What are the chances that we could see an all new kit of the AMT 67 Ford Galaxy?

[Mark C.]

14 hours ago, mrm said:

I don't necessarily disagree. But how about modern Pick up trucks, SUVs, Porsches, Mercedes, post '95 Mustangs, modern Camaros, Jeeps, Japanese cars that have a huge following, exotics that every kid knows and dreams about, modern Mopars, F1 cars, rallye cars, drifters...wait... let me correct myself. I can think of about 300 cars that I would think would be a better choice investing the money for a new tooling than another Galaxie. 

In the context of the original post, IMHO, the topic revolves around Round2 (AMT) doing a clone/reissue of the old ‘67 Galaxie kit, which hasn’t been available in many, many years.  As they have been tackling many projects such as this, we’re really just talking about whether this subject matter could fit into their business plan.

Regarding the other “better” choices, many of those are covered by other manufacturers, and additionally are not available subjects for Round2 to clone/reissue.

So… bring on a ’67 Galaxie.  I hope it will make the cut because I would buy one.

[stavanzer]

After reading all the Whinging on here about the (Blah-Blah) long lost Ford 1967 Galaxie, I am really starting to wish the the dang car never gets restored.....

The Lunatic Fringe on here (and other Online Hobby Forums) are probably good for about 1500-2000 kits. After that, they'll linger on the shelves, unwanted by the Vast majority of today's builders, who really neither know nor care about the car. And, in order to be priced at a point the the Geezer Market will consent to buy it, it will have to be the simplified, Promo Chassis style from the 1960's.

All in All, I don't see this being a subject that Round2 can make pay for itself. Now, 3D printing, may be a whole different animal. There it might do well, for the few folks who really want one.

(I say few, because truthfully, does anybody here think the the Bread & Butter Modelers who buy from Hobby Lobby will buy enough '67 Galaxies to make this idea work?)

My own opinion only. Worth 2 Cents. No Deposit, No return. Your mileage my Vary.

[Ragtop Man]

Core vs. outreach is the never-ending battle of the legacy marketer, especially with deep roots in The Way It Was.

The primary issue here is that 1/25 automotive models are a yesterday proposition for domestics kit companies.

The future is in Sci-fi / fantasy /gaming / superhero, which encompass all forms of gaming and entertainment.  They compete to see who has the newest coolest anything...their love of the genre crosses EVERYTHING. They have money to spend and don't hestiate to indulge, NOW. This is the culture and builders can't get enough. Go to a ComicCon event some time to see how deeply immersed people are... and the relatively low percentage of gray hairs on mobility scooters with oxygen tanks. 

Our end was big when new cars WERE the culture. They were featured in movies, splashy shows, hit songs and TV series - you couldn't turn around without being bombarded by automotive messaging. Today, the automobile is the enemy. It's a daily from A to B. Zero excitment or anticipation except in groups... about our age getting giddy over a pre-runner special or the umpteenth limited edition Mustang. Automobiles are a side show in the culture, an appliance. The hobby reflects this, generally. 

[Mark C.]

So from this point of view, we greyhairs should never expect to have any subject matter to build, because we aren't into the latest greatest fantasy fad.  I'm feeling kind of apathetic as I have no interest in sci-fi/fantasy/gaming/superhero stuff, and thus will have to build off of my stash for my remaining days, or forego groceries for a week or two and purchase a 3D print body that I will have to scratch build a chassis and interior for.  Hmmm...

What about military modelers?  They don't fit into the above category, yet by the new releases I see coming out regularly, they seem to be getting every variance of what appears to be somewhat esoteric subject matter.  Is military modeling dying just like car modeling?

Oh well... I must get my walker and go for another dose of Geritol before I keel over in my frailty.  Maybe I can live long enough to knock out one more replica of an evil fossil-fuel-consuming conveyance from an era too long ago for anybody to remember...  😄

[Luc Janssens]

1 hour ago, Ragtop Man said:

Today, the automobile is the enemy. It's a daily from A to B. Zero excitment or anticipation except in groups... about our age getting giddy over a pre-runner special or the umpteenth limited edition Mustang. Automobiles are a side show in the culture, an appliance. The hobby reflects this, generally. 

Indeed, in school even children are being taught the automobile is a bad thing.....

[mrm]

7 hours ago, Mark C. said:

In the context of the original post, IMHO, the topic revolves around Round2 (AMT) doing a clone/reissue of the old ‘67 Galaxie kit, which hasn’t been available in many, many years.  As they have been tackling many projects such as this, we’re really just talking about whether this subject matter could fit into their business plan.

Regarding the other “better” choices, many of those are covered by other manufacturers, and additionally are not available subjects for Round2 to clone/reissue.

So… bring on a ’67 Galaxie.  I hope it will make the cut because I would buy one.

My original comment was in response of a previous comment suggesting a brand new model from a new tool. And the point I was making was that I can think of a lot of other models that would be better subject choice IF MONEY ARE INVESTED IN A BRAND NEW TOOL. That comment however has disappeared. And when it comes to subjects of brand new tooling, the list of "better choices" (better in more ways than one) that are NOT covered by other manufacturers is a mile long. Starting with '50s Buicks and ending with any of today's 1500 trucks, be it Chevy, Ford or Ram. 

[stavanzer]

5 hours ago, Mark C. said:

So from this point of view, we greyhairs should never expect to have any subject matter to build, because we aren't into the latest greatest fantasy fad. 

No,No you should not expect that. You are twisting my meaning. Round2 will continue to clone old kits. It is now a proven part of their business model. But, I see them doing other kits before the Ford. There are Galaxie kits out there to build, just not the 1967. I suspect that there are other, larger holes to be filled by Clones, than the '67 Galaxie, but I could easily be wrong. My reasoning makes sense to me based on what I surmise to be true, based on what I read here and other places. Other people can read the same things I do, and come to entirely different conclusions. I've stated why "I" don't think that the '67 will be cloned soon, for business and marketing reasons. I'll cheerfully admit that I was mistaken if Steve G. announces that Round2 has decided to clone the '67.

Besides, I suspect that Round2 has a 2 or 3 new clones underway right now, and we have no idea what they are. Rest assured however, that one or two of them will wind up hitting your Greyhair wheelhouse.

[Mark C.]

5 minutes ago, mrm said:

My original comment was in response of a previous comment suggesting a brand new model from a new tool. And the point I was making was that I can think of a lot of other models that would be better subject choice IF MONEY ARE INVESTED IN A BRAND NEW TOOL. That comment however has disappeared. And when it comes to subjects of brand new tooling, the list of "better choices" (better in more ways than one) that are NOT covered by other manufacturers is a mile long. Starting with '50s Buicks and ending with any of today's 1500 trucks, be it Chevy, Ford or Ram. 

Fair enough, I was just wondering why we are saying there are 300 better choices considering the context of the thread, but your explanation covers that. Thanks!

[mrm]

7 hours ago, stavanzer said:

After reading all the Whinging on here about the (Blah-Blah) long lost Ford 1967 Galaxie, I am really starting to wish the the dang car never gets restored.....

The Lunatic Fringe on here (and other Online Hobby Forums) are probably good for about 1500-2000 kits. After that, they'll linger on the shelves, unwanted by the Vast majority of today's builders, who really neither know nor care about the car. And, in order to be priced at a point the the Geezer Market will consent to buy it, it will have to be the simplified, Promo Chassis style from the 1960's.

All in All, I don't see this being a subject that Round2 can make pay for itself. Now, 3D printing, may be a whole different animal. There it might do well, for the few folks who really want one.

(I say few, because truthfully, does anybody here think the the Bread & Butter Modelers who buy from Hobby Lobby will buy enough '67 Galaxies to make this idea work?)

My own opinion only. Worth 2 Cents. No Deposit, No return. Your mileage my Vary.

I couldn't agree more with this. Except I would add that that is the situation not only with the Galaxie, but with the vast majority of R2 kits. And their original vintage boxart idea may seem cool to that same old crowd, but nobody else finds it attractive. Take for example the Phantom Vicky '32 Ford they repopped. Judging by the box art, they were trying really hard NOT to sell any. Because it is a great kit full of great modern street rod parts. That's one thing that Revell is doing amazing at - their new boxart, whether of reissues or new models is just making you want to buy the model, build it and then frame the box cover. 

[Mark C.]

8 minutes ago, stavanzer said:

No,No you should not expect that. You are twisting my meaning. Round2 will continue to clone old kits. It is now a proven part of their business model. But, I see them doing other kits before the Ford. There are Galaxie kits out there to build, just not the 1967. I suspect that there are other, larger holes to be filled by Clones, than the '67 Galaxie, but I could easily be wrong. My reasoning makes sense to me based on what I surmise to be true, based on what I read here and other places. Other people can read the same things I do, and come to entirely different conclusions. I've stated why "I" don't think that the '67 will be cloned soon, for business and marketing reasons. I'll cheerfully admit that I was mistaken if Steve G. announces that Round2 has decided to clone the '67.

Besides, I suspect that Round2 has a 2 or 3 new clones underway right now, and we have no idea what they are. Rest assured however, that one or two of them will wind up hitting your Greyhair wheelhouse.

I was mostly reacting to Ragtop’s post that made it sound like the only good tooling investments are in the sci fi, fantasy, etc. genre, but sure, I’ve always been content to leave the business decisions in the hands of the good people at Round 2.  Whatever they choose, I’m sure I’ll be happy with it.

I personally find it fun when someone makes a suggestion about a potential reissue and I like to play along.  It just rots my socks a little when there is negativity tossed into a fun conversation, but that’s just me.  Plus I’ve heard enough shade cast towards “boomers” from younger generations that if I never heard it again I would be just fine.  The suggestion that a subject like this probably shouldn’t happen because only the geezers and the fringe would buy it doesn’t sit well, but that’s probably more about me than anything else.  In the end, you’re probably right anyhow… so I will try to keep my excitement about the direction that the hobby has been taking in check, because it is probably not going to last…

[mrm]

6 minutes ago, Mark C. said:

Fair enough, I was just wondering why we are saying there are 300 better choices considering the context of the thread, but your explanation covers that. Thanks!

My original comment was "I can think of at least 30 different cars I would consider better choice investing on a new tooling to make before another Galaxie. From any manufacturer." And because I take a similar stand on other manufacturers too, it was brought up in another thread, where a '32 Ford Pick Up was mentioned. So, somebody decided to be a smart Alec and say Better a Galaxie repop than another 32 Ford. Which resulted with my 300 comment. 

   I am all for restoring and reissuing long lost models for the blue hair crowd that is in the hobby of buying and collecting models on their shelf, as long as that's not the only models out there and there is some kind of balance with offering some new stuff that could possibly attract new blood in the hobby. I have two teenagers at home. They used to build models with me. Not any more. I asked them out of the blue today, what would be a model subject they think would make them or their friends to pick a model and give it a go. They gave me quite a variety of a list. Common '60s and '70 grocery getters were nowhere on it. They both said immediately trucks. (And neither of them is into trucks) "Off road stuff" because that's what a lot of kids their age are into. "Porsches and the other cool B@& A$$ supercars" was another answer and "drifters". 

[Can-Con]

42 minutes ago, mrm said:

 So, somebody decided to be a smart Alec and say Better a Galaxie repop than another 32 Ford. Which resulted with my 300 comment. 

  

It's just nice to be noticed, Michael. 😁

Sorry, I thought you had thicker skin.😟 I apologize if I offended you.

Edited December 14, 2024 by Can-Con

[mrm]

1 minute ago, Can-Con said:

It's just nice to be noticed, Michael. 😁

Sorry, didn't realize you had such thin skin though.😟 I apologize if I offended you.

LOL. I am not offended and there is no need to apologize. I was just clearing the air surrounding my 300 comment. Hey, I bought a '61 Galaxie from Walmart. For the same money as Revell's '32 Sedan reissue. What a crappy model that Galaxie is. I am not familiar with them, so I thought it had that nice "bouble top" with the nice swooping line in the back. Nope. One piece bottom with BLAH_BLAH_BLAH_BLAH chassis detail, solid axles and no engine. The custom front and rear would take about the same amount of work to graft on as if I was scratch-building them. Headlights molded into the grille. No engine whatsoever. For $30. No wonder the whole pallet is still sitting there almost untouched. And you want more of that..? It's like trying to sell Commando on a VHS tape at $30 a pop. It was great back in 1985 and VHS was modern technology. But our-days it's obsolete and Commando is considered a low budget B-movie that you can find in the $5 DVD pile. 

[Tabbysdaddy]

I would buy at least six copies of Commando on VHS if they would reissue it. 

[Can-Con]

13 hours ago, mrm said:

LOL. I am not offended and there is no need to apologize. I was just clearing the air surrounding my 300 comment. Hey, I bought a '61 Galaxie from Walmart. For the same money as Revell's '32 Sedan reissue. What a crappy model that Galaxie is. I am not familiar with them, so I thought it had that nice "bouble top" with the nice swooping line in the back. Nope. One piece bottom with BLAH_BLAH_BLAH_BLAH chassis detail, solid axles and no engine. The custom front and rear would take about the same amount of work to graft on as if I was scratch-building them. Headlights molded into the grille. No engine whatsoever. For $30. No wonder the whole pallet is still sitting there almost untouched. And you want more of that..? It's like trying to sell Commando on a VHS tape at $30 a pop. It was great back in 1985 and VHS was modern technology. But our-days it's obsolete and Commando is considered a low budget B-movie that you can find in the $5 DVD pile. 

No worries. 

After the comment you left on my Plymouth wagon build, I figured we were just good natured ribbing each other back and forth. No harm, no foul.😉🙂

[Mark C.]

15 hours ago, mrm said:

My original comment was "I can think of at least 30 different cars I would consider better choice investing on a new tooling to make before another Galaxie. From any manufacturer." And because I take a similar stand on other manufacturers too, it was brought up in another thread, where a '32 Ford Pick Up was mentioned. So, somebody decided to be a smart Alec and say Better a Galaxie repop than another 32 Ford. Which resulted with my 300 comment. 

   I am all for restoring and reissuing long lost models for the blue hair crowd that is in the hobby of buying and collecting models on their shelf, as long as that's not the only models out there and there is some kind of balance with offering some new stuff that could possibly attract new blood in the hobby. I have two teenagers at home. They used to build models with me. Not any more. I asked them out of the blue today, what would be a model subject they think would make them or their friends to pick a model and give it a go. They gave me quite a variety of a list. Common '60s and '70 grocery getters were nowhere on it. They both said immediately trucks. (And neither of them is into trucks) "Off road stuff" because that's what a lot of kids their age are into. "Porsches and the other cool B@& A$$ supercars" was another answer and "drifters". 

30 or 300, whatever.  Thanks for the explanation, though.

You say you are all for restoring and reissuing long lost models, but everything else you say indicates that you are not.  Taking your statement at face value, however, I agree with you completely, that there is room for all of us in the hobby.  I'm not a "blue hair" (though I despise that ageist characterization, as if people of advanced years deserve derision just for living longer than the rest of us), but I can appreciate long-lost subject matter being revised and reissued, while also being able to appreciate highly-detailed kits, and modern subject matter.  I like all of it, and am glad to have the choices available.  So I can't understand why you are intent upon raising a fuss with people who are enthusiastic about a particular model subject just because you're not interested in it.  Chances are the '67 Galaxie won't see the light of day, but if it does it's Round2's decision, and they are taking the financial risk... nobody is forcing anybody to buy something that they don't like or are not interested in.

As far as your kids go, I feel for them that they can't find subject matter that they're interested in, though some of the subjects you mention are in fact available already.  Lots of trucks out there, though perhaps not the latest and greatest pickups, but trucks in general are well covered.  I'd like to see a new Ram, F-150, or Silverado, though.  You never know what may be around the corner for that, given the recent popularity of pickup kits in the market.  There are new kits of the Bronco and Charger by Round2.  They are nice, detailed kits based off of factory data and build quite nicely.  Revell has recent Jeep kits as well.  There are lots of supercar models out there, though.  I recently bought a Tamiya kit of the newest NSX - it's quite nice, Revell just released a nice new Corvette kit, plus there are lots of Porsches, etc.  Just look at Tamiya's sports car line, there are lots of choices there if your kids are legitimately interested in building them.  The thing is, other than Ragtop's sci-fi/fantasy comment, I'm not sure that the car genre is something that most teenagers and young adults would actually be willing to spend the money on and go to the effort of building.  It seems that the younger world is more taken with digital pursuits in general, than actually cutting, sanding, painting and gluing, like most of us were and many still are.  I don't know if model companies would do well basing future car kits off of a younger demographic, unless it had a link to a sci-fi movie/show, or whatever, like the Stranger Things kits that Revell is bringing out (looking forward to the Blazer for myself).  If the market is there, somebody has probably done a study on it and will adjust their business case appropriately.  Otherwise, the companies whose products have no sales appeal will go out of business.  That's how I see it, anyhow.

Anyhow, I hope you don't take my comments as any sort of slam or projecting some sort of negativity towards you.  I am just saying it as I see it.  As others have said, just my two cents, no more no less.  YMMV.

[stavanzer]

Mention has been made before, speculating that the Sci-Fi Models at Round2 subsidize the car kits. So, without knowing the numbers, it might be true that the Sci-Fi kits are more popular than the automotive subjects.

I'd very much like to see a "Heritage" edition of the Ford Bronco kit, but I doubt that a Plain Jane Bronco would be worth the effort from a sales viewpoint.

[Mark C.]

3 hours ago, stavanzer said:

Mention has been made before, speculating that the Sci-Fi Models at Round2 subsidize the car kits. So, without knowing the numbers, it might be true that the Sci-Fi kits are more popular than the automotive subjects.

I'd very much like to see a "Heritage" edition of the Ford Bronco kit, but I doubt that a Plain Jane Bronco would be worth the effort from a sales viewpoint.

From what others have said, I fully expect that sci-fi is more popular than straight up car and truck models. Ragtop made a good case for this earlier.

I think “subsidize” would be a strong statement, as Round 2 is a business and not a charity.  They are not in business to keep “geezers” happy, so one would have to assume there are profits involved.  Just my opinion, and I have been wrong before…

How about the ’67 Galaxie? I’d like to see it again, as I am too young to have had a chance to get one the first time around.  A ‘68 would be cool as well.

Meanwhile, it would be similarly nice to see  ‘65/‘66 Polara/Monaco, ‘65 Olds 88, ‘66 Skylark GS, ‘68-‘69 Impala, ‘66 thru ‘69 Bonneville as well!

[Ragtop Man]

Seeing a lot of interpretation and speculation about my intent, so let me clarify - 

Every brand that is successful in any category has thier "space,"  a place where their product is known and understood. Markets mature over time - and managing through it is a challenge to continue what you are good at, but leverage the reptuation to bring new customers in the future. 

My comments were mainly about the R2 empire, and their current ownership and funding. They have several income streams including plastic and diecast. The fact you STILL see the AMT and MPC logos says the brands still have selling power with distributors and hobbyists. 

We are a bit egocentric, here, thinking that we ARE the whole market, when in reality, military of all types, aircraft and sci fi are huge players. For R2, leaning into fantasy sci-fi is how the brands maintain relevance and guaranteed recovery of their investment. Their all time best seller is not a car, it was and remains the first Star Trek subject. Could have knocked me over like a jar of Testors chrome silver when I heard it. 

With AMT, MPC and JL, R2 holds the cards as the "nostalgia" brand in the hobby, and given their primarily North American distribution and customer base, the direction makes sense to me.

That is not to say there is no future or further investment worthwhile in the 1:25 automotive sector. I doubt it will be the majority of their spend, given all the opportunities available.  

They are smart to selectively choose new subjects (Bronco, Charger) where licenses align and the base kit has 'legs' to provide multiple issues, but keep the fires lit with simplified issues like the '65 GTO and '64 Malibu that fit their wheelhouse\swim lane with an aging, but still profitable corner of the market.

Now, back to the bench. 

[Mark C.]

Well said.  That is pretty much my understanding, even if I have not articulated it well.

I'm happy where my segment of the market is now.  Whether it will continue that way is not a concern to me, as I have stuck with it through the driest periods, so I will accept the current boom as a godsend and continue building for as long as I am still able to properly wield an X-acto.

Now, about that '67 Galaxie...

[stavanzer]

52 minutes ago, Ragtop Man said:

Seeing a lot of interpretation and speculation about my intent, so let me clarify - 

Every brand that is successful in any category has thier "space,"  a place where their product is known and understood. Markets mature over time - and managing through it is a challenge to continue what you are good at, but leverage the reptuation to bring new customers in the future. 

My comments were mainly about the R2 empire, and their current ownership and funding. They have several income streams including plastic and diecast. The fact you STILL see the AMT and MPC logos says the brands still have selling power with distributors and hobbyists. 

We are a bit egocentric, here, thinking that we ARE the whole market, when in reality, military of all types, aircraft and sci fi are huge players. For R2, leaning into fantasy sci-fi is how the brands maintain relevance and guaranteed recovery of their investment. Their all time best seller is not a car, it was and remains the first Star Trek subject. Could have knocked me over like a jar of Testors chrome silver when I heard it. 

With AMT, MPC and JL, R2 holds the cards as the "nostalgia" brand in the hobby, and given their primarily North American distribution and customer base, the direction makes sense to me.

That is not to say there is no future or further investment worthwhile in the 1:25 automotive sector. I doubt it will be the majority of their spend, given all the opportunities available.  

They are smart to selectively choose new subjects (Bronco, Charger) where licenses align and the base kit has 'legs' to provide multiple issues, but keep the fires lit with simplified issues like the '65 GTO and '64 Malibu that fit their wheelhouse\swim lane with an aging, but still profitable corner of the market.

Now, back to the bench. 

Said what I wanted to say, better than I ever could have said it!

Thanks, Bob.

[Sledsel]

On 12/13/2024 at 8:51 PM, mrm said:

LOL. I am not offended and there is no need to apologize. I was just clearing the air surrounding my 300 comment. Hey, I bought a '61 Galaxie from Walmart. For the same money as Revell's '32 Sedan reissue. What a crappy model that Galaxie is. I am not familiar with them, so I thought it had that nice "bouble top" with the nice swooping line in the back. Nope. One piece bottom with BLAH_BLAH_BLAH_BLAH chassis detail, solid axles and no engine. The custom front and rear would take about the same amount of work to graft on as if I was scratch-building them. Headlights molded into the grille. No engine whatsoever. For $30. No wonder the whole pallet is still sitting there almost untouched. And you want more of that..? It's like trying to sell Commando on a VHS tape at $30 a pop. It was great back in 1985 and VHS was modern technology. But our-days it's obsolete and Commando is considered a low budget B-movie that you can find in the $5 DVD pile. 

Obviously you did not look at the box art that it was the formal roof car and not a Starliner.  Round 2 also shows a parts layout on the bottom of the box if unfamiliar with the kit. This builds up nice as a curbside or a '63 Galaxie could supply a chassis, engine and firewall to make it more of a kit. You could get a bit fancier and use a 61 Starliner as a donor to make a very nicely detailed build.

Here is a photo from Tulio in Brazil that builds out of the box and almost always stock. Good looking build when done. There have been a few on these pages also.

Edited December 17, 2024 by Sledsel

[bigryan18]

Bring on the 67 and 68 Galaxie's please 

[Edsel-Dan]

Yes, I too would love to see the 67 & 68 Galaxies as well as the 62

I had TWO of the 61 Styline when it was first reissued. I did not care it was curbside.

Infact, I have 4 of the curbside 63 Nova wagon, (Only 1 full detail version)

3 EACH of the 65 & 68 GTO's, and I Just got 1 of the Original annual 60  Ford Galaxie Sunliner convertible

 

I WILL buy those kits!!

I do wish Convertible versions would be included, but I can always do that myself!!

 

Got at least 4 done or in progress.

58 Impala, 64  Impala, 59 Buick, and Modern tool 58 EDSEL Pacer

not to mention the 64 & 65 GTO wagons I showed a few years ago.

 

And yes, I am waiting for the 60 Chevy Wagon kit.

LOVE Wagons!!!!!!!