Classic Hubley Metal model kits

Modeling Subjects Autos
1

Hello fellow modellers,

My father gave me a very unexpected and cool Christmas gift this year. He gave me these two old model kits.

IMG_2681 by Christopher Ridle, on Flickr

I can’t find any dates on the boxes or in the instructions, but I can estimate that these are from the early 1960’s. The parts are mostly metal. The kits come with files, and I assume this is to correct casting flash. There are modest sprues of plastic parts, but they appear to be much softer than the plastic to which we are accustomed. There is a marked soft clear vinyl material for windows.

IMG_2682 by Christopher Ridle, on Flickr

IMG_2683 by Christopher Ridle, on Flickr

Has anybody built any of these? I’m thinking that I should build them. Should I just keep them and enjoy them as a special look into modelling past? Honestly, I don’t do many cars. I’ve been building aircraft, AFV’s and ships. I’ve built the occasional NASCAR stock car, but these are like nothing I’ve ever touched.

Thank you,

Chris

2

I remember them well I was too young for those but my dad built a few

3

Hi;

Working diligently you should be able to have two very nice models . One thing I liked about them is you can use regular Auto primers and paints on them and remember these paints are hotter than those for plastic . They build up great , just watch the center seam carefully . They were really fair as far as flash and stuff , this was back in the sixties

4

I’ve built several. They were fine kits in their day. I concur with Tankerbuilder’s advise.

5

Back when they were issues CA was not available. I suppose it would work.

i used two part epoxy, with all of the pros and cons.

6

By all means, build them and enjoy the experience!

7

Those are great old kits. I have several built and a few still in boxes. I remember hearing something about the kits being made again but do not remember seeing any.

The metal parts should be either primed with self etching primer, or etched with a metal etch. A safe way would be to use vinagar as it is acedic but not as caustic as automotive etching solution. As stated above the metal can be painted with automotive paints. Back in the day, before “superglue”, I used epoxy as well as auto body lead. The lead is NOT recommended nor necessary these days. Have fun with the builds.

8

Thank you all for your input. I think I’ll give them a go. I think I’ll start with the Model A Coupe. I’ll use an etch for the metal parts (vinegar sounds easy), CA glue or epoxy, and automotive primer and paint.

I’ll put the boxes in my display case until it’s time to build.