Art & Inspiration What Model Cars Did You Build?

I haven't built models since 1960's

 

Ah yes... Models. Car crazy from the start. At 4 years old, I managed to get into some paint and applied a 'custom' paint job to my pedal car. A scallop job IIRC (well, an attempt at one). Ruined the new clothes I was wearing and got an ***-warming... LOL.

In 1959, I discovered models. Started out with the AMT 3-in-1s, the ones that used metal axles and screws to ***emble the ch***is to the body. Basically re-tasked dealer promo models using styrene instead of resin-cast with decals and a few glue-on 'custom' parts. But I was disappointed by the details that were lacking. Where's the motor? Tried some Revells, but those were still beyond my skill level; I still remember that '56 Chrysler mentioned. I did the reissued '59 Skyliner years later, it was a PITA too. I got it together, but wasn't all that pleased with the result. Even later as my skills improved, Revell kits were a challenge. Generally better detail (which I craved) but very fragile. Then in 1962 I got a subscription to R&C, really opening my eyes (Don Emmons in R&C later added yet more fuel to the fire). Then AMT started issuing hot rod kits and I was fully hooked. A favorite kit was that Model T double kit (two in one box!) with all the options for building. Another boost was my parents joined a 'discount' club (ValuMart, kind of like Costco but sold everything) and models were just a bit over half price there. My kit buying exploded. At this point better detailed versions started to appear and I was in heaven! And true customizing options, so the hot rods fell by the wayside and I became custom crazy. I also engaged in kit-mashing, opening even more possibilities. The majority of my builds were customs, but I did do a flip-top '65 Mustang funny car (right after Dyno Don's version showed up) and few race cars (Jim Clarks Indy Lotus and the GT40, both MPC kits). My kit choices were generally AMT with the odd Revell or Monogram here and there. Lindberg kits had really poor detail, only bought one or two. I never did any JoHan as at the time they were doing Mopars and the lesser manufacturers and hadn't caught up on detail. Wasn't a big early '60s Mopar fan. The early MPC kits weren't detailed all that well, but they did improve but also tended to be a bit fragile. But their detailing was never quite as good as others. And of course, a big T. My main thing was customs and super-detailing. Opening doors and trunk (even a glove box on one!), wiring/brake/fuel lines, license plates made from TV dinner trays.

Then slot cars arrived. I got a HO set, and as I had a large bedroom (over the garage), I could set up a fairly large track. Model building fell off a bit. But when the 1/24 scale tracks started appearing around the area, my attention shifted to those. By this time, I was driving (along with my friends) and racing leagues formed, did that for 3-4 years. Static models were pretty much off the radar after that. Stirring girls into mix didn't help... LOL.

After I graduated from HS, the plastic models pretty much stopped. Time to go be an adult, and while I had a pretty big collection, I had nowhere to display/store it. My folks downsized their house, so most of them got given away or just discarded. The big enemy of models (dust) had killed most of them by then anyway. The handful I kept lasted until my kids found them... LOL. I still sporadically built some, usually when work at home got scarce and I had to go on the road for work. They kept me out of the bars (mostly! LOL), filling time. I did almost get kicked out of my motel room from painting once though because of the fumes. Last kit I finished was an MPC 1/16 scale 427 Cobra, it got dusted to death. I did buy a few kits 10 years or so ago to build some cars I used to own ('69 Torino fastback, resin-cast '64 Comet Caliente hardtop and couple of motorcycle kits) but those are in a closet still unbuilt. Maybe one of these days...

 

Started with Snap ***e funny cars in the early 70s as a little kid

 

Got a Green Hornet kit at 14 years old for Christmas, this kit got me hooked, I’m 73 years old now and still at it

 

Built a lot of models as a kid. Made planes, even some dinosaurs. Lol! When it came to vehicles I recall a GT40 and a Mack Cl*** 8 truck. Sadly they were all lost to time.

 

Built all three brands AMT,Monogram,Revell as a kid
now have a large collection of Diecast 32 models and vintage sprint cars
and a real 32 coupe

 

It was a big box, mom worked in a store and brought home coat boxes for us. I don't recall any squabbling over who took what.

It was informally agreed upon that leftovers went into the box. I likely dug into it more than anyone else.

 

There is a local model company, Atlantis, that is bring back old Aurora and Revell kits. They make them about 5 miles from me.

Their latest is the Revell '55, '56 Chevy Belairs and the '57 Nomad. These were daunting to build as a kid and zero improvements have been made to them. I guess Revell sold them the molds.

Others I recall from the Revell Unbuildables were the '56 Ford truck, the '28 Ford Woodie and the OG '41 Willys coupes

 

This is my last, a 3D printed modified done a few weeks ago.

 

Another modified I have going, a Pinto this time.

 

It started with the Revell jalopy kit mid 1950s Then AMT trophy series kits 98 cents

 

Built many many AMT models , 32 , 40 , 50 , chopped T coupe etc. . Most bought at KINGS hobby store in North Canton , Ohio , south main street by the Hoover Sweeper Co . A first for our area I bought two AMT 32 Ford 5 window coupes . one I ground away the doors and the other sacrificed the body and just saved the doors . Unseen ever before perfect OPEN doors on a AMT model ! Won the model contest displayed in KINGS bay window . WOW what fun times they were ! still playing with cars at almost 80 no more glue , i weld ,em now .

 

The AMT '25 T kit is out again. I found a 3D printed ch***is for it, from VCG Resins.

 

What is different about the VCG ch***is for the T?

 

I have to dig it out now. You can look it up on their site. I buy lots from them, great people to deal with.