tim boyd

Emmanuel....that is one sharp Elky model....one that captures very well the potential of this kit. Really like the pictures with the garage and gas pump as well.....TIM

....builder of extremely well done muscle car era models, who also used to build for contract customers as well. Last contact I had with him was about 15 years ago, when he lived in Arizona. I need to reach him for a business-related purposed.....TIM

A discussion of this subject should probably also include the factory stock Henderson (as near as I can determine) four cylinder motorcyle that only came in the second release of the MPC '32 Chrysler Roadster (the release with the brown/white bisected background box art with the c. 1966 -style MPC box art and the car illustrated in brown).....TIM

Bill....in response to one of your earlier comments in this thread, when it gets down to it, I agree with you that on an Elky, a vinyl roof seems a bit over the top. Interestingly, when I did a Google Image Search on '68 Elky's a few days ago, I was surprised at the number of images that included a vinyl top. So you and I may be the exception rather than the rule on this one.....but then again, any results based on a Google Image search have to be viewed with a great deal of, well, I was gonna say skepticism, but let's just adjust that to "caution". Secondly, that is a really, really interesting approach using liquid glue or MEK to bring that "memory"back to the surface in lieu of a beautifully applied lacquer paint job inadvertently doing the same thing. Using a paint sealer like that from MCW Automotive Finishes has also worked for me, but I always hesitate to add another layer of paint, particularly when dealing with heavily engraved bodies of 1960's/70 restored stock kits. I'll definitely be giving this a try. Thanks....TIM

Steve, thanks for the follow-up here....yes I should have said "New and Improved" as that is the version that I use. Recently I read that the "New and Improved" sticker had been dropped from the packaging (though I don't recall having seen that at the stores myself), so it might appear in either form. TIM

Charlie.....the old, original BareMetal Foil is still available and I use it exclusively,as I experienced somewhat of the same issues you did with the Ultra-Bright product. TIM

Tim In response to Jonathan's questions: I have some questions for you before I go any further 1. Did you really send my comments to Round 2 and get a response directly about them?2. Exactly who at Round 2 did send my comments to?3. Exactly what was the response to your comments? To Jonathon and others following this thread: 1. Yes, I sent your comments to Round 2, and yes they responded to me with their reaction. 2 Who I sent the comments to is confidential. 3. I will not quote the response word for word as that is also confidential. But to summarize, your comments were forwarded by the recipient to several other people in the company who do product development for their information, along with a request to see if your suggestion on the decals could be incorporated in future kit releases. It also said that they disagree with your assessment of some of the parts locating tabs, and that they assembled several test shots and worked with the supplier to finesse those areas (this is pretty typical of all kit manufacturers, from my experience) prior to the kit's release. In my post I raised the issue about unjustified pro-Japanese product bias as I experienced it firsthand in my automotive career, and to my consternation I still see it surface from time to time on this and other model car related forums. No one manufacturer or country of origin has a lock on product development expertise, be it 1/1 automotive or 1/24th-25th scale model car kits. And just because one kit manufacturer has ultra-precise fit and finish does not automatically make them superior to another kit manufacturer who sweats the effort to include additional parts, and underbody realism that may not be seen in the final assembled model. It was not, and is not, my intent to discredit or undermine your experience as a model kit builder, and I apologize if that is the impression I gave you with my comments. But I will continue to challenge posts on this board and elsewhere that, in my judgement, continue to contribute to a perception that Japanese-designed model kits are always superior per se to those from domestic manufacturers. I understand that this is not a popular position to take on this board, but it is my belief and I stand by it As to the kit itself, I do not have any personal vested interest in it, other than to publicize the extent of the "full detail" component of the kit, and to encourage Round 2, if sales warrant it, to expand the approach to other 1/1 scale products such as the current and future generations of Mustangs. If that happens, it would address what both you and I (and many others) would like to see - more post 1980's kit subjects done with the detail that we as serious modeling hobbyists want to see. Meanwhile, I applaud and encourage the comments from all who have built the kit, including you and Ron, as it helps to bring a well-rounded view of the kit to the modeling community. This is not to suggest that one person's conclusions are more valid than another's. To the contrary, as Luc suggests above, it would be even better if others who have built the kit could share their experiences with us. Best Regards....TIM

Luc....Round 2 tells me that they specifically worked with the supplier during the test shot phase to finesse the fit of part locating tabs/holes, and the like. I believe Jonathon when he said he encountered fit problems, yet Ron didn't have seem to have a major issue either. Strange.....as you suggest, we could benefit from more feedback from those that have built the kit. It reminds me of my experiences with a certain tool from a Round 2 competitor....I've built probably 12 models so far from the two kit variants, and I've been surprised at the variations in ejector pin marks, sink marks, parting lines, and the like in every kit that I open and build. Some samples approach near perfection, others end up needing work. There seems to be no specific pattern. I wonder something if similar could be at work that would explain the variation between the kits that Jonathon and Ron built? (Just so we are clear, to my understanding the kits I am referring to and built, came from a different manufacturing source than the one that Round 2 uses for molding their kits).....TIM

Ron....looks very sharp indeed. And thanks for sharing your experience......

Allen....I too would have preferred that the street machine engine accessories be in there, but for those that are not aware, there's more to the street machine version than just that supercharged (B&M? - I can't quite remember the aftermarket manufacturer it was patterned after although I have it somewhere in my notes....). The street machine version also included a revised pickup floor bed, and pickup box side panels with mini-tubs, not to mention the entirely different wheel and tire treatments and probably a few other tweaks that I can't recall right now. I presume the street machine engine parts were intertwined with the other street machine parts in the tool, making just the engine parts alone not feasible as an add for this kit release. Of course, Round 2 has added the entire trees from both versions of AMT-Ertl era kits in past releases ('60 Starliner, '62 T-Bird, '62 Catalina), so who knows what might be in store for the future. Several of the model magazine guys tell me that El Caminos and Rancheros do not generate much interest from readers,; whether that carries over to purchases of El Camino and Ranchero model kits I do not know. But I haven't had any success over the years in getting Revell to do a '70 Ranchero GT with the 429 Ram Air spinoff of their excellent '70 Torino Cobra/GT tool, and we still haven't seen a Ranchero spinoff from the '57 Ford Custom/Del Rio too, so that may tell us something If this is indeed the case, this AMT 68 Elky may end up being the last kit of its kind....which is kinda sad. Still, it's a really good kit in and of itself.... TIM

Chris, you are, of course, correct in that there were two issues of the basic '69 El Camino kit. The original issue (without the Derby car) was the "annual" kit version...I need to check my stash but I believe that is the same as the one you are referring to. I thought I made this clear in the Fotki post but I better go back and check! Thanks for the heads-up.....TIM

Some of you may recall AMT's original "Flying Wedge" derivative of their Tommy Ivo rear engine (actually, more correctly Mid-Engine) rail dragster, released back in December, 1972. Round 2 has just completed a reissue of this kit in their "Original Art Series" format. There are some surprises in this kit, including an all-new three piece body. During his review of the project with me last weekend, Round 2's John Grezcula also mentioned that there would be more versions (with additional body variations) in the future based on this redone kit tool. Check out this review for 28 images with captions for the whole story. Here's an excerpt shot from the review, showing the new body panels (in orange) vs the original kit configuration (in white)..... By the way, the kit should be available in stores within the next few weeks.....TIM

Jonathon and Bob - as I promised, Jon's comments have been forwarded to Round 2. While they obviously do not agree with some of your conclusions, they will take a serious look at adding the side marker lights and CHMSL decals, as you suggest, to future versions of this tool. And I bet they'll follow through with that, too And as Bob says, I think you will see some of the other suggestions migrate to future full detail kits (if they decide to go in this direction, which obviously, I hope they do). TIM

With all due respect, it is highly relevant. And my review was of the kit itself, not of the assembled model. Go back and re-read my review, here's the link. Also note that I said in the intro "as usual, I caution against making any definitive determinations until you've bought the kit and built it for yourself. I also can't comment on fit and assembly, although this is typically not an issue with current CAD-based model kit development." That's one of the reasons I am so interested in Jonathon's comments, as well as those of others who have actually built the kit. TIM TIM

Jonathon, thanks for your comments. As I've always said, the most legitimate verdict on any kit is after you've built it. And on that basis, your conclusion above holds a good deal of validity with me. On the other hand, as someone who has observed your posts over the years here, it seems to me that you may be among those builders who summarily favor import designed kits over those of the domestic manufacturers. As someone who worked for 35 years in the domestic auto industry, I observed many times where foreign-designed cars were favored over domestic-designed cars without adequate justification, and I believe the same bias in favor of imports exists among some in the model building community. As such, I personally reject point blank any statement or inference that Tamiya kits are always superior to domestic-designed kits ( I am not suggesting that you made this statement, but I know some people do feel this way). There are cases, of course, where Tamiya kits are clearly superior, but not all. And so I take any critique such as this with a bit of caution. Still, having not built the kit myself, I find your comments instructional and informative, and in some cases worthy of follow-up should Round 2 pursue additional full detail kits (I will try to make sure they see your observations). Other comments you make - such as suggesting this is nothing more than a snap kit with an engine added, and that the extra rear suspension detail is not desirable, I personally summarily reject. How about others following this thread? Who else has built the Round 2 Full Detail Camaro kit? What is your verdict? Do you agree with Jonathon's conclusion? Thanks.....TIM ************************* PS, personally, I have many Japanese-designed kits, including some from Tamiya, in my own stash. I was also one of the very first in the States to have received two of the 300SL kits, and I am still hopeful that they will decide to do the Ferrari Berlinetta Lusso at some point in the future. TB .

In the April, 2014 issue of Model Cars magazine, I did an in-depth article on the history of 1/25th scale El Camino kits. Now there is a new chapter in that kit history, and all is revealed with 31 images and captions at this link.... and make sure to read the captions for some interesting tidbits along the way, too! And as always, thanks for looking....TIM

Miracles do sometimes happen.....it's amazing what Round 2 has found lurking in the old AMT tooling bank (for example, the original T500 California Hauler and more recently, the Soap Box Derby racer). A few years ago, no one I know of would have thought these tools still existed. If one of these "bonus kit" type things does eventually resurface as a new reissue, my guess is that it would more likely re-appear as a Bonus for some other kit release....e.g. a bonus for one of the old-time AMT or MPC pickup toolings that we already know exists. Similar to what they just did with the Soap Box Derby kit combined with the Mueller-era '68 El Camino SS. Much less likely, IMHO, would be a stand-alone parts pack offering. Bottom line on this one....never say never would be my advice. Time will tell if that advice has any legitimacy in this case......TIM

I've got the same Air-Trax kit too.....hope to build it someday as the '69 300 convertible. My dad bought a '69 Chrysler Town and Country wagon new, and believe it or not, it included the 300 interior components...... As for the color....there was very rare 1971 Mopar C-body factory color called "Mood Indigo". Kind of like Plum Crazy combined with deep midnight blue...yielding a very deep violet color. It was available RPO on the Plymouth Fury/Dodge Monaco-Polara, but was discontinued fairly early in the model run because there were so dealer/customer orders.....under 1,000 across both model lines IIRC. I got my Mood Indigo paint from MCW Automotive Finishes......TIM

Man I like your building style Dennis. Simply superb so far! TIM

Bill......really like that way of mocking up the rear end and placing the crossmember accordingly. Also, heartily endorse the use of "props" (e.g., in this case the scale concrete blocks) in the photos. Best......TIm

X2!!!! TIM

Here is the AMT Triumph Bonneville Salt Flats version and the Go-Kart Salt Flats version as pictured in a cover story of Model Cars magazine a few years back. All the details on these two kits were spilled out in that story.... And here's the "restored stock" version of the AMT Triumph 1962 model year Bonneville bike (these are VERY collectible in the 1/1 scale motorcycle community these days), and also "au-currant" in the Rat Rod/Traditional Hot Rod movement..... And finally, here's the third version of the Triumph (it was pitched as "3 in 1") which is a mildly hopped up stock bike with the racing seat, a different taillight,....and.always grinned that they call the ape-hangers "Crazy Bars" in the instructions posted by Casey above..... Hope that helps build the knowledge base on these kit accessories...TIM

John....that is a really fascinating subject for a model, and a great opportunity for you to demonstrate once again your modeling talent....which you have very convincingly so. In addition to the outstanding model, I really like your low-angle outdoor pictures - they really lend a realistic background that makes the onlooker do a double-take and ask - is that real or a model? Congratulations TIM

Bob..you are correct on the hard badging letters on the trunk lid, as seen in this picture of mine below....I thought you were referring to the birds which I understood to be the trademarked items from Warner Brothers......again, other than the IP badging, I believe all the cartoons were tape graphics. Now...makes me wonder if the road runner letters on the deck are decalized or engraved on the latest release.....TIM PS - for anyone building a 1969-74 Road Runner, the old Testors Light Purple spray is a close match for the purple "voice of the Road Runner" beep-beep horn in the engine compartment..TIM

From what I recall from my own car, the 1/1 scale '74 Road Runner exterior had decals of the Road Runner; there was no 3d RR badging or emblems whatsoever other than perhaps the emblem on the far right/passenger of the instrument panel (I let my 1/1 scale go about 26 years ago so the interior memory is a little vague). Without digging the latest (steel box) issue out of storage, my recollection is that it had all or almost all the (depending on the stripe colors) necessary RR decal/livery to accurately replicate the 1/1 car. So with the engraved RR emblems smoothed off the body as Bob mentions above, that actually makes the most current issue the most accurate one yet. TIM