Exotics_Builder

Lindberg/Hawk Buddy G Toy Trucks – metal bodied. The ones at the show were prototypes. Didn’t get scale, but they appeared to be smaller than 1/25. More to come Bull Horn Model T – 1/16 scale. New Display Case – eliminated the “bubble” on the top of the clear case. Sturdy diamond plate chrome base and stackable 1969 Yenko Camaro – initially die cast and plan for plastic down the road. Die Cast version in picture. Red Devil racer – in planning stage for later 2012 Kustom Koffin – in planning stage for later 2012 White Lightning – in planning stage for later 2012 IMC Talked to Ernie and there is more in the Johan space they are planning but too soon to announce.

Revell K.S. Pittman Willys Drag Coupe - 1/25 – Modified reissue of Revell’s very nice Willys. Same as new version Stone Woods and Cook Willys with new decals X-34 Landspeeder™ - ?? – RoG catalog lists as 1/14 scale but it appears smaller than that. Our best guess is between 1/24 and 1/20, perhaps close to G scale ‘62 Corvette® Roadster 2 n 1 - 1/25 - New tool. Multiple options. Appears to be new body on top of Pro Modeler C1 Corvette chassis and engine. Revell just received test shots so mounted on a display board. Expect late 2Q2012. Although all the test shots are still subject to change, there will be no hardtop in this kit. ‘29 Ford Rat Rod - 1/25 - Reissue with new decals ‘77 Chevy® Van - 1/24 – Reissue. Same short wheelbase van as in the Van with Race Car Trailer issue a few years back Round2 Polar Lights Batmobile – with Photo Etch fret 2010 Camaro Convertible – Show Room Replica Series. Unassembled promo type. I asked if they were going to update to 2011 as there does not appear to be any indication of a 2010 convertible due to a supplier issue. The rep didn’t know but would follow up. 2010 Camaro Convertible – Show Room Replica Series. Unassembled promo type. 66 Nova Slot Racer – previous plastic kit parts mated with a slot chassis and engine 57 Chevy Bel Air Slot Racer – previous plastic kit parts mated with a slot chassis and engine 70 Camaro Slot Racer – previous plastic kit parts mated with a slot chassis and engine 06 Camaro Concept Slot Racer – previous plastic kit parts mated with a slot chassis and engine

Not a lot of new tools were shown or announced. Most notable were: A new cutting mat from Excel where both sides are usable and stamped with a grid. Excel also add a new set of fine tip tweezers. Xuron was promoting their new PE cutter that they introduced last year. I just got one about two months and it is far more versatile than the original version. Tool Tron showed some ergo handled cutters and an interesting rotating storage set with 4 stacked clusters that rotate. Retail is about $19. Looks useful for holding select parts. Alpha Abrasives is expanding their line with micro polishing sheets and pads, including sets with foam blocks with a soft and harder side to control polishing. They are also offering 6x6 inch micro fine sanding sheets up to 12,000 grit. Ram continues to expand their scale lighting options, particularly for cars. Now that LED’s are prevalent options continue to abound On the paint and accessory side: Grex had nothing new since their pistol grip air brush was announced a couple of years ago. The rep indicated they plan to have some new product at next year’s show but could not say anything at this point. Badger has more lines of aqueous paint coming out. They also are selling sets for beginners which include air brush, compressor, hoses, paints, etc. They have several new compressors (some quite silent) and have a new chrome airbrush. They also displayed their Universal 360 set which includes the airbrush, hose and some bottles. The Universal 360 is a model that a gravity fed that can also be rotated to accept bottles. Very versatile. Finally badger was showing their battery powered paint stirrer. It has been around for years, but is very good at mixing paints in the jar and easy to clean Testor’s has new color ranges coming out, including some new automotive colors in their synthetic lacquer range. I couldn’t get any info from the representative I talked to and the marketing information she gave me wasn’t useful either. She did say these would be released in February. Finally, a company called E-Z-Mix had some paint accessories of note. Most interesting was a syringe with a micro brush on top. You remove the micro brush, load the paint, reattach the brush and apply color to the brush through the syringe. There also was a clear plastic canister with a closing lid like a paint can to hold mixed colors. Finally, there was displayed small micron filters to transfer paint and strain it. This way to the album:

I got carried away and reported it 1/8 thinking of the Revell kits. Here is the catalog info

Only one body in a case has the metal flake and there is no way to tell. It is part of a program by Round2.

My bad, I missed this is in the initial report out. Only new tools are the 2010 and younger Corvettes and Camaros in their Showroom Replica series. If as the Corvette’s already on the shelves, they are unassembled promos, but are glue kits. 2010 Camaro Convertible – Show Room Replica Series 2012 Corvette Coupe – Show Room Replica Series 2008 Corvette Convertible Pace Car – Show Room Replica Series

Look for an update tomorrow

To me, the biggest news was A new Bullit detail set for the Revell 1/12 Mustang from Scale Motorsports. Matt Wells had a prototype there, and, as is usual for Matt’s offerings, looked fantastic. A 1/25 Packard Caribbean, 53 El Dorado Convertible and 427 Cobra from Creative Miniatures 3 new wheel sets from Pegasus as well as their now selling Model Parts Specialties cast metal engine parts and accessories. Otherwise, no new model news was available from Trumpeter and some new Aoshima kits (many announced at the recent Japan Model show) were displayed. Hobby Gear is updating their Car Show diorama set and has a tire shop and landscaper series coming out. Phoenix Toys showed a 1957 Chevy Convertible in 1/25 scale that is the equal of Danbury Mint/Franklin Mint and selling for $99.57. They have about 200 (it’s a limited edition) and is available from their website. There were some interesting die cast including a 1/24 2010 Corvette Grand Sport and Pagoni Zonda from Testor’s. Plus there are several new HO scale cars that can be added to Woodland Scenics fantastic (but Pre-Built) dioramas. There HO scale diner is fantastic. Minicraft also displayed a series of 1/16 Model A kits, some with Flathead 4 and others with Flathead 8 engines. Thanks, Gerry This way to the photo album:

Lindberg/Hawk still pretty much looks like reissue only. There was no one for me to talk to, but the only news was the reissue of their Chris Craft Constellation and a 1/16 scale hot rod. They showed both at last year’s show as well. IMC, in the automotive space is doing Jo-Han reissues, particularly the Olds Cutlass, Chrysler Turbine Car and 59 Rambler Wagon. They also are offering the plastic display case. There were also a few military models shown as well, but I passed on photographing them. Moebius had a bunch of Sci-Fi and monster kits, but the automotive front only showed a new Hudson Convertible. There seemed to be some reticence in confirming or denying anything else at the time I chatted with them. Thanks, Gerry This way to the photo album:

We are still seeing only reissues, but in many cases these have been adjusted or damaged or missing molds repaired/replaced. I wonder when they might get to brand new molds. Here’s what I saw: 1951 Chevy Fleetline (tin packaging) 1965 Chevelle Wagon – older box art 1966 Mustang – older box art AMC Gremlin - stock. Coming in Original art series. It will be in a larger box that carries a picture of the original art that can be framed. AMT Amtronic– original box art and supposedly the glass is corrected to right color Arnie Beswick '69 Super Judge GTO Funny Car – older box art Barnabas Vampire Van – They just got the sample done in time for the show Chevy 100th Anniversary '57 Chevy Bel Air (newer tool) with photo-etched parts and engine wire (tin packaging) – previous pro-series newer mold in tin package Dirty Donny "Vantasy" Chevy Van Ford Vantom Van Ghostbusters’ Ecto 1 Hot Curl – Hot Shout, Gurl and Hot Curl Meyers Manx – Should be out late December/early January. Nostalgic box art and hamburger stand cardboard piece is included. Monkeemobile Petty 1/16 Nascar Charger – This was at last year’s show as well, but looks like it is getting closer White Western Star I didn’t see the slot car variations of previous plastic kits that were announced earlier, but I could have passed them up. Some neat die cast was also on display as well as their Star Trek series (I didn’t take any shots of those) Thanks, Gerry This way to the photo album:

I got that impression, but will ask about it. It may be that since the last run of these didn't sell well, there may be some reticence to go beyond this.

They had the built up and box art there. So, no for now. I'll ask when I'm back there.

This is for first half of 2012 only. 2nd half will be announced in April time frame. Remember, the plastic manufacturers do not announce (or I believe even attend anymore) the New York Toy show. The full detail 2010 Camaro SS should be out in January. As a level setter to the overall market, Revell did say their biggest selling kits are Snaptite and wear the bow tie emblem. Also, Revell did indicate that 2012 2nd half will have some interesting announcements. Stay tuned for more on that. Now here’s the detail and a picture album link. Revell Tony Nancy 22JR Dragster Set - 1/25 - Reissue X-34 Landspeeder™ - ?? – No scale, but based on figures, looks to be around 1/25-24 scale Ferrari Enzo (Snaptite®) - 1/24 - Supposedly new tool. Likely based on previous Enzo kit, but by the time you simplify, new tooling is likely cheaper. Peterbilt 359 (Snaptite®) - 1/32 - Reissue ‘50 Olds™ Coupe 2 n 1 - 1/25 - New tool. Multiple options. Revell just received test shots so mounted on a display board. Expect late 2Q2012. ‘62 Corvette® Roadster 2 n 1 - 1/25 - New tool. Multiple options. Appears to be new body on top of Pro Modeler C1 Corvette chassis and engine. Revell just received test shots so mounted on a display board. Expect late 2Q2012. ‘57 Ford Custom 3 n 1 - 1/25 - New tool. Multiple options. Revell just received test shots so mounted on a display board. Expect late 2Q2012. ‘56 Ford F-100 Pickup - 1/25 - Reissue ‘67 Chevelle™ Pro Street - 1/25 - Reissue. Air cleaners may have been modified, but will need to dig out the Revell kit in the basement to confirm. I may be thinking of the AMT tool ‘65 Chevy® Impala™ Convertible - 1/25 - Reissue Audi R8 Spyder - 1/24 - Repackage of recently released Revell of Germany new tool. This kit does have an engine based on RoG photos Lamborghini Countach - 1/24 - Reissue K.S. Pittman Willys Drag Coupe - 1/25 – Modified reissue of Revell’s very nice Willys. The wheels on the box art look different but I was unable to get a confirmation Cadillac® Custom Lowrider - 1/25 - Reissue Corvette® Grand Sport - 1/24 – Reissue of last run of Accurate Miniatures’ Grand Sport. No plans to produce any new kits at this point, just sell off remainder of last run. Stacey David’s Rat Roaster - 1/25 – New tool based on Revell’s very nice 32 Ford. Too many mods needed to do a modified reissue. In my opinion, this may spread into early 3Q2012 given there are no test shots as yet ‘77 Chevy® Van - 1/24 - Reissue GMC® Pick up w/snow plow - 1/24 – Reissue, but with snow plow blade added. Monogram ‘70 Plymouth Road Runner - 1/24 - Reissue Peterbilt 359 - 1/16 - Reissue ‘31 Ford Model A Rat Rod - 1/25 – Reissue ‘29 Ford Rat Rod - 1/25 - Reissue but looks like new decals. Will need to confirm by checking original in my stash Bad Medicine - 1/24 - Reissue ‘40 Ford Coupe Street Rod - 1/25 - Reissue Revell of Germany London Bus – 1/24 – Just being released by RoG. It is full detail, including an engine No other RoG new announcements were available. Thanks, Gerry This way to the photo album: This way to Revell Annoucements:

The Lake Michigan Model Car Club had its annual open house last night. Got a few pictures of the initial models put on display. Didn’t get a chance to get the later ones. Our President was taking photos, so I’m hoping he’ll post the full display. There was a people’s choice pick. The very last picture is a shot of my 56 Delray which is now in polishing stage Thanks, Gerry

This way to the album:

I am so digging this!!

Photopaint, Paint Shop Pro and some others are bitmap based and not as good at doing decals as a vector based tool such as CorelDraw or Adobe Illustrator. I use CorelDraw X5 and will use a tool to trace a bitmap and then adjust it. I also use a color laser printer for decals I produce, rather than a inkjet printer. A word of warning, in case you do not know or read on this or other boards, that making decals is very tedious and may actually require a layering technique like Fred Cady did on his silk screen decals to get best results. Also, as mentioned often, whites and metailics are doable without a lot of special (and more costly) work. Be prepared to invest a lot of time in experimenting and testing your results.

Meets in Bensenville Illinois on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Meeting opens at around 7:00 PM and business starts at 8:00 PM. Tomorrow is annual open house. It's at Faith Community Church Hall at 192 South Center Street in Bensenville, IL. Which is a block west of York Road and about three blocks south of Irving Park Road. We have people from over the area. Some from as far south as Franfort Illinois and even a member from Crown Point Indiana area.

It's a straight reissue as far as I know. I'll confirm next week at IHOBBY. I'll be there Thursday sniffing around, taking photographs and collecting any intel the exhibitors will share.

You are correct. It works pretty good. I got one a few months ago at a Hobby Town USA. I use a Tamiya foam brush to move the decal of the comb onto the model.

I’ve been spending more time trying to get my Revell 56 Delray Street Machine done. I had a paint problem with the Testor’s Classic White, needing a sanding, reshoot and reclear. So, the work on the California has lagged. I’m way past my club’s deadline to finish this as a club project, so no time factor other than the 2012 Ferrari Expo. Anyway, as I previously had mentioned, there is a gap at the rear of the interior meeting the body in the open top version. The gap is about 3/64 inches. I finagled the interior as best I could, but that seems to be the fact. Another club member experienced a similar problem and wound up using putty as he had fully painted the body. So, I decided to do a little better being forewarned. I have a store of various Evergreen Plastic pieces: strips, rounds, shapes and sheets. I found a strip for HO scale lumber 4x4 that was about the right size: Sanding off the paint on the back of the interior tub, I added some Evergreen strip tabs and glued a piece of the Evergreen to the back and then shaped it. Some quick putty work yielded the following result: Then I did a quick fit to the body shell and it looks about right: Anyway, I am pretty much done with the interior once I clean up and repaint. Purists will not that I did not add the release handles for the seat to fold or the coat hooks on the backs of the headrests. Well, I think I have dawdled enough on this. I will spend some time on the engine to detail it out instead.

Here you go. These are Scale Production wheels (22" 1/24). I ordered these from Kevin at Stradasports,

I try for the wheel option to augment the model. Even with the stash I have, one sometimes has to compromise. I do use wheel/tire combinations that are driveable for the vehicle or prototypical for replica stock/muscle cars.

What "Holes" in the block on the Revell 69 Nova Kit? If you are referring to metal axle pass throughs, there aren't any on the Revell kit. Please elaborate!