tim boyd

Jim...glad you found it of use. Typically in the past when Round 2 has sent out sample kits, they show up at the stores and websites about 4-6 weeks later....I actually got these before the holidays but just got around to deciding to post the images last week, so I would guess the "ready" clock is already well running down on these two....TIM

Here's the full story on the first two reissues of the MPC Trikes which are coming very soon......TIM

Alan - a smile and a good point about "Tiny"!!! TB

Many of us sure hope so!!! Not so sure I would call it a safe bet, though.....TIM

There is only one set of tools, parts of it are used for both kits and parts of it are unique to the roadster and coupe versions....TIM

For more on the kit itself... Round 2's reissue of the AMT 1966 Buick Wildcat annual kit has a few new tricks up its sleeve. These include new box art that revisits the original 1966 annual kit appearance, a newly tooled set of four plated solid (no windows) Halibrand type mag wheels that replicate those found in the original annual kit, and a decal sheet that was inspired in part by the original annual kit decals, but features all-new artwork and considerably expanded content. Check out the photos for more details. Thanks for looking...TIM

Most of AMT's "Modified Stockers" kits were little more than their original annual kits, with revised bodies featuring large wheel openings, gutted stocker interiors, the original kit engines and chassis plates, some additional exterior bumpers and bars, AMT drag slick tires, and a new decal sheet. This kit, however, is entirely different. Can you say mostly all new frame (except for the engraved front suspension), Halibrand Quick Change differential suspended by parallel leafs and coil overs on their own crossmember, no interior bucket but instead a detail roll cage assembly that extends into the front engine compartment and under the trunk, and a few parts (such as the Moon tank) adapted from AMT's prior 1965 Chevelle funny car? New parts include a piece of clear acetate (I think) with a tampo-printed screen overlay, and tampo printed tires. Per Model Car Kit authority and historian Mark Budniewski comparing this kit with the AMT 1965 Chevelle funny car kit tooling: "Front bumper/grille is the same save for elimination of a mounting pin on the back. Rear bumper has backup light detail eliminated for the Modified Stocker but is otherwise the same. Moon tank and valve covers are unchanged, as is the shift lever! The recent reissue kit has an "unblocked" chrome tree. The '64 rear trim piece is there, as is the front cover for the funny car's supercharger." It's a really fascinating kit...and (in the context of the 1970 introduction date and AMT's other Modified Stocker kits) a very well detailed offering, other than the early 1960's promo-type front suspension that is molded to the frame. I've always had a bad attitude about AMT's Modified Stocker kits (primarily because of how they destroyed original issue tooling), but this one is different. Almost begs a build! Check it out in the 16 images at this link and form your own opinion....TIM

Weird...mine still works. Plus there is conversation /discussion. at the end of the online-article....31 responses as of this evening. Interesting comments....most do seem to "get it". TB

Thx Mark for filling in the details! TIM

What Tony said - Steve P. has the best overall collection of car magazines and car books that I've seen anywhere in SE Michigan. If you are looking for kits, best to check out the Model Cave in downtown Ypsilanti, Michigan which is about 15 miles or so due west of Detroit Metro airport and about 2-3 minutes off I-94 expressway. Amazing selection of kits and also incredible choice of modeling supplies. John and Melissa are great hosts/owners....TIM

Entire article at the above link loads for me. Sounds like it works completely for some, not for others. I accessed on Chrome. Recommend everyone try the link at least. Or you could go to the store today and buy a copy of the newspaper itself....TIM

Interesting....the box art on this kit calls the engine a 454....and I recently learned (from Mark B. who had just reviewed the text of a future Boyd project for accuracy and omissions) that this Modified Stocker kit was actually derived from the 1965 Chevelle Funny Car AWB kit, which itself included a typical AMT Chevy Big Block/Rat Motor. As I originally recall the kit first being introduced somewhere between 1970 and 72, and the real 454 broke cover for the 1970 model year, that means the kit's engine should be a reasonable facsimile of a real 454. I plan to post pictures of the kit content of the kit in the several few days and then you can form your own judgment rather than relying on my interpretation... Best...TIM

No worries Tim. Have a great Christmas, even without the new kit! Cheers...TIM

Interesting point here...see image #15 at the link above to see what Mike is referring to....I hadn't noticed the difference myself. TIM

Rear Wheels and Tires are mostly enclosed, fronts are exposed, just as appears on the box art illustration....wheel sizes are same as the Tommy Ivo front engine rail dragster version of this same tool....TIM

No, not exactly. The McEwen kit has an additional chrome fret with a new injector new top hat, and three-piece new front airfoil that is not in the Prudhomme kit; it is molded in dark blue instead of light yellow, and of course it has an entirely different decal sheet.....TIM

At this link you will find a detailed recap of the contents of this new Round kit release, along with commentary to go along with each of the 13 large format images. That includes an image of the decal sheet, too. Hope that helps...TIM

I've got a model I built in 1969 with the AMT Garlits kit rubber belt and it still is there - and works - to this day! TIM

I believe I took those from one of the reissues of the Monogram Tom Daniel 1960 Chevy Sedan Delivery circa 1980 or so...my memory says "Bad Actor" (not located where I can double check right now). Hope that helps, Bill....TIM

Thanks everyone for taking a look and for your comments. Kinda cool to hear that a few of you remember the model from its magazine appearances nearly...yikes...40 years ago! Hope all you U.S. based folks had a happy thanksgiving with your families and best wishes to all. TIM

Monaco Police Car new parts... TIM

Jesse, totally agree with you on that chronically undersized MPC blower that was in nearly every funny car and dragster kit they did until the early 1970's. Fortunately most of us have properly sized extras in our parts box, or you can buy a great example from calnaga castings for only a few bucks....TIM

Hi Alan...greetings Mate. The Revell 1/16th is conceptually similar in design but far more detailed (as you would expect in a larger scale.) The MPC kit represents the very final evolution of the front engine dragster genre (including the longest wheelbase) before the rear engine invasion started in 1971.....the Revell kit is from the same era. Without digging out the rulers I think the Revell kit wheelbase is probably slightly shorter (in scale) than the MPC kit. BTW I recently dragged out the Revell 1/16th and marveled at what a fine job Revell (back then) did with that kit. Clearly (in my mind) the most detailed front engine dragster kit ever. Best....TIM

Here's a 16-image detailed look and commentary about the above kit, with emphasis on what's new vs. the previous two issues of this kit that originally dates from 1970. Thanks for looking....TIM

At this link you will find a detailed recap of the contents of this new Round kit release, along with commentary to go along with each of the 13 large format images. Thanks for looking....TIM