Chuck Most

I just smoked a near-lethal amount of crack, and I still don't see how they got from Point A to Point B on this one.

Poppy Red, Calypso Coral, Competition Orange... they were all the same color, the name just differed depending on year or model. They're all more of a red-orange than a pure red.

Figures. I just spent 45 on one of those Rambler wagons (what can I say? I really wanted one...), and now, here it is back for ten bucks less than that.

My idea seems somewhat tame compared to some of the other things being done with this kit. Basically, I'll be doing a single cab pickup conversion by cutting down the top, and making the mechanicals a bit more realistic by swapping in some doodads from a Revell Beetle (old kit, not the RoG '68/'70 version from a few years ago). Actually... I've already done some of those things... The plan is for power to come from a (possibly turbocharged) Corvair pancake six- this one came from the AMT parts pack. Not sure if I'll use the factory VW steel wheels and slicks on the back, but I am kind of leaning toward using a stock-ish VW wheel of some sort.

The original kit (the one reissued by RC2 about a decade ago) was originally a '76. Going by the grille in the reissue it's now a '78 or '79. There were two other versions- an Off Road version with a lift, bigger tires, and a custom exhaust, and it was based on the regular Scout II. There was also a kit of the open-top SSII, which had it's own grille, bucket seats, and door cutouts. The body and interior tub were unique to that version. The latter two have never been reissued. At one time Time Machine Resin repopped the SSII, but as far as I know they aren't casting anymore. They're crude kits compared to the Ertl IH heavy truck/tractor kits, and had quite a few accuracy problems, but still very buildable. Keith Marks does a couple of different factory-type stripe decals for them.

Cottage industry slowdown? I must be living on another planet, because I see no signs of it slowing down. Just because Modelhaus closed up shop doesn't mean that the entire industry is doomed.

Good job on this one! I know for a fact those bodies are prone to some terrifying warp.

I can guarantee this- when you bring this to a show you won't see fifteen others just like it. Loving the project, and it's great to see you back.

Beetle Busses should not be doing that on the carpet- has it had it's yearly medication? I am seriously digging this project.

Only thing I haven't enjoyed so far is the fit of the new-tool Mod Rod front axle to it's radius rods- that was quite a hair-puller for me. As installed on the chassis it's got quite a bit of positive caster, though that could decrease a bit depending on what tires I use and how much "rake" it ends up with. The Mod Rod version is not my thing at all, but I think I can work something out of it. I may use the blower parts from the last reissue (RC2 era) as they are chrome plated, while this version's blower parts are not. I like seeing the valve Red Ram valve covers and oil pan plated. The stock front axle, not so much, but it is what it is. The header for the vintage style hot rod still lacks the center ports and the carbs are just as unrealistic as ever, but know that you can adapt the vintage speed parts from either of the old Revell Model A kits to this engine. Better yet, swap in the entire Revell engine... it's easy to do with a little cutting and pasting. I'd actually keep the AMT transmission- not only should the locators on the frame and for the front wishbone still line up, I think it's somewhat more convincing looking than the Revell transmission, despite having fewer parts. If you look closely at the '32 grille insert, you'll notice that there's a bit of a "hunk" missing out of the grille bar engraving at the bottom left (driver's side) corner- that flaw was present on the RC2 reissue as well. Kind of a bummer when the rest of the insert is so nicely engraved. I'm going to have to dig around and see if an insert from an old AMT deuce will work in the Mod Rod shell.

x2. The Bronco was restored to stock about ten years back and reissued as an AMT/Ertl Toy Fair special release, but then again, it wasn't as extensively modified as the other two, particularly the Datsun.

I forgot to mention this earlier, but I did once buy a three-pack of AMT/Ertl pickups. I think it was a '55 Chevy, '50 Chevy, and '53 Ford, but don't quote me on that. All three kits were complete, except for the Ford, which was missing the chrome sprue. Now, there were three complete chrome sprues in the box. One for each of the other two pickups, and one for a '64 Impala! I'm guessing it was just a simple mistake on the part of whoever boxed the kit, as I seem to recall there being another gift pack that included the '64 Imp around that same time. Since I have more than a couple of spare '53 Ford sprues, I didn't bother trying to get a new once (as if I could have for a then-ten-year-old kit with an unknown history). So, I do suppose the possibility of an honest mix-up like that could occur, but no, I've never seen one of these three packs where a kit had parts omitted on purpose.

If there's a three-pack out there which includes a "de-contented" version of any included kit, I have yet to find it, and I admit to snapping up more of those three-packs than any sane person should.

Somehow we got on the subject of cars that would look mean even painted pink. The Willys coupe was mentioned, and a link to the Under Glass posting was shared.

No idea if it's been posted before, but that looks like some well-done weathering to me.

I might be able to whip up something.

Weird... the original Stephanie's Rose came up in a conversation with another modeler last night. The mini version looks great.

Thanks for the info. I remember being rather severely underwhelmed by the AMT variant when I bought it back around 2004 or so. Guess I'll be staying tuned for some in-box pics of the MPC.

I can almost smell the soft Corinthian leather...

Ditto.

By any chance would this be the tooling that this one was based on? If so... I think I'll pass.

I love it. Kind of reminds me of an International Travelall.... for those times when two doors isn't enough but four is way too many.

All I will say is JUMP ON THAT TAMIYA WRANGLER. Those are getting tough to find. It's a really nice kit to build, to boot. The '66 Riv is a fun one too- and if I recall, the lowrider has the custom bicycle that comes with it.

That's a shame to hear. He may not have a huge product line, but his quality is right up there with the likes of Norm Veber and the Holthaus clan. Super cool guy too.