SteveG

It's got the original decals and the narrow style Free Whelin' graphics too. You can see them on the box bottom if you look closely. -Steve

No, it's definitely not the "big" announcement that's been teased. That subject is being fully cloned can't be built factory stock. The '66 T-bird reissue is part of larger ongoing tooling restoration, Improvement and expansion project. We're also working on new Parts Pack tire and wheel sets and new decal sheets. -Steve

Here's a preview of the AMT1328 1966 Thunderbird Convertible - Hardtop kit which now includes a restored Sport Roadster style Tonneau cover not seen since the very first annual issue in 1966. Also added is a set of new tooling Roadster style wire wheels, almost identical to the modern tool 62 T-bird wheels but specifically designed fit the annual style wheel backs. Look for these Wheels to also be available in their own special Tire and Wheel Parts Pack which I'll have more details on soon. This should be out late third or early fourth quarter of this year. -Steve

Decal sheet has been expanded to include some Ford Free Wheelin' graphics, beyond that I'm not aware of any changes -Steve

AMT1304 Wild Hoss '78 Ford Bronco should be on the water by next week. So, you're looking at Mid-August most likely before they're available. -Steve

Right now, my focus is on getting the design work completed so we can get the "First Edition" kit version out soon as possible. Ford is rapidly adding to the New Bronco line-up so what comes next and what additional parts we include could easily change after its initial release. My gut tells me that there will be a lot of aftermarket support for this kit once it comes out hopefully by early 2023. I can assure you that all your suggestions and comments are being noted by myself and others. I wish I could get into more detail at this time, but I can't. I do greatly appreciate everyone's support. -Steve

Unfortunately, I have found no tooling related to these models. Not even a single insert. Cloning them into new tools would be the only option. -Steve

There're three variations of the 2-door model planed starting with the 2021 "First Edition" version. We have the design data for the 4-door model for possible future use. -Steve

That's correct. Box art and instructions are near the end of the check list. We'll have actual test shots in hand way before that happens. We're still in the 3D modeling stage. The design won't be anything like the 1/32nd scale Polar Lights kit, only thing they share is the subject matter. -Steve

AMT1363 is reissue of AMT849 from 2013. The box art has been freshened, instruction sheet has been fixed with the correct wiper motor part # and graphic. Decals are expanded stock detailing items, there's no 80's or 90's graphics. Same contents, no new parts this time around. Look for it this fall. I'm promised first test shots of MPC978 1968 Coronet RT end of July, fingers crossed that they're on schedule. -Steve

I wouldn't be doing all-new tooling of 71-72 Pontiac Grand Prix that did not include a stock version and I'm sure John would agree with me on this one. That would rule out the "Super Fly" Grand Prix as a guess. FWIW. I'm trying to track down to see if the original 69-72 tooling still exist. It's currently M.I.A. Like the recently re-issued Californian, that's probably the only way you'll see the Super Fly Grand Prix is if it's in the existing tooling and it's in relatively good shape. -Steve

I can't take the credit for this last one, it's John G's project but I'm all-in on the choice. I'll drop one further hint, it's not a Factory Stock model and there's clues in one of Casey's older threads on what it could be. -Steve

Although not my project, I can clear up a couple of things. This project is being handled by the Sci-Fi team who have their own budget and guidelines. Typically their projects are single subjects although that doesn't mean there won't be more then one version offered. Take the Polar Lights 1/25th scale '66 Batmobile kits as an example. Also, this is not just a resized version of the old 1/32nd scale kit. This 1/25th scale BB kit started as a clean slate. For those who think the regular car and truck kit team missed out because of this, there's still one more announcement coming soon of a cloned vintage kit project, we just got the first round mockups for it last week. We've been trying to get it done for 2022 but I'd say early 2023 is more likely. It has to stay under wraps for now but there's clues out there. -Steve

I suppose you could argue that we missed our window on the Black Beauty, I'm hoping that we didn't and it's a success. For those who think we should be doing something else, what SiFi and or TV-Movie Movie car or truck would you like to see next? As for doing it the BB as a 2n1 kit, there's just too many differences between the Dean Jefferies design and the stock 66 Imperial to make that work. For what it's worth, the design team was given all the stock Imperial details for future use. -Steve

It is an all-new tooling. The old AMT annual tooling is gone to best of my knowledge. Originally, we looked at also tooling up a stock Imperial at the same time, but it became too costly. Depending on the final design we may be able to piggy-back a stock Imperial version later on. Even as curbside, the plans I saw called for a lot of separate parts. Once we have the 3D mockups in hand, more details will be forthcoming. Jamie is leading this project, so my knowledge is limited at this time. -Steve

It for real alright, this project has been underway for well over a year. Jamie was finally satisfied enough with the 3D design progress to announce it. Hopefully we'll have the first mockups of it to show off by this fall. Still a small window to have it out by the end of 2022 but early or mid 2023 is more likely. -Steve

For what it's worth. I would be willing to put some time in toward evaluating the AMT 1960 Ford F-100 as a possible future reverse engineering project. The fact we could cover 1957 through 1960 is a big plus in its favor. What would be helpful to me would be to see some analysis of what AMT got right and or wrong shape and detail wise. A comparison with the Ertl diecast wouldn't hurt either. The more information I have before making my pitch the better. There's no guaranty it will happen but I will at least give it a try. -Steve

The RT wheel covers that will be included are similar but different, most notable is the lug detail that the RT covers have. Steve

Thank you Tim, you are exactly right. I couldn't have explained it any better. I can confirm that we would not be getting an all new modern Dodge Charger if it wasn't for the factory CAD data files, It's just that simple. To bring a all new vintage subject to market without CAD data these days is tremendous undertaking. Even with the data every singe part has to be converted to a injectable shape that can be assembled without any fasteners. it's an art in it's self. If somehow we had found the old original Coronet RT tooling, restored it and ran it warts and all we'd be heroes. Yet reverse engineering and the improving the exact same item is inexcusable in some eyes because we didn't go far enough. I guess time and sales the numbers will tell us if we made the right call and help us decide if we ever do it again. -Steve

Thank you Tim, you are exactly right. I couldn't have explained it any better. I can confirm that we would not be getting an all new modern Dodge Charger if it wasn't for the factory CAD data files, It's just that simple. To bring a all new vintage subject to market without CAD data these days is tremendous undertaking. Even with the data every singe part has to be converted to a injectable shape that can be assembled without any fasteners. it's an art in it's self. If somehow we had found the old original Coronet RT tooling, restored it and ran it warts and all we'd be heroes. Yet reverse engineering and the improving the exact same item is inexcusable in some eyes because we didn't go far enough. I guess time and sales the numbers will tell us if we made the right call and help us decide if we ever do it again. -Steve

The bumper shown on the mockup is actually for a future '83-'84 version. I was kind of waiting to see who be the first to spot it. The correct turning lamp bumper is in the tooling now but needs to be modified to remove the GMC logo and wasn't ready yet. In fact there are several versions planned to come after the Sod Buster run is over. -Steve

James, to expand a bit on what I mean on the fun factor. The Ertl era AMT B-body Mopars while they build into nice kits for the most part contain one version with little options and pretty sparce decals sheets and the packaging for the most part was just plain boring. In contrast many of the MPC annuals like the '68 Coronets have multiple build options with cool accessories and interesting decal sheets. The proportions are generally considered good and with some basic modeling skills build into a nice model that look to me just as good on the shelf as today's modern kits. Those are the fun factor that those Ertl era kits never had. I'm sure there are many who will disagree and that's OK. -Steve

Here's some comments and details on the upcoming '68 Dodge Coronet kit. While Ertl era AMT B-body Mopar kits are highly detailed and jammed packed with separate parts, they just don't have the fun factor the original MPC kits did in my opinion. The highlights include a revised grille to better match the 1:1 and now features clear headlamp lenses. The stock hood has also been redesigned to better match the 1:1 and the underside cut lines have been eliminated along with the unrealistic separate hood hinges. The interior has been revised to a platform style, with specific back seats and side trim panels for each version. Location tabs and slots have been added for easy assembly. The engine block axle holes have been eliminated, the accessories are no longer chrome plated and the power steering pump is more realistic. The distributor cap is now a separate part. While the chassis is still the simplified MPC annual style, the front metal axle is been eliminated and plastic stub axles have been added. There are no longer any large gaps in the wheel housings and the exhaust is now separated from the rear axle. The body shells have numerous detail improvements to better match the 1:1 including additional panel lines. I will do my best to provide some additional photos showing the improvements but keep in mind that you're looking at a work in progress 3D mockup and not actual test shots. -Steve

George, sorry it's best that some specifics aren't spelled out here yet until will get a little farther down the road with this. The final layout out the two currently planned versions aren't finalized yet. I'll just say that we provided some additional parts from the '69 Dodge Coronet annuals for cloning purposes. Feel free to compare the originals to see how they differ in content. -Steve

Terry is correct, considering the fact the design work for this kit was well underway long before the first 2021 Bronco's even hit the showroom. While we are grateful for the generous support we got from Ford with all the 3D data they provided to our design team. There were certain details that were off limits and could not be provided. With no vehicles to photograph and or measure at the time to help fill in the missing data on our own, the choice was to delay the project or go curbside. The hood was made separate for several reasons including likely design changes for future versions and the possibility that the aftermarket might provide additional parts. Time will tell what the future of the AMT Bronco kit will be but I can say there's lots of possibilities. -Steve