How come the die cast industry has such a great selection of antique and classic autos to choose from, while the plastic industry seems to be so limited? Sure the plastics offer some Ford and Chevy kits form the late 20’s -50’s. Lindberg offers a few kits in that era. But the die cast people offer much more variety. Buicks, Olds, Lincolns, Hudsons etc. Even cars from early auto manufactures that are long gone. Why is this? Anyone know ? What can we do to inspire the plastic mfrg’s to give us more variety in the antique and classic era of autos? Scat
Scat, the only thing we can do to inspire the manufacturers in building more of what we want is to BUY more of what we want.
Unfortunately, the people who buy prebuilt diecast cars far out number us builders, so we are left with the dregs. A letter to the manufacturers from ALL of us would certainly help!
Start writing buddy.
i would say the opposite [:p] maybe your lhs just aint as well stocked as mine [:D]. fsm modeler has a article once a tear on the most wanted subjects. and believe me, all the items are released. you can also email the people or somethin… tell me a kit you want, i bet i can find if though! [:p][:p][:p]
There is a huge, huge range in 1/43rd scale probably more kits in that scale than there are diecast. There are a number of specialist manufacturers producing 24th and 18th scale resin kits but even so very few vintage or classic road cars. I switched from 24th plastic to 43rd white metal and resin about 20 years ago because of the extensive range of race cars available at the time which is even greater now. However my preference is still 24th plastic. I’m just thankful that my interest lies in competiton cars.
Hi guys, Guess I’ll put out a few letters or emails to some of the manufactures. Might be interesting to see what their take is. I’ll have to fill out the next FSM pole on this subject as suggested also. I have seen some classics by specialty co’s, but they seem a bit expensive. Its a small market like you said.
Scat
one thing i would like to see is Revell release more competition car kits. the Tamiya kits are very detailed and expensive. sometimes i dont want to fool with the complexity or the price, i just want to built a simple kit. revell does make the Corvette CR-5, and the LeMans Porshee, but that is it. i think that some budget rally cars, and cars from the Japanese auto ciruits would be a hit.
Alas, the old cry from modellers in all scales: WE Want More!! More of what each of us as individuals want, wether it be the car dear old Dad drove, or our first , or the classic babe magnet we always wanted. Unfortunately, it costs manufacturers a lot of money for the dies for plastic and they want a return on their investment. Consequently, they produce what the demographic studies say will sell. Your cries are heard, but only if you can accompany them with thousands of others like you. BTW, I want …
because more people are buying allready built ones then spending the time to build model
Many years ago, model kit manufacturers did do more in the way of kits of the old cars; about a year and a half ago, I finished an old MPC kit of a 1932 Chrysler Imperial. I even did a bit of backdating on the hood and did some engine and interior detailing. I also have an ancient Johan kit of a 1934 Mercedes Roadster; sadly I had to rob this kit of the chrome wire wheels and a couple of other parts to build the Chrysler–the Chrysler kit did NOT have the chrome-plated wheels I wanted![:(!] Your best bet: bring some cash and look for these old kits at kit exhibitions and model contests (are you coming to Phoenix for the IPMS contest?). Also consider looking for them at collectibles shows unrelated to model shows: I found both the MPC Chrysler Imperial AND the Johan Mercedes Roadster at an insulator and bottle show, of all places!