tim boyd

Yep...I think that might have been the exact train of thought there....except....a correct '30A Roadster would not look like the coupe kit with the roof left off. But you knew that, anyway. Cheers Tom....TIM (More '30A Roadster reference pics here....TB)

The pandemic in China actually did stop production of kits (and most all industrial output in China) for a couple of months early in the year, but yes, I agree that kit production of all genres is now largely back on track now. But that has nothing to do with the timing of the '30A kit reintroduction. Prior (pre-Hobbico bankruptcy) and (to the best of my knowledge) current German Revell management has concluded (rightly or wrongly) that for business purposes they need to spread out the introduction of kits that are derived from a single tooling set. Since the '29A Roadster kit was reintroduced early this year, as I understand it the thought is to wait about a year before the next kit based on the same tooling set (in this case, the '30A Coupe) is brought to the market. Given the uncertainty in global markets these days, I think there is a fair amount of risk by delaying this long, but unfortunately I don't get a vote here. Ever since I became definitively aware of this project (January 2014 if I am remembering correctly) I have voiced the view to Revell that the '30A Coupe will be the much stronger seller of these two kits, and that production of it should be prioritized over the Roadster. My takeaway was that Revell agreed with my view on the sales potential, but for business purposes they thought that by scheduling the Roadster first, they would maximize overall sales from the tooling set over the lifetime of production. Of course, had there not been the tooling issue that interrupted the '30A production run shortly after it began, we would not be having this discussion today. There is no conspiracy at foot here. It is a simple series of business decisions that has guided the kit introduction sequence, further compounded by an unexpected production issue just after the kit was first introduced several years ago. But that doesn't mean we as hobbyists have to agree with those decisions. Bottom line? Ever since I set my grubby fingers on the first round test shot parts of this kit over six years ago now, my thoughts were, and remain, that this '30A Coupe is among the best hot rod kits the hobby has ever, or will likely, see. Everytime I talk to Revell management or their agents, I express my wishes, and those of many others in this hobby, that the '30A Five Window Coupe hot rod kit goes back on the production line, so that all hobbyists who want to buy and build this kit can have that opportunity much sooner than later. TIM

Roger...I've thought about doing just such a conversion (mine was to have been with the convertible body). Yours came out great; and I really like how you got rid of the "going uphill" look of the front end of the AMT/Ertl '41 kit. Great color choice, too! TIM

Rodney....saw your pictures last week but was running and could not take time to write a reply back then. Now that I have a bit of time I just wanted to compliment you on a super-realistic hot rod model that is filled with character and style, along with great craftsmanship. Great job! Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve.....TIM

Thanks Steve, Chris, Jerry, Al, Eric, and Dennis! And Al....I certainly agree that Panther Pink is a great color for a 1970 'cuda! Here's another view, showing the rear bumper altered to remove the "sugar scoop" effect along the lower portion, which is totally incorrect for a 1/1 1970 'cuda.

Thought I had a better image of my Monogram '69 SuperBee Six Pack in 1969 1/2 code F6 Spring Green Metallic, but all I have posted in my Fotki site is this comparo photo which was an unused outtake from my Collecting Muscle Car Model Kits book a couple of years ago. Anyway, FWIW I completely agree with Bill's above comments about the Monogram '69 Super Bee.....TIM

Hopefully the '30A Coupe will resurface early next year. The Revell team fully understands that this version of the tool will handily outsell the other version if it gets to the market. I think (hope) it is just a matter of time now until we see it (again). TB

Mark is being very modest here; as he proofed the entire book content (twelve chapters and roughly 85,000 words, as well as 350 images) for me in record time to support a four-month pull-ahead of the completed project requested by the publisher. Mark also did a great job of filling in the details of a few subjects where I was, after much research, still missing a few of the finer details. It's always a great help to have a second set of eyes read a manuscript, and having something as knowledgeable as Mark about the subject of the book was a blessing for me and, ultimately, for anyone who buys and reads the book. I've said it to him before, but I'll say it again here...."THANKS Mark!" TIM

When I did a story on this kit for Model Cars magazine many years ago (around 2007 or so, IIRC), I called Revell/Monogram's VP of Engineering Roger Harney, who I'd known since the late 1970's, for the straight scoop on the status of that tool (mold). He told me it had been scrapped many years ago; he couldn't pin down the exact date but it was probably in the late 1970's when Monogram's President Tom Gannon had them clear out a bunch of old and unused tools that were (at the time) thought to have little or no commercial value going forward. Obviously, with benefit of hindsight, Roger wished it hadn't been let go, but from the perspective of the late 1970's, when virtually no one had an interest in dated mid 1960's custom show cars, it's not hard to understand how the decision was made at that time. I have every reason to believe what Roger told me was the truth. Oh well.....TIM

Sharp, sharp, sharp!!! So cool to see these old "Classics" kits put together these days. They were excellent kits (fit issues aside). Mike, I built the coupe version of this kit many years ago, and while mine still looks good today, you really nailed yours. Congrats on a highly successful project on your end! TIM

What Mark said....this one (the Midget kits) rank either at the top or very close to my list of the best 1/245h/1/25th scale kit of the last decade. The subject wasn't really my cup of tea either, but the kit was SO well detailed, yet literally falling together, that I couldn't help but build both versions as soon as they came across my door step. I never heard that it wasn't a good seller, but given the narrow niche appeal, don't doubt that that turned about to be the case....TIM

Craig....really, really liking the vibe and look of this Bad Boy....way to go! Cheers....TIM..

Dave (and anyone else interested in this topic...), here's the download on the new book..... Best....TIM

GREAT TIMING!!!! Cheers Richard....TIM\\\

I am very pleased to announce the arrival of my latest book project, "Collecting Drag Racing Model Kits", published by CarTech Books and available now for pre-order at CarTechBooks.com and Amazon.com. The book's printing is now complete and it is expected to be available at book retailers in late August or September, 2020. The book features 350 full color images and 175 pages of text covering the vast world of styrene assembly kits of drag racing cars. Twelve chapters are arranged by kit subject (Super Stocks, Gassers, Funny Cars, et al). There's also a bonus chapter showing built up drag racing models from experts like Guy Beaudette, Steve Perry, the late Bud LeFevre, Bill Coulter, Don Emmons, and others. Compared to my most recent previous book, "Collecting Muscle Car Model Kits" (also from CarTech Publishing), this new book covers each individual drag racing kit in considerably greater detail, and it also includes many reissues along with the many other kits derived from each set of set of kit "tools:. As before, I've included insights and stories from kit industry insiders. I added a list of ill-fated drag racing kits that were planned, but never actually brought to market, some of which are well known but some others that may surprise you! The text and images were fact-checked by Mark Budniewski who is among the most knowledgeable model kit experts in the world, and I consulted drag racing experts Tom Carter, Guy Beaudette, Jim Kampmann, and Mark for their input and additions to a list of "The Very Best Drag Racing Kits" of all time. The 22 images at this link show snippets from the book and each chapter therein, to give you a better flavor of what it contains. If this sounds like a topic you'd like, please consider ordering the book from your favorite on-line book or model kit source, or your favorite model car hobby store or book store. Thanks for your interest, and Best Regards, all! TIM

This subject ('71/'72 Mustang Mach 1/'71 Boss 351) was reportedly on the new tool list of one of the domestic kitmakers as of about 15 years ago. Apparently never made it high enough on the list for tooling. Too bad, this generation (the '71/-72, not so much the '73) is on my list of all time favorite Mustangs....TIM

Marty...somehow I missed this one. Very cool, a simple project for others to try, and most of all, I bet you had a whole lot of fun putting this one together! TIM

In spite of continued negative speculation about the future of our hobby....see the attached article from the Chicago Tribune about the resurgence of model kit sales during the Covid 19 pandemic. Includes a number of quotes from the President of Revell USA... A tip of the Tim Boyd hat to Don Graham and Doane Yawger for the link posted above....TIM

Thanks Steve....I agree....unlike some kit with major body proportions errors, this one should be a pretty easy fix for anyone who is experienced with doing model car body work....TIM

Full story will be forthcoming in just a few weeks, when the book becomes available for sale....thanks in advance for your interest! TIM

Steve,,,,I recall from years ago a view that the body had accuracy issues of some sort, perhaps it was what you are seeing. Can you remind me (us?) of what your issue is with the rear quarters? Thanks....TIM

Richard....I have no idea. Not familiar with the differences between the 1972 and 1974 Toys....but if they are superficial (at least from an exterior point of view; I expect there were numerous underbody changes in the ral cars) this would seem like a logical move down the road....TIM

Good points, Mike....TIM PS - also to your point about derivatives and mainstream pickups, if it were my cash on the line, I'd do a new series of '67-72 Chevy pickups (starting with the '67/'68 versions first) before I'd invest in the 1961-71 Dodge D/W pickups....TB

Sam....the picture is on the box art of the new Jenkins Vega. See the image in my Fotki album on this subject at this link....see picture #36 (DSC 1142)....kit number has been assigned and timing is stated as "Coming Soon" TIM

Mark is correct. The work has been done on this B/FX project and the results are equally impressive to the A/FX kit, in my opinion - e.g. no corners cut in authenticity. There will be more details on this subject in a new book that will soon be available....TIM