crispy

Clay, could you offer your thoughts and a review of this kit? I know these trucks aren't everyone's bag, but I've really been looking at this kit hard at Michael's(50% coupon coming soon!) and was thinking about picking it up to add to the other Monster trucks I haven't built. Your's looks great. I was wondering about the wheels, are those the kit supplied ones? Whatever you did to them sure makes it stand out. Thanks! Chris

http://www.stradasportsstore.com/product2020.html http://store.scalemotorsport.com/merchant2...duct_Code=31231

Raul, depending on where you pick it up it's about $110 or so shipped. Give or take $5-$10. I really think that's a great price for everything you get. I've only heard one complaint about the kit and that is the instruction sheet isn't as clear as it could be. I see Strada and SMS are releasing the bad boy decals and the Ron Fellow's white vette decals. So their should be some stunning builds out their when we get more of a selection. Chris

Jay that is looking good! Seeing you build this will definitely make me drop the dough. Looking for the bad-boy decals to be released soon and then I think I will do it. Keep us updated. Looking good! Chris

Not to hijack Robert's thread, but I've built this kit as well and I do believe Ismael built two and Bob has built one too. The car was actually prety nice to build, but make sure you dry fit everything, and I mean everything, together. I know my body and chassis did not seat together well at all. That was really all I had as far as a fit. Otherwise this is actually quite a nice kit. So much so I bought another Scag and the F430(the F430 was a step backwards by the way.). Anyway, they are a nice kit. Chris

If I read correctly and to maybe answer a little portion of Ron's question, I believe Tom L. said that production would be moved to their facilities. Where I believe they have much more control. If that is the case I think we'll be seeing some nice stuff. Re-issued or new. Although announced here for 2008 I would suspect we won't see something *new* until 2009 from them. Got to get those ducks in a row first.... Chris

As we all know this announcement is abuzz at all the hobby sites including the Hobbytalk board. Apparently someone was disappointed that all they were going to get were car model re-issues. Tom Lowe's retort? "Then why am I about to sign a license for Star Trek, Universal Studios and Warner? Tom Lowe" I knew that with Tom as head of this whole thing(John too I am sure) that we would not only get cars/trucks, but some sci-fi and other kits. I look forward to the next years... Chris

Auto World licenses tooling for AMT, MPC & Polar Lights model kits, American Muscle/ Ertl Collectibles die-cast March 7, 2008 South Bend, IN – Auto World (a division of Round 2, LLC) has signed a licensing agreement with RC2/Learning Curve Brands, Inc. of Oak Brook, Illinois. The contract will allow Auto World to produce and market plastic model kits under the well-known brands of AMT, MPC and Polar Lights. Also included are the rights to manufacture 1:18 and 1:24 scale die-cast replicas using the trademarks of American Muscle and Ertl Collectibles. In addition, Auto World will now be handling production of Custom and Premium promotional die-cast vehicles for RC2’s current C&P customer base, with sales continuing through established representatives. Thomas E. Lowe, President and Owner of Round 2, is now assembling a team of knowledgeable plastic model and die-cast specialists who are excited about this license opportunity and passionate about reintroducing these brands to their respective communities. Lowe states, “Our goal is to bring back many sought after vintage kits of all types from the AMT and MPC tooling banks, some that haven’t been available for decades. We've recruited model kit expert and creative designer John Greczula from Retro Hobby, Inc. to work with us. The American Muscle tooling bank has great potential, too, and Craig Flickinger, who was the Product Manager for American Muscle for several years, is on board to ensure that collectors are kept as priority one. Using our own production facilities, we will have the capability to adjust quantities of the model and die cast lines to satisfy market demand. We will not rely solely on old tooling, but will develop new tools as well.†Further, Lowe states, “2008 is going to be a roller coaster ride for us as we prepare our game plan and get things moving. There is an incredible amount of information to be absorbed and organization that must take place. We understand the modeling and die-cast markets have changed and that several large mass-retail chains are beginning to turn their backs on stocking these products. We will try and slow that down by introducing new and innovative products, hopefully enticing them to support our brands. I learned a lot when I ran my previous company, Playing Mantis, and I intend to use all of my knowledge and contacts to the maximum. For me, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime.†Tom Lowe and RC2 Brands, Inc. are no strangers to each other. Lowe, an entrepreneur known for his expertise in collectible automotive subject matter, sold his first company, Playing Mantis, Inc. to RC2 in 2004. Lowe founded Playing Mantis in 1994 and resurrected the classic Johnny Lightning brand, producing small-scale die-cast replicas and electric slot cars catering to the adult collector. Enthusiastic response resulted in phenomenal growth of the brand, and spurred Lowe to venture into other areas, including Polar Lights plastic model kits and Memory Lane seasonal product. Round 2 was established by Lowe in 2005 and reintroduced electric slot cars under the Auto World brand, an iconic hobby catalog trademark which Lowe purchased from Auto World’s founder, Oscar Koveleski. Round 2 is an innovative collectibles company located in South Bend, Indiana. Its family of brands includes Auto World, currently featuring X-Traction, ThunderJet and Super III 1:64 scale electric slot racers and racing sets; Forever Fun Holiday Collectibles, featuring detailed recreations of favorite holiday characters and EarthGlow Candles, featuring unique licensed candles and candle toppers. Round 2 is proud to add AMT, MPC and Polar Lights model kits, American Muscle and Ertl Collectibles die-cast to its portfolio of brands. Great news!!! Chris

Just a few weeks ago I got a private message from Gregg about my Ferrari 575M. He gave me some great tips and with added light my in house studio photo's should be magazine quality in time. I hope he doesn't mind me posting this, but I cannot believe the difference his note made in my camera settings. From Gregg, "Chris, just food for thought here, not meant to be negative On your pics of the new blue 575M, can the camera be set at Aperture Priority, or A, or AV? You would need a tripod, and set to the highest f-stop it has. Most digitals can only go to F-8 or so. Love the car, just would like to see it more in focus. I bought a point-n-shoot because the controls said A, M, and others, but they were misleading. I'm seeing more and more builders post pics of some great builds, but they are so out of focus front to rear, that it hurts the models. I am running continuing series of tips, tricks, and such on digital photography" Again, as was mentioned, tripod, lighting and just plain working with the camera's settings. Something I have been doing myself, but never hit that high f-stop. Here are the two examples: Exhibit A (my first photo): Exhibit B(Gregg's Tips): In Exhibit A you can see how fuzzy the front of the car looks. Exhibit B shows the complete car with no blur whatsoever. Those were quick takes and as you can see I need to add more light. These were also taken with a table top tripod and a Sony H9 was used on exhibit B. Exhibit A photo I used my Sony P100, a point and shoot. Chris

Shiny! Nice Scag! Chris

Very Sweet! Such a cool looking car. Everything looks just right. Chris

Beautiful build! I really like how you were able to source parts from other kits. It all looks like it should. Chris

She's got a big ole butt with shoes to match! Looks good both ways Bob! Chris

Welcome aboard Brian! I hope we'll see some of your work. Although I haven't built a big rig in years I certainly enjoy them. Tim Ahlborn will be the guy you want to hook up with. I do believe he's built a 386, but you are correct that their is not an injection kit of that particular truck made. Again, welcome! Chris

Bob, you never cease to amaze me. That is a beautiful build. I really am curious to see it in Donk mode. You really are a well rounded modeler. From high end exotics to great American family cruisers. Great work! Chris

That I have my Corvette friend! That I have....

My absolute favorite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qT_q8PXFrw

I'm married, but not dead. Digit free my friend. Thanks though LOL! Chris

If you go over to the big sandbox, fotki is blocked. Chris

That looks great! But then again, most Ferrari's do! Chris

I'm a fan of Tamiya lacquer clear coat. I also like using Zero clear as well as Cobra Color clear. But for general use Tamiya. The new Testors one shot stuff is nice as well. Chris

No coupon this week, but the model kit sections will be getting re-set sometime in the next two weeks. Chris

Clay, are you talking about the paint rack? I have three of them. I only use two and I have one in storage, but it only holds the Testors 1/2 oz. bottles, no sprays. The other two, like the one you see in the pic are for bottles and sprays. Anyway, When our LHS closed I was able to get a couple of them for myself. I also picked one up at Hobby Lobby for $2 when they re-set their model line. Chris

Just awesome Bob! Chris

I noticed that too Ron, but also the 55 Chevy Cameo is still full price, among a few other AMT's at our store anyway. I too was hoping the 34 Ford would drop since It has so much to offer it would be a steal for clearance price plus the discount. Chris