tim boyd

Before this new production run, Round 2 had the factory remove all the plugged runners to see what was really in the tool. Very little of the original Rayson-Craft parts remained, and most of those were already present in the 2005 Model King Bonneville/Kindsvater Boat reissue (such as one of the two FE 390 Interceptor valve covers). Of course, personally I'd love to see new/clone parts for the entire Rayson Craft version, but I don't think that will ever happen given the other possible "clone" kit topics that would have a so much braoder market appeal....TB

To build on Patrick's comment....the 1973 Fed requirement was 5mph front/ 2.5mph rear bumper impacts, followed by 5mph front and 5mph rear bumpers. This was a huge hit to the auto makers as this demanded all sorts of unplanned and unfunded engineering and production resources to bring to market, plus the detrimental impact on design (witness the tragedy of the 1973 Torino front end vs. the super-cool 1972 Torino treatment). Some of the cars were given a partial pass by allowing the big rubber impact pads, but only for 1973/74. On the Mopars that featured this approach, you'll notice the rear bumper guards were smaller in 1973, and as big as the front pads in 1974. I considered this approach to be so much better than the "railroad tie" execution found on most Fords and some GM vehicles during those two model years. Plus, you could order the Mopars with a chrome bumper extension/pad holder that reduced the visual impact of the pads, as I did on my factory ordered '[74 RR. Of course, none of the promised savings on insurance actually materialized, the bumpers added weight and cost and reduced gas mileage, et al, et al. Out of respect for our hosts here, I will spare my perspective on Federal involvement in car design....TB

As for the Aqua Rod, in addition to having proper kit box art themed decals (the originals were nicely designed but poorly manufactured), I suggested that Round 2 consider adding a second set of decals based on the original AMT Sales Catalog illustration/announcement imagery/illustration of this then-upcoming kit. Don't know if that will make the final cut or not, but if it does, bet we see a bunch of the Kindsvater boats and Chevy Van tow vehicles with that livery on the model tables.... TB

Nicely done, Chuck! Mainstreamers forever!!!! TB

With respect to this post and to Steve's post directly after James' comment, let's not forget to include Revell in our rant. I bought five of the reissue of the '30A 5W Hot Rod, all from differing retailing/distribution sources, and at different times. I found that not only did the retooled '32 Highboy frame have multiple surfaces that were not polished after the EDM tooling process, but that the feed points for the frame were relocated vs. the original tooling in such a way that when combined with either removing the parts from the tool too quickly or as a result of polybagging the parts before they were fully cooled, of the five kits, only one had a '32 frame that was not warped. Two others had a frame that would be usable with some builder tweaking, the other two were not usable at all. I've not seen any other forum comments on the lack of polished surfaces, but fortunately sounds like most others who bought the reissue kits did not see the level of frame warping that I did. But still.... TB

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