gtx6970 Posted July 4, 2018 Posted July 4, 2018 Ok, Ive wondered about this for some time. But maybe someone more knowledgeable then I can answer with certainty . As it pertains to mass produced model CAR KITS as they are known today . What is the 1st year ? I think 1958 for AMT/SMP. and 1959 for Johan .I have NO idea for Revell . Waht about pickups trucks , 1959 ,or 1960 ? Not including promos for the 1/1 manufactures ( think they go back into the 40s ) Or plans , ships or military, Simply model car / truck kits as we know them today
64Comet404 Posted July 4, 2018 Posted July 4, 2018 1956-57 for Revell 1/25 scale kits (1/32 scale cars came out around 1951-52).
MrObsessive Posted July 4, 2018 Posted July 4, 2018 42 minutes ago, 64Comet404 said: 1956-57 for Revell 1/25 scale kits (1/32 scale cars came out around 1951-52). I thought most Revell '56-'57 model kits were still 1/32.........1/25 wouldn't be till a little later, but I'm not sure on that. The Cadillac Brougham for '57 was 1/25 (almost), but Revell may have had a mix and match during that time come to think of it.
Mark Posted July 4, 2018 Posted July 4, 2018 Revell did their original '57 Ford Ranch Wagon in '57, the Eldorado Brougham was probably '57 also. SMP did a couple of bagged/unassembled promotional models in '57, with a tree of custom parts added. I've never seen one in person but I understand those were molded in acetate, same as the promos and friction toys. Those weren't around long, SMP/AMT came back in '58 with the boxed, molded in styrene, 3-in-1 kits. Only eleven kits were offered that first year (Ford, Edsel, Buick, Pontiac, and Chevrolet in both hardtop and convertible, and an Imperial convertible). Jo-Han started in '59, with only four hardtops (Plymouth, Dodge, Cadillac, and Oldsmobile). SMP/AMT pickup kits started in 1960 (Ford, Chevy, and Chevy El Camino). AMT offered some 3-car kits in '53, those were unassembled promos molded in acetate. They also offered a "Styling Kit" with an unassembled '57 Thunderbird promo, plus some clay and styling tools. Unless someone thinks of something earlier, I'd probably peg the Revell '57 Ford Ranch Wagon as the first 1/25 scale full-detail car kit, even though it didn't include any windows...
SfanGoch Posted July 4, 2018 Posted July 4, 2018 Interesting article on the '57 Eldorado Brougham: THE HISTORY OF THE REVELL ’57 CADILLAC ELDORADO BROUGHAM MODEL KIT
gtx6970 Posted July 4, 2018 Author Posted July 4, 2018 (edited) 25 minutes ago, Mark said: Revell did their original '57 Ford Ranch Wagon in '57, the Eldorado Brougham was probably '57 also. SMP did a couple of bagged/unassembled promotional models in '57, with a tree of custom parts added. I've never seen one in person but I understand those were molded in acetate, same as the promos and friction toys. Those weren't around long, SMP/AMT came back in '58 with the boxed, molded in styrene, 3-in-1 kits. Only eleven kits were offered that first year (Ford, Edsel, Buick, Pontiac, and Chevrolet in both hardtop and convertible, and an Imperial convertible). Jo-Han started in '59, with only four hardtops (Plymouth, Dodge, Cadillac, and Oldsmobile). SMP/AMT pickup kits started in 1960 (Ford, Chevy, and Chevy El Camino). AMT offered some 3-car kits in '53, those were unassembled promos molded in acetate. They also offered a "Styling Kit" with an unassembled '57 Thunderbird promo, plus some clay and styling tools. Unless someone thinks of something earlier, I'd probably peg the Revell '57 Ford Ranch Wagon as the first 1/25 scale full-detail car kit, even though it didn't include any windows... Thanks, This is what I was looking for. When a kit of a 1.25th scale model car was 1st avail to the masses . The AMT-SMP and Johan years I was pretty sure of. But I couldn't think of anything on revell or any other possible maker back then . A few friends have asked me the oldest model I know of and Ive told them 1958 was 1st year. But it looks like I need to find a 1957 Ford ( anyone have pictures of the original ) I have all the 1958s AMT-SMP convertible annuals produced and I think the only 1959 I'm missing is a Oldsmobile . Actually have most of the annuals up to about 1963 or 64 ps, when did the 1st issue 1959 El Camino appear ? Edited July 4, 2018 by gtx6970
unclescott58 Posted July 4, 2018 Posted July 4, 2018 11 minutes ago, SfanGoch said: Interesting article on the '57 Eldorado Brougham: THE HISTORY OF THE REVELL ’57 CADILLAC ELDORADO BROUGHAM MODEL KIT After reading the above article, I've decided I need one. I've been thinking about it for a while now. And I think it's time to get one.
SfanGoch Posted July 4, 2018 Posted July 4, 2018 15 minutes ago, gtx6970 said: ps, when did the 1st issue 1959 El Camino appear ? 1965.
espo Posted July 4, 2018 Posted July 4, 2018 The first model kits I recall with an interior was the '57 year models. I had a '57 Ford convertible and then the hardtop. The '57 Fairlane 500 with the opening doors was a much later issue. I remember getting a '55 Buick hardtop and a '56 Oldsmobile 4 door hardtop and a '56 Dodge two door hardtop, but these were without interiors and had metal chassis. this was in 1955 and 1956.
unclescott58 Posted July 4, 2018 Posted July 4, 2018 7 minutes ago, unclescott58 said: After reading the above article, I've decided I need one. I've been thinking about it for a while now. And I think it's time to get one. I guess I won't be adding a Revell '57 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham to my collection in the near future. A quick search on the web, and I was surprised to see what the last reissues, new and unbuilt, are now going for! The next time I see one at a reasonable price price, I'm going to for sure buy it.
gtx6970 Posted July 4, 2018 Author Posted July 4, 2018 4 minutes ago, unclescott58 said: I guess I won't be adding a Revell '57 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham to my collection in the near future. A quick search on the web, and I was surprised to see what the last reissues, new and unbuilt, are now going for! The next time I see one at a reasonable price price, I'm going to for sure buy it. Same here. I would like to have one, but not at crazy money
SfanGoch Posted July 4, 2018 Posted July 4, 2018 The problem with quick searches is you'll never find what you're looking for. From ebay for $17.50: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Revell-Authentic-Kit-1-24-Cadillac-Eldorado-Brougham-1244-Model-Kit-1996/183237837941?epid=1101612415&hash=item2aa9d38475:g:oygAAOSweoBbBIM9 Don't BMW about the $10.95 shipping. It's still cheaper than other sources. If yer slow, you blow, Chief.
SfanGoch Posted July 4, 2018 Posted July 4, 2018 I snagged a mint condition Franklin Mint 1/24 '57 Eldorado Brougham last year for 29 bucks.
Ace-Garageguy Posted July 4, 2018 Posted July 4, 2018 1 hour ago, unclescott58 said: I guess I won't be adding a Revell '57 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham to my collection in the near future. A quick search on the web, and I was surprised to see what the last reissues, new and unbuilt, are now going for! The next time I see one at a reasonable price price, I'm going to for sure buy it. 1 hour ago, gtx6970 said: Same here. I would like to have one, but not at crazy money I just bought another one for $22 and change, including shipping.
Ace-Garageguy Posted July 4, 2018 Posted July 4, 2018 Don't forget Monogram. in 1954, their first plastic kit, #P1 (first issue molded in acetate, which I have) was this odd scale midget racer. P2 was the next Monogram entry. Both kits were aimed at enthusiasts more than children. And both have been reissued multiple times, in styrene. 1
MrObsessive Posted July 4, 2018 Posted July 4, 2018 Revell '57 Broughams can be had on the cheap........just keep a lookout for them. Frankly, I just want one for parts mainly the interior to someday repair and finish up one I started loooong ago, trying to correct its flaws body shape wise. No way I'm gonna pay a crazy price as I've seen them in the past (complete kits) go for less than $40. Parts cars probably a lot cheaper than that.
ChrisBcritter Posted July 4, 2018 Posted July 4, 2018 (edited) 7 hours ago, 64Comet404 said: 1956-57 for Revell 1/25 scale kits (1/32 scale cars came out around 1951-52). 1955 was the first year, at least for the Chrysler and Buick. 4 hours ago, gtx6970 said: But it looks like I need to find a 1957 Ford ( anyone have pictures of the original ) Here's mine (sorry but the parking lot's JAMMED on the Fourth of July!) 5 hours ago, Mark said: Revell did their original '57 Ford Ranch Wagon in '57 It's a Country Squire; PMC did the Country Sedan as a promo. Revell molded it in Code E Silver Mocha. Edited July 4, 2018 by ChrisBcritter
High octane Posted July 5, 2018 Posted July 5, 2018 11 hours ago, SfanGoch said: I snagged a mint condition Franklin Mint 1/24 '57 Eldorado Brougham last year for 29 bucks. Excellent haul as I may have one of those myself, and it is really a beauty to say the least.
Vietnam Vet67 Posted July 5, 2018 Posted July 5, 2018 15 hours ago, gtx6970 said: Ok, Ive wondered about this for some time. But maybe someone more knowledgeable then I can answer with certainty . As it pertains to mass produced model CAR KITS as they are known today . What is the 1st year ? I think 1958 for AMT/SMP. and 1959 for Johan .I have NO idea for Revell . Waht about pickups trucks , 1959 ,or 1960 ? Not including promos for the 1/1 manufactures ( think they go back into the 40s ) Or plans , ships or military, Simply model car / truck kits as we know them today I remember getting that Edsel convertible kit as my first real car kit and I glued on every optional piece that was in the kit including the fins..............what a beauty. I was 16 or 17 years old then and I am now 74.
moparfarmer Posted July 5, 2018 Posted July 5, 2018 58 Edsel convert was my first.Painted everything except the chrome and w/shield Pactra Insigna red out of the ectangular bottles.. She was a looker..
Gramps46 Posted July 5, 2018 Posted July 5, 2018 I thought my first was a AMT/SMP 1958 Mercury but the bumper says 1959. This is after I had removed the all the decals and brush painted it.
gtx6970 Posted July 5, 2018 Author Posted July 5, 2018 8 hours ago, Motor City said: maybe Premier's 1956 Lincoln? As a boxed kit.? Im familiar with the promo of that car . Warped and all
gtx6970 Posted July 5, 2018 Author Posted July 5, 2018 (edited) Anyone know anything about this one? Seller says it was made in 1958 . The is the 1st Ive seen or heard of this one. Actually wouldn't mind having one for myself . Edited July 5, 2018 by gtx6970
MrObsessive Posted July 5, 2018 Posted July 5, 2018 (edited) That's the first I've ever of that one too as a plastic kit! I've seen resins, and now i have to wonder if this is where they were able to get the castings from. The year is correct as that would be the Firebird III(?) for '58. The original Firebird a couple years earlier was a bit different. EDIT: Correction.............this would be the Firebird III one-off for '58..... Not quite sure what the above is supposed to be.......... Edited July 5, 2018 by MrObsessive
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