Robberbaron

Don't forget that Revell also botched the drip rail/side window shape on their '65 Chevelle. In addition to the issues that Mark lists above, Revell also chose to depict bumper guards in their kit. Many people would prefer to not have those (this is also a gripe on the Lindberg '66 Chevelle). Add in the fact that from the factory, Z-16's were only available in four colors (red, white, black, yellow), so you're pretty restricted in how you can build that kit. I think a cloned factory stock "standard" '65 Chevelle SS could be a big hit for Round 2. Of course, a '64 would also be great - we haven't had one of those available in styrene for 59 years!

For about the last 15 years, it seems like it's a 50/50 proposition whether Revell will manage to get the body correct on any new release. For every '68 and '69 Chevelle kit (which most people seemed to agree looked nuts on correct), you also get a '69 Nova or '67 Camaro kit with at least one major proportional or contour error (maybe only one problem if you're lucky). This one is especially infuriating because Johan already did the 70-72 442's with their typical great proportional accuracy. All Revell needed to do was get a hold of a USA Oldies '70 442 and give it to their team to clone the body.

Looks good from what I can see. Interesting that the roof pods/lights are different than the "Surf Shark" version. Very interested if they've gotten rid of the diamond plate step rear bumper from the previous versions. Looking at all the other work they did, I would expect they did.

C'mon, Bear Bait Chevette! ??

Incredible work, as always. It's always a pleasure following your builds.

Yup, hot mess. I have one in my stash that I'll never build unless I score one of the Lindberg bodies. Wish I'd gotten one of those when they were common and no one wanted them. It even still has the 70-71 side markers. I think Round 2 could move a lot more of the AMT Challengers if they would offer it with a true, accurate hardtop body. Don't think anyone has mentioned it in this thread, but I recall a similar comparison when the diecast-based Revell first came out. The comparison between the various bodies clearly showed that it is really about 1/24.5 scale, falling between the old 1/24 Monogram and the true 1/25 scale AMT, MPC, and Lindberg/PSM bodies.

Stopped in the Hobart, IN store. Haven't been there in quite a while. Sure enough, models were moved to a different aisle. Section did seem slightly smaller, but looked well stocked. Upon closer inspection, I realized they were "filling space" in a lot of the shelving. Most spaces were empty behind the front box, and many times they were filling in empty spaces with the same kit (four AMT '67 Chevelle filling in otherwise empty spaces). Not a single new kit since the last time I was there. No surprise there, this location always seems to lag behind in getting new stock, compared to the pictures people post from other locations.

Had to run to Lowes last night so I finally had a chance to stop in at the M'ville store. No restock, and not much left. One Copperhead dragster misplaced on a shelf in an aisle away from all the other Round 2 kits. They had maybe 8 of the '64 Galaxie kits left, but get this: a couple were priced at $9.99 instead of $12.99. I guess that's my threshold, since one of them followed me home even though I already have several earlier issues in the stash...

The Nova wagon that I got a couple weeks ago had a 01/20/2022 production date, too. Seems like most of these kits were showing up at Walmart previously. Can't be sure about them all, since my 3 closest Walmarts are pretty much useless as far as carrying kits. So I haven't personally found kits at a Walmart in several years. Just got a new Ollie's flyer in the mail yesterday, specifically advertising an AMT "kit buyout". Normally that means my local store should have gotten another shipment, hopefully a different selection than last time. I'll have to detour over there in the next few days.

Actually, the easiest source would be one if the recent Round 2 AMT Gremlin reissues. They've done 76, 75, and 74 versions, including a run for Ollies. All include the same mechanicals. Engine includes 2-barrel, 4-barrel, and 2x4 intakes. Stock exhaust manifolds or headers. I'm no expert on AMC's, so I can't speak for accuracy or detail. Knowing how AMT was functioning in the mid-70s, I'd be surprised if the Matador engine was any more detailed. I have a Matador stocker buried in the stash, but I'll admit I haven't dug it out to compare to the Gremlins' engines.

All the AMT stuff is stacked in the center of the left main aisle (as you enter the store), about halfway back. Probably had about 20 each of the Nova wagons and '64 Galaxies. Maybe about 10 each of the Depot Hacks and Copperheads. Only about 7 of the Ford surf vans (that one's a parts bonanza, would have got one, but I just don't have the space). The remnants of the Revell shipment are in one of the toy aisles in the center of the store. That entire store is a hot mess right now - looks like a tornado came through!

Finally had a chance to stop at the Merrillville, IN store. Had plenty of '64 Galaxies and Nova wagons. Also had a fair number of the Model T Depot Hacks, Copperhead dragsters, and the Ford surf vans. Picked up one of the Nova wagons as I planned. ALMOST got another of the '64 Galaxies, but reminded myself that I already have a stack of the previous releases. About the only thing left of the Revell-Monogram stuff was a handful of snap kits.

My own observations on the Nova wagon: I snagged a Craftsman when it first became available at my LHS. They immediately sold out, and after that they couldn't keep them on the shelves. Eventually their wholesaler ran out and needed to wait for the second run. When my LHS finally got them again, I got another Craftsman, then got one of the 3-in-1 kit when those came out shortly after As much as I like the subject, eventually I get my fill. I suspect the same applies to most others who bought these kits. Don't forget that Round 2 is now on their third variation of this kit with the Coke version. My suspicion is they've done fine with these. Even with three, I'll admit I might get one more if these show up at my Ollies.

Agreed, that's EXACTLY what you see in real life on so many of these - the paint lifts, then the primer just oxidizes away. Reminds me of my BIL's old Silverado, except the rockers behind the doors were nothing but airspace by the time he got rid of it!

The MPC AMX might not be a good indicator, just due to the oddball 1/20 scale (thanks, George Toteff...). I'm not a huge AMC fan, but I would have bought one if it wasn't for that. I suspect many other people share my sentiment. However, for AMC in general, they've also run the restored 76, 75, 74 Gremlins, plus both the MPC Pacer (coupe) and the AMT Pacer (wagon). I've seen quite a few built Gremlins posted to "under glass" on this forum, not so many of the Pacers.

Nice job. I'll admit, I get a twinge of nostalgia now looking at one of these, remembering how they used to be everywhere when I was a kid.

Outstanding build! Never would guess that it was done in under 3 weeks. What a great way to commemorate your friend.

For the "factory" Hurst-built Super Stock cars, it would be the '68 Barracuda. Probably the main reason it hasn't happened is wheelbase is shorter than the Darts. Aside from possibly sharing engine/trans/differential/wheels, it would require a new body/chassis/interior tool for everything else.

The intent of that may be to simulate a double pinstripe. Paint the body, then drag an Exacto blade over it to scrape off the paint and reveal the double white stripes. At least a couple other sixties kits had something similar. I think the original stock AMT '66 Skylark GS had this. Maybe also the MPC '67 GTO?

Does the Switchers '32 roadster/coupe share the chassis/drivetrain with the recent '32 Sedan Delivery?

Thanks for catching that - mixed togther the cut-off year for the long wheelbase Sport Wagons. Serves me right for posting before my coffee kicked in!

Don't forget: the Olds Vista Cruisers had a stretched wheelbase, which was 5" longer I believe. '64 to '67 was 120", '68 to '72 was 121". Same applies for Buick Sport Wagons through 1969.

Out own Rocking Rodney Rat built something cool out of one of these: My main beef is that the MPC didn't get the shape of the quarter windows right. The 1:1 has a gentle sweep at the rear corner that differentiates the 26-27 coupes from the earlier T's:

Also wondering if they will carry the new '65 and '68 GTO curbsides (plus the '64 Comet). I'd really like to see them get in the Reveal '30 Model A coupe also, but I'm starting to think thats not gonna happen, for whatever reason.