tim boyd

Mike....I can't speak for others who have reviewed test shots, but in my experience with one project in particular, Dave and I spent considerable time going over, initially the CAD drawings, and much later on the first round test shots. Extensive refinements were made based on our discussions, and (presumably) input from others. My experience is a bit unique in that I spent the last 13 years of my career working alongside some of the top automotive design executives in the industry. I thought I knew a lot about design before this time (I did), but there was even more I didn't know that I learned subsequently from this experience. Bottom line, calipers and photos from measuring sessions are a help, but the actual observation of 3D properties from a learned perspective also becomes a crucial step in the development process, particularly with the intricacies of automotive designs. It is from that perspective that I provided my own input. To be clear, in my input to Moebius, I was not asked to assemble test shots, and therefore I was not personally aware of fit issues like the issues that some have reported on the 1961 Pontiac Ventura kit. While there are areas to legitimately criticize on individual kit projects, I have personally been really, really impressed by some of the 'extra effort' the Moebius team has put into their model kit projects. Right now I am building an A-990 Super Stock from their 1965 Belvedere series, and so far I find it a very impressive effort, and have been a little surprised about how easy and simple the assembly process has gone - so far. Thanks for your comments and observations....TIM

From time to time all the domestic kit manufacturers contact me on various subjects, and I've found that of them all, Dave is the most likely to ask for feedback, including sometimes providing very early test shots to subject matter experts for a given kit topic. Much of this input is provided with no public knowledge, and it does result in better kits on the market, at least in my very limited experience with Moebius. No kits are perfect, and Moebius has had its share of quality/fit/finish issues, but given the realities of today's market (very low sales volume, pricing pressure [as mentioned in various posts above], product development and manufacturing sources located half way around the world and 12 hours ahead of us that speak an entirely different language, not to mention a comparatively tiny product development staffing model when compared to past decades), I think they do a very admirable job there. But I just want to clarify that Dave and Moebius do a comparatively large degree of seeking of outside subject matter expert feedback, at least based on my personal experience. Thanks....TIM

Recommend you check out the cover story in the current issue of the other model car magazine; it addresses your question.....TIM

The optional two-part headers and cowl induction air cleaner in the AMT '66 Impala kit BBC are dead ringers for published pictures of the original "Mark II" 427 engine that was in the 1963 Chevy NASCAR racers until 'the plug was pulled'. Those parts are the same ones pictured in Gerry's post above. TIM

That's the one.....thanks Gerry, and thanks Mark for clarifying that this setup was not in the annual kit version. TIM

Factory correct or no, I'd build mine with the matching front wheel flares. FWIW, my understanding is that Revell worked with a recognized first gen Bronco expert in producing both versions of the tool. TIM

Thanks for clarifying, Bill. Now I can put that Manx buggy back on the shelf with pride....well not really pride, but a sense of restored authenticity. And thanks Scott for asking the question...I wondered about that myself. TIM

Guys....what I am recalling was a totally different setup than the one in the MPC '70 Impala. Just checked...it was in the 1983 reissue of the MPC 1972 Chevelle kit. I don't have the original annual kit issue, but I recall being told by someone whom I trust in these matters that it was also in that kit. (It was not in the "SS Slasher" reissue of the kit.) The layout has two turbos, each mounted on the top side outlet of the left and right exhaust manifolds. The fresh air output of each turbo is routed directly to one side (front or back, respectively) of the mid-rise manifold used also used in the "dual quads" street machine version (no carbs in between the turbo and the intake manifold). The fresh air is routed to the turbos by some ducting running from inlets at the front of the engine to the turbos, with some very basic plumbing possibly hinting at some form of fuel injection. I suspect that the layout is lacking at least some accuracy/authenticity. TIM

Interesting....the Ford C-Series is one of those near-timeless Industrial Designs that remained successful for decades beyond its intended design life. Same thing could be said for Ford's "Louisville Line" medium and heavy trucks first introduced in 1969 and produced (in updated form) through the 1990's.... TIM

Round 2 is aware of the "50 years" vs. "60 years" being the correct number for the Edsel kit...and apparently will correct the next run of the kit. I'm not gonna defend them for bloopers like this, but like most hobby organizations, they run very, very fast with a very lean staffing approach. That's what the hobby business supports these days. I've certainly made "head slapper" mistakes like this; I suspect we all have at some point, particularly when we are moving really quickly under a very long "to do" list. TIM

Trusting my memory here (always a risky bet without checking to make sure, but assuming it is correct (this time)), the MPC 1972 Chevelle SS annual kit and a number of reissues had a BB dual turbocharger option in the kit. I don't recall whether it was factually correct in its plumbing but it was a real eye catcher.... TIM

Scott and all...apparently it is on their radar screen....(from what I understand, no definitive plans at this time, but as I just said, it is on their radar screen).....TIM

Bob....way, way cool idea, and a fine model build as well.....TIM

At least it looks like I got this one (more or less) correct......this of course is the AMT 1969 Corvair engine.....TIM

Ooopppsss...back to the drawing board with this model.....nah....once they're done, they're done, flaws and all.....TIM

Mike....sharp car, and some really tasty mods, too!!! BTW...if you still have your SVT certificate of originality you will see my signature at the bottom... Cheers and congrats on keeping and enjoying your car for so long....TIM

Mark is correct on this one. AMT faced severe financial difficulties around 1970, and struggled for several years until the Semi-Truck kits rescued them for a while. Then they were hit with the rising cost of plastic (due to the Arab oil embargo) and increased labor costs (the UAW represented the work force at the Troy, Michigan factory). All these factors, plus a new, very business oriented President, weighed on the decisions to simplify many of the kits as Mark describes. This was also the period in which many of the old Trophy Series kits were revised to eliminate many of the extra building parts and versions. In more recent years, starting with the early AMT-Ertl years, and picking up with the Round 2 era, some of these simplification actions have been reversed. TIM

I got a look at the test shot of this full-detail kit a couple of months ago. We were rushed and I could not study it closely, but my impression after a quick look mirrors Bob's and Dave's statements. It appeared to be a highly detailed kit with full underbody/chassis/engine detail. Everything a full detail model builder would want. My preliminary thoughts are that the kit will be a winner. TIM

Kinda reminds me of today's Model Cave in Ypsilanti Michigan (located between Detroit and Ann Arbor). Well worth a trip if you are in the area.....TIM

I've got a view on this. For the most accurate color, go with MCW Automotive Finishes Go-Mango, or one of the other real car paint vendors. However, the Testors Model Masters Lacquer #28106 is a very close match. Not perfect, but very close, especially in 1/25th scale. Testors did offer an enamel Go-Mango years ago; that color was not even close in my experience and should be avoided. TIM

I got a very brief look at the new front end of the Revell Boss 302 (test shot) a few weeks ago and it looked to me a major improvement. Want to study it in detail (when the final kit comes out) to make a definitive judgment, but was encouraged by what I saw......TIM

Didn't take the time to re-read this thread from the start, so if this is a repost I apologize in advance. Here's the link to a complete set of photos of the Kenworth Challenge Transit Mixer AMT Kit assembly instructions, courtesy of a truck kit enthusiast in the Netherlands.... http://public.fotki.com/modeltrucks25thscale/truckkit_instructions/amt/t559_kenworth_chall/ TIM

Casey....yeah....I vaguely recall photos like that too. Yeah again...anyone who fancies themselves a serious model car builder needs to get to the International Model Car Museum at some point in their life. It is an amazing place to be sure. TIM

To the best of my knowledge, the Riley Two-Port engine option has been included in all versions/releases of this kit tool. If anyone reading this is unfamiliar with this engine, the lead article in the current issue of the other model car magazine shows the engine in component as well as completed form. TIM

Here's a photo of the original 1/10th scale master for Revell's stillborn 1/25th scale 1953 Studebaker kit. After the kit was cancelled, the master was rejiggered (including front and rear wheels moved forward in A/FX style) for the "Miss Deal" release in 1967. This artifact is on display at the International Model Car Museum near Salt Lake City, Utah. TIM More from the International Model Car Museum at this link.....