Robberbaron

What the world needs now is the Bear Bait Chevette...

This thread brings back memories for me of the Super Charger that got away. I recall being in a local store in the late eighties, think it was probab!y Child World. (remember those?) Looking through the model kit aisle, I was seeing the typical stuff you would find anywhere. Then suddenly I saw a single, solitary MPC Super Charger kit. I picked it up and looked over the box art. I wasn't familiar with this kit at all. All I knew is that I hadn't seen it anywhere else. From the box art style, it was obviously an older release that was now out of production. Think it must have been hidden in a corner in a warehouse for years before suddenly getting discovered and put out for sale. Since I was completely unfamiliar with the kit, I recall looking at the box art and trying to figure out if I could build it stock. I could live with the custom wheels on the box art, but I was worried that the hood would be molded open for the big scoop. I also didn't care for the window tabs on the box art model (although it's so heavily retouched it's more of a painting than a photo). I hesitantly put it back on the shelf and walked away. Never saw one again in the flesh after that. Really appreciate all the pics and other good info posted here. I'd definitely be in for one or two of these if they repopped them. As for the wheel arches, the shape and size is so close to stock that personally I could happily live with them as-is. And I had the same thoughts when I saw the SSlasher Chevelle: "Hey, if they're bringing that back, maybe they could do the Super Charger too?"

Getting a chuckle out of this. Don't forget that whether you're talking about the Atomic City "Johan USA Oldies" company or the Okey Spaulding "Johan" company, both currently exist only as resin/aftermarket companies. Yet this thread and others remain in this section instead of the Aftermarket / Resin / 3D Printed section, simply because of the magical power of the Johan name.

I ran across a YouTube video on this one a year or two ago. Assuming it is legit, it's also noteworthy for the way it's optioned (besides the color obviously). AMT's '71 Charger kit came in for a lot of criticism for its bench seat interior and lack of body color sport mirrors. I'm no expert, but lots of folks claimed that those items were standard on an R/T. Again, if this car is legit, it would demonstrate that it was at least possible to obtain a '71 R/T with that configuration. (Don't know if it would maybe need to be delete options, etc.) Full wheel covers had to also be an unusual selection on an R/T. I totally understand the reasoning that AMT/Ertl should have configured their kit to match the options on the vast majority of 1:1 '71 R/T's that were built.

Very glad to see the updated S-10. Always seemed strange that AMT never did the 1998 updates when those trucks were new. Hopefully the updates include a proper 1998+ style rear bumper too. Don't see one on the display model. As noted, would be nice to see the dash/interior updates, but I admit I'd be happy enough with just a correct exterior. Those Xtremes (both S-10 and Blazer versions) were EVERYWHERE 25 years ago. I had several friends with them. I seriously considered getting one also, but just couldn't get past the lack of a V8.

Very well done! You just don't see these LT1 getting built very often nowadays.

Stopped in at the Hobart, IN store tonight. Was pleasantly surprised to see a pair of the '32 Fords, plus a half dozen of the F&F '71 GTX's which weren't there last time. Snagged both of the '32s and one GTX.

Stopped at the Hobart, IN store the other day. Had the green Camaro concept car and the Jag. Suspect those '32 Fords are gonna be tough to score, thinking they'll be snapped up quick almost everywhere.

Regardless of any other proportions/dimensions, I can't get past the profile of the body sides.

I believe every one of those is a MotorMax origin. Not sure what's going on here, is Round 2 just getting these private labeled from the same manufacturer as MotorMax or was there some kind of purchase of the brand?

Thanks Tim, always appreciate your detailed photos of these manufacturer's displays. I think we all knew the '66 Shelby was coming, considering some of the design decisions for the retooled fastback body. I'm sure it will do well for Round 2. Glad to also see the '49 Mercury returning to the lineup. Still one of AMT's best kits from the original Trophy Series line.

No way to know looking at the box art. The steelies/poverty caps aren't even shown/mentioned on the side panel. I suspect the Revell USA team made a point of adding them since the Magnums weren't correct for a Hemi car. Then the doofuses (doofi?) who created that box art didn't even show/mention the new parts. Perfect example of Hobbico shooting themselves in the foot.

Comes from the same era as the recently reissued 1981 Camaro. And Revell is using the same playbook: no mention that it's a snap kit. Also guessing their MSRP will be about the same as a full detail kit. Lots of people felt ripped-off big time when they opened that Camaro kit. For what they were in the early eighties, these were nice snap kits that had better detail like opening hoods, engines (albeit crude), etc. compared to many other companies' snap offerings. Unfortunately, presenting them as conventional kits as Revell is now doing is a good way to alienate casual buyers. Frankly, I'm surprised stuff like this wasn't left behind during the Hobbico bankruptcy.

Interesting factoid that many of you may already know: GM's designers wanted the wraparound glass on the original 1970-1/2 models, but the bean counters nixed it. Lots of photos of in-progress clay models with the wraparound glass. Personally, I'm glad that happened since I think the 70-74 style rear windows look better.

Stopped at a Walmart outside of my normal orbit, which happened to also have models. Nothing at the top of my wish list, but I did get the retooled Mustang fastback since it's a parts bonanza. There was also a nearby Michaels and I had a 40% off coupon. Scored a Revell '70 Torino Cobra. Real happy about that since I missed out on previous releases.

Stopped in the Hobart, IN store tonight and they FINALLY had some automotive kits. Had about 6 each of the Transit Mixer, Grumpy's Vega, and the Cal Drag Combo. I already have a couple of the Vega's and way too many '64 Galaxies, so I had a rare case of self control and left empty handed. Just glad to finally see them getting some automotive kits again. Oh yeah, looked like they also put out another batch of trikes, too. Starting to wonder if they'll ever run out of those.

James, thank you for posting the kit contents. This confirms my suspicions that they would leave out the steelies/hubcaps/trim rings from the last couple of previous reissues. Slightly disappointing, but I guess it's offset be the chopper. Also happy to hear that molding quality is good.

I should clarify: my comments on the ride height should be understood to apply to the aesthetics of a hot rod (since this kit can't be built stock). Not doubting that it is correct for factory stock. And by the way, nice truck! 🙂

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but IMHO the back of their built-up is sitting about 6 scale inches too high. Ideally I would want an equal tire-to-lip gap around the circumference of the tire. Their gap from the top of the tire to the fender lip is at least three times the gap at the front.

Wonder if that includes inserts? I have a strong suspicion that when Hobbico sent certain R-M tooling to China, inserts for alternate versions stayed in Illinois, and then got left behind during the bankruptcy/sell-off. So some recent reissues like tne S-10 and Silverado don't have full factory stock parts now. Even the '66 Malibu SS 2'N1 (sic) reissue is missing an awful lot of the old "Street Rat" parts, first and foremost the slot mags.

Just to clarify, older issues of the AMT '49 Merc don't have the flathead hop-up parts. Not sure when they added them, just know that the one I built around 1990 didnt have them yet.

Funky! Never saw those before. Apparently the wheels were made specifically for those tires. Here's some info I found: https://www.madle.org/elxx.htm Center design of those wheels looks suspiciously like the Kelsey-Hayes Magstars. Wonder if Firestone contracted with them to design/manufacture them?

Appreciate the heads up on this. Checked the Schererviile store while running an errand and was surprised to see they had kits too. They had the cardboard stand in the middle of the main back aisle. Was surprised to see it's different than the displays from a couple years ago: just plain white cardboard, about three feet high and open on one side. If I hadn't been approaching from the open side, I would have totally missed it. Was only about 1/3 full, so SOMEBODY is buying these kits. Hopefully that prompts them to restock. This is the first time I've seen kits at ANY of my local Walmarts in several years. Picked up a disco Nova and a pair of fat Cougars. 😉

Still the same old dreck at the Hobart, IN store. Haven't seen anything new there in months.