Moebius '65 Mercury Comet Cyclone news

[David]

The references we have for the 427 SOHC in 65 Comet AFX cars which come from 1965 era photography of real cars do NOT show the Ford Oval Logos on the Cam covers! Those oval Ford logos and SOHC letters are not on our kit parts.

 

 

Thank you Dave, I wasn't aware.

'lunatic fringe'

 

?

Edited November 16, 2016 by David

[Luc Janssens]

Lunatic fringe?

A denigrating term used to describe the enthusiast model car kit builders...IIRC it has it's origin with a former Ertl Manager.

[Dave Metzner]

Another answer - The "racetrack" on the grille is molded in place..

I have a sneaking suspicion that there will be a resin grille done without it..

Also quite likely that there will is a resin Caliente Convertible in the cards..

 

[stavanzer]

I use "Lunatic Fringe" in an affectionate way. It denotes the folks who really care about the small details, from the "Buy & Build It" crowd who support the hobby by purchasing the bulk of all kits sold. In Aircraft & Armor Model forums, the same group are called AMS Modelers.(Anal Modeling Syndrome) These are the guys who will quibble over the smallest detail, when it is incorrect. (Or when they THINK it is incorrect). However, both groups have a symbiotic relationship with each other. The B&B guys are usually from the "Well, it looks like a Farley Fruitbat Mk IV from here" school of thought. They usually are not too concerned with the minutia of the kit. They live by Sir Thomas Sopwith's dictum, "That is it looks right, it is right". They buy most of the kits sold (apparently) and seldom show up on any online forums.

  The AMS guys sweat the small things. Any Detail, no matter how small, is measured, compared with Photos and Plans, and commented on if it look incorrect. These guys (when they are polite about it) help keep things from going off the rails. They contribute to the "Looks Right/ Is Right" appearance of the finished kit.  However there Detail Guys can get easily side tracked in the weeds over the tiniest of errors, and they can be pushy about it.  Those of us who mostly build cars don't see the heights this that this can get to. Hang out on a dedicated Airplane or Armor forum, and watch the flamewars erupt when a new kit comes out and the "experten" weigh in on how accurate, suitable, ect the new kit is. We car builders live in a much more mellow place online.

Disclaimer::The Foregoing are MY opinions. Based on 15 years of observing and commenting on all three kinds of forums. I could easily have overstated (or understated) things based on what I've read, seen and done. My views are mine alone. Others may totally different opinions, view and experiences. YMMV.

[fairlane1320]

Maybe jumping the gun a little here, but since we've already started talking about the A/FX version - yes, there were different valve covers over the years, some plain, other had the 427 "Bird" logo. Like it's been said, looks like the blue oval logo came a little later.

Keep in mind also that during this period, the A/FX and match race cars were in constant evolution - different suspension set-ups (a-arm, straight axle), wheelbases, and engine set-backs.

The restored Nicholson car (which I suspect Moebius is basing their version on) was up for sale in 2013 - lots of good photos here: https://www.mecum.com/lots/SC0513-154193/1965-mercury-comet-427-sohc-afx-super-cyclonehttps://www.mecum.com/lots/SC0513-154193/1965-mercury-comet-427-sohc-afx-super-cyclone/

That is a beautiful restoration. Or I should say, recreation. The only thing original on that car is the firewall.

[SteveG]

Here are some more photos of the AFX version 65 Comet Cyclone that will be a future release

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moebius made many changes to this version, sharp eyes will spot the body trim differences. The chassis has been revised to get that high suspension stance and that's a new engine bay to house the well done 427 Cammer engine. The interior sports racing bucket seats, a roll bar and a deleted rear seat trim panel. A tach and a 3 gage cluster go above and below the dash respectively.

A big thanks to Dave Metzner and the others at Moebius Models for allowing me to early preview this to you. If you want to see a few build in process photos follow the link below.

https://public.fotki.com/SteveG26/moebius-projects/page4.html

Edited November 20, 2016 by SteveG

[mr68gts]

I hope the valve covers are captured correctly in scale. Amt missed the mark on their cammer. Pictures are deceiving when looking for reference but the valve covers are WIDE! Closest thing in scale to date has been the Johan valve covers in the Comet and the Torino nascar, (not polar lights one) They missed the mark on the rest of it however as the engine they used in the kit was a 385 seies, (429-460) not the correct FE series. Also of note, there have been a couple of versions of the real valve covers available but most prominant are the ones with the ford and 427 soch logos. There was also a pre production head that had the plugs on the top  exhaust side of the head. (Development engine)

I think Mobius has been doing a great jobs giving us modelers what we have been looking for for a long time. Its a modelers company not ran by bean counters and for that I applaud them!

I cannot wait for this afx version to come out and will probably buy several!

[Erik Smith]

I hope the valve covers are captured correctly in scale. Amt missed the mark on their cammer. Pictures are deceiving when looking for reference but the valve covers are WIDE! Closest thing in scale to date has been the Johan valve covers in the Comet and the Torino nascar, (not polar lights one) They missed the mark on the rest of it however as the engine they used in the kit was a 385 seies, (429-460) not the correct FE series. Also of note, there have been a couple of versions of the real valve covers available but most prominant are the ones with the ford and 427 soch logos. There was also a pre production head that had the plugs on the top  exhaust side of the head. (Development engine)

I think Mobius has been doing a great jobs giving us modelers what we have been looking for for a long time. Its a modelers company not ran by bean counters and for that I applaud them!

I cannot wait for this afx version to come out and will probably buy several!

it looks like the valve covers are indeed correct. They appear "wide" unlike the AMT version and have proper spark plug location, unlike the closer but incorrect Jo-Han version. It would be great to finally have an accurate 427 OHC engine - - reason in itself to purchase this model...?

[Luc Janssens]

 

I think Moebius has been doing a great jobs giving us modelers what we have been looking for for a long time. Its a modelers company not ran by bean counters and for that I applaud them!

 

I'd say they pick their subjects very carefully, on the merit of possible siblings (Bean counting ;^)

The only thing I find strange is their, to me, production unfriendly parts arrangements, when checking the sprue's, but there may be logic in the madness, Dave?

 

Edited November 20, 2016 by Luc Janssens

[mr68gts]

You'd think so?

I saw they pick there subjects very carefully, on the merit of possible siblings.

The only thing I find strange is their production unfriendly parts arrangements, when checking the sprue's

I'm sure they do as they dont want a loser but they've done well just off the suggestions of the masses after consideration. Things that we have been asking for forever that major players said wouldn't sell. Yet Mobius has proved them wrong. Anyone would be crazy to not consider the various possibilities of a tool because of the expense. One of the things many have also mentioned over the years. Yet companies like Revell find it neccessary to spend money on tooling that is a one off. (Foose 56 come to mind here maybe?) I am quite sure Revell has seen what good ideas pay in the long run. (Their series of model A's) Who would have thought a Hudson would be widely popular? Many of us that have been begging for one for eons. While I certainly understand the need for a nice newly tooled 32 or 57 chevy, there are many other subjects that have not been done that some such as Mobius could and has done that have payed off for them.

I myself do find the arrangements odd like you. Things probably could be tooled as inserts (and maybe they are) to be able to interchange with other products but at what cost? Is it cheaper to re-tool the same wheel for a new kit vs having an insert made. Or is it just simply more profitable to sell a different kit marketed with different part for those of us that need the thingy ma bober for another kit they sold. I am quite sure there are factors that play a bigger part in their decisions such as this. It is nice to know a company does listen though to suggestions and say "hey, this might be a winner!" and take a chance.

Paul

[SteveG]

You'd think so?

I saw they pick there subjects very carefully, on the merit of possible siblings.

The only thing I find strange is their production unfriendly parts arrangements, when checking the sprue's

Luc,

That's always a struggle especially when it comes to plated parts.  When I see opportunities to improve the mounting points I will make the suggestions.  A lot of times they will make the changes but there are limitations.  Sometimes parts have to be grouped a certain way to allow for insert changes for alternate versions.

I can say that Moebius car kits have improved since the beginning and they do listen to constructive criticism.

-Steve  

[Luc Janssens]

I'm sure they do as they dont want a loser but they've done well just off the suggestions of the masses after consideration. Things that we have been asking for forever that major players said wouldn't sell. Yet Mobius has proved them wrong. Anyone would be crazy to not consider the various possibilities of a tool because of the expense. One of the things many have also mentioned over the years. Yet companies like Revell find it neccessary to spend money on tooling that is a one off. (Foose 56 come to mind here maybe?) I am quite sure Revell has seen what good ideas pay in the long run. (Their series of model A's) Who would have thought a Hudson would be widely popular? Many of us that have been begging for one for eons. While I certainly understand the need for a nice newly tooled 32 or 57 chevy, there are many other subjects that have not been done that some such as Mobius could and has done that have payed off for them.

I myself do find the arrangements odd like you. Things probably could be tooled as inserts (and maybe they are) to be able to interchange with other products but at what cost? Is it cheaper to re-tool the same wheel for a new kit vs having an insert made. Or is it just simply more profitable to sell a different kit marketed with different part for those of us that need the thingy ma bober for another kit they sold. I am quite sure there are factors that play a bigger part in their decisions such as this. It is nice to know a company does listen though to suggestions and say "hey, this might be a winner!" and take a chance.

Paul

I edited my text a bit as it didn't came out the way I wanted to.

[mr68gts]

Luc,

That's always a struggle especially when it comes to plated parts.  When I see opportunities to improve the mounting points I will make the suggestions.  A lot of times they will make the changes but there are limitations.  Sometimes parts have to be grouped a certain way to allow for insert changes for alternate versions.

I can say that Moebius car kits have improved since the beginning and they do listen to constructive criticism.

-Steve  

and attachment point mat affect how the plastic flows into the mold which may also play a part in placement of parts. I don't know enough about injection molding so I am only speculating here but it is a possibility.

[Luc Janssens]

Luc,

That's always a struggle especially when it comes to plated parts.  When I see opportunities to improve the mounting points I will make the suggestions.  A lot of times they will make the changes but there are limitations.  Sometimes parts have to be grouped a certain way to allow for insert changes for alternate versions.

I can say that Moebius car kits have improved since the beginning and they do listen to constructive criticism.

-Steve  

I don't doubt that for a minute Steve, IMHO they should look into a working with not only one big tool but with a cluster of smaller tools, which in configuration a, b, c, d: can eject sku x; in a, b, e, d: sku y; and in a, c, d, f: sku z.

Just my humble opinion of course, and let there be no doubt I like what Moebius is cranking out, only wish the 4x4 versions of the Ford P/U tool would hit the market sooner.

Edited November 20, 2016 by Luc Janssens

[mtrcitymuscle]

Maybe jumping the gun a little here, but since we've already started talking about the A/FX version - yes, there were different valve covers over the years, some plain, other had the 427 "Bird" logo. Like it's been said, looks like the blue oval logo came a little later.

Keep in mind also that during this period, the A/FX and match race cars were in constant evolution - different suspension set-ups (a-arm, straight axle), wheelbases, and engine set-backs.

Steve, absolutely correct. The early valve covers had no logo. The pic here with plug wires on the bottom was a very early version of the motor when the plan was to use it in nascar. ( which never happened).

 

[stavanzer]

Man the AFX Version has the hood with 'Nostrils'! THAT'S what I was waiting for. Now I'll take two regular Comets and 4 of the AFX please. Between these Comet kits and the Hudson Drag Car, It is going to be a Moebius 2017 for me.

Thanks, Dave and Co.

 

P.S. I waiting for a Ford 4x4 P.U as well. I have some fond memories of a worn out Ford Longbed with a Grannie Low 4 Speed, crawling around the hills of Leadville Colorado for hours at a time in low gear, in 1980 on vacation. I'd love to build that truck.

[gtx6970]

ill probably buy one or two of tbe stock version ....but the afx car ill buy quite a few. Depends on aftermmt decal support

[Reeves Racing]

Its December and my 3 pre ordered kits ( Dec of 14 ) aren't here yet ...

 

 

Edited December 2, 2016 by Reeves Racing

[JTalmage]

I'm definitely in for this one. Can't wait. Dunno when I'll build it, but I want a few thats for sure. 

[Art Anderson]

Its December and my 3 pre ordered kits ( Dec of 14 ) aren't here yet ...

 

 

From Spotlight Hobbies board:  Tom Carter posted that the Comet kits are due on the US West Coast in about 2 weeks--it won't be long after that and they'll be hitting the stores.

Art

[Bill J]

This may have escaped a few of you guys but the chassis and headers on the A/fx version is exactly what the Mustang A/fx fastbacks used. The weird spring setup on the front end is dead on. Take one of the AMT Mustang A/fx kits, which has a gasser chassis and plunk the Comet chassis, engine and headers into it and you have a pretty exact replica of the A/fx Mustang,

['70 Grande]

Dang-it Bill, now I gotta go and buy another one of these Mercury kits when that drag-version comes out!  Will the wheelbase on this Mercury chassis be a pretty much straight fit under a 1/25 mid-1960's Mustang body?

[Luc Janssens]

From Spotlight Hobbies board:  Tom Carter posted that the Comet kits are due on the US West Coast in about 2 weeks--it won't be long after that and they'll be hitting the stores.

Art

Hmm...maybe I'll have my copy 'round Christmas then...

[gtx6970]

This may have escaped a few of you guys but the chassis and headers on the A/fx version is exactly what the Mustang A/fx fastbacks used. The weird spring setup on the front end is dead on. Take one of the AMT Mustang A/fx kits, which has a gasser chassis and plunk the Comet chassis, engine and headers into it and you have a pretty exact replica of the A/fx Mustang,

Good idea, problem is coming up with a decent 1/25th scale 65 Mustang fastback.

Other than the altered wheel base AMT kit, what else is avail  ?

[Bill J]

I don't recall the Mustang kit being an altered wheelbase. It did have a funky straight axle chassis and a big hole in the hood for injector stacks but other than that, I think I recall it being fairly standard in body. I have one around somewhere, let me check it out, although I have no stock Mustang to compare it to.

We could definitely use a new Mustang 2+2 kit for the 65-66 fastback. I can't even find a resin one these days.