AMT 68 El Camino

[Robberbaron]

I wouldn't bet on seeing the street machine version parts included.  The mag wheels shown aren't the ones included in that kit.  The street machine has a bunch of parts that are different from the stock version; I doubt both versions plus the derby car could fit into a regular size box.

I had the same thoughts, Mark.  Though I never bought one, I recall the Street Machine version had Halibrands, while this new box art sure looks like big and little Torq Thrusts.  I believe Mike Wherry (Pack Rat on this board) advised that the new TT's in the '64 Plymouth Lawman are also included in the AMT-branded (former Lindberg) '61 Impala.  Wonder if they're also including those same wheels in this one?

I suppose optional wheels/tires would be enough (technically) to describe it as a 2 in 1, but if there aren't any other optional parts, it'll be a tough to get me to pry my wallet open for this one, as cool as the soap box car is (since I have several of the first issue Ertl stock version).  Just too much cool stuff coming out, with finite finances...

Edited September 14, 2016 by Robberbaron

[Janne Herajärvi]

I like those decals.. Yet another must have kit..

[tim boyd]

 

he street rod version I guess had mini-tubs? I never had one, Did street rod still have vinyl top (I hope not)?

I have stock issue and the top and sink mark made me look at it, sigh, and put it back in box.  I have original issue (non-soap box). Rest of tool looked really nice though. 

Yep, the Street Machine version had Mini-Tubs, a woodgrained bed floor (vs. steel ribbed in the stock kit), plus a dead-ringer replica of a well-known aftermarket blower installation with (very-basic) fuel injection. Also big and little tires with a set of Halibrand-style deep'n'deeper offsetwheels.  Alas, the vinyl top (and its sink) carried over to the Street Machine version.....TIM 

[Chuck Kourouklis]

That was another really great "Mueller/Montgomery"-era kit.  I remember it being a honey to build and very clever in the interface between the floor pan, interior side panels and the bed floor somehow (it's been 15 or 16 years since I last had a good look).

Sits a little low for purely stock iIrc, but that's easily fixed and not even a problem for many modelers.

[MrObsessive]

I have the original release of this kit, and that molded in vinyl top is one eyesore to look at due to those sink marks! But, I'd get rid of it if I ever build it simply because IMO the El Camino of this vintage look sooooo much better without it! 

The vinyl roof appears to interrupt the smooth flowing lines of the roofline into the bed, at least from my view.

[tim boyd]

 

The vinyl roof appears to interrupt the smooth flowing lines of the roofline into the bed, at least from my view.

Bill....I agree!   TIM

[tim boyd]

In the April, 2014 issue of Model Cars magazine, I did an in-depth article on the history of 1/25th scale El Camino kits.  

Now there is a new chapter in that kit history, and all is revealed with 31 images and captions at this link.... and make sure to read the captions for some interesting tidbits along the way, too!  

And as always, thanks for looking....TIM  

Edited November 16, 2016 by tim boyd

[niteowl7710]

I would say I think Round2 is pushing the limits of "Build it Stock or Custom" if a set of wheels are the only option.  I mean I guess a set of mags are "custom", but it's not what most people are thinking of, or expecting out of an AMT kit.  ESPECIALLY one that so closely relates to a vintage kit that DID have quite a bit of custom parts.

[unclescott58]

Another great review Tim. And a cool kit all of the way around. I'm glad to see the sail panel sink marks are gone. Because other than that, this has always been a great kit. The only thing I didn't like in your review, is the little teasing about another possible reissue coming in a year or so, done in a similar manner as this one. Actually I'm glad to hear that Round 2 is considering doing another kit like this. So you keep on teasing us with these little tidbits.

And thank you Round 2 for another great release. I've always wanted the old soapbox derby car. Putting it with the Mueller era Elky is okay with me. I think this makes the new kit better than the original. And I'm looking forward to what ever it is that you guys shared with Tim. What you guys have been doing with AMT, MPC, Lindberg, Hawk, and Polar Lights, has truly has brought us into a Golden Age of modeling.

 

[samdiego]

Definitely on my want list. I can't remember a reason for my not having a go at this one when it was first released and I've wanted one for years mostly for the Derby car. I guess that may have been my wacky show car fascination overriding my musclecar interests. 

[mchalal]

Great review Tim. I cant wait to get this version. I've attached a picture of one I've got deep on my bench. A new body will help with the roof. I made the front wheels steer. easy to do with existing kit parts and a thin blade razor saw.

[mchalal]

another photo, I forgot I swapped in a bench seat from the 70 Impala. not 100% correct, but I'm not counting pleats. I gave the engine a been workin look.

 

[louie]

Thank you Tim for this great review.     

Jeff 

[DaveM]

I am thrilled to see that they fixed those sink marks.  I still have a couple of the early issues that were all but unbuildable because of them.  I would have preferred a plain roof, but as long as I don't have to repair sink marks on the textured top, I can live with it.  When I saw this kit being released again, my first thought was FLEE!  My second thought was to make sure everybody knew about the sink marks before they bought one and realized they were only good for the parts box. Now, I am seriously thinking about getting one or two of these.  I always wanted the Soap Box Derby car, and now I can get a usable "Spork" that will build up into a very nice model.  (The rest of the kit was fantastic, the roof was the only thing that killed it)   With the vinyl top and all of the bells and whistles, this will build up into a mighty fine looking "Cowboy Cadillac".   (A bit upscale for my tastes, but a fun build nonetheless.)  

Awesome job R2.  Nice save of a great kit!  

[Chuck Most]

When I read "derby" I was thinking "demolition", but that's cool! A kit with a building accessory like that only could have happened in the '60's. (Note- Since I wasn't around back then, that last sentence is little more than an educated guess. )

[ChrisBcritter]

The only thing I didn't like in your review, is the little teasing about another possible reissue coming in a year or so, done in a similar manner as this one. Actually I'm glad to hear that Round 2 is considering doing another kit like this. So you keep on teasing us with these little tidbits.

Let the wild speculation begin! (ain't I a stinker?)

With a partially-new-tool '66 Nova wagon?

 

Edited November 17, 2016 by ChrisBcritter

[unclescott58]

Let the wild speculation begin! (ain't I a stinker?)

 

With a partially-new-tool '66 Nova wagon?

 

I like your thinking. That would be very cool.

[charlie8575]

Let the wild speculation begin! (ain't I a stinker?)

With a partially-new-tool '66 Nova wagon?

 

I'd keep the wagon and trailer, give away the drag car.

Charlie Larkin

[om617]

Great review as always. Thanks for sharing.

[Snake45]

Let the wild speculation begin! (ain't I a stinker?)

With a partially-new-tool '66 Nova wagon?

 

They actually COULD do it with the '65 Chevelle wagon. Or '65 El Camino.

[ChrisBcritter]

Yes, if the "partial new tool" were a 300 two-door wagon body (and while they're at it, put the chrome taillight bezels and stock lenses back in)...

Back to the '68 El Camino: The improvement to the tool is welcome; now I'll finally add one to the stash.

[drodg]

Thanks Tim another great review.

[Casey]

Thanks for the excellent preview, Tim. Glad to see Round2 fixed the sink mark issue, too.

My guess on the future combo reissue is the '60 Chevy Fleetside paired with Triumph motorcycle from the '63 Chevy Apache kit.

Edited November 17, 2016 by Casey

[Snake45]

Great preview and writeup (as usual), Tim!

[AC Norton]

They actually COULD do it with the '65 Chevelle wagon. Or '65 El Camino.

.......and I agree, said the same years ago, and IF we get this set at one point, the wagon or camino  is probably what to expect....the Ace...