Jon Cole

All interesting historical stuff, Art. Thanks! I would draw a blank if I had to picture Japanese pre-war mass produced automobiles. Which means, someone here will post just that!

Now there's an idea! First issue, a basic "snap" kit, followed up with a full detail version. Third version, include photoetch details, and a base that represents the front of a Tucker dealership. As for the die-cast existence, I have bought plastic kits of cars I already have in diecast. One doesn't prevent me from buying the other, as long as I really want it.

Rob Ida was able to use a real Tucker to build molds of the body, and from that he cast (allegedly) 50 copies; just like the original production count. So yes, there are 50 'glass Tuckers out there making 50 owners happy.

According to what I see and experience on the road, it still isn't mandatory! "Try something new today... use your turn signal!"

Good job, Nick. May I suggest adding black to the two slots that are outboard of each headlight? That would add to the realism.

Romell, just remember, when you start that thing up, be sure to vent the exhaust gasses out of the workshop, OK?

Check the '05+ Chrysler 300 kit?

There are other possibilities...

*~pop!~* Oh well. But, it did enter. Still, I don't see the Nascar version as a viable 2nd kit version.

Oh, and one other attribute... the '48 Tucker is now a million + dollar auction/collector car. That meaning, it joins a rare club of big dollar cars. Maybe if worth more in 1:1, then maybe more worthy in plastic kit?

Correct.

Awesome! In the morning, I'm gonna zip on down to Borders to pick one up! Oh, wait...

Well, they could always make the first revision to the IDA Automotive Twin Turbo version... ...but I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for it.

You mean, that thing... is... real???

Well then, I would say it is time for us model building cave dwellers to start banging our tin cans and make some noise for the Cobra Daytona Coupe! I mean, after all, such a powerful and influencial race car should be a "no-brainer" in the current climate of our hobby, no? Yes! Academy is, for all purposes, DOA. At least as far as this kit is concerned.

The 1948 Tucker! The desire for this goes back at least as far as the AMT/ERTL surveys. It always made the list. The Tucker frequently makes current lists of most requested kits. The Tucker appears as a “Mint” die cast (actually, two different Mints do a Tucker). It is done in resin. It was the subject of a movie by Francis Ford Coppola (who, at the time, owned two real Tuckers) that starred Jeff Bridges. So when is the model kit being produced? Oh, I never said when, or even who! I can’t even say it as fact. Sorry. It’s just something I feel inside. Every year, we get a few all new tools, and with such gems as the Hornet, the Chrysler 300, the upcoming ’50 Olds… when you mix all that in with my previous comments, I just have a feeling about it. Meantime, I don’t plan to lose any sleep waiting for it, which is why I won’t be ranting on and on why they should make one. Until I do, I have plenty of other kits to keep me entertained. It’s a desire, not a reason to develop an ulcer! There is one downer in this “sure thing” I feel… that every new tool must produce several versions to maximize investment. I have no idea how the model kit could produce alternative versions. So, how about it? Do you agree? And what other ways could the tooling be “milked”?

Throw a dollar into a storm drain... throw the grate back on after they jump in.

I suspect this will mean the end to the Challenger. But I would rather look forward to the potential of a new 'Cuda. The one thing we can count on, is change.

The licensing issue really frosts my kibbles! A conference room full of suits, with some marketing wiz telling them how much charging a licensing fee will add to the bottom line, and topped off with a bunch of baloney about “Protecting their trademark”, really smacks of their ignorance of the obvious… that is, it’s free advertising for them! At one time, this was understood. But along came the boardroom suit & ties, and with no one present to defend the flip side, well, the suits once again get their way to justify their bloated salaries. The tire manufacturers really brought this subject to the forefront of our hobby, and it has permeated into all forms of business. Whew! Glad I got that off my chest. Now, where did I put my meds?

This place puts a smile on my face!

I guess the one model I like the most would be my Buick Grand Nat'l. I won a Best Paint with it, and the one I had out in the barn provided great reference. Future plans are to retrofit the stock rims back on it.

Wayne, that... is several steps beyond awesome! Thanks for sharing that.

I found two of these at a yard sale, both unbuilt. The kid told me his dad got them while on a business trip to Japan

In regards to the future of our hobby resting in 3D technology, we're not quite there yet. This is a rapid prototype 1/25 wheel for an 80's vintage Jeep Grand Cherokee. The texture is of beach sand. Someone here was kind enough to share these wheels with me, but I have doubts that I can work these to a smooth finish.

Close this down? It's just getting good! Thanks for the info on "fuselage". Learned something new here!