How do I determine if a kit is a re-tooled reissue?

[RoadtripRon]

I've been away from car and truck modeling for about 30 years. I started out with model cars in high school in the mid-sixties (yeah, I'm old). I kind of drifted away from car kits in adulthood. Although I went to 1:1 car shows, worked on a couple of project cars, and remained interested in classics and muscle cars, when I did modeling it was usually a ship kit. It got to be too expensive compared to automotive modeling. I decided it was time to return to my first love and build some model cars. I have a lot of catching up to do.

I've window shopped in the car section of a local hobby shop and started reading the mags and forums. What I'm wondering about is how to tell whether a kit in an original looking box has been "improved" with new tooling? Some of the kits in the LHS have been sitting on the shelf for 5 or more years, and some of them just arrived. If they're re-released with the original box design is there a way to know what's what, like maybe checking a kit # used by the manufacturer?

Any advice for this old "newbie" would be appreciated.

[Nick Winter]

well you can check here for the "New" AMT and MPC kit releases http://www.round2models.com/ and here for revells models http://www.revell.com/, not perfectly sure what you mean but this might help.

[Harry P.]

It's kind of confusing, because kits are sometimes reissued with new box art and a new kit #, but in reality it's the same old kit inside the box... other times an old kit will be updated by adding new parts, maybe with new box art, maybe with old "retro" style art. There are many variables... best bet is to ask about a specific kit here... there are plenty of people who will be able to give you the details.

[george 53]

Ron, be careful with AMT/MPC/Johnny lightning, caz MOST of their stuff is reissued. Revell's 24th scale stuff are reissues,and their 25th stuff is mostly new issue stuff. The model co's are trying to get the most out their money, so that's the reason for all the reissues. Seems like Revell is the only one who is releasing totally NEW stuff! Oh, and welcome back to the hobby!

[Nick Winter]

Ron, be careful with AMT/MPC/Johnny lightning, caz MOST of their stuff is reissued. Revell's 24th scale stuff are reissues,and their 25th stuff is mostly new issue stuff. The model co's are trying to get the most out their money, so that's the reason for all the reissues. Seems like Revell is the only one who is releasing totally NEW stuff! Oh, and welcome back to the hobby!

Well George give Round 2 a break they just took over AMT last year I beleive and have brouht back old favorites and new favorites such as the '09 challenger, Daisy's Roadrunner.

[george 53]

Nick, I been doin this for OVER 50 years! these are MY opinions, and I AM talking from expirience. If you have seen what I have seen, you MIGHT very well agree.

[randx0]

I think you are asking about reissues that have the original artwork a big give away on those is a upc code. the model companies will also have a current copyright date some where as well it will take some time but you will start to figure out what's old and whats new . just watch out on ebay you don't always get a good look at the box.a lot of the reissues shouldn't be more than 30.00 and that would be on the high end.experience is key to avoiding getting taken like Harry saidi f you have something in mind just ask.if you have some favorites that you are looking for in particular post a list and we can probably let you know if it is currently available or if the subject matter has been redone in a more detailed manner .also since you've been away there are tons of extra detailing items like photo etch ,baremetal foil ,resin bodies and conversions and a whole slew of decals for race cars and stock jobs .another thing is try out is lacquer based paint as opposed to the old testors enamels. they dry fast and are pretty easy to work with treehugger dave has an excellent tutorial on painting that I found extremely helpful. hope this helps.

Edited December 4, 2009 by randx0

[Aaronw]

Then you also have re-issues of fairly new kits vs re-issues of really old kits. A re-issue of a kit from the 90s is quite different from one tooled in the 60s.

If you have been away from modeling for 30 years then a lot of Mark and George's re-issues will be brand new kits to you.

As far as the jabs at Round 2 over re-issues I guess all I can say is go back and re-read the "where are the truck models" thread, it was pretty well spelled out that the model companies are full of smart guys and they know what sells well. I'm quite sure Round 2 is getting their moneys worth from these re-issues, I know they have from the White Freightliner and IH4300 because I gave them some of mine.

(no really please don't start that up again)

Edited December 4, 2009 by Aaronw