Collector's Showcase

[Rick44]

I think Wayne Moyer's feature needs one addition in the "UNDER THE HOOD" box ... the scale of the car/vehicle being reviewed. Often times, the review itself doesn't mention the scale. In looking back thru dogeared copies of "that other magazine," I notice that Wayne usually included a film box (remember those?), a set of keys or a coin in each photo to help visualize the size of the vehicle.

I started modeling in the 1950's when I was in, or approaching, my teens. Today, my hands are too stiff to assemble the tiny parts in many kits ... so I collect. Much of my collection is 1/18th, but it gets smaller from there. Remember the HO scale cars Revell did, and later Con-Cor? There are now some on the market even smaller but with just as much detail! And no, I'm not talking N scale railroad accessories. These would fall in between HO and N, but they are beautifully detailed. In larger scales, I don't mind upgrading with a little paint here and there, some accessories if available, etc. ... in other words, I collect because I enjoy and not because I'm waiting to see my collection increase in value.

By the way, a recent road trip took me to Iowa City, Iowa where I stopped at a hobby shop looking for the latest Model Cars. They said they didn't carry it .... that they used to, but "their customers didn't like it." I didn't like that answer, so I won't be going back there. Sad to see a hobby shop that won't carry the best ... especially if those who say Wal-Mart is getting out of models are right. I'm in Cedar Rapids, IA ... the former corporate headquarters of Revell/Monogram and now home of Hawk/Lindberg. I just finished building the Hawk version of the Dodge Hemi, which I got from Wal-Mart's clearance aisle. Also in the same aisle are a bunch of Wierdos, but back in the (much reduced size) kit aisle is a new Lindberg Dodge semi/trailer/40 Ford combo kit! I also noticed several of the Revell "Donk" kits on clearance, but some newer Revell items back in the regular aisle.

Now for a little Hawk/Lindberg update. J. Lloyd is the corporate name and the owner is recently divorced from the woman who owned Gearbox Toys and Alpha Industries (the former Revell/Monogram parent firm). She ended up owing him large sums of money from the divorce case, and I understand he settled by taking over the assets of Gearbox after she'd shut down operations and laid everyone off. Wonder what will happen now? Will Gearbox still make diecast toys? Will J. Lloyd become the new maker of Big Wheel riding trikes? Tune in tomorrow.....

[Gregg]

Great points, Rick!

I will add that to the Under The Hood section.

As for the shop in Iowa City, maybe they were talking about the "other" mag?

It's quite possible.

I have run into that myself when I slip into shops on road trips.

It's funny to see the reactions when I pull out my card or ID

I will check into it though

Do you get any of the CMC models?

They are works of arts

I just got the new Bugatti Type 35 and it's incredible!

Couldn't build it like that if I tried, and had the time

Enjoy the forum, and thanks for the input on the background of what's going on in the biz

[Rick44]

As for the shop in Iowa City, maybe they were talking about the "other" mag?

It's quite possible.

I have run into that myself when I slip into shops on road trips.

It's funny to see the reactions when I pull out my card or ID

Like a rope that's coming apart, I'm "a frayed knot." They had the "other" one for sale, but not the thicker, better one. The only remaining hobby store locally does carry Model Cars and I know from talking to a clerk that they were thrilled when Gregg and Jarius stopped in on one of those road trips. And MCM is prominently displayed in their magazine rack! I went to Iowa City looking for "variety," but didn't find it. The problem is that the remaining local store is on the far side of town, having seen a Hobbytown USA franchise fold on this side...and its actually quicker to drive the 20 miles to Iowa City than the 6 or 7 to the east side of Cedar Rapids!