SteveG

Nice to see another in depth review by Len and Bill. I've been waiting to see this kit for a long time. It's been on my wish list to Ed Sexton for a number of years. I'm glad it made to the to do list before he left. Here's a few tidbits on the 150 Series 57 Chevys. Only the 150 Utility model came without the back seat. All the rest of the 150's came with a rear seat including the non-utilty 2dr sedan. All engines were available from the 6cyl to the FI 283 in any 57 Chevy model except the Corvette as the power pack 283 was standard on it. Only the V8 optioned models had the V shaped emblems on the hood and deck lid. They were gold on the Bel Air models only, same for the grille. The 6 Cyl cars had a Chevrolet script on the hood and crest on the deck that matched the one in the grille bar. And yes there really was a California specs one piece fron bumper. There were also three different designs of rear bumper ends. Can you list them ? -Steve

Some Box Art Models are built the Art Department of the respective Model Co but most are built by Modelers who are considered an outside resource. Each make there own deal on how they want to be compensated. Some sell the finished models to the Model Co, I prefer to "loan them" out with the promise they will be returned in good condition. I also get other compensation which includes plenty of samples. Some are built with specific instructions on colors and which optional parts to use. Most of the time I get a lot of artistic license to choose how to paint and finish the model. I think the best part is when I get chance to help with new products. While I never had a chance to design a complete kit as that a job for the pro's I've been lucky enough to see some of my suggestions come to life. The only downside is there is always a deadline to keep. I've had to put many of my own projects on the back burner to make sure I get any promised jobs done in time. Last year I built about a dozen models, only two were for me. The rest were for Hawk-Lindberg. I also previously built quite a few for Model King who refered me to Lindberg. Before that I backed up Mike Kolver with some RC2-AMT projects. I hope that answered some of your questions. -Steve

I have no problems shooting anything over Duplicolor primer, Testors lacquers included. I prefer the Scratch-fill version, especially if there's a lot of prep work. If prep work is minimal I'll decant some and thin it out slightly with med-temp lacquer thinner and use it as a primer-sealer through my airbrush. If your super confident in your prep work or are working with a near flawless body, you could skip the primer with Testors Lacquers, they're mild enough for bare plastic. Unfortunately most of the kit bodies that I've worked with are nowhere near paint ready. Of course that a personal opinion, I always say if a technique works for you then do it !!! -Steve

I think that is just some excess vinyl sprue coming off the tires. I also noticed all the small parts are still on the trees and nothing is plated yet. I guessing it's just a test shot. I also noted that the price for the promo version is already dropping on evilbay, it looks like it pays to wait. -Steve

Here's some basic math on why they probably went large scale. Keep in mind these are ballpark numbers. Lets say your average 1/24th - 1/25th scale new tool kit costs $120,000 to produce. If the wholesale cost is $12.00 each, you need sell 10,000 kits to break even. On the other hand, the production cost to make a new tool 1/12th or 1/8th scale kit is $200,000 which is only $80,000 more. Figure the wholesale cost is $40.00 each, you only need to sell 5,000 kits to break even. Now you know why so many large scale kits on currently on the market. -Steve

Bob is right on this one, no model manufacturer will invest $100,000 into producing the tooling and not release the kit. My guess is they will continue to deny that it exists until a formal announcement is made on it's release. -Steve

I got mine online from Chrysler LLC Promotional Merchadise, I ordered it back in August. As far as I know it sold out. There will be two curbide kits from AMT coming next year. The photo below is from the I-hobby Expo show. Revell has promised us a full detail kit as well, I haven't heard any news about it lately or seen a test shot yet. Hopefully more news soon. -Steve

It listed for $24.99 plus shipping and sales tax. They are going for double that on that "auction place" right now. They are all the same as far as I know but I expect there will be other releases. -Steve

.... I didn't pull any strings to get this today, just luck of the draw. I paid for it through Chrysler LLC marketing like everyone did else last August. I got a notice Weds that it was being shipped and it showed today. Check out the "Caution Label" on the box. It looks like a pretty nice promo to me. I think it should make a great curbside kit. Hopefully we'll be seeing those soon too. -Steve

Frame would be a low gloss black, most Fords of that era had Red oxide primer on the floor pans with some body color overspray. Many northern cars got the floor pans undercoated which was also black so either way could be correct. -Steve

Mike, You beat me to that one , mine is still on order from my LHS. It will probably show up tomorrow. Are there any changes to the kit over the last issue other than the white plastic and the packaging goodies? -Steve

Really .....apparently you didin't read the whole story. Here's a quote from Snopes; "Although the Postcard virus is real, it isn't a "BIG VIRUS COMING" (it's already been around in multiple forms for a long time now), it will not "burn the whole hard disc" of your computer, CNN didn't classify it as the "worst virus" ever, and it doesn't arrive in messages bearing a subject line of 'Invitation.' " OK....back to model buildng

Exactly, I thought you almost missed my point but you got to it at the end there. RC2 had the tooling and what did they do with it. Put it in a checkerboard box ......... please...... OK, well I'll give them some credit for the Masterpiece version. Round2's packaging of this kit is just brilliant, I can't wait to see what's next from them. -Steve

Well, I guess I'll be the first to post photos of the contents. I got this one at the Motorcity NNL This kit takes me right back into the sixties, reminds me of the old Trophy Series kits. Lots of little goodies including two complete engines. The Tampo printed whitewall are packed in tissue paper. No warpage that I can find. Just some minor flash here and there. This is how RC2 should have done it !!!! -Steve

Nice review, Thanks. I'm going to get mine this weekend ..... so who's going to be the first to post some photos of the contents? These are the builts from I-hobby Expo -Steve

I'm pretty sure that's an old Show Rod called the Bathtub Buggy that's being re-issued. Those Show Rods aren't my thing so if somebody here knows more about it feel free to jump in. I'm really looking forward to getting the Black Widow kit. I had been bugging Ed Sexton for several years to do one. Looks like he finally found a way to shut me up about it. -Steve

About the only thing you can do now to support the current Johan is to purchase something from Okey at one of the Toy Shows he attends or from one of his online Auctions. Currently he's only listing a couple of old stock decal sheets in his auctions. His photo-etch sheets for the AMX and 55-56 Pontiac kits are pretty decent if you can get them. I reviewed the Pontiac sheet here but there didn't seem to be much interest considering only the one reply. Here's a link to the original post. First look a the 55-56 Pontiac P-E set Personally I would be very pleased to see Okey and Johan back in the big game and not a just a one man cottage industry as it stands today. -Steve

Back when I was working pretty closely with Dave B. I asked him straight out if I he had ever thought of working a deal with Okey to help revive Johan. Apparently he did try to work out something regarding the Rambler kits when they first came out but the offer was shot down......"In flames" or at least thats the impresion I got from our conversation. It's a real shame considering Dave's reputation for getting things done, especially when it comes to old tooling. -Steve

The shows rods aren't really my thing either, but I built several of them as a kid and there must be enough interest to bring them back. Considering how profitable reissues are I can see why they announced them before another new tool. That's just good business. Even if they needed repair or some missing parts replaced your still looking at way less investment then all new tooling. So assuming Revell does well with these and considering their recent hits with the Custom Merc and Nova kits I think we can still bet on seeing some new tooling in our future and I'd love to see a '57 Buick as one of them. -Steve

Along with those two were also getting the Red Baron and the Bathtub Buggy. Here's a scan from the 2009 release flier. -Steve

Mike, Nice job, I agree they are excellent kits. James Tester and I co-built the Raminator Rammintion Display models for last years iHobby Expo. I also got to build an early test shot before even the instructions were finished. I was lucky enough to have copies of their research photos taken at the Hall Bros. shop which came in very handy. Here's a link to more Raminator / Rammunition build photos if anyone is interested. Raminator photos -Steve

It's confusing as they also offer the diecast 1/43 Chargers and Crown Vic's along with the plastic kits. They are promotional items though and not in there retail catalog. I believe they are the former Gearbox line and they should be available from whoever retails those previously. Steve

They're 1/43 scale diecast cars, not kits unfortunately. Minimum order is around 500 pieces to get custom graphics. I'll try to get a couple samples if anyone wants to see them. -Steve

Without revealing anything confidential I can say that the old Johan tooling Testors used for the HSO releases are not lost but are unfortunately in need of some significant repairs. There was some discussion last year at this time on what to do with them, last I heard they're still sitting in limbo so to speak. All this recent talk about them has got me thinking on the best way to get at least a couple of them repaired and back on the shelves. I'd even be willing to stick my neck out and push to see it happen if it's still possible but which ones. My gut says go for the "Cuda and the Maverick but If I make the wrong suggestion and they sell poorly ......well I just don't want to ruin a good thing if you know what I mean. Any suggestions .......? Steve

Larry, As far as I know it's a re-issue but I'm really not familiar with that kit. Maybe one of the Truck Guys can chime in. Here's what's in the Catalog. -Steve