Robberbaron

Around that same time the MPC Pinto wagon "Pony Express" and Nova "Squad Rod" also came and went rather quickly. I don't think I saw any of those at Hobby Lobby, only my LHS. So that may also correspond to a smaller production run. The Nova just got reissued (without the police components), so I wouldn't be surprised to see another run of the Pacer within the next couple years.

Correct that the tail panel is different, though I wouldn't characterize it as a slight difference. The standard SS trim is completely different vs. the Z16, including "Chevrolet" lettering and ribbed trim running above/below. Even the Z16 taillights are different, since they are from the lower line "base" Chevelles, not the Malibu. In addition to the tail panel, the side "Malibu SS" badges are in a different location on the Z16. So you have quite a task ahead of you to convert the Revell kit to a "standard" Super Sport. I've seen it done a handful of times, but it's not for the faint-hearted. Add to that the fact that the Revell kit has front/rear bumper guards. While not incorrect for a standard SS, many people would prefer to not have them on their model (the Lindberg 66 Chevelle also has that issue). Finally, Revell managed to botch the side window shape on their '65. Where the 1:1 upper molding/rain gutter should have a slight gentle arch, the Revell kit is arrow straight.

At the time the Revell Crown Vic was being released, the story was that it was a partially developed project that had been mothballed years before, for whatever reason. Then when Revell was looking for low buck options to bring out new product, it was dusted off and development was comp!eted. Who knows if it's true, but I tend to believe it. It's the one explanation that makes sense vs. bringing out a 1998+ version. Still think it's crazy that no one ever produced a styrene version of that one, since it's the quintessential American cop car from the last 25 years. Heck there are STILL some of those things in service!

I didn't even know PL did an update on that GTO. Did the update have improved headlights vs. the 2004? I seem to remember those were sorely lacking on the original.

Stopped at the Merrillville, IN HL after work today. They had one Demon and one '60 Ford PU on the shelf. They're not there anymore...?

Last time was probably about 3 years ago. Don't recall getting a ship notification, but every time I've received my shipments fast. My last order was decent size, and he even included a free bonus body. I'd have zero hesitation ordering from him again.

To my eyes, the main sin of the '56 is the headlights that mount too low, so they always look perpetually surprised: There's something funky about the roof profile in back too, especially near the base of the back window. P.S. NEVER buy the Revell Hot Rod version of the '56 shown above. Nearly 100% of the bodies are hopelessly warped. The last years of Venice-based Revell had zero QC.

Any idea who manufactured the Cyclone? I got one several years ago at a local swap meet, but there was no manufacturer's info, and the seller didn't know anything about it either.

Yes it's separate, and non-factory. The Landau option for 1979 and 1980 Monte Carlos was a 3/4 length canopy-style top ahead of the C-pillars.

I admit I LOL'd when I saw the X'ed out wagon. Got out the popcorn for the reactions...

Glad to see this one finally "dragged across the finishing line", been seeing you post it for years. And yes, I think Snake would be proud!

The mind races!

I seem to recall when these were announced we were told that the sedan would be Hemi-powered (A-990). I don't remember hearing that there would be 2 versions of the sedan, so that's a pleasant surpise. Should we assume the "standard" sedan kit (blue car box art) is wedge-powered (Similar to the Belvedere sedan)? That would be a big plus in my book. Would love to know all the differnces between the two sedan versions.

My condolences to his family. It just occurred to me about a week ago that I hadn't seen him post recently. He was a huge part of this forum, and previously on the Scale Auto Magazine forum. Here is a tutorial he did on improving the AMT '68 Camaro: He originally posted this on the SA Forum, then recreated it when he joined here. Good example of his modeling style: Great improvements through relatively simple modifications.

This is easily the best build I have seen of this kit. The change in rolling stock and the stance make all the difference.

Stopped by my local HL the other day. Same typical inventory they've had for months. The one development was an empty space with a tag for the AMT 1960 Ford F100 with Trailer. So those should be showing up, eventually. I'm suspecting they will be getting snatched up pretty quickly as they're stocked, so I'm expecting it might take me a couple months to snag one.

Comparison pics from the previous posted link, for the TLDR crowd: 4-door hardtop rear window/tulip panel: 4:door sedan:

This one is pretty infamous. The original release of the Ramblin' Wrecker tow truck included designer Larry Woods' actual phone number on the side. After getting way too many calls from little kids, the tampo design was revised to delete the real phone number.

Back in the 80's for a couple years Hot Wheels made a series of cars called "Crack Ups" that had simulated accident damage. Each car had a spring-loaded, latching panel on the front, side, or back that flipped from "normal" looking to crash damaged if it was hit. I had this hatchback car in burgundy metallic (think its a fantasy car, but seems kind of like an '80s Nissan Z car?). When the back panel is "normal", the vanity plate reads "NICE". When the panel flips after a crash, I remember that the plate changes. Can't really make it out in the below pic, but I think it changes to read "OUCH", or something similar.

My 3 local Walmarts never carry models either, and my LHS closed after the owner died. So pretty much my only brick and mortar source is HL (which never seems to get new inventory anymore) and whatever randomly shows up at my Ollies.

Comparison pics of 4-door hardtop vs. 4-door sedan:

That's gotta be a first in 1/25 scale! Sweet!

Well, that was unexpected! I've never gotten one of the bumpside kits before, but think I'll have to get one of these...

Nice to see they went the extra mile and made sure it was fully blown.

https://www.standard.net/entertainment/arts/2021/nov/18/hot-rod-artist-chambers-selected-to-illustrate-box-art-for-vintage-model-cars/