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Posted

Steven, that Buick is absolutely gorgeous. I have one of these cars in my large TO DO pile. I'll be happy if it comes out half as good as yours did.

Posted

This model proves what I have said many times in that if kit company's could produce a kit with an accurate body in the '60s, why can't they do it now?

Excellent question. I sure would like to hear the answer–not from you guys, but from the people whose job it is to create model kit bodies.

Posted

Very nice work, as usual! Really nice and smooth BMF work. Especially I think it's important in these '50s cars to have flawless BMF and you definitely know how to do that. Really nice job overall.

This model proves what I have said many times in that if kit company's could produce a kit with an accurate body in the '60s, why can't they do it now?

Another thing I've noticed is that removing mold lines is a lot easier from those old bodies than in the new ones. When I built my '61 Olds STW by Jo-Han earlier this year (http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=84746) the mold lines were really easy to remove. I just sanded them smooth, brushed a little liquid glue over the sanded areas and sanded again... Nothing showed up after the Primer. I must say that the same thing has never happened with any of the new kits, they require usually putty and/or more and more sanding...

Posted

Excellent question. I sure would like to hear the answer–not from you guys, but from the people whose job it is to create model kit bodies.

Even this one is missing something. Not sure if it was true of all of the AMT '59 Buicks, but you'll notice that the passengers side front fender has a very faint "Invicta" script, yet the drivers side has nothing! Being as this kit was repopped several times over the years, I guess it could be a detail that some how "went missing" some where along the line. Not exactly sure. Steve

Posted

Very nice work, as usual! Really nice and smooth BMF work. Especially I think it's important in these '50s cars to have flawless BMF and you definitely know how to do that. Really nice job overall.

Another thing I've noticed is that removing mold lines is a lot easier from those old bodies than in the new ones. When I built my '61 Olds STW by Jo-Han earlier this year (http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=84746) the mold lines were really easy to remove. I just sanded them smooth, brushed a little liquid glue over the sanded areas and sanded again... Nothing showed up after the Primer. I must say that the same thing has never happened with any of the new kits, they require usually putty and/or more and more sanding...

They may have been lighter in the "mold line" department in some circumstances Niko, but they were usually pretty bad in the "sink mark" department!! I don't know which is worse! :) Steve

Posted

awesome Buick !!!!!!!!!!! my dad had a 59 all white ......... rode like a boat ....LOL fantastic build and the color is beautiful for that 59....

Posted (edited)

I do see one serious flaw, and that's you simply didn't post enough pictures! Otherwise, it's perfect! ;)

Thanks everyone!! Here's a couple more shots. Steve

Edited by StevenGuthmiller
Posted

AMT really need to consider reissuing this one if they can.

I agree. A re-issue of this and some of those other old annuals would probably outsell all of these new kits combined, that they can't

even be bothered to put engines in. :rolleyes:

Posted

Interesting to see the number of people commenting on this one. AMT really need to consider reissuing this one if they can.

Scott

My bet would be that the molds for this one are still around somewhere. After doing the annual, then the Junior Craftsman kit, They did the "Boondock Bomber". So I feel it probably wasn't neccessary to destroy the molds for a new kit like they did for so many other annuals. Steve

Posted

My bet would be that the molds for this one are still around somewhere. After doing the annual, then the Junior Craftsman kit, They did the "Boondock Bomber". So I feel it probably wasn't neccessary to destroy the molds for a new kit like they did for so many other annuals. Steve

Dave Burket specifically asked for this one and was told it no longer existed. It's gone. And ya know, it wasn't that hot a kit and would cause a great outcry from casual builders who bought it, not knowing it's origin and expecting more contemporary AMT detail. It is typical of a promotional model of that era turned kit. Curbside, very thick plastic, one piece chassis, one piece interior bucket. The interior is very narrow and the top door sills are way too thick. Take one and put a Monogram '59 Chevy interior in it and you'll see. I did. I had to hog out the Buick body to fit the modern interior in it. The fact that it was such difficult material to build from, is why we are all so pleased with your build!

I would welcome a new tool 59 and 60 Buick kit. I owned a '60 Electra 2 door hardtop for over 25 years. Having one at the detail level of that Monogram '59 and '60 Chevy would be very cool. With the recent releases and announcements I don't discount anything anymore!

Posted

I love the primivite old AMT Craftsman kits. The detail was good enough for me. I done care if it a curbside, or full detailed kit. It's the subject that interests me. And the old Craftsman kits looked close enough to the real cars for me. I've read before about Dave Burket hearing that most of these kits being lost. I'm not doubting him. But, I'm hoping what he was told is wrong. I wonder when he was told this, and by which owner of the molds at the time? Round 2 seems to be doing a very good job of finding, and/or restoring these kits to their former glory. I'm not giving up hope.

Scott

Posted (edited)

They surprise us occasionally with these old AMT offerings The '64 Merc, '62 Buick & '61 Ford were all surprising to me. Most recently, the re-pops of the '59 Chrysler Imperial from Model King. I would be very surprised to see any new tools of the '59-'60 Buicks, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs, or just about anything else from that era for that matter. Unless its a Chevy or a Ford there doesn't seem to be much interest from the kit producers. Muscle cars have seen a huge rennisance over the past decade, maybe the cars from the 50s will be next. :) In the meantime, I'm more than happy to restore these old annuals. They're plenty accurate for me & it's the subject matter I'm after. If I didn't have an old '59 Pontiac or a '64 Caddy to look forward to, I might give up on the hobby. I can only get excited about so many '49 Mercurys or '57 Chevys. Steve

Edited by StevenGuthmiller
  • 3 weeks later...
Posted

Dang, that's a pretty color! Nicely done.

David G.

Thanks Dave. I love researching & painting these old annuals in the most unusual colors they came in. Sometimes colors they didn't come in. :) Steve

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