SteveG

Exactly right James, here's what they should look like painted. Bob's correct on the SRT8 wheel size but the police car wheels look just right to me. Besides the SRT8 wheels there's a lot of leftover parts from the Super Bee version including a number of the 6.1 litre engine pieces so pay close attention when building up the 5.7 litre engine. I really like the separate side moldings, they're a little on the fragile side but it sure beats trying to sand them off. My only real dissapointment is that they chose not to Chrome plate the lightbar bases. -Steve

My understanding is it's the newer tool (Mueller era) kit with the custom parts included. I can't say why they held out on releasing the Custom parts version until now considering they were most likely part of the original tooling. I wonder what else the folks at RC2 held out on us? -Steve

All Pontiac V8 engines from 59-65 were a Sky Blue. The photo is of freshly rebuilt '62 421 for reference. It's pretty easy to mix up your own match from hobby paints. You can also order a lifetime supply by buying a spray can of actual engine enamel from Classic Industries, Summit or any similar outlet. I'm no expert on AMC engines but I think the '69 390's were a Metallic Blue. Hopefully someone who know for sure will jump in with more info. -Steve

I agree on Missing link being right up there at the top. I have the 78 Ford Sedan along with a at least have dozen others. Here's the M-L 75-76 Fury I'm just starting on. The body is practically kit quality. If it wasn't for some mold release I'd swear it was made from styrene. -Steve

Here's one I found that matches the 48 Ford ad. Even with Ford's control over the wood body manufacturing process your still going to have some color variations. It's the nature of wood and wood finishing and a big part of the beauty of real wood. -Steve

I wouldn't be in hurry to write off Lindberg and the Charger Police Cars just yet. I still have a contact there. Without revealing confidential information I can say that there has been recent progress toward releasing all the Charger Police car kits. I have not been able to get any specific release date though. With that being said I'm sure the negitive rumors will continue until Lindberg starts shipping something new or some other developement that's set in concrete happens. The rest of the stories out there are just smoke and mirrors. In the mean time I'll watching and listening for any real information. Stay tuned ..... -Steve

Now that's what I'm talking about !!! Nice work Drew .... picture a '48 Ford Coupe done just like that. Let's hope the chop top version sells well enough to get Revell to do a stock roof height version too. Has anyone else mentioned doing a 2Dr sedan version yet? I guess that's two more versions we need ! -Steve

First I have to say that this has been one of the best discussions I've seen on this board for whatever that's worth. Back to subject at hand, just how do you decide which stock parts to leave out that "pratically nobody going to use"? For example below is one of the coolest post war Fords I've seen around. Other then the lowered ride height in all outward appearances it looks bone stock. I just happened to know that it is has a modern Ford V8 but if told you that it had the original flathead would that make it less cool? I don't think so... Pesonally I'm in the include all the stock parts camp so I can decide which stock parts to use or not. I can see with the success of the Chopped Merc why Revell went this route with the chopped body only. I'll probably buy at least one anyway as it still looks like a great kit but I hope Revell will also see fit to bring at least one more version with stock body later on. That's my two cents ... -Steve

This beauty was on a sale table ... TDR had a nice dsplay ... This Revell Olds Cutlass was outstanding ... How about the Revell Black Widow ... The gang from Missing Link and Motor City Resin were there with lots of goodies ... Modelhaus had new stuff too including this 58 Ford Custom 300 Sedan ... Plenty more at the link ....Toledo NNL #31 -Steve

Last but not least are the Black Widow and the 72 Olds Cutlass Custom Box Art Model I would like to thank Ed for taking the time out to come to the Toledo NNL and displaying some new product. More news will be coming from I-hobby Expo very soon although I can't make the trip this year. Ed hinted that the bigger news will be coming later with the Fall 2011 Release annoucements next year. I say keep them comming .... -Steve

Here's the 48 Ford Custom test shots. Looks like the one with the body side skirts is getting built.

Ed Sexton made the trip to the Toledo NNL #31 and he didn't come empty handed. Lets start with the 2010 Mustang .....

Your right that the issue is timing, Revell is a year behind because that's how long it takes to get a new tool to market. The days of getting all the advanced new car production details died with the annual dealer promos. Sure Revell could have slapped a 2011 label on the kit but then everyone would be screaming about the lack of the 5.0 Engine. Even if they did decided to re-tool the engine mid-stream, It would delay the release by many months and probably add five figures several times over to the tooling cost. Anyone want to buy a $40.00 Revell 2011 Mustang kit next April? I didn't think so .... I'll happily enjoy my 2010 Mustang kit now as is and wait for the Modified re-issue with the 5.0 engine later. -Steve

That would be my best guess too. Probably the only one to know for sure would be the production crew at Universal Studios. Someone like the Transportation Captain would know if they were still around. -Steve

Here's what Wikipedia says about Squad 51 ... "The vehicle which portrayed Squad 51 was produced by Universal crews as an accurate replica of the units built in-house on stock truck chassis by LACoFD at the time. The LACoFD shops were unable to fulfill a request from Universal to build a unit for the show within the short deadline the studio asked, but did provide the blueprints to Universal crews so the studio could build its own unit on a 1972 Dodge D300 "dualie" (four rear tires, two per side on one axle) chassis (this conversion was subsequently completed on a 1973 and 1974 Dodge D300 chassis as well). The replica's accuracy is evident in that after the filming of the show, the studio donated the unit to LACoFD in 1978, which pressed it into occasional service as a reserve unit before it was eventually retired from service." This would certainly account for minor differences in the Squads and backs the Museum's claim that three squads were used. Chrysler Corp probably provided the Studio with a brand new D300 Cab and Chassis every year as product placement. I wonder what happened to the first two? To add the confusion if you closely watch the show you can see they reused a lot of stock footage over and over so in the later episodes you may see the '72 version pull out of the station or in route then later see the '73 or '74 version arrive at the scene. -Steve

The LA County Fire Museum says on their website that the Squad 51 they have is one of three used on the series. Assuming that's true I wouldn't be surprised if there were some minor differences between them. Dave, I suggest you just pick the one that you have the best references for and go with it. =Steve

Here's a couple of photos I found that I believe shows Squad 51 on the set during filming. The second photo shows the same ambulance with Squad 51 behind it. I hope they're helpful. -Steve

Good question, that could be a replica. Or maybe the photo was taken sometime after it was actually put into service as a reserve unit but before it was fully restored. I found the same photo on the LA County Museum website. I'm not sure if that's where I originally found it. http://www.fire.lacounty.gov/history/FMuseumMuseumHistory.asp I've read that three Squad 51's were used during filming of the TV series but I don't know that to be a fact. -Steve

Nice work !! ... I would be first in line if you decide to cast up the Squad 51 bed. I've attached the best straight on side shot I have of the actual Squad 51 if you need it for reference. I flipped the photo so it would be the same direction as your post for comparison. I have plenty of other Squad 51 photos that might be helpful. -Steve

You were to fast, I was fixing the link while you posted your reply. There were a number of 66 - 67 LeMans there. I think this one's a '66

You'll need to pack a lunch as there's over 400 photos. This is the first year I brought my Firebird Formula WS6 for display. Here's some highlights from the show. Pontiac Tri-Power Nationals

Actually it's only the annual renewel sticker that's different, the plate is the same. The '72 sticker was Yellow and '73 was Orange, I didn't check beyond that. Regardless, I agree you did a fantastic job !!

I'll second that except for the part where you "let him win" I don't think showing up on "Olds night" empty handed counts Tom ....

Ken's semi retired from the hobby but I see Bill all the time. PM me and I'll get you in touch with him. -Steve

Looking for someone who knows Roger Sills and has current contact info. Thanks !!! Steve