Chuck Most

Go back and poke through SAE's annual 'most wanted new release' polls, then do a quick inventory of what has actually been introduced over the last couple of decades. In fact, I posted something about that a while back- http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=49545&hl=lunatics&fromsearch=1 Obviously, the kit manufacturers DO listen... they don't just pull subject matter out of thin air. And at least one kit manufacturer takes what online forum members have to say quite seriously (cough, cough, Moebius), as they have formed a habit of posting test shot photos and asking the forum members for their input. And quality is much improved- lack of tire lettering aside, the kits introduced the last decade or so pretty much blow away the stuff we were getting even in the late '90's as far as detail and accuracy go. That would never have happened if the manufacturers had not paid heed to the 'serious' adult modelers. I think the kit manufacturers deserve a great deal more credit for listening to what we have to say and following through than we may give them sometimes.

True, but a Merc would look silly with pasties.

Exactly. One change begets another. And another. And another...

When you can actually find one for sale? Yes. This transkit is a bargain at half the price.

That's the one thing that's stalled the few diecast-based projects I've had on the table. You've heard the 'Chinese puzzle' metaphor? It applies. Granted, the same can be said for plastic kits with lots of opening panels, but plastic is a bit more forgiving to work with than diecast metal.

Basically a repop of the original Ertl variant of its stock SSII kit, cleanly molded in white resin. It of course features the door cutouts of the 1:1, with a unique body tub to match... The SSII-specific grille with its vertical spats (an oh-so-subtle flick under the chin at Jeep, perhaps?) The SSII-spec bucket seats and interior tub/chassis casting round things out. I used parts box mirrors and a rollbar from a Revell Jeep J-10 to finish mine off. An AMT/Ertl Scout II reissue supplies everything else. I added the missing hood peak and subtly reshaped the hood and top edge of the grille, as the Ertl parts aren' correctly shaped. I also added a few missing body panel cut lines on the front splash apron, cowl, and taillamp panels. Those ommissions on the body aren't Time Machine's fault- they were absent on the Ertl kits as well. Very nice little transkit, and adapts to the kit parts with zero fuss. Now I just wish somebody would reproduce the parts for Ertl's third Scout II variant, the 'Off Road' version!

At least Revell made up their minds... the AMT kit has an automatic shifter, but it also has a clutch pedal.

I'd hate to be Don Holthaus. He has a really nice cubside resin kit, but that just won't cut it for some! I seriously doubt I'd personally buy one (unless I got the itch to build one of Ida's 'Lower 48' customs), but for all the times I've seen this one brought up in 'most wanted' polls and mentioned in 'wish they made x' conversations, I don't doubt it would be at least a modest success.

'Why?' comes to mind....

Jim built something shiny? The devil you say! Very nice, on a serious note.

I will never protest a kit being built, and I've got a soft spot for Mercurys, so this project has my personal blessing.

http://adaptivestrategies.com/Asanti_Stone_Series_Wheels.html

You had my attention with 'burlesque'.

I'm thinking of building a Prostar in that exact configuration to tow the Great Dane. Well, I MIGHT hang onto the aluminum wheels.

I'm sorry, but I don't see a dying hobby at all. Is it as huge as it was in the '60's? From what I've seen and heard, no it isn't. But what it lacks in sheer size, compared to where it used to be, it more than makes up for in diversity and subject matter. So, yes, I see a more focused (selective, perhaps?) market than in the past, but by no means dead or dying. People have been building miniature replicas of vehicles long before the invention of the old annual kits... before cars,even. That's going to continue, whether kits are available or not.

Suppose my favorite necktie is snakeskin?

Nice! Especially love the car hauler, and all the trucks loaded onto it.

Love all of them, but I have to say I keep going back to this one-

Best use of this kit I've seen in a good long time.

I can live with molded wipers and door handles- scripts (especially very faintly-engraved ones) are what bother me. I like the idea of supplying them as photoetch pieces, or perhaps as a rub-on metal transfer, which might be a bit more user friendly compared to PE. Probably a bit more costly as well, now that I think of it.

Awesome! Another Matador. I'm voting for wheel choice #1.

Painted red it would look like the one that tried to kill Lisa Simpson.

I will add one other thing- aside from the too-wide axle, if you aren't careful attaching the side steps, they'll contact the tires.

Awesome! I kept hearing Adam Sandler's Buffoon character saying "I got a snake, mang!" the whole time I was looking at the photos.

Like them all, but love that '61. First time I've seen the kit's custom front end actually put to use.