RancheroSteve

Alright, time to add some details to the rear. I made some photo-etched parts to build the rear bumper step plates. The center pieces were folded like this: And the side sections added: Then the plates were glued to the bumper. I've also added handles to the trunk, hood pins, a gas cap, and a back-up light. More soon!

Same thought here (big surprise, right?). It shouldn't take too much doing - a few parts will have to be sourced and fabricated, but the kit contains the decals for the restored road racer already. Looks like the most challenging issues will be the big scoop on the engine cover and the headers.

Well yes, I'll admit it's a bit oddball (maybe that's part of the appeal for me), but as is often the case "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". And it's Corvair powered! I built the drag car when it was new, but for some reason I wasn't even aware of the "stock" version until just a few years ago. Then I started thinking it would be a cool kit to have - but not at the prices it was commanding. So once again, nice to have it back!

Thanks for the review. Tim. I picked one up today - got the last one they had for now - and haven't even had time to crack the shrink wrap yet. Seems like there's a good deal of interest in this kit, which I guess makes sense given it's long time unavailability. Glad they did it right.

Wow, did the rules allow them to run the tires that far outside the fender lip?

Looks like my LHS just got them in - I'll need to head over there soon!

Next up is adding the auxiliary spot lights on either side of the windshield. The main body of the lights will be made from the kit spotlights with added lenses from the parts box. I made some photo-etched mounting plates and shields for the lights.

Thanks! Yes - good eye - the bumpers were re-worked and re-chromed (by Little Motor Kar Company). And the bumper bolts are pin heads - the smallest I could find. The Durability Comets had extra bumper bolts. No one is quite sure why, but the best guess is that it made it easier to jack the cars up for pit stops.

Yes - originally an AMT kit; last re-issued by Model King in 2007 it appears. A simple curbside kit, but like most of the stuff from that era they got the look right. They're getting a bit hard to find now. A review here: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/?showtopic=3155

Ford ran the Falcon in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1963 and '64.

Yes, it was pretty big in the auto media when it happened: two articles in Hot Rod (Ray Brock was one of the drivers), plus some other coverage. Things didn't actually go all that well for the Comets - they were fast, but a bit too big, heavy and fragile for the conditions. They managed to put some "spin" on the story when it was published and made it look a little better than it was. I've heard one of the cars still exists - restored, but modified and running as a vintage racer.

I see! It would be nice to think they could do an updated version. I still haven't pulled the trigger on buying one - way too many kits already!

Very cool, but apart from the decals, it doesn't look much different from the one they're already doing, right?

Yes folks, another '64 Comet. This one is the African Safari Rally version. Decals were once again designed by Mark "Scale Master" Jones from reference and specifications that I supplied. The interior retains the stock front seats and interior panels. Rear seat was removed, roll bar fabricated, and spare tire, tool box, Moon tank (for windshield washer fluid), instruments and other bits added. Hoping to get this one finished up in the next few weeks. More soon!

Ahh, I went back and fixed that crooked piece of BMF that was driving me crazy. Not perfect, but better! Thanks again for the kind words - glad you like it.

Finished it up and took some photos: Noticed a couple of minor things I need to fix (photos can do that). "On the Workbench" thread here: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=98389&hl= Questions, comments, etc. are welcome - thanks for looking!

Yes - I have all the stuff for this - lots of spare Rancheros and Fairlanes around here!

Well yeah, but can you still haul lumber with it? I'm liking it; it kinda replicates the look of the Falcon sedan. Looking forward to seeing where you go with this!

Yes - the window cranks & inner door handles, seat belt hardware, windshield wiper, and hood pins are all photo-etch by Detail Master. The hood ornament deflector and fender scripts are homemade photo-etch.

The main body color is MCW #6433 "Silver Smoke Gray Metallic", the white side spear is Wimbledon White, and the blue side spear is just an eyeball match to the reference photos.

More progress: the interior is in, front & rear bumpers on, a bunch of little details have been added. I'm almost ready to drop this on the chassis, add a few bits, and call it done.

As far as I'm aware Revell didn't do a Capri - just the IMSA Mustang. And while it's true that Revell (and Revell/Monogram) got a lot of "mileage" out of that kit, they did do some re-tooling over the years: beside the obvious body and related parts, the Trans-Am Mustang has a new transmission cover with ignition boxes and a window net; the Trans-Am Camaro has that stuff plus new heads, valve covers, intake, exhaust headers and pipes, dash top, and wheels. Keep in mind that these were all tube frame cars that used a lot of common components, so the chassis weren't much different to the casual observer. If you're willing to accept less than perfect accuracy, I think it's still a darn good kit that's held up well over time. And as they're pretty much the only (non-resin) game in town for the IMSA/Trans-Am cars of that era, I was happy just to get them.

There maybe hope - check this thread here: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=97435&hl=fremont

Those are a couple of my favorite Fiat altereds, too - wish someone would do the decals! I've been searching and haven't found anything yet. By the way, the latest issue of "Elapsed Times" has a big cover feature on the Magic Muffler car - lots of photos (both vintage and of the re-creation). Essential reference!

Got to admit it's different and innovative! We don't see enough of that in racing these days. If it's successful at least some folks will find it beautiful.