Revell preview photos from Toledo NNL #31

[charlie8575]

Hmm!!! Now with that '46-48 Olds grille, I might just have to consider a '47 Oldsmobile 76 fastback sedan, starting with the Galaxie Chevy Aerosedan!

Art

That crossed your mind, too, Art? I might buy one of those simply for that grille. Probably build the rest of it as a matter of principle; can't stand the idea of spending $20 for one part like that.

That's a Cadillac grille, too, isn't it? With a little plastic surgery, can't a Cadillac 61/62 be cobbled up, too?

Charlie Larkin

[Chuck Most]

Roger all o' yaz diggin' on the chopped '48. Inveterate stock builder here, could not be more excited about that '48 Ford! We've seen some sweet modfied reissues before, but that sucker is a whole new game. It looks so sweet it scats sugar.

(yo, Most, where areya? Don't let me down... )

Hey, yo! C to the K! You's right about the chopped Fo-Eight! I don't know why ya'll peeps be buggin! So sweet it scats sugar indeed, and so so ravashing in it's period custom goodness that it whizzes rainbows!

(Best I could do on under the circumstances...)

[Chuck Most]

Another thought to throw some gas on the "chopped or unchopped" debate on the '48- I do plan on trying to 'unchop' at least one of these kits when it comes out, though with my luck, an unchopped resin body will become available about ten seconds after I struggle to finish mine! (Kinda surprised there isn't a stock-top coupe bod for the existing '48 ragtop, now that I ponder it... ) Won't be a cakewalk, but you never know, it might be easier and end up looking beter than adding an IMC top to the Revell ragtop kit (which I have also considered, and so far haven't tried).

Yeah, I do think that maybe kitting an unchopped coupe would have given the car a bit more appeal, but since this issue seems to be geared more toward the custom builder, I personally can live with the built-in chop!

[Chuck Kourouklis]

"whizzes rainbows"... eeeyup! That was worth it.

[High octane]

Another thought to throw some gas on the "chopped or unchopped" debate on the '48- I do plan on trying to 'unchop' at least one of these kits when it comes out, though with my luck, an unchopped resin body will become available about ten seconds after I struggle to finish mine! (Kinda surprised there isn't a stock-top coupe bod for the existing '48 ragtop, now that I ponder it... ) Won't be a cakewalk, but you never know, it might be easier and end up looking beter than adding an IMC top to the Revell ragtop kit (which I have also considered, and so far haven't tried).

Yeah, I do think that maybe kitting an unchopped coupe would have given the car a bit more appeal, but since this issue seems to be geared more toward the custom builder, I personally can live with the built-in chop!

Chuck,

Several years ago Revell came out with their '49 Merc kit that came with a built-in-chop and it proved to be a very popular kit.

[mustang kid]

Hey Octane, that was an AMT kit that offered the unchopped MERC, NOT REVELL!

[Rob Hall]

Hey Octane, that was an AMT kit that offered the unchopped MERC, NOT REVELL!

The AMT '49 is a neat kit..I built one stock about 20 years ago from the original issue.

[Chuck Kourouklis]

I think Octane was talking about the Revell kit that came with its top already chopped.

I also can't escape the feeling that Chuck just may have known about it already.

As for Charlie, I'm hoping we didn't jump him too early; he came in promptly after a lovefest for Revell's concept saying he agreed, after all. Although I'd point out that based on market performance, "the rest of us" might far more fairly characterize the custom/rod contingent than it would the factory stock crowd.

Boy, though - them fade-away fenders on the 'vert with its windshield chop and Carson-style top? Boo-YEAH...

[charlie8575]

Also one of the reasons I like custom couch built cars from the 30's and 40's . Were they stock or custom?

Yes. They were a production chassis/driveline with cataloged bodies that were supplied to order by their respective coach-builders.

Generally, the car manufacturer would supply a hood, radiator shell and the like, and sometimes fenders, and everything else was built to order or the factory-issue parts were customized.

Charlie Larkin

[charlie8575]

As for Charlie, I'm hoping we didn't jump him too early; he came in promptly after a lovefest for Revell's concept saying he agreed, after all. Although I'd point out that based on market performance, "the rest of us" might far more fairly characterize the custom/rod contingent than it would the factory stock crowd.

Thanks Chuck, but I was stating I agreed with Ed and Plumber. I hadn't noticed that it had gone to two pages before I posted.

Frankly, I don't understand what all the fuss is about with "compromises" in 2/3-in-1 kits. Let's be honest for a moment. Real cars always have compromises; if these are represented in your model, isn't that executing scale fidelity? Most of us also have deep enough parts boxes to be able to correct deficiencies, real or perceived, with minimal difficulty. Those of you who like to cut, chop, carve, and otherwise torture pieces of high-impact polystyrene into arcane forms can do so to your heart's content, but let those of us who prefer original to have our fun, too.

Remember, the real customizers and rodders start with factory stock as well.

Unchopping a roof is next to impossible; I've been looking at that car for hours and I can't figure out how to do it at the sail panels and rear window, and still have it look good when it's done.

Ed's idea of supplying a chopped roof pre-molded like the '53 Studebaker seems to be a good example of a reasonable compromise. Worst case, the rest of the parts can come from a convertible for a stock chassis. That doesn't bother me if I have to use say 90% of one kit to make what's basically a part-swap conversion.

I suppose I should be ready to be jumped on again, but thanks for the attempt to defend me, anyway.

Charlie Larkin

Edited October 13, 2010 by charlie8575

[jeffs396]

Another thought to throw some gas on the "chopped or unchopped" debate on the '48- I do plan on trying to 'unchop' at least one of these kits when it comes out, though with my luck, an unchopped resin body will become available about ten seconds after I struggle to finish mine! (Kinda surprised there isn't a stock-top coupe bod for the existing '48 ragtop, now that I ponder it... ) Won't be a cakewalk, but you never know, it might be easier and end up looking beter than adding an IMC top to the Revell ragtop kit (which I have also considered, and so far haven't tried).

Yeah, I do think that maybe kitting an unchopped coupe would have given the car a bit more appeal, but since this issue seems to be geared more toward the custom builder, I personally can live with the built-in chop!

Chuck, I have a stock roofed 48 coupe from Perry's resin that I got years ago...not sure if he still casts them, very nice quality & fit with the Revell ragtop. In fact, it looks as though his master was built from the ragtop body with the IMC/Testors coupe roof section grafted on. I have one of those & tried it with the Revell ragtop body, didn't seem to work too well, so I gave up & bought Perry's offering. Pics soon as I've GOT to get this one done for my Dad's 70th B-day in april

[niteowl7710]

If Revell wanted to make money why didn't the offer say half of all those custom bits and pieces with a lowered ride height suspension option with an otherwise stock 1948 Ford Coupe, then 6 months later re-issue it with the chop top and all the parts? This would satisfy both the custom crowd and those of us who's tastes seem to be viewed as "mild to boring".

It's hard for me to swallow an argument derived about money when Revell has issued 2 versions of the '72 Olds, and FIVE versions of the 2006-2008 Mustang (6 if you include the fact the original '06 GT was just re-issued with new box-art).

I'll be first in line for one of the 2010 Stangs, but unless the chopped kit is beloved by people around here once they see it and build it, it isn't going to get past the "Michael's Coupon Purchase" priority with me.

[Zoom Zoom]

I'm someone who builds/enjoys both factory stock and custom.

Revell made their decision, I think it's a sound one because my intuition tells me it's going to be the most popular way to market a coupe kit (and I'd have been happy either way; stock or chopped). Perhaps if they get enough rational input from replica stock builders, they may eventually do a full-stock coupe body. Be aware that would require an all-new body mold since it involves both the top and sides, so it would be a very expensive undertaking. I would think if their chopped '49 Merc sales weren't strong, the approach they are taking w/the coupe body wouldn't have been done with a built-in chop.

I think the model would look great as-is, otherwise built as stock. I'll bet a lot of people wouldn't even question if it was chopped. Imagine a "Bluemoose" style build; stock appearing, with the nose in the weeds rake.

I would be surprised if there weren't multiple sources for stock-bodied coupes in resin once the kit comes out. Bug Jimmy Flintstone; he'd be able to do it in a flash and they'd probably be all of $10. Bug Norm @ Rep's & Min's, his would look better than if Revell had injection molded it. Perry's already has resin coupe and business coupe bodies for the '48 Revell kits. Might take a while waiting, but quality would be worth it.

[Chuck Kourouklis]

Asked and answered already, re '72 Olds and current Mustangs. Judging by the number of releases, there's more of a dynamic, engaged market - obviously so - for stock '60s-'70s muscle and current iron than there is for factory stock from 70-80 years ago.

'66 Novas, '67 Chevelles, and current Mustangs and Corvettes fly off the shelves, along with hopped-up Deuces and '57 Chevrolets. State-of-the-art '37 Ford and '41 Chevy pickups, '48 Fords, and a number of other similar and very worthwhile offerings languish. That is a like-it-or-not fact, buy it or no.

Though I have some fun blowing cobwebs out with the occasional rod, custom, or competition car, I'm mostly a factory-stocker myself - and I have to observe, our little group seems to have a bit more difficulty seeing past its self-interests than other car modeling factions...

[John Goschke]

I like the '48 coupe kit! Not the prettiest chop in the world, but it's better than the Merc, and all the optional stuff is great for kit bashing.

It's kind of cool that they're bringing the Black Widow back in it's original form, even it still doesn't have a transmission!. Loved that kit when I was kid and enjoyed rebuilding one a few years ago.

[Rob Hall]

Revell has a nice variety of reissues and new tools coming that should appeal to a wide variety of modelers. The Black Widow and '48 Ford don't appeal to me, but I'm sure they will find many fans.

I'm looking forward to the '10 Mustang, some of the reissues, and the Midget race cars (something completely different for me). I just got the '72 Cutlass Supreme conv, a nice follow on kit to the Hurst/Olds convertible.

I'm also looking forward to the new Revell of Germany kits--the Ferrari 458 Italia, Merc SLS, and the new F1 car kits.

Edited October 13, 2010 by Rob Hall

[Rob Hall]

Looking forward....it will be interesting to see what Revell announces for the 1st half of next year...at the iHobby Expo or New York Toy Show, I assume?

I'm hoping for a '10/11 Camaro SS (the concept kits are nice, but I'd like the see the production version kitted), an '11 Dodge Charger, and a new Mustang variation (maybe a Shelby GT500 or '11 5.0 GT). Maybe also a variation of the '62 Impala? I also wouldn't be surprised to see another '32 Ford or Tri-Chevy variation..

Edited October 13, 2010 by Rob Hall

[Chuck Kourouklis]

Hellz YEAH, Rob!

I'll take one or two of each and three of a new deuce please. Bring on the phaeton with some GOOD Ardun heads, baby!

Also, here's a big "BS" to the too-many-shoeboxes crowd: a convertible '57 Bel Air.

Please.

[Rob Hall]

Hellz YEAH, Rob!

I'll take one or two of each and three of a new deuce please. Bring on the phaeton with some GOOD Ardun heads, baby!

Also, here's a big "BS" to the too-many-shoeboxes crowd: a convertible '57 Bel Air.

Please.

Definitely! A phaeton, Victoria, sedan delivery, or the funky convertible w/ the side rails (C-600?) would be great.. Agreed on the Bel Air convertible. Or a '57 Nomad.

[2002p51]

If the '48 Ford came with a stock height top why does that automatically make it only usable as a replica stock kit? The vast majority of 1:1 street rod '46 - '48 Fords out there are not chopped. I personally think that body is one of those rare cars that don't good chopped. And Revell sure didn't do it any good.

So in spite of the fact that '46 - '48 Ford is one of my favorite cars of all, I'm passing on this one 'cause that chop is awful. (Just my opinion, put the flamethrowers away!)

That just means I can afford one more midget kit!

[Chuck Most]

If the '48 Ford came with a stock height top why does that automatically make it only usable as a replica stock kit? The vast majority of 1:1 street rod '46 - '48 Fords out there are not chopped.

Exactly! And even if you DO like your Fat Fords with hammered lids, that doesn't mean you'll like the specific chop Revell used. I know of quite a few modelers who liked the fact the Revell '49 Merc had a chopped top, but didn't like it's proportions... see, you can't even please the people who DO want the body done a particular way.

Sure, it will lose a few replica stock builders, but then again- how much call is there for a stock '48 Ford kit? I can't imagine there's much- most of the Fords from that era are hot rods now. One of the reasons Revell hasn't done a stock version of its splendid Deuce kits? No demand. Maybe it's the same story here, and by giving the car a chop right off the bat, they're letting the potential buyers know which market the kit is catered to.

[niteowl7710]

To echo the comment above...if they would have offered the kit with ALL of the customs pieces but with an UN-chopped top I would have bought 2. One to build as a hot rod, and one to build Factory Stock. As is, with this kit (like it's companion '49 Merc) I will probably buy 0. That 4 kits (2 per of the Ford and Merc) they ain't sellin' right there.

For all the cries that there's no market for a Stock version. You know what? To justify a stock only version, you all are absolutely right, but how about a 2n1? Market it as HOT ROD-CUSTOM-NOT YOUR GRANDDADDIES FORD!!!!, then quietly and discreetly include the stock parts which oughta be easily sourced for the most part from the Woody & Convertible. This worked for all of the DONK, Low Rider, and Tunerz kits they did. All of those kits were screaming marketing at a specific genre of builder, but quietly had all the parts to build stock.

I also can't believe the truly innovative and hard-core custom guys are really happy either since they're stuck with the obligatory level and design of the chop. I'm sure they'd rather have a stock roof to do what THEY wanted to do. In the end this kit seemed marketed at a weird middle ground of builders that either lack the talent, where with all or perhaps juevos to start hacking up a $21 piece of plastic. You're going to wind up with what was mentioned on page 1 of this thread. Contest table after contest table this coming summer covered in cookie-cutter "custom" Fords.

I know Revell is going to sell truckloads of them despite what I think, and in the end that's a good thing because money for them means they'll make stuff I do want, and then everyone is happy. Hey as Dennis Miller used to say "That's just my opinion, I could be wrong..."

Back to the Mustang...hey after we get a proper 2011 kit with the new 5.0L motor, I vote for this as the next variation...the resurrection of the BOSS 302 (there's also going to be a 50 car run of the 302R a factory racer)

Rest of the pictures and Motor Trend article here - http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/1008_2012_ford_mustang_boss_302/index.html

[Chuck Most]

I think the reason Revell isn't including stock parts (besides the fact the car can't be built stock anyway) just revolves around cost. They know the vast majority of these would be built as rods or customs anyway, even if stock parts were included. Why include a bunch of parts practically nobody's going to use?

Still, even a rodder like me could think of quite a few uses for some old stock Ford parts (mostly outside of their intended applications, just as the postwar rodders themselves did), so maybe Revell is missing the boat with a 'non-stock only' kit. I guess time will tell.

[Rob Hall]

Speaking of a stock '48 coupe, I picked up one of the old Testors/IMC multi-piece body kits on eBay last year..want to build it stock eventually..maybe kitbash w/ a Revell '48 convertible.

[Rob Hall]

Back to the Mustang...hey after we get a proper 2011 kit with the new 5.0L motor, I vote for this as the next variation...the resurrection of the BOSS 302 (there's also going to be a 50 car run of the 302R a factory racer)

Agreed on the Boss 302...that would make a great kit!