tim boyd

Tim...this is just so, so sweet! Thx for keeping us in the loop as it comes together....TIM

Paul....great inspiration and execution! Way to go....TIM

Claude....this is just too cool for school! Plus, it just sings that you are having great fun with your modeling projects these days. Terrific! TB

Thanks everyone for the comments and kudos. This was a subject I've wanted to build in 1/25th for many years (decades). When I was advocating for Revell to do the 1970 Hemi 'cuda kit, I always pointed out the two obvious derivatives, the Sox and Martin Pro Stock and the AAR. And Revell I understand had it on their possibility list but wanted to see how the Hemi 'cuda kit sold before investing in the added AAR parts tooling. I was a little disappointed in the final result (tires, inaccurate side striping, et al), but found that the fixes were relatively easy and I think make a big difference in the final result. Again, thx for looking and for the feedback. Best....TIM

It ran in two consecutive issues of Model Cars Mag, sometime around 2014 IIRC. Here's an image of the chassis before the transporter body was added. I don't recall making any changes to the fuel tank from the AMT kit configuration.... Not sure if that helps, Garry, but wanted to respond to your note. Best....TIM

What Justin said! Both about the street machine versions of both kits (I would include the '57 Bel Air, the '68 Elky, the '71 Duster, and the '67 Impala), and the absolutely pathetic job the AMT-Ertl box art did at not selling/informing the features of these John Mueller era street themed tooling variations. TIM

Randy....add my kudos to the list of approvals. Really thorough paint detailing, especially the front and rear grille/tailamp & trim panel areas, factory correct color choices, and exquisite BareMetal work. Excellent photos, too. Very, very well done. My congratulations....TIM

X3....but not to be this time around. As I pointed out in my Collecting Drag Racing Model Kits book a couple of years ago, the two MPC Pinto Pro-Stocks were by a good measure the most accurate of all the MPC Pro-Stock kits. Plus, they simply looked killer (both in 1/1 and 1/25th). I've voiced my view in this with the Round 2 team. As I understand it, a lot depends on whether they could even find the inserts, as this tool saw many different forms over its past commercial life. Bottom line: don't hold your breath, unlikely we'll be seeing this one any time soon, if even at all. But Round 2 has surprised us before (*e.g. - 1968 Coronet R/T convert, et al). TB

The updated book set also had much better quality of printing of Dennis' photos...TB

... not to mention the kit's SuperDuty 534 cuibc inch V8, which was focused on the C-800 - C1000 series offerings....TB PS - kit's 534SD compared to an FE427 V8....both 1/25th scale....

David....thanks, and really glad to hear those building tips helped you with your project. Bet that B5 Hemi is looking really, really cool! TB

I agree, Bob. In the context of 1966 when the proposal was developed, it might have sold just OK in its first production but can't believe it would have had a history of good selling reissue runs afterwards. And given the various serious issues AMT Corporation was facing in late 1966/early 1967 (as detailed in several posts earlier in this thread), I just don't believe it got even a bit of serious consideration by AMT management as a viable product offering. Still, sure would have been coolllllll!!!!! TB PS - thanks guys for revisiting this thread; I don't think it got a lot of exposure first time around and in the history of AMT, this really is pretty big news to have just broadly surfaced over fifty-seven years later.

Yep, it's one of those from what I know. I can't say which one, though. Steve (or some other Round 2 spokesperson) will have to take the lead on that....TB

Here's some photos of the accurized Revell 'cuda AAR I built a couple of years ago just after Revell released their new kit of the same topic. The Revell body proportions and details were improved per my article in the Kalmbach one-off pub from December 2020 called "Muscle Cars, Resto Mods and...". All body mods were done with files and sandpaper - no body putty or filler, and these operations are well within the skill base of most readers of this forum. Paint is MCW Automotive Mopar Code FC-7 In-Violet Metallic, paired with white with black guts. The AAR graphics are from Ray's Decals and are far more accurate than the decals in the kit box. Tires are Goodyear Polyglas GT bigs'n'biggers from Round 2. Underbody is fully paint detailed, and the engine has basic wiring added including the water pump to intake manifold crossover tube that is almost never seen on scale Mopar 340 Wedge builds. The model was built without the optional console and body color bumpers, and without the "fish gill" rocker panel moldings, as were many 1/1 scale AAR's as dealers tried to keep the prices down to levels affordable by their young buyers and prospects back in 1970. The last image compares the AAR model to a kitbashed 'cuda 340 (4 barrel) built alongside the AAR. It was built with the optional console and rocker/wheel lip moldings, and finished in code EB5 Blue Fire Metallic with black guts. EB5 was one of the two colors that year that could be ordered with both matching colored front/rear painted bumpers and matching Air Grabber scoop, so i included those elements in my model. The body included all the body mods of the AAR model, plus completely reshaped fender openings and flares to more accurately replicate the real car. I believe that I posted detailed images of the 'cuda 340 here some time ago, so I won't repeat those here. Thanks for checking it out....TIM ****************

Patrick....my understanding is that the Gasser Class rules had a longstanding requirement for both a driver and passenger seat....only reason for them to be there....TB

OK guys, as promised here's a link to a post in the "WIP Drag Racing" folder with about 15 photo excerpts from the 70 how-to images I just posted at my Fotki site, along with a link to all those 70 images. About 50 of the 70 show the model and its components in various stages of assembly. They will give you an excellent idea of how the kit is designed and how it comes together, along with my take on the kit and its assembly fun factor. Hope this adds some to the knowledge base on this old MPC project. It was a cool one! TB ...and the "family album" of some of the Ohio George drag racing kits for your viewing pleasure.....

About 12-15 years ago, I did a step-by-step buildup of the old MPC Ohio George Montgomery Multi-Maverick along with captions and posted it at the old Hobby Heaven Message Board. As far as I know, that series of posts is long-gone, but I do have pictures showing the build-up still accessible. In response to some questions about this kit posted in the Car Kit News/Reviews section of MCM Forum, I am posting a link here to my Fotki Album with 70 images for your perusal. About 50 of the images show various stages of the construction, while the rest are photos of the completed model as a whole along with closeup shots of the various finished components under the skin, so to speak. As you will see, the model was built box stock other than my own color scheme and a decision not to apply the kit decals. I remember the kit being exceptionally well detailed compared to most of MPC's other late 1960's/early 1970's drag racing kits, and it being a very fun build project. Posted below are about 15 of the images from the 70 total at the above-referenced build album link. Unfortunately, the captions that went with the original photos are long gone, but most of you can figure out for yourself what is going on here. Let me know if you have any questions and I'll do my best to respond. Thanks for looking! TIM ****** Remember, about 50+ more images of the step by step buildup and completed models at the link above....TB

Correctamundo on both the car and the model kit....TB

Give me a day or so and I will post a link to 54 photos of this kit, both under construction and completed. Best....TB

Scott....I unassembled the Hobby Heaven Multi-Maverick reissue back in the 000's and posted the build on-line at the Hobby Heaven (now Spotlight Hobbies) board. Nice kit. Did not try to use the "switch back and forth" WB and fender option, though. Will find some pictures and post them here later on.... All...wanted to note that though the real car, and the kit, were most comparable to a funny car in design and appearance, the real car was orginally designed to compete in the Gasser class.... TIM

OK, here is the complete list of parts used for this project! Hope this helps (or at least generates more conversation (smile)). TB ******************* Sources: Revell ’48 Ford Chopped Custom Coupe 3 in 1 #85-4253 (issued in 2011): Body, hood, windshield, headlights and headlamp bezels, basic interior components, floor pan, etc. AMT/Ertl ’53 Ford Pickup Street Machine #6341 (issued in 1991): Frame, rear suspension/axle/differential (also optional choice for front suspension assembly), exhaust headers. Note: this same frame and suspension are found in all issues of MPC’s 1957 Chevy Gasser and 1953 Ford Pickup kits, which were each reissued several times, most recently as the Model King reissue of the MPC “Spirit of ‘57” Chevy circa 2006. Revell K. S. Pittman ’41 Willys Drag Coupe #85-4990: Front suspension assembly, rear ladder bars, roll bar, steering wheel and column, gas pedal, shifter, bucket seats (from tow kits), exterior door handles, rear tube bumper and brackets, parachute. Note: Revell’s prior John Mazmanian #85-2350 and Stone Woods and Cooke #85-2032 (black car) ’41 Willys kits both have these same components; Revell’s original Stone Woods and Cook “Swindler II” (blue car) kit dating from 1963 and its many reissues are based on an entirely different kit. AMT/Ertl ‘67 Mustang GT/GTA and 1967 Shelby GT500 kits (first issued in 1994/95 and reissued multiple times since, we used #31550 issued in 2002): basic engine and transmission assembly AMT/Ertl Surf Woody “Buyer’s Choice” #31921 (issued in 2003; prior versions of this kit date from the mid-late 1960’s and are very expensive collectibles): cross-ram intake manifold, carbs, valve covers, “Shelby” deep sump oil pan. Note: A similar cross-ram intake, carbs, and dual air cleaners can be found in Round 2’s AMT ’66 Mustang kit # 794-12 (currently available) MPC ’69 Charger 500 #6284 (issued in 1987), MPC ’69 Charger Daytona #6278 (issued in 1990): Instrument panel. Note: the same parts are found in MPC’s 1968-1970 Charger annual kits which are expensive collectibles; however he later MPC reissues referenced above sell at very reasonable prices from the usual old kit sources. Revell Tony Nancy “22 JR” Roadster and Dragster Double kit #85-1224: Rear Wheels and Tires AMT/Ertl ‘76 Chevy Caprice with Trailer # 38454 (issued in 2006); #3001 (issued in 1999 and 2001) Front wheels. Note: the same wheels are found in MPC’s 1968-1972 Corvette annual kits, and are likely available from aftermarket resin casters Mark Budniewski: Pontiac “drag car” scoop (originally a Ford HD truck item); mbudniewski@aol.com Slixx Decals Rat Rod and Nose Art 1 #RRNA1-7136: all exterior decals except Mooneyes. www.slixx.com. Note: item is not currently in the Slixx catalog as this is written Tamiya #TS-29 Semi-Gloss Black; #TS-79 Semi-Gloss Clear Testors Metalizer paints in five different colors, Testors Dull-Cote Parts Box: Carburetor air intake horns, ’39 Ford teardrop tailamp lenses, front tires

Heh....thanks Bill. I do recall you (I think it was you) having been very outspoken (and also correct) about the chassis stance/rake of most 1960's era Gassers, and as seen in this model and based on my own recollections of back in the day, I very much agreed with your position on this subject! TB

OK guys, so I had to go look up my reprint of the online only build article from the other model mag's publisher. It appeared only on their website starting on December 11, 2012, so I guess the nearly ten years since then is reason enough for my memory to less than perfect. ( As that website is now gone, so is the article.... ) If I can find the original text document, I will copy and repost here the detailed list of parts sources here. In the meantime, the highline chassis summary is that the Revell KS Pittman Willys (as Brian suggested above) and the MPC '53 F-100 Flip Front kit (which has the same chassis/running gear as their MPC '57 Chevy Bel Air two door sedan flip front as Dennis mentioned) were the two most key sources for my build. Six other kits contributed parts as well. So....stand by for possible further updates! TIM

Thanks Dennis, Dave, Gary, Scott....and....Scott! ' ******************* Dennis....yes, that was my reaction too. But when you are writing for the mags, and the mag reader feedback is.....well, I had to keep that in mind for future projects. Surprisingly enough, it came not only from more mainstream/less advanced builders, but also from a name or two I think a number of you would recognize and who I still, to this day, highly respect for their modeling talent, and in once case, for his personal friendship. I think also today people are more aware of the outcome down the road (when trying to sell a kit) of having sourced just a part or two from that box when building their latest project. And there is so much good stuff in the aftermarket that you don't really need to raid the kit inventory like we used to do. (Yep, I am rationalizing here....smile.) Of course, back in the MPC national contest days we could have cared less. It was always (at least for me), look through your entire kit inventory and choose the single part that was the most detailed and best application for the future contest winner taking shape on your desk...! Best to you all....TIM

If you haven't checked out Roger Hayes' cool '32 Chevy Cabrio hot rod completion, do it first. Then you can look at two of my three builds based on this tooling. Mine were built in the mid 1970's, right around 1980, and lastly, around 1990 or so. More details and images here: (images 68-74): Boyd Phaeton/Touring, Cabriolet, and Convertible Hot Rods album | Funman1712 | Fotki.com, photo and video sharing made easy. More images and details here (images #20-34): Boyd Roadster Hot Rod Pickups album | Funman1712 | Fotki.com, photo and video sharing made easy. Sadly, looks like I don't have any digital images of the third build, the original MPC "1933 Sedan Delivery" kit, but I believe this was featured in an abbreviated buildup in my Street Rodder Modeler's Corner column around 1980 or 1981. Thanks for looking, and again, my kudos to Roger on his recent completion....TIM