AMT/ROUND 2 Suggestion

[Luc Janssens]

On 8/1/2025 at 2:16 AM, Justin Porter said:

Here's a suggestion that I would say would actually move a fair number of kits - whatever blueprints/research/tooling bucks might still exist of the aborted '50 Studebaker two door project from the end of the Mueller era need to be employed to finally give us THAT kit as conceived.

Would be neat to have, indeed.

 

[Chris V]

On 8/1/2025 at 2:16 AM, Justin Porter said:

Here's a suggestion that I would say would actually move a fair number of kits - whatever blueprints/research/tooling bucks might still exist of the aborted '50 Studebaker two door project from the end of the Mueller era need to be employed to finally give us THAT kit as conceived.

At risk of sounding negative that’s not very likely to happen - for the exact same reason we haven’t seen a 1948 Tucker commercially kitted (aside from exclusive small volume aftermarket kits): Though the cars themselves are iconic, the appeal of the subject matter is simply too narrow.  There’s virtually no potential for alternate versions to increase return on the tooling investment. No significant body style variations, commercial applications, modification-, movie- or racing history. 

Unlike the ‘50 Oldsmobile (which was based on a Racing Champions coin bank modified with parts from AMT’s 1951 Chevrolet Bel Air) no images of an actual model was used, when the box art for the “upcoming” Studebaker kit was announced in the early 00’s. To this day I don’t think it’s ever been confirmed, that development of an actual model kit had progressed beyond the preliminary box art design to gauge the customer demand.

[Mark C.]

IIRC, there was a RC ‘50 Studebaker diecast that was out for a short run.  A simplified snap-type kit based off of that tooling, if it still existed, might be alright.  Revell did it, and though not perfect, it was a way to get the subject matter into kit form.

[Justin Porter]

2 hours ago, Chris V said:

At risk of sounding negative that’s not very likely to happen - for the exact same reason we haven’t seen a 1948 Tucker commercially kitted (aside from exclusive small volume aftermarket kits): Though the cars themselves are iconic, the appeal of the subject matter is simply too narrow.  There’s virtually no potential for alternate versions to increase return on the tooling investment. No significant body style variations, commercial applications, modification-, movie- or racing history. 

Unlike the ‘50 Oldsmobile (which was based on a Racing Champions coin bank modified with parts from AMT’s 1951 Chevrolet Bel Air) no images of an actual model was used, when the box art for the “upcoming” Studebaker kit was announced in the early 00’s. To this day I don’t think it’s ever been confirmed, that development of an actual model kit had progressed beyond the preliminary box art design to gauge the customer demand.

One thing I have genuinely seen is that late 40's and early 50's subject matter does sell well particularly to customizers and to replica stock builders. Historic and iconic curiosities that haven't been in styrene before are ripe subject matter for such a kit. This is why we have seen such a rise in commercially available 3D files for such vehicles. 

As to "no significant movie history" that's a bit of an absurd statement given that the car is straight up name-checked in a classic line from one of the most beloved media franchises on the planet. 

[Can-Con]

7 minutes ago, Justin Porter said:

One thing I have genuinely seen is that late 40's and early 50's subject matter does sell well particularly to customizers and to replica stock builders. Historic and iconic curiosities that haven't been in styrene before are ripe subject matter for such a kit. This is why we have seen such a rise in commercially available 3D files for such vehicles. 

As to "no significant movie history" that's a bit of an absurd statement given that the car is straight up name-checked in a classic line from one of the most beloved media franchises on the planet. 

A bear in his natural habitat.

[Rob Hall]

1 hour ago, Mark C. said:

IIRC, there was a RC ‘50 Studebaker diecast that was out for a short run.  A simplified snap-type kit based off of that tooling, if it still existed, might be alright.  Revell did it, and though not perfect, it was a way to get the subject matter into kit form.

Johnny Lightning made a nice 1/24th die cast '51 Studebaker coupe also.  

Edited 15 hours ago by Rob Hall

[Chris V]

10 minutes ago, Justin Porter said:

One thing I have genuinely seen is that late 40's and early 50's subject matter does sell well particularly to customizers and to replica stock builders. Historic and iconic curiosities that haven't been in styrene before are ripe subject matter for such a kit. This is why we have seen such a rise in commercially available 3D files for such vehicles. 

As to "no significant movie history" that's a bit of an absurd statement given that the car is straight up name-checked in a classic line from one of the most beloved media franchises on the planet. 

Don’t get me wrong: I’m not arguing against a Bulletnose Studebaker - Just stating that there are many other more obvious choices with broader appeal in that subject matter segment . 

And with no preexisting Disney ties I have a hard time imagining that Round2 will pony up the cash to acquire the licensing for the Muppets franchise just to sell a single kit…
 

 

[blizzy63]

On 8/1/2025 at 10:23 AM, Carmak said:

Those 65 Oldsmobile bolt on magnesium wheel covers are some of the most impressive wheel covers ever made!

If you're referring to the "stock" Starfire wheel covers in the original kit, I agree with you.

When Round2 re-released the AMT '65 Olds 88 Modified Stocker kit in 2024, I was seriously hoping that they would open the sprues more to include the beautiful Starfire wheel covers. I was disappointed.

I also like the 'Custom Aluminum Wheels' with knock-offs. These wheels have a basis in Oldsmobile history from a 1964 4-4-2 factory show car.

[Mark C.]

7 hours ago, Rob Hall said:

Johnny Lightning made a nice 1/24th die cast '51 Studebaker coupe also.  

That could very well be the one I was thinking of.

[meechum68]

I'd love to see a Bulletnose Studebaker, and that is one of my holy grail actual cars I'd love to have. 

And if anyone knows of a resin master making that kit, let me know. 

I understand that it would be a very niche car, which would definitely have a very steep price point, but I still would love to see it made. Easily 6-9 in my stash if Round2 made them.

 

[mikos]

On 7/31/2025 at 5:21 PM, carnut said:

What I wish is that Round2 would improve their quality control, I have bought a few of their kits here recently, and several of them have warped frames and chassis. Fortunately, I can straighten them out

Now that my griping is out of the way , Here are just a few of my suggestions to have cloned or reissued.

I don’t know about the Fairlane, but the rest would have to be “cloned” because the original issues were either altered into the next model year (‘69 Bonneville) and (‘69 Grand Prix) or hacked up (‘65 Olds 88 modified stock racer) or both….custom Sweat Hogs Dream Machine (‘72 Grand Prix).

I don’t see the ‘69 Bonneville ever coming back, but the ‘69-‘72 Grand Prix has a good business case.  I think the body tool on the Sweat Hogs Dream Machine is probably too far gone if the tooling still exists.  However, Round 2 has proven they can clone old kits so I’m sure they can do it.  The ‘72 Grand Prix would be the most logical choice if they decided to bring it back.  And, I hope they do.

Edited 4 hours ago by mikos