We need a '60 El Camino

[Ace-Garageguy]

Are US model companies actually targeting "kids" anyway?

I could be way off the mark here, but it seems to me that many kids have no money and it's doubtful the majority of them have the patience, eye-hand-coordination and fine-motor-skills (other than those acquired by scrolling through iPod screens and texting) required to build models. And people are horribly afraid of anything even remotely toxic today...paints, adhesives, etc.; doubtful mommy will let a lot of 'em have "bad chemicals" in a country that's become obsessed with safety and washing every few minutes with anti-microbial soap.

Add to that the idea that physical skill isn't the desirable thing it once was, and kids don't really figure into the demographic of the model-car target market.

I'm pretty sure American model companies are going after the last few years of disposable income they can squeeze out of us old farts with models of older vehicles, and hoping the enthusiasm we still have for old cars will trickle down to successive generations, bringing enough of them into the hobby to make it a viable business for the future.

There does seem to be a growing number of younger builders and enthusiasts in the full-scale hot-rod (I mean traditional rods, not rats or tuners) market, but they're not "kids". 

Edited August 29, 2015 by Ace-Garageguy

[Greg Myers]

Outside of the Hudsons, I doubt too many kids would have interest in that lineup unless Dad or Grampa has one, Greg.

So just what is it that draws so many  kids to the Hudson kits ?  

Edited August 29, 2015 by Greg Myers

[Joe Handley]

The movie Cars.

[Joe Handley]

Are US model companies actually targeting "kids" anyway? Many kids have no money and it's doubtful the majority of them have the patience, eye-hand-coordination and fine-motor-skills (other than those acquired by scrolling through iPod screens and texting) required to build models. And people are horribly afraid of anything even remotely toxic today...paints, adhesives, etc.; doubtful mommy will let a lot of 'em have bad "chemicals" in a world that's become obsessed with safety and washing every few minutes with anti-microbial soap.

Add to that the idea that physical skill isn't the desirable thing it once was, and kids don't really figure into the demographic of the model-car target market.

I'm pretty sure American model companies are going after the last few years of disposable income they can squeeze out of us old farts with models of older vehicles, and hoping the enthusiasm we still have for old cars will trickle down to successive generations, bringing enough of them into the hobby to make it a viable business for the future.

There does seem to be a growing number of younger builders and enthusiasts in the full-scale hot-rod (I mean traditional rods, not rats or tuners) market, but they're not "kids". 

Spend time in your LHS' R/C area, kids are not afraid to turn a wrench, lay some paint, ect.  They just go out and hammer on the stuff when done.

[Steven Zimmerman]

Don't know if I agree with the 'kids have no money' comment. They have no problems spending 30 - 60 bucks on a video game, or 3 - 400 bucks on a game player.; or a smart phone, or hundred dollar tennis shoes. Most have money, just different priorities. Agree with the attention span thing, though....We've raised them to expect instant gratification...........'Z'

[Steven Zimmerman]

You must remember , too....When we wer 11 - 12, etc....we would buy a model car and finish it in one evening...........

[Ace-Garageguy]

Spend time in your LHS' R/C area, kids are not afraid to turn a wrench, lay some paint, ect.  They just go out and hammer on the stuff when done.

I realize you work in the hobby industry and actually know what you're talking about, and who your customers are.

It's simply that from my own perspective, painting the inside of a clear Lexan body and bolting together some small mechanical bits to get a model that actually RUNS, for not a lot of effort, would be vastly more enjoyable a pursuit to most "kids" than putting together a lot of tiny, sometimes fiddly bits, having to wait for LOTS of things to dry, and having all of your work existing solely to LOOK at.

If my OWN mother hadn't been afraid I'd "cut my fingers off" with the props on the gasoline-powered model planes my dad built and flew, I probably would not have become so involved with static models.

[Ace-Garageguy]

You must remember , too....When we wer 11 - 12, etc....we would buy a model car and finish it in one evening...........

Hmmm. It certainly seemed like that whenever I looked at what the other kids were doing. 

[1930fordpickup]

Spend time in your LHS' R/C area, kids are not afraid to turn a wrench, lay some paint, ect.  They just go out and hammer on the stuff when done.

The kids of the 60's and 70's did the same thing, that is why the old models are so hard to find. Firecrackers and demo derbys took their toll on more than you think. 

[Joe Handley]

The kids of the 60's and 70's did the same thing, that is why the old models are so hard to find. Firecrackers and demo derbys took their toll on more than you think. 

One big difference, they'll come back in and buy parts to make them quicker, faster, more durable, optimize them for what they're running on, get different shells and paint them, and go right back out and  drive the snot out of them.

[ranma]

A do it your self proposition Ranma.  

I said that because someone else posted for revell to do one from the 60 impala molds. and yea I know amp,smp , both became amt products. Besides If the molds are in fact still around, I'd think it would be easier to retool them than doing that to the Revell mold's.

[Greg Myers]

That would be great. There would be a little work on their part as the original SMP / AMP (?) were promos with a closed hood and no engine detail.

Edited August 29, 2015 by Greg Myers

[XJ6]

Are US model companies actually targeting "kids" anyway?

I could be way off the mark here, but it seems to me that many kids have no money and it's doubtful the majority of them have the patience, eye-hand-coordination and fine-motor-skills (other than those acquired by scrolling through iPod screens and texting) required to build models. And people are horribly afraid of anything even remotely toxic today...paints, adhesives, etc.; doubtful mommy will let a lot of 'em have "bad chemicals" in a country that's become obsessed with safety and washing every few minutes with anti-microbial soap.

Add to that the idea that physical skill isn't the desirable thing it once was, and kids don't really figure into the demographic of the model-car target market.

I'm pretty sure American model companies are going after the last few years of disposable income they can squeeze out of us old farts with models of older vehicles, and hoping the enthusiasm we still have for old cars will trickle down to successive generations, bringing enough of them into the hobby to make it a viable business for the future.

There does seem to be a growing number of younger builders and enthusiasts in the full-scale hot-rod (I mean traditional rods, not rats or tuners) market, but they're not "kids". 

Lots of truth in this Statement ?

Don aka XJ6 ?

[High octane]

Bandit Resins used to cast a '60 El Camino body, but I guess the mold got too worn out.

[Greg Myers]

Back  on track  

[ranma]

That would be great. There would be a little work on their part as the original SMP / AMP (?) were promos with a closed hood and no engine detail.

Well It could be done as amt did with the Chevy 1500 silverado's They made the promo and full kit. so they could change the mold's and have opening hood, engine ect. Just a thought!

[Longbox55]

Well It could be done as amt did with the Chevy 1500 silverado's They made the promo and full kit. so they could change the mold's and have opening hood, engine ect. Just a thought!

I see what you're thinking, but there is a minor flaw in the example you use. The Promo C1500s actually do have a separate hood, and the inner fenders and the molded in hood details are present on them. The bodies were designed to be able to released as both a promo and as a full detail kit. Doing the same using the original '60 kits would be more work.

[Greg Myers]

I'm thinking take my SMP promo, cut the hood, add one AMT '59 kit and be done with it.

[Edsel-Dan]

I would Love to see the Original AMT/SMP 60 El CAmino re-issued, as well as the Jr Trophy Wagon kit.

And they DON'T have to change anything for me to want them

Craftsman kits are Fine 

I have 2 of the 61 Galaxie, (And Falcon Ranchero from BEFORE the alteration

of the kit to include the BBC) and 1 each of the Model King 59 Imperial & 64 Comet

I would be in line to get more of those if they ever re-issue them!!!

I do see the Imperial at low prices, but that Comet is NEVER below $35.oo!!!!!!!!

 

Since Revell/Monogram has Not done any further kits from the 59/60 Impala series, I Doubt we will see any

now (I had Hoped for a Convertible of the 60, but.....................................................)

As for El Camino, Sedan Delivery & Wagon ..........................................

 

All I can say is I Hope the 57 Del Rio sells WELL and that the 49 Mercury Woody is!

I don't have either yet!!

I Do want the woody, but MUST replace that Custom/Lowrider engine!!

I Passed on their Chopped coupe.

 

Unless I am building a replica of a Specific car/truck I ONLY buy kits not that can be built Stock out of the box!!

I Don't have the friends others do that Give them Parts, etc, to Fix Non-stock kits!!

 

And Now, I may be looking at getting OUT of the Hobby more than buying New kits!!!!!!!!!

[Guest]

Are US model companies actually targeting "kids" anyway?

I could be way off the mark here, but it seems to me that many kids have no money and it's doubtful the majority of them have the patience, eye-hand-coordination and fine-motor-skills (other than those acquired by scrolling through iPod screens and texting) required to build models. And people are horribly afraid of anything even remotely toxic today...paints, adhesives, etc.; doubtful mommy will let a lot of 'em have "bad chemicals" in a country that's become obsessed with safety and washing every few minutes with anti-microbial soap.

Add to that the idea that physical skill isn't the desirable thing it once was, and kids don't really figure into the demographic of the model-car target market.

I'm pretty sure American model companies are going after the last few years of disposable income they can squeeze out of us old farts with models of older vehicles, and hoping the enthusiasm we still have for old cars will trickle down to successive generations, bringing enough of them into the hobby to make it a viable business for the future.

There does seem to be a growing number of younger builders and enthusiasts in the full-scale hot-rod (I mean traditional rods, not rats or tuners) market, but they're not "kids". 

Gotta agree with Bill on this one.

[Guest]

Don't know if I agree with the 'kids have no money' comment. They have no problems spending 30 - 60 bucks on a video game, or 3 - 400 bucks on a game player.; or a smart phone, or hundred dollar tennis shoes. Most have money, just different priorities. Agree with the attention span thing, though....We've raised them to expect instant gratification...........'Z'

I wonder how many spending this money are spending their own? Mommy and daddy buying them stuff? Or perhaps credit cards.

[Guest]

You must remember , too....When we wer 11 - 12, etc....we would buy a model car and finish it in one evening...........

Not too mention slapping on every chrome bit and every decal it had, lol.

[James2]

I have one...

[Ace-Garageguy]

I want one. Seems I have a '60 convert I'll never get to and an extra El Camino. Maybe if I put them in the same box, in the dark...

[TooOld]

I have one...

Me too !

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/75334-60-el-camino/