I'm trying to get a new model produced!

[RocketFoot]

So, I work for a Mack Truck dealer and I want to get a new model commissioned!  I have never seen a 1953-1966 Mack B61 Model on the market so I think that would be a great model to get produced!   I even found a beautiful scale 3D file on Turbosquid!  Is there other productive avenues to pursue to get a new model produced?  Anyone here in the "Business?"  This would be a big seller for sure!  I also Admin a big Mack Truck support forum and we have a pretty large model building crowd!  Plus my dealership sells restoration parts for Mack Trucks all over the world!  I can move some product, I just need a reputable model company to step up and bring it to market!!

 

Edited September 29, 2023 by RocketFoot

[Gary Chastain]

check out this this shop but he doesn’t do the earlier models. We lost AIM who use to do many of the older trucks. It would be outstanding to see some new kits produced for sure. 
https://globalscalemodeltrucks.com/collections/frontpage?page=1

[bobthehobbyguy]

I would suggest you put together a proposal.

It really helps for the model companies to get several variants from a kit.

Can multiple years be done?

Sounds like a good market is there.

[TonyK]

I don't build trucks but this one is immediately recognized as a classic. You would think there might be a market for vintage big rigs and I might even be tempted to build one like this.

[RocketFoot]

9 minutes ago, Gary Chastain said:

check out this this shop but he doesn’t do the earlier models. We lost AIM who use to do many of the older trucks. It would be outstanding to see some new kits produced for sure. 
https://globalscalemodeltrucks.com/collections/frontpage?page=1

Cool!  I gotta dig into this site but in general, what do you do with resin cab kits?  I see it says First Gear conversions so I am thinking you can convert a First Gear diecast into one of these resin kits?  Very interesting!  I have a bunch of First Gear stuff in Diecast!

6 minutes ago, bobthehobbyguy said:

I would suggest you put together a proposal.

It really helps for the model companies to get several variants from a kit.

Can multiple years be done?

Sounds like a good market is there.

Yes, one kit would cover 1953 to 1966 for a B61!  They were all very close except that the wiper motor was outside the firewall after 1960! 

[Ace-Garageguy]

It really seems like I've seen that cab available somewhere, but...

EDIT: Yup...AITM did one: https://www.scalemates.com/kits/american-industrial-truck-models-ck-7-mack-b-61-standard-cab--1329937

Assuming there's not one out there, I think your best bet would be to find somebody to design and print a 3D master configured to fit an existing kit chassis, then find a reputable resin caster to make molds and produce the parts.

That's basically the way it's been done up til now...cast resin retrofits for existing styrene kit chassis.

Tooling to produce an entire kit in styrene, ar even 3D modeling an entire kit in CAD, would be prohibitively expensive for any but a major player like AMT/R2.

Edited September 28, 2023 by Ace-Garageguy

[Gary Chastain]

28 minutes ago, RocketFoot said:

Cool!  I gotta dig into this site but in general, what do you do with resin cab kits?  I see it says First Gear conversions so I am thinking you can convert a First Gear diecast into one of these resin kits?  Very interesting!  I have a bunch of First Gear stuff in Diecast!

Yes, one kit would cover 1953 to 1966 for a B61!  They were all very close except that the wiper motor was outside the firewall after 1960! 

Barry, typically I will use a donor kit for the rolling frame sometimes updating to something more correct for the engine and axles. I have also just scratch built frame rails and find the correct suspension/axles, motor and transmission using companies like Auslowe or ST Supply for those parts. https://www.auslowe.com.au/shop/category/trailer-suspension-kits/374

look thru the WIP big rigs and heavy equipment section and you can see some of the resin cab builds. There are builders here who do amazing work with this type of building. 

[Gary Chastain]

When resin kits become available, I tend to grab them, add to my collection of “ I will build it someday” I grabbed this resin cab from AIM to be built as a curbside, before he shut down his business. This is a picture , not my build of this resin kit  

[TarheelRick]

When I hear "Mack truck" that is the one that automatically pops into my mind.  As TonyK said, I also do not build trucks, although I do have a couple in my stash, but I think this would be and automatic big seller.

[Gary Chastain]

Another 3D printer who does high quality work. They are actually present here. https://tx3dcustoms.com/collections/semi-kits

[RocketFoot]

20 minutes ago, Gary Chastain said:

When resin kits become available, I tend to grab them, add to my collection of “ I will build it someday” I grabbed this resin cab from AIM to be built as a curbside, before he shut down his business. This is a picture , not my build of this resin kit  

Nice!  This truck looks like a B81 style 'hard nose' radiator but it has B61 style fenders...I think it is a B61SE

11 minutes ago, TarheelRick said:

When I hear "Mack truck" that is the one that automatically pops into my mind.  As TonyK said, I also do not build trucks, although I do have a couple in my stash, but I think this would be and automatic big seller.

I agree!  I am surprised that there aren't any kits out there!  The B-Model Mack was revolutionary in 1953 when it was introduced!  There was nothing like it and it is still highly collectible today!  I ship restoration parts for them all over the world daily!!

[1930fordpickup]

A few questions Barry. 

What years would this cab be used for. I think you said 53 to 66 A good range of years for truck builders. 

Was the same frame used for this truck and other model numbers?  So if they built a different model could they use the same frame for a different truck with little change. Just a new cab and tires and wheels 

How many different models from Mack used the same parts?  Frame and Cab just a different nose maybe. 

Give them examples of what the truck would be used for other than over the road tractors. 

 

[RocketFoot]

8 hours ago, 1930fordpickup said:

A few questions Barry. 

What years would this cab be used for. I think you said 53 to 66 A good range of years for truck builders. 

Was the same frame used for this truck and other model numbers?  So if they built a different model could they use the same frame for a different truck with little change. Just a new cab and tires and wheels 

How many different models from Mack used the same parts?  Frame and Cab just a different nose maybe. 

Give them examples of what the truck would be used for other than over the road tractors. 

 

Yes, the B-Model was built from 1953 to 1966 and stayed relatively the same throughout its production.   The B-Model could share the frame, suspension, exhaust, fuel tanks and engine from an R-Model kit with just a few minor changes.  The cab and front clip are different.

Edited September 29, 2023 by RocketFoot

[Jim B]

I wish you luck getting the B61 to market in plastic. I think there will be a lot of potential with this kit.

[GLMFAA1]

Let's set some historical facts out there. First the late Jim Etter made the original Mack models for Mack trucks Inc. He was taught master molding techniques and made the resin castings of several Mack cabs, He turned the lessons into a side job of selling the raw castings to the scale model makers. AIM was the original company. After his passing the molds got to ATIM where they were refined and improved. I don't know who has rights to Mack trademarks for models since so many toy and model companies have replicas and with the fluctuation of Mack ownership.So if someone looks hard enough a Etter cab may come up for sale. The B61 was always a great fire chassis. I would like to see a true plastic model and I believe the chassis of that era was a straight frame as opposed to the Y shape of the modern R type.  I had the pleasure of meeting and being at Jim's 'factory' in McConnelsburg, PA. Always a Mack fan. 

greg

[RocketFoot]

16 minutes ago, GLMFAA1 said:

Let's set some historical facts out there. First the late Jim Etter made the original Mack models for Mack trucks Inc. He was taught master molding techniques and made the resin castings of several Mack cabs, He turned the lessons into a side job of selling the raw castings to the scale model makers. AIM was the original company. After his passing the molds got to ATIM where they were refined and improved. I don't know who has rights to Mack trademarks for models since so many toy and model companies have replicas and with the fluctuation of Mack ownership.So if someone looks hard enough a Etter cab may come up for sale. The B61 was always a great fire chassis. I would like to see a true plastic model and I believe the chassis of that era was a straight frame as opposed to the Y shape of the modern R type.  I had the pleasure of meeting and being at Jim's 'factory' in McConnelsburg, PA. Always a Mack fan. 

greg

I am friends with the Mack Museum's Curator, I'll have to shoot him a message and see if he has any AIM models in the museum in Allentown!

[Gary Chastain]

Great discussion guys

[bobthehobbyguy]

Great subject. 

A truck kit is going to have development costs about twice the typical all new automobile kit. The key is being able to sell enough kits to justify that costs. Again a good proposal is key to making this happen.

I don't normally build trucks but would be interested in building one of these becuase they look so cool.

[RocketFoot]

My friend at the Museum came through with some photos of Jim Etter models on display att he Mack Museum in Allentown, PA!  Enjoy...

 

[Gary Chastain]

So cool, thanks for sharing 

[1930fordpickup]

Yes, thank you for posting. Very nice work.

[Brian Austin]

Circus modelers also like Macks.

These pictures are from an auction of the Robert MacDougall collection that depicted the various pieces of equipment used by the Ringling Bros Barnum & Bailey circus.  I'm presuming he used the aforementioned resin cabs for his B and L-Series trucks.

 

Since Mack offered numerous models and variations in their range, how does a prospective model kit manufacturer decide which one to offer?  Do modelers complain that their preferred variant wasn't picked?  ?

[Brian Austin]

FWIW, there does exist a B-Model Mack in styrene.  This is a petroleum promo model issued by JMT Replicas in the 1990s.

[RocketFoot]

7 hours ago, Brian Austin said:

Circus modelers also like Macks.

These pictures are from an auction of the Robert MacDougall collection that depicted the various pieces of equipment used by the Ringling Bros Barnum & Bailey circus.  I'm presuming he used the aforementioned resin cabs for his B and L-Series trucks.

 

Since Mack offered numerous models and variations in their range, how does a prospective model kit manufacturer decide which one to offer?  Do modelers complain that their preferred variant wasn't picked?  ?

Those are pretty cool!  It does look like a resin cab kit

7 hours ago, Brian Austin said:

FWIW, there does exist a B-Model Mack in styrene.  This is a petroleum promo model issued by JMT Replicas in the 1990s.

Was this a kit or an assembled toy sold at the gas stations?  Either way, they are highly collectible!  Especially the Hess line.

[Brian Austin]

18 hours ago, RocketFoot said:

Was this a kit or an assembled toy sold at the gas stations?  Either way, they are highly collectible!  Especially the Hess line.

This is an assembled promo that lights up, like most gas station promos.