mikemodeler

Maybe the model companies can get the US taxpayers to help them with the costs of the software and 3D printer like taxpayers did for NASA. I'm sure there is a cost/benefit to having the latest software and printer and I don't know what it would cost for a model kit company to have such technology, but I would think if it were possible they would have it.

Lee is correct that parts today are globally sourced so defining an "American" car is not as easy as it once was. I remember a conversation I had with my late father regarding the Toyota Camry I was driving some 13 years ago. He chided me for driving a "foreign" car while he boasted about his "American" car, Buick Century. When I showed him the window stickers from each car that had domestic content and my Camry had more than his Century, not to mention that my car was assembled in Kentucky while his was assembled in Canada, he was quiet. I remember reading a while back that Toyota employs more Americans than Ford. Not sure how accurate that is and if includes suppliers or just at manufacturing plants but like it or not, having foreign manufacturers here have benefited many Americans.

Very nice. Well detailed and looks like the 1:1.

All very nice and I like the variety of subjects you built this year. The display case is awesome, is that something you created?

And that has no place in a post from the head guy at Moebius when others drag Revell into the discussion and want to rag on about an issue that has been discussed endlessly.

So I am the bad guy for calling rivet counters "jack wagons", I can live with that. The intention of my comment was to understand why Dave can come on here and explain what probably frustrates him as much as us in the model kit development process and members had to start in on flaws in kits that were recently produced by a company he doesn't work for! The flawed kits have been discussed here endlessly and this wasn't the thread to bring them up again. Dave has tried to explain the inner workings of kit development, a subject few of us have insight to, and the industry gets blasted for not using what others feel are the tools to create a better kit. I offered that if a forum member here had the ability to help a kit manufacturer, then step up and do so instead of hiding behind a keyboard pontificating how smart they are. I never stated that we should settle for less than a correct kit, but after reading Dave's opening post, I realized that sacrifices are made in the process to get a kit to market. Sad that it has to be that way, but when we are complaining about kits being $25+, do you think the market would bear prices hitting $35-40 if the manufacturers raised them in response to spending more on development teams and equipment? The Meng F-350 kit was retailing for $70 and it had flaws that were widely reported here so not sure if more dollars equals better quality. I do appreciate the honest reviews of a kit and the associated flaws with them. I have avoided the Revell Mustang kit as an example of a kit that just doesn't look right and do wonder how they got it wrong. I truly hope that the upcoming Ford Pickup kits from Moebius are what we all have been waiting for in terms of accuracy. The early test shots sure got a lot of comments and if we have learned anything it's that Dave listens and tries to get it right, something Revell could learn from.

I remember building it when it came out Bruce. Not a real detailed kit and not a real ultra-rare kit, but to the right person it might be worth something. Revell had a series of kits based on the Chevy LUV as those small trucks gained popularity in the 1:1 world. I don't believe it was ever re-issued so they aren't real common sights at swap meets but again, kind of a unique subject with limited appeal. If you aren't going to build it, post it in the swap section and see what you get for it.

That show is typically later in the year, around May I believe.

Sure hope the family issues get resolved, especially at this time of the year. As far as trading with a 12 year old, unless you read his profile you might not have been aware of his age. One thing I have learned here is that trading is something one should do with a bit of caution. I usually try to trade with only those long established members because all too often, it is the new members here who are part of the problem. I liken trading to loaning money- never do it unless you are comfortable with not getting paid back. Not sure if any of you saw this young man's post a month back about his starting up resin casting and offering them for sale early next year but let this trade issue be a warning to you.

Eric, re-read his response. He clearly states there is a difference in scales between the two kits.

You contradict yourself with your statement. My comment about "jack wagons" was intended to mean that some people can ruin the hobby with their endless criticism while not being directly involved in the situation being discussed, i.e. Bill works in manufacturing but not at a model kit company. Dave Metzner is an example of your second sentence and I think I have stated several times my thanks to him and others at the model companies for the pursuit of new kits at the risk of ridicule by a seemingly ungrateful few in this hobby. In this global economy we are all a part of, "Made in USA" is something that doesn't mean what it did in years past. Look at the appliance industry for a perfect example.

Another way of stating what Dave did Harry, but maybe it will sink in with a few of the doubters. For the resident "experts", I suggest you spend a week in the life of Dave Metzner and see if your view changes. Just saying.................

Greg, Thanks for sharing, I had no idea they had a facility in Charlotte and they offered these classes! It looks like there are several classes throughout the year but I am hoping to attend the one coming up in February.

Never did I state that I was an expert, unlike you do in about half of your posts. I live in a world where flaws are accepted as a result of humans being involved in the process of designing and manufacturing of products. Obviously I am not qualified to know as much as you Bill, and probably no one else on this forum for that matter. Silly of me to suggest that you should offer your help to improve the flaws that you and many others find intolerable. I guess I will go back to being a simple minded modeler who appreciated Dave explaining what his days are like designing model kits. Jack wagons like you can ruin a good hobby with your holier-than-thou approach and know-it-all attitude. Must be Hell living in your world.

Funny how the only guy involved in the model car manufacturing business comes on here and tries to explain the process and this forum is full of experts who JUST KNOW what the industry is doing incorrectly! I suggest you self-proclaimed EXPERTS offer up your time, expertise and if necessary, additional working capital to the industry so they can get it right, just so there will be no complaining. I am sure Ed Sexton, Dave Metzner and the rest of the model car product managers would appreciate the extra help in getting a better product to market. If any of you had bothered to read or understand what Dave wrote you would know that inaccuracies are not intentional but are sometimes the result of limitations placed upon them for various reasons.

Thanks Dave for clearing up a few misconceptions about kit development and the processes involved dealing internationally with manufacturing. I was aware of some of what you mentioned but now have a new found appreciation for any new kit from any kit company. For those that continue to speculate on how easy it should be to get a kit more accurate, go back and re-read Dave's post. It isn't because the kit companies don't care about the final product, it's about profitability and survival. And while there are those that will argue that a company would be more profitable if it produced more accurate kits, keep in mind that to achieve perceived perfection, it could cause the company to go out of business! If producing new kits was cheap or easy, don't you think Round 2 would be cranking out new stuff instead of re-releases? Like many here, model car building is a hobby of mine and while I like my kits to be accurate, I am accepting of some imperfections in exchange for a new offering.

Looking very nice, can't wait to see it finished!

Worked this show in Indy back in 2000, some long days but a ton of fun. Went to it when it was in Florida back in 2007, more fun when you don't have to work it! Always liked the fact that among the people walking the floor were known racers, celebrities and regular people. Did you get any pictures?

Dated a girl who owned one of those. Lot's of memories from those days..... Would love to see these re-issued, simple but fun cars.

Well, there goes more of my lunch money! Gonna be starving not eating but happy with more stuff from Scenes Unlimited!

I didn't know that the free shipping and $15 off coupon could be used together, will have to keep that in mind when I start shopping for my birthday in two weeks!

Yes, that would be a good idea! I have a ton of Camaro glue kits and snap kits (AMT & Revell) but tend to build the snappers faster as it allows me to fill the display case faster and keep from having detail a full build. I'd have a bunch of GTO builds if they took your advice!

Love it!

Great story Tom and an even better ending! I did something similar for my oldest brother a few years ago. He bought a used 65 Coronet when he returned from the Air Force in 1967 and I remembered him taking me for rides in it when I was little (we are 17 years apart in age). His expression and re-telling of the story of how he bought and enjoyed that car was well worth it.

Not aware of any open fifth wheel trailers in kit form, there have been several scratchbuilt trailers posted here, do a search. The products from Scenes Unlimited are excellent and the service is top notch.