and everything. I still think that Dinkys prove that making good quality, heavy-duty toys is something of a lost art. There's no light and sound, no internet interface, but that gun set would have been tons of fun for a kid!

Wow! Is that the 1/20 kit you just posted a picture of? It looks great! Nice work! The turbo on it looks good, but it's not rusty enough! Seriously, though, great job! The master cylinder really doesn't look that bad, you're right! I've never seen a GTA in the flesh with the red on red, but I did see one for sale online on one of those really expensive collector car places. They had lots of good shots, so I used those for colouration guides. Thanks for the compliments, too, guys! One thing I have to give Monogram when they did that kit was they figured out an ingenious way to get the taillights right. That's one of the signatures of those cars, and I would have thought it would be difficult to reproduce, but with the smoked glass, it worked out pretty well. If only the 20th Anniversary kit didn't have the paddle mirrors; they're wrong for an '89 car... I guess I'll have to hunt some normal mirrors down somewhere.

Okay, good to know. I don't use Ebay either for buying or selling, because I hate the high reserves and stupid last-second sniping. I have already sold the Mazda anyway, privately, as it turns out.

Thing is, the MR-2 and Fierro were a lot more streamlined that that thing! They're both wedgy, true, but the Rainbow looks like a future armoured car, or even some kind of weird spaceship. Good to know, though, that no matter who does it or when, pop-up-headlights ALWAYS suck.

Yeah, it was the Voyager here, too, at some point. We had so many names and variants for these things. Caravan, Magic Wagon, Voyager, Town and Country... all boiled down to the same thing; a box with wheels. It reminds me of a UH-1 Huey but with the rotors replaced with wheels. Simply a tinplate box for going place to place. That's a bizarre story, though Ridgeback; I would have thought the PM would have had a British marque for his car. Also, a 0/5 is AWESOME! Great family hauler! OMG...