Re-released AMT/ERTL Star Wars kits in the shops!

Modeling Subjects Science Fiction
1

Saw a stack of the newly re-released AMT/ERTL Star Wars kits at the LHS today, and they’re out here in Japan, I’m sure they’re out in your neck of the woods.
Here’s what I saw:
Millennium Falcon
Star Destroyer
At-AT
Snowspeeder
Darth Vader’s TIE Fighter
X-Wing (snap kit)

I’m not sure what all is to be released, but that’s what the LHS here had.

But man, they’re expensive…the Falcon and Star Destroyer were both about $50 USD, the AT-AT, Snowspeeder, and Vader’s TIE FIghter were about $30 USD, and I didn’t take the time to check the X-Wing.
Now, import stuff here in Japan is always expensive, so overseas (that is, outside of Japan) may be cheaper.

Nice to see those old kits again, though! [:)]

One thing, though…the boxes feature photos of some of the worst builds I’ve ever seen on a boxtop! Check 'em out and see if you agree!
Particularly the Star Destroyer…sheesh!

Now I just hope the person who built 'em doesn’t read this…sorry for the brutal honesty! [;)]

2

Do they appear to be retooled kits or simply just new pulls from the old molds?

If they are simply new pulls than I am not interested in them.

3

Would imagine they are re-release’s since they are under the buyer choice program

4

Like I said before, this is a great opportunity for modelers to get one of these kits if they missed out earlier. I know I’m getting a MF kit ASAP. [^]

5

Thats one thing you can always count on from AMT/Ertl is the touched up photos or pour builds for the box pics. I could never understand this given that most of thier kits are not all that bad with a little work. I guess the subject sells itself. But I have to say I’ll be picking up more that one myself[:D] Thanks for the heads up J-Hulk.

Matt

6

I will give them a skip, still remember the poor fits, gaps and not to mention LOTS of missing or wrong detail.
For the guys that never build them, you’ve been warned.

Still got somewhere a pic of the Rebel Landspeeder(prior to Hoth) hurling through a forest.

7

Yeah, they’re the same ol’ same ol’, but still nice to see 'em hanging around.

The AT-AT is not a bad kit at all, with nice detail and decent fit.
And weren’t you looking for a AMT/ERTL Snowspeeder recently, MM?

Well, here ya go![;)]

8

Those are the only two kits I am considering getting, 2 snowspeeders and maybe 1 AT-AT.

Never was impressed with most of their other kits, especially the MF. Did like the 2 Battle of Hoth Sets though. [;)]

9

Can’t wait to see those kits in my LHS, I remember missing out on the MF, years ago !!!
Do they have a website to admire those new boxes ?

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You know its funny Brian… I found another little dinky model shop in my next town, and they actually had an AMT Naboo Star Fighter… Droid with Stap, and a Federation Tank… It was amazing to see as most starwars, or even AMT kits are hard to find here!.. So to see these kits sitting there was a big surprise… Problem was, that they wanted Y2500 for the small Starfighter… So I guess thats what they were when he ordered them 10 years ago, and I guess thats why they have stayed?

Chris in Japan

11

I still run across those “old” Episode I models here in Osaka, too, but the models I’m talking about in my original post are “new” 2005 re-issues of the kits I mentioned. You’re right about the scarcity of AMT-ERTL kits in Japan, though…that’s why I was so surprised to see a stack of them!
Are they out yet in North America and Europe, guys? They gotta be…

12

Well I havnt seen any of the new ones yet, so thats a great find!.. But just on the subject of the AMT kits… My local guy knows that I build Star Wars and Star Trek stuff… What he doesnt know, is that I have a friend in the states that helps me with AMT or American stuff, and I help him with Gundam or Japanese stuff… My local hobby guy gets his hands on some AMT Star Trek stuff(most of which I have) and then tries to offer it to me at 100 times the price I can get it from my friend for!.. Just the look on his face when I laughed at him is priceless!..

Chris in Japan