Faust

How so like gold? You mean valuable or rare, or both? I thought I saw a couple things on the AusRotary forum about some guys bidding one one and it was into the 100's of dollars. Is that right? It's a neat kit, too, for sure.

Okay, here’s one that’s really, really out of left field! I love to build car kits, and the weirder or more obscure it is, the better I like it. From Omnis to the Ferrari 308 Rainbow, I’ve got quite an eccelctic collection. However, none of them are super-rare. This one, however, must be; when I tried to look up info on it, I couldn’t find much. Since I didn’t see anyone else reviewing this, I thought an out of box review could be pretty cool. So, here for your viewing pleasure, is the 1/20 Bandai Familia Rotary Coupe. http://adamrehorn.wordpress.com/model-kits/out-of-box-reviews/bandai-120-mazda-familia-rotary-coupe'>http://adamrehorn.wordpress.com/model-kits/out-of-box-reviews/bandai-120-mazda-familia-rotary-coupe This kit is, I think, from the late 1960s, maybe 1969. The car debuted in 1968, so it could conceivably be from then. Let me know what you think about this unbuilt little gem, and if you’ve got any comments or additional info, either email me (see the site) or post it here! Enjoy!

Wow, those guys at MAD do a pretty good job, you're right! The 80's GTAs still have some of the coolest wheels, though, to my mind. Way better than the odd "future" looking wheels like on Fiero GT's in the 1985-86 time period! Those look dated!

I am not really an armour modeller, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like tanks and trucks and all those other great things that actually hold ground in a conflict! I also love old stuff, especially if it’s military-related. That’s why I am pretty lucky that I recently came into some old Military Dinky Toys! I’m going to start posting some photos and write ups about them on my site The Sprue Lagoon. The first I have up for those who are interested in old armour replicas and so forth is the http://wp.me/P2SZML-qD '>25-Pounder Field Gun Set. This is a pretty awesome piece of work, especially when you consider it’s from 1958! Fire up the time machine and check it out!

That taxi is awesome! I wouldn't mind seeing a repop of this kit, that's for sure. There are a lot of possibilities for it, it seems!

No problem, Jim! I just thought the short URL was like a short cut to the main thing. I didn't realize that it disguised the site! I'm pretty new to computer and internet stuff; I like to stick to the plastic! Man, one of these with the Stealth innards would ROCK! Great idea, George53!

Oh Man! That "Doghouse" is AWESOME! The ultimate tailgate party machine! I love the Chrysler Promos, too! My brother has a Caravan bank, and a metal Concorde, but no Stratus or Cirrus! I am surprised that this caused so much reaction, but I'm glad I'm not the only one who sees value in wanting kits of the everyday stuff! Where's my 1989 Escort 5-door???

Sorry Jim: I just use the shortened links to make life easy. I don't know why you don't like them, but that's cool. Here's the full link: http://adamrehorn.wordpress.com/model-kits/out-of-box-reviews/lindberg-125-1996-caravan-oob/

One thing I really wish is that model makers would do more of what Jo-Han and MPC did in their days, and that’s make models of EVERYDAY cars. You know, the ones you see on the street, the ones we rode around in as kids, or drive our kids around in now! I know it’s nice to build your dream car, but most people have a lot more (hopefully good!) memories of their “family beaters” than they do of whatever dream Mustang-Vette-Mopar-Camaro-Trans/Am they would like to own. That’s why I was so excited when I saw the Lindberg 1996 Dodge Caravan kit! Man, that’s an everyday beater if I’ve ever seen one! Not only that, but the Caravan is one of the longest running nameplates in Chrysler history, and one of the most important cars ever made, if you ask me. Check out my out of box review on this odd and rarely-seen kit at The Sprue Lagoon. You’re going to want to put on some loafers and a tennis sweater first, though, I think!

Whoa... those pillars are not just thin, they're almost ethereal! Man, there's no rollover strength in that thing, is there? Freaky... Looks like a cool kit, though!

Whoa, weird. That Ikko kit has a weird hybrid vibe about it. It has the body of the MPC (hard roof, weird headlight covers) but the chassis of the powered version. Generally, though, it seems to be the MPC. So, are there three, or four, versions of this? Two of each mould; one powered, one unpowered? To think of this much kittage for such a bizarre car, and yet I can't get a model of a 77 Cougar, and they made TONS of those...

Oh my God!! You're right, it's a totally different kit!! Why, oh God why, would anyone kit this once, let alone twice?? Thanks, too, Lunajammer, for not highjacking the other thread, but it would have been fine. It's exciting, if not repulsive, to see another kit of this tihng. The terrible part is that it's an Airfix that's better than an MPC!! WTF? It does look like they got the proportioning a lot more correct, though. Makes me wonder if there is a secret society that was trying to sabotage Bertone's efforts... Oh, wait, that just happens on its own with the real car, doesn't it? Thanks for the pics of the Airfix one. Now I think I want to get it, too! Then I can make my MPC into a hover car, or better yet, a hover Technical, with a machine gun on the co-pilot's side!

I think Edsel-Dan is right. I believe that MPC, Airfix and maybe Arii have the same mould. You'll love it. And by that, I mean you'll be repulsed! Sweet!!!

Man, now that's some great reaction! I see what you mean, jaymcminn about the proportionning. It is a bit off, and the MPC if far fuglier than the real thing. Of course, that's not saying much, since, the real think is some kind of cruel joke. I think it looks like a weird shoe mated with a doorstopper, myself. Your'e right about the Death Race idea, Jantrix; as I said in my review, it would make an awesome flying car, too.

You know, there are a lot of kits of weird cars out there, and those are the ones I like best. Sure, there are more stylish cars, but I like the things off the beaten path, so to speak. That’s why, if you told me I’d buy a Ferrari kit, I’d have laughed. Well, look who’s laughing now! Check out my out of box review for the absolutely bizarre the Ferrari 308 GT Rainbow!. This is really proof that the 70’s were just really all about bad ideas.

Actually, you know what, Klabert? I think the're American Racing rims, but the exact style I don't know. Does that help? I think that the wheels on a lot of Jeep TJs are actually very similar, oddly enough!

Monty: My brother has that Pace Car kit. He was doing a bang up job on it, but the hood melted for some reason. It is actually NOT a very good kit at all. the fit is surprisingly poor, and the Turbo set up, while at least there, isn't quite right to the real thing. By the way, the kit you are referring to is NOT a '79. It is, in fact, a 1980. The turbo was only available in 1980 and 1981. The tail lights on that kit aren't too great either, if I remember right. I don't mind that the kit's not a solid roof; I can either fill in the roofs or just go with a T-top car if I have to. I mean, for an EXACT model of my car, getting the wheels right would be impossible anyway, so just something black and red that's a turbo would be good enough. It's just getting the bird right that's the big issue!

Thanks, guys, for the kind words! Monty: I know, what is with the stupid "melted" engine bay accessories? That's a Monogram standard, that's for sure! The problem with converting a 79 to my 80 would be the turbo setup. Other than a kit already equipped with the 301T, it's going to be hard to simulate that setup. I do have the Mongram 1/20 turbo T/A, though! It's not a bad kit, but again, has the BLAH_BLAH_BLAH_BLAH melty accessories. Seriously, at 1/20??? WTF? (Sorry, but come on...) I would love a nice Turbo kit. Did MPC ever do an 80 Turbo? Kalbert: I don't know what those wheels are called. I just know they are awesome, and I wish I had a set that was bigger (like 18") for my G8.

Even deformed, those T/As (T/Us??) are awesome looking cars! Nice work!

My mom had a 67 Firebird when I was a wee one. I remember some squirly drives in it, too! Lots of chance to see the world go by as it was doing doughnuts in even slighly coolish weather! I think that's why she got a better car, too. well, that and it rusted away brutally...

Hey gang! Check out my entry into our club's one year build contest: my Monogram 1/24 1987 GTA! Check out the link for a full review including in-process shots, etc. I always loved these cars as a kid, but since I've had a chance to drive a few, I think I've determined a.) that I'll keep my 1980 T/A and b.) I'll be happy with this kit to represent having one of these cars. The old Mongram isn't as nice as some of the MPCs I've worked on, but still, shape-wise at least, it's a good representation of the car! They really are nice to look at though, eh? Anybody here ever have one?

Man, modelguy45, I love that last one; the "big rig' van. I remember seeing that elsewhere on the net, but just the box. Never the real thing! I would love to find one, one day! We need a reissue!

Guys: I'm so sorry the link didn't work. I tried it, and it was fine, so I don't know if it's something in my browser or cookies (mmm.... cookies...) or something else that went wrong. Thanks a ton, Casey! I appreciate the save. I hope I don't have that sort of trouble again, and I really am glad somebody pulled my bacon out of the frying pan. The Kei cars are awesome. I really need a Honday City Cabrio. I don't know if it's a Kei car, or not, but it's little, weeny and weird! I have a hard topped one, though, so that will have to do for now, I guess. I think I'll do the Today in yellow when I get to him.

Awesome! Of course, there's that Nissan Vannette on the side of the Toyota's box, too. The Kei cars make a very interesting comparison to what we here in North America consider a "compact" or "sporty" or "downsized" car. I mean, look at the Honda Today, compared to a Trans Am (see picture lower in the review), which is supposed to be a sporty car, and is very cramped and small-feeling (I know, I've driven a few!)

Yeah, I hear you. At least I have the Today and this guy. They just look so weird to North American eyes!