006-dcx2013summer-dl

1/2H.indd 1 2/28/13 10:59 AM 1/2H.indd 1 2/28/13 10:53 AM

hot wheels highway by mike zarnock To Free, or Not to Free Whether to open your toys or to leave them in their factory First off, different people collect for different reasons. packaging has been a controversial topic for Hot Wheels I, and people like me, collect mostly because of the collectors for years now. It’s a question that I get asked memories. Others purchase Hot Wheels for the sake of about a lot, so, for what it’s worth, here are my thoughts. investment. And, of course, there are those in between. But many collectors say loose cars aren’t worth much, and in my observations over the past 40-plus years, that’s been true, in most cases — except for Redlines. But ask yourself: are you a cardboard collector or a car collector? Both are important. I collect variations of the cars that are in the “collector number packages.” These are cars that are in U.S.- released packages with collector numbers on them, that ran from 1989 to 1999. Here, packaging makes all the difference. International packages of that era do not have collector numbers on them, and many times have different names for the same cars that are in the U.S. packaging. So, same cars — different packaging. But some international packaged cars also came in different colors, or with different wheels, than the ones in U.S packages. So finding an “international-only release” car in a U.S. package, with the U.S. name, is a great find — and quite a rarity. I have a few in my collection that I wouldn’t trade for anything; one is the #344 – a “1995 Model Series” #8 Camaro convertible. It’s red with black Maylasia base, black interior and clear windows, with gold 7-spoke wheels. Those gold 7-spoke wheels are what make it such a rarity. Only the international released Camaros had the gold 7-spoke wheels — but here’s one in original U.S. packaging. Not too many of those around! Another is the #342 — “1995 Model Series” #2 Mercedes SL. It’s black and grey with red interior and gold 7-spoke wheels — another very rare car, thanks to a rare car/ packaging combination. There are many cars that have been released in the same color and wheel combination, but in different packages — like a play set, five pack, or another type 52 DCXmag.com

of blister pack. If you’re a “loose” collector, Flashback 2005 this means nothing to you (except that you get to add it to your collection for fifty T he year 2005 brought us the first Walmart exclusive colors added to the Main Line series cars. cents). But the best example that I can Someone must have noticed how well having exclusive colors worked out for Kmart the year use for the importance of packaging is before and decided to follow suit. the 1995 light blue Race Team Funny Car with basic wheels. This car was released in The Walmart exclusive colors were simple at first, a two pack from KB Toys, the Race Team with no fanfare or special event. There were only five pack, and the 1995 “Race Team Series” four vehicles and they were all black: the 2005 as collector number 277. These cars are Ford Mustang GT (#006), W-Oozie (#078), Evil everywhere — in different packages, loose Twin (#151), and the last one, the Ford Mustang in collections, toy boxes, or sandboxes, and Funny Car (#182 - done in flat black paint). frequently at yard sales for half a dollar. Kmart, on the other hand, had a release of 21 But did you know that if you find that very exclusive color variations with the Shelby Cobra same car in the elusive #271 package, it’s 427 S/C (#112), having two interior variations of valued at over $3,500? Yep — same car, out its own - black and tan. The scarcer of the two of the package—.50 cents. Do you see what was the tan. I’m guessing here, but I’m going to I mean? In my research, I have found there say that it was the same interior that they used to be only about 20 of the #271 Packages for the Cobra in the Target “California Dreamin’” existing in collections. If someone is lucky set, because it’s the only other Cobra that I know enough to find one, let alone buy one, why of that had that color interior. If you have one would they even consider opening it? How of the gray primer Cobras with the tan cockpit, about the collector #51 package? That’s the you’re lucky. yellow “`40’s Woodie.” This car can also be There were a few other rather interesting vari- found in different packages for as little as ations that occurred this year. The Ford Shelby $5, but an example mounted to the all Blue GR-1 (# 16) came with three different interior Card #51 package sold for $2,200. Is there colors and three different wheel combinations, a reason to open this one too? Nope. I don’t for a collection of seven different variations. The think so. Rocket Box (#36) couldn’t decide what color Another consideration is variations. Many combination it wanted to have, from flat to gloss cars released in the multi-packs weren’t white, or in its trim colors and wheels. This one intended to come in the blister packs - but had eight variations. if you happen to find one in a collector Something that collectors sometimes forget numbered blister, wow - you have a very is to check the color of the plastic bodies; the desirable and valuable variation. Keep Paradigm Shift (#52) came with a red transpar- that in mind: value stems from supply and ent plastic body, which very quickly got changed demand. The fewer there are of something to an orange transparent plastic. This is as rare as means the more collectors will want it. There the tan interior Cobra. must be a demand to create a value. The rarest of the variations for 2005 is the Now that you have my opinion, (for what blue 1969 Dodge Charger (#104) from the it may be worth) you can make your own “Muscle Mania” series. The Kmart release was a decision as to how you want to build and dark purple metallic, and it had three variations display your collection. All in all, it’s up of its own. The regular release also had three to the individual. Think twice, and make variations with the dark blue metallic with silver sure you know exactly what you’re about flames and FTE (Faster Than Ever) wheels being to open. And remember that the most extremely hard to find. Next to that would be the important value - the one you can’t put a blue metallic with no flames, 5-spoke wheels and price on - is fun. a very dark blue tint window. Something I’ve never seen done before was the color swap on the Switchback (#119) in the Twenty + series. Its initial release had a black metallic lower half with a dark candy red metallic top half. The second release was just the opposite: a dark candy red lower half with a black enamel top half. The first time that I saw the second variation, I just kept looking at it; it wasn’t until I put it next to the first release that I picked out the difference. Ten of the 12 Treasure Hunt cars had varia- tions, too, starting with the Purple Passion (#121), which had a card variation. The first cards came with the famous “treasure chest” logo in the series line and the second release card left off the “treasure chest” logo and replaced it with the Hot Wheels TH 10th Anniversary logo. Next up was summer 2013 53

Pete’s HOT WHEELS HIGHWAY MODEL GARAGE INC. the ‘67 Camaro (#122) with a red painted engine three variations. As with most of the gold chrome and chrome hub black wall Real Riders tires. that is done on these cars, there’s usually a dark and a light version as the run goes on, so it’s no 5 Precinct St Unit 2 Collectors were frantic over this one, and many a different with the dark or light engine on this car. Lakeville, MA 02347 blister was cracked by people smacking it to get e third variation is the paint. e first releases Phone: 508-947-5141 a look under the hood. is car was also found to were olive pearl metallic. e second was a candy have chrome hub red line Real Riders tires, but not olive - no flake, no pearl, and very noticeable. Fax: 508-947-5174 When I first started talking about the Treasure Email: [email protected] with a painted engine. Hunt variations, I mentioned 12 regular Treasure Hunt series cars because in 2005 there were 13 www.PetesModelGarage.com e 1958 Corvette (#123) also came with Treasure Hunts available. e thirteenth Treasure either blackwall or redline Real Riders tires with Hunt is the infamous VW Drag Bus, done in black with yellow and orange flames, outlined in light Cars/Road & Race – Trucks chrome hubs. e Redline Real Riders were harder blue, with Redline Real Riders tires. e thing to find for this one. To carry on with the wheel that’s so special about this Treasure Hunt is that it was not available in stores. e only way to get Buses – Aviation variations — the 1957 Chevy (#124) was riding on it was to send in twenty Hot Wheels cards for each of the four quarters of the year. With each Construction – Military either black 5-spoke rims or chrome hubs, both set of twenty cards you sent in, you received a with Real Riders tires. is time it was the black Mystery Car with a “1 of 4” voucher. e four cars TV & Movie * ALL SCALES * that came with the vouchers were the VW Bug 5 spokes that were scarce. is seemed to be a (#184), Baja Bug (#185), VW Special (#186 VW Drag Truck) and the New Beetle Cup (#187). Once regional thing; if you had the black 5 spokes in you collected all four vouchers, you were able to send away for the special “13th Treasure Hunt” CORGI FULL LINE RETAILER – USA & UK your area, you had a bunch. e same with the - the VW Drag Bus. IXO SPARK OXFORD BROOKLIN chrome hub. Most collectors had to swap their NEO TRUE SCALE MINICHAMPS extras to get the one they needed. is was a great opportunity for Mattel to sell a lot more cars and for the collectors to get SCHUCO EFE AUTOMODELLO LANDS- A little something different happened with the five very special releases. Note that each of the '56 Flashsider (#125). is one either had silver Mystery Car castings would be later found in the Kar Keepers 10 Pack with the same collector DOWNE HOBBY MASTER FIRST GEAR painted headlights or it didn’t. e ones that were numbers, but in different colors and with modified tampos. Also note that all five vehicles are VWs. NORSCOT TWH DCP SIKU painted were easy ones to locate, but finding the MANY MORE LINES IN STOCK unpainted version took some searching. Another ere were a couple other cars that I have silver glitch while painting these Treasure Hunt to give an honorable mention to for 2005, since there were so many good variations that came cars saw the Morris Cooper (#130) fall victim. from that year. One is the silver metallic Myers Manx (#139) with FTE wheels on the “Faster DieCast SPECIAL Some of those cute little yellow Minis went an Ever” card. e other is the Jester (#153). through the line without their wheel wells getting is one came with either a black plastic roof silver trim. Looking for these was keeping collec- and windows or a blue tint roof and windows. e blue tint roof and window cars were found at the IXO MUSEUM SERIES tors very busy. Kmart Day event and were the harder of the two to find. And don’t forget that there were two cards $35. EACH It seems that paint was the thing with the with the number 17 on them and on all the other Mustang Mach 1 (#127) too. is one is a very nice variations that showed up ... way too many to fit here. If you want to see them all, you’ll have to dark blue metallic with dark and light blue flames read my latest Hot Wheels Variations Guide! over white. ere must have been something in the tampo machine before they started doing the 49191.indd 1 12/3/12 4:27taPmM pos, because some of them had gray back- grounds instead of white under those flames. is didn’t really matter to collectors - the prices for both have stayed the same. Not unlike the '67 Camaro and ‘58 Corvette before it, the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda (#131) Like us on had a tire variation. is time it was with the white Facebook wall Real Riders tires, which came through with either a thin or a wide white wall. e wide one commands the higher price of the two. Facebook.com/ Last but not least, with the Treasure Hunt variations, is the Double Demon. is one had diecastxmag TOP 10 OF 2005 Die Cast X is growing on Facebook 1017 Maserati MC12 2005 First 6 139 Meyers Manx 2 104 1969 Dodge Charger Muscle and we encourage you to join us Editions Realistix 17/20 Metallic silver, FTE wheels Mania 4/5 in building a community where (misprint) Dark blue metallic, no flames on we can swap stories, videos and Pearl white metallic, black plastic 5 160 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C side, dark blue tinted window, 5sp photos, answer questions and Malaysia base Gray primer, tan interior stay updated on the latest news in 1 104 1969 Dodge Charger Muscle Die Cast. “Like” us today! 9 18 1969 Pontiac GTO 2005 First 4 122 1967 Camaro Treasure Hunt Mania 4/5 Editions Realistix 18/20 2/12 Dark blue metallic with silver flames Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc. Orange enamel, yellow tinted Candy reddish-orange metallic, on the side, FTE wheels window chrome hub red line, Real Riders® 8 130 Morris Cooper Treasure 3 122 1967 Camaro Treasure Hunt Hunt 10/12 2/12 Missing silver trim on wheel wells Candy reddish-orange metallic, red painted engine, chrome hub black 7 Paradigm Shift 2005 First Editions wall Real Riders X-Racers 2/10 Red transparent plastic body 54 DCXmag.com

❑ 001 Ford Shelby Cobra First Editions Realistix ❑ 065 Vulture Track Aces ❑ 133 Customized VW Drag Bus 2005 Hot Wheels Mainline Concept Treasure Hunts 10th Anniversary Mail-In Special ❑ 066 Open Road-ster Track Aces ❑ 134 Phaeton ❑ 135 Fish’d & Chip’d ❑ 002 Mitsubishi Eclipse First Editions Realistix ❑ 067 Chevy Stocker Track Aces ❑ 136 Vairy 8 Concept ❑ 137 Pikes Peak Tacoma ❑ 068 Power Pistons Track Aces ❑ 138 Rigor Motor ❑ 003 Ferrari 575 GTC First Editions Realistix ❑ 139 Meyers Manx ❑ 069 Sling Shot Track Aces ❑ 140 2001 Mini Cooper ❑ 004 . Airy 8 First Editions Realistix ❑ 141 Ooz Coupe ❑ 070 Speed Blaster Track Aces ❑ 142 Volkswagen New Beetle Cup ❑ 005 1969 Pontiac Firebird T/A First Editions Realistix ❑ 143 Steel Flame ❑ 071 omassima III Final Run ❑ 144 Rocket Oil Special ❑ 006 2005 Ford Mustang GT First Editions Realistix ❑ 145 1932 Ford Vicky ❑ 072 Treadator Final Run ❑ 146 Dodge Viper GTS-R ❑ 007 1971 Buick Riviera First Editions Realistix ❑ 147 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Brougham ❑ 073 Buick Wildcat Final Run ❑ 148 HumVee ❑ 008 Pocket Bikester First Editions Realistix ❑ 149 Maelstrom ❑ 074 Hydrojet Final Run ❑ 150 What-4-2 ❑ 009 Firestorm First Editions Realistix ❑ 151 Evil Twin ❑ 075 Big Chill Final Run ❑ 152 Arachnorod ❑ 010 Acura HSC Concept First Editions Realistix ❑ 153 Jester ❑ 076 Outsider Rebel Rides ❑ 154 1947 Chevy Fleetline ❑ 011 Aston Martin V8 First Editions Realistix ❑ 155 1935 Cadillac Vantage ❑ 077 Blast Lane Rebel Rides ❑ 156 1936 Cord ❑ 157 Talbot Lago ❑ 012 Symbolic First Editions Realistix ❑ 078 W-Oozie Rebel Rides ❑ 158 1932 Bugatti Type 50 ❑ 159 Off Track ❑ 013 Formul8r First Editions Realistix ❑ 079 Scorchin’ Scooter Rebel Rides ❑ 160 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C ❑ 161 Baja Bug ❑ 014 Bully Goat First Editions Realistix ❑ 080 Fright Bike Rebel Rides ❑ 162 Ford GT-40 ❑ 163 Lotus Sport Elise ❑ 015 Split Decision First Editions Realistix ❑ 081 Combat Ambulance Asphalt Jungle ❑ 164 Da’Kar ❑ 165 Power Sander ❑ 016 Ford Shelby GR-1 First Editions Realistix ❑ 082 Low Flow Asphalt Jungle ❑ 166 Sand Stinger Concept ❑ 167 ATV ❑ 083 Dodge Neon Hardnoze Asphalt Jungle ❑ 168 Hummer H3T ❑ 169 La Troca ❑ 017 Cockney Cab II First Editions Realistix ❑ 084 Deora ‘Tooned Asphalt Jungle ❑ 170 1965 Corvette ❑ 171 ’69 El Camino ❑ 018 ’69 Pontiac GTO First Editions Realistix ❑ 085 Anglia Panel Asphalt Jungle ❑ 172 Shoe Box ❑ 173 Ford underbolt ❑ 019 Prototipo Alfa First Editions Realistix ❑ 086 Mustang Cobra HW Racing ❑ 174 Mitsubishi Eclipse Romeao B.A.T. 9 ❑ 175 Corvette C6 ❑ 087 Shadow MK IIa HW Racing ❑ 176 Dodge Tomahawk ❑ 177 2001 B Engineering Edonis ❑ 020 Maserati MC12 First Editions Realistix ❑ 088 Pikes Peak Celica HW Racing ❑ 178 Saleen S7 ❑ 179 Ford Anglia ❑ 021 Low C GT First Editions Drop Tops ❑ 089 Ford Escort HW Racing ❑ 180 1933 Ford Lo-Boy ❑ 181 ’58 Ford underbird ❑ 022 ’57 Nomad First Editions Drop Tops ❑ 090 F-Racer HW Racing ❑ 182 Ford Mustang Funny Car ❑ 183 Plymouth Barracuda Funny Car ❑ 023 Curb Side First Editions Drop Tops ❑ 091 Custom ’59 Cadillac Pin Hedz ❑ 184 VW Bug Mail-In Mystery Car ❑ 185 Baja Bug Mail-In Mystery Car ❑ 024 Low Carbs First Editions Drop Tops ❑ 092 ‘40s Woodie Pin Hedz ❑ 186 Customized VW Drag Truck Mail-In Mystery Car ❑ 025 ’63 Corvette Stingray First Editions Drop Tops ❑ 093 ’64 Impala Pin Hedz ❑ 187 Volkswagen New Beetle Cup Mail-In Mystery Car ❑ 026 Flattery First Editions Drop Tops ❑ 094 Way-2-Fast Pin Hedz ❑ 027 Mid Drift First Editions Drop Tops ❑ 095 ’56 Ford Pin Hedz ❑ 028 Drop Top First Editions Drop Tops ❑ 096 Surfin’ School Bus Red Lines ❑ 029 Speed Bump First Editions Drop Tops ❑ 097 ’32 Ford Red Lines ❑ 030 Dodge Super 8 Hemi First Editions Drop Tops ❑ 098 8 Crate Red Lines ❑ 031 Chrysler 300C First Editions Blings ❑ 099 Pontiac Bonneville 1965 Red Lines ❑ 032 Ford Bronco Concept First Editions Blings ❑ 100 Tail Dragger Red Lines ❑ 033 L’Bling First Editions Blings ❑ 101 ’71 Plymouth GTX Muscle Mania ❑ 034 Mercedes-Benz G500 First Editions Blings ❑ 102 ’63 T-Bird Muscle Mania ❑ 035 Quadra-Sound First Editions Blings ❑ 103 1964 Buick Riviera Muscle Mania ❑ 036 Rocket Box First Editions Blings ❑ 104 ’69 Charger Muscle Mania ❑ 037 Hummer H3 First Editions Blings ❑ 105 ’65 Impala Muscle Mania ❑ 038 Block O’ Wood First Editions Blings ❑ 106 16 Angels White Heat ❑ 039 Dodge Magnum First Editions Blings ❑ 107 MS-T Suzuka White Heat ❑ 040 ’67 Chevy Nova II First Editions Blings ❑ 108 Whip Creamer II White Heat ❑ 041 Tor-Speedo First Editions Torpedoes ❑ 109 Phantom Racer White Heat ❑ 042 1971 Dodge Charger First Editions Torpedoes ❑ 110 2002 Autonomy Concept White Heat ❑ 043 Bullet Nose First Editions Torpedoes ❑ 111 ’49 Merc Crazed Clowns ❑ 044 Itso-Skeenie First Editions Torpedoes ❑ 112 Shelby Cobra 427 Crazed Clowns S/C Fatbax ❑ 045 Blastous First Editions Torpedoes ❑ 113 Cool-One Crazed Clowns ❑ 046 Subaru Impreza WRX First Editions Torpedoes ❑ 114 ’41 Willys Coupe Crazed Clowns ❑ 047 Slider First Editions Torpedoes ❑ 115 Dairy Delivery Blings Crazed Clowns ❑ 048 Overbored 454T First Editions Torpedoes ❑ 116 Cadillac Sixteen Twenty + ❑ 049 Trim TRK First Editions Torpedoes ❑ 117 Power Panel Twenty + ❑ 050 Willys Coupe First Editions Torpedoes ❑ 118 Boom Box Twenty + ❑ 051 Ferrari 360 Modena First Editions X-Raycers ❑ 119 Switchback Twenty + ❑ 052 Paradigm Shift First Editions X-Raycers ❑ 120 Chevy S-10 Twenty + ❑ 053 Scion xB First Editions X-Raycers ❑ 121 Purple Passion Treasure Hunts ❑ 054 ’69 Chevelle First Editions X-Raycers ❑ 122 1967 Camaro Treasure Hunts ❑ 055 Horseplay First Editions X-Raycers ❑ 123 1958 Corvette Treasure Hunts ❑ 056 Stockar First Editions X-Raycers ❑ 124 1957 Chevy Treasure Hunts ❑ 057 Phastasm First Editions X-Raycers Michael Zarnock has been collect- ❑ 125 ‘56 Flashsider Treasure Hunts ing Hot Wheels since 1968; he ❑ 058 Vandetta First Editions X-Raycers is considered by many to be the ❑ 126 ‘34 3-Window Treasure Hunts ultimate variation historian. If you ❑ 059 Poison Arrow First Editions X-Raycers would like a complete checklist ❑ 127 Mustang Mach I Treasure Hunts of all 2005 mainline variations, be ❑ 060 Burl-Esque First Editions X-Raycers sure to pick up a copy of Michael’s ❑ 128 1967 Pontiac GTO Treasure Hunts ❑ 061 Trak-Tune Track Aces book Hot Wheels Variations the ❑ 129 Rodger Dodger Treasure Hunts Ultimate Guide, now in its fourth ❑ 062 Backdraft Track Aces edition. Copies are available from his website, ❑ 130 Mini Cooper Treasure Hunts MikeZarnock.com. ❑ 063 Flashfire Track Aces ❑ 131 1970 Plymouth Baracuda Treasure Hunts SUMMER 2013 55 ❑ 064 Power Pipes Track Aces ❑ 132 Double Demon Treasure Hunts

quick LOOK According to an insider from the company, thanks to its serious TV tie-in, Maisto’s Sons of Anar- chy Harley series was a success before the product, seen here in pre-production form, even hit the shelves. Sons of Anarchy Harley-Davidsons byJoeKelly,Jr. 1:18 | $15 Below: The differences between The motorcycle melodrama Sons of Anarchy is a certified (only the first of what will be a full-cast release) represent the bikes range from subtle me- smash for the FX Network, and the show’s plot has more one of the hottest properties the maker has ever licensed, chanical variations to different twists than the California valley roads the gang rides in according to a Maisto insider at the show. art on the fuel tanks. every episode. With a pace and style that resembles The We can see why. Though the last touches haven’t yet Sopranos, Sons of Anarchy, staged in the fictional town been applied to the little Dynas, the motorcycles (pat- Bottom: Though not correct for of Charming, keeps the viewer entertained with all sorts terned after the Harleys ridden by former club President the bikes as seen on TV, these of horrific improprieties, salty dialogue, and enough illicit Clarence “Clay” Morrow and deceased former member pre-production models wear activity and hit-them-with-a-pipe justice to keep even Harry “Opie” Winston) look every bit the part of the “SOA” license plates. ones used in the series. To be fair, the TV bikes aren’t all our deepest inner miscreant that diverse — most, if not all, seem to be Dyna Super entertained. Glides of the 2003-2008 vintage, and they’re all painted The show, which debuted black (a rite of passage with the Sons) — but the singular in 2008, was an immediate pieces that have been placed onto the models, like Clay’s standout thanks to power- forward-facing, high-flow air filter, custom T-bars with ful writing and the equally handlebar risers, and his “Grim Reaper” SOA tank art, ring strong performances of its true to footage we’ve watched and fan-site data about the actors, and more than a few ride. The same applies to the scooter that the not-so- reviewers have seen the dear departed Opie rode until his sudden exit; the drag constant struggle for power fairing, Badlander seat, and pile-of-skulls SOA tank bring and survival within the home the obvious details, but the subtle stuff — like the club’s ranks as Shakespear- missing heat wrap on Opie’s front pipe — shows that the ian. We’d agree - had the Maisto R&D folks were watching a whole lot of Sons of Bard ridden a Dyna Glide and Anarchy whilst tooling the models up. spoken in a decidedly less There’s no telling what effect all that head-crunching, uplifting manner. tooth-loosening action will have on those mild-mannered Maisto has focused folks, or if there’s been a corporate memo circulated on the show in a stand- recently regarding a sudden spike in blush-inducing out release of their language around the water cooler, but one thing is certain: own - these 1:18 Sons of well-done enough to be taken seriously, and priced and Anarchy Harley-Davidson marketed as an audience-grabbing entertainment collect- motorcycles, detailed and ible, these will register as a hit — and we don’t mean with a decorated as the scoots pipe. Well done, Maisto. ridden by the gang. We were able to secure this pair of Sources advance samples in mock- up packaging after the New Maisto maisto.com York Toy Fair (yes, we asked politely), and the two bikes 56 DCXmag.com

Hot Wheels Elite “KITT” byJoeKelly,Jr. 1:18 | $159.99 There’s a lot to be said for subtlety when you’re a Behind the light show, Top KITT’s dashboard was an crime fighter. But you’d have to admit that driving KITT’s engine — a wild, eighties take on supertech, and around in a black muscle car that talks and wears a turbine-fired powerplant the model replicates the scads pulsing red light in its nose does have a certain attraction. that looks like a V8 gradu- of buttons and displays fairly That’s probably why millions of Americans, and millions ate of the Power Rangers well. Those blue screens were more around the world, were riveted to the television es- academy — resides in a be- video monitors. capades of one Michael Knight (David Hasselhoff) and his lievable nest of triangulated Above: The T-tops tilt up, or amazing computerized 1982 Pontiac Trans Am, “KITT.” suspension braces, coated come off completely—just the From 1982 to 1986, we were right there with those and wrapped conduits, and thing to allow for a sudden exit throngs watching Knight Rider, and being car guys, we even a genuine “black box” via spring-loaded seats. wanted to see what KITT (Knight Industries Two Thou- wearing ominous “Alpha Below: KITT was a relatively sand) would do next. As it happened, KITT could do plenty. Circuit” signage on its cover. low-key machine on the outside, Smoke screens, missiles, flame throwers, and a Bond-like We kept our hands away and the Hot Wheels Elite offer- rotating license plate (good for fooling the same people from that last item, but ing replicates the car very well who fell for Clark Kent’s glasses) were on tap, as was we couldn’t resist pawing both above and below its skin. 300mph top speed, ejector seats, and whatever device the hell out of the rest of Can a high-detail stock T/A be the writers needed that week — including, on more than the car. Below the rotating far behind? one occasion, an ability to read minds. No, really. license plate (a little tricky Hot Wheels Elite needed no such talent to realize that to spin), the chassis is as a model of this TV Batmobile for the eighties would be a detailed as the upper half, good property, and this early production sample that hot- with ducts, armaments, footed to us from the factory is a riot. Like the excellent and armor supplementing HWE Ghostbusters “Ecto-1” that preceded it, it’s more the Pontiac’s driveline; our than just the slapped-together spawn of a license deal. favorite detail under here It’s actually a nicely crafted, carefully scaled replica, beau- is the quartet of rockets tifully finished off, excellent in its proportions, and loaded strapped to the rear axle. with trick gizmos and finger fun. In a segment that The rundown is impressive: in addition to opening can require collectors to doors, hatch, and hood, the hyper-T/A has steerable forego quality in the name wheels, pop-up headlights, and removable, tilt-up T-tops. of collecting a piece from a The rear seat folds flat, and the front seat backs tilt too. favorite movie or show, this Even cooler, both front perches are spring-loaded ejec- KITT delivers as a top-shelf tors, triggered by a button on the texture-painted floor. replica — and we can’t wait We really liked the period-correct washout-tan color of to see what Hot Wheels the interior and the dash detailing, which uses decals, Elite does next. Very highly recommended. tamped-on paint, and sharp casting to replicate KITT’s control center. You can almost hear actor William Daniels Sources — the voice of KITT — when the doors are open. If you want to go completely fanboy, press the button under the Hot Wheels Elite hotwheels-elite.com car’s nose and watch the red light go from side to side. Go ahead. You know you want to. For more images of this model, go to the “From the Magazine” section on DCXmag.com. spring 2013 57

quick GreenLight Starsky & Hutch Ford Torino byJoeKelly,Jr. LOOK M1:18 | $70 uch like the TV show that inspired it, Green- release), and though the car doesn’t quite have the rake Top: The engine on the original Light’s 1:18 Starsky & Hutch 1974 Ford Gran To- of its real-life counterpart, it does have a decently done program cars was this 351 Wind- rino is old school, all the way, with dog leg hinges, set of “U.S.” brand five-slot wheels, dazzling chrome, and sor, done here in moderately detailed form. a big ol’ body casting, and more plastic than a room full of correct-for-the-show, no-name tires. And, oh yeah ... Above: It isn’t a high-detail piece, but the “Tomato’s” cabin Hollywood hopefuls. And that stripe. has all the right stuff, down to the magnetic chase light and we’ll let you in on a secret: Add in the relief-painted grille and the sharply deco’d police two-way radio under the dash. none of that matters. trim and taillights out back, and things start to look pretty It’s true. Whether you’re good. The interior is all black plastic, with some neat cast- a fan of the original televi- in detailing and texturing, and tilting front seat backs. The sion show starring David manual trans and single exhaust tell not of a pavement- Soul and Paul Michael Glaser thumping 460 - the top-displacement for ’74 Ford V8 as the title characters, or engine widely hoped to be under the star car’s hood — but you became a devotee after of the more pedestrian 351 Windsor V8s that the produc- seeing the Owen Wilson/ ers had spec’d out for the two “Bright Red” (code 2B) cars Ben Stiller homage, what’s from Ford’s “Studio-TV Car Loan Program.” It’s a clean job, on sale here isn’t modeling under here, with a Ford Blue plastic block, silvered exhaust excellence — it’s a memory. manifolds, and even a few neat — and neatly placed — ac- And if you’re like us, the first cessories, some of which have been plumbed in. It may sight of that white vector not have been a hot rodder’s dream, but the motor was stripe had you grinning on sufficient — especially after the car that the cast and sight. The good news is, that crew came to call the “Striped Tomato” got a set of more was the general idea — and aggressive gears in its rear, for better launches. So radical it’s not a bad model at all. were these cogs, that driving the car over 50mph was Actually, given that GL’s prohibited, lest the tomato’s engine revved to purée. carried over the bubble light, Under the car is a good enough rep of the Torino’s under-dash police radio chassis, with a separate and painted exhaust and rela- and every visual cue we tively complex suspension and driveline detailing. Topside, remember from our hours it’s sharp looking, and overall, it’s a respectable piece that’ll sitting cross-legged in front make TV fans and cop drama collectors more than happy. of the TV, we’d have to say And hey — it’s got that ... you know. it’s actually quite good for Sources what it is. The casting is well- GreenLight Toys greenlighttoys.com prepped and painted, and For more images of this model, go to the “From the the opening doors and hood Magazine” section on DCXmag.com. hang on even shut lines. The trunk’s a separate piece, too, but it’s sealed shut (echoes of the original Ertl “Joyride” It may not have been a serious performance machine, but the Starsky & Hutch Torino is a TV and movie icon. 58 DCXmag.com

GreenLight 1978 Cobra II byJoeKelly,Jr. The Mustang II wasn’t the bad- dest actor on the streets back 1:18 | $60 in the day, but for fans of the 1970s, this well-done model It was the pokiest pony ever to emerge from Dearborn, we like about the model: it’s (seen here as a pre-production and Ford’s Mustang II ultimately became one of the not an expensive addition to prototype) will be a no-brainer, most enduring symbols of just how far Detroit had to consider if you’re a Mustang especially at the price. bend to survive the dark days of the mid-seventies. But fan — which we are — and seeing one today is actually kind of fun — and Ford, who lived through the seventies Top: GreenLight’s interior is must have been doing something right, sold over a million — which we did. pure mid-seventies plastic, and of the Pinto-based machines. Like the real car, Green- though it may be a little too By the time it had finished its 1974-78 run, the Mustang Light has put the focus on glossy here, it’s got all the right II had been named Motor Trend “Car of the Year,” and had value and visual mileage, details. spawned several breakout sub-series along the way, and it works. On display, Above: Like the real V8 these including the lux-level Ghia, the V6 Stallion, and even a V6 there’s not much, if anything Cobras carried, this one doesn’t Mach 1, which grew a V8 it would share, starting in 1975, at all, to fault at the model’s offer a lot of pop. With a with a new Cobra II. Built on a 96-inch wheelbase, with projected price. More good misplaced air cleaner and a few fuel economy foremost in mind, performance was hardly news: of the 12 possible variations this liftback casting missed details, we’ll have to wait what made any of the variants stand out; power started may yield, we’ll be getting 10. The counting starts now. to see what the finished models with the Pinto’s 2.3 L four, meandered through the 2.8 L King Cobra, anyone? have under their hoods. V6, and topped out with a 302 V8, which, thanks to fed- eral pollution controls and low compression, made a truly Sources spring 2013 59 snooze-inducing 140 horsepower, good for a zero-to-60 GreenLight Collectibles greenlighttoys.com time of 10.5 seconds. Call us nostalgic, but we’re liking this GreenLight 1978 For more images of this model, go to the “From the Mustang II Cobra II an awful lot for a few reasons. Mostly, Magazine” section on DCXmag.com. it just looks right — and that counts for a lot around here. This pre-production prototype (literally handed to us on the show floor at the New York International Toy Fair), has most of the finished version’s parts in place; the casting is sharp and the model rolls (well) on polished optional alloys and Firestone rubber. Its chrome trim is a mix of silver paint, hard plastic, and a neat set of foil-based “FORD” characters at the nose and rear fascia. The big stripes and COBRA signage, at first believed to be decals, are actually rugged tamped-on paint. The doors, hood, and hatch open, the wheels steer, and this is the first GreenLight- sourced model to feature a spring-loaded suspension. The dead-on red interior is carpeted and has soft-touch vinyl seats and a heavily detailed dash with a rear hatch that rises to reveal more of the fuzzy stuff. Pop the hood and a mildly plumbed 302 seems to be still in the tweaking phase, though the ancillary castings around it, including the brass-toned radiator, look decent for the price. So does the mildly turned out chassis. That’s another thing

QUICK LOOK Done in “Whitest White” and packing additional horsepower, the “Nurburgring Special” Lexus LFA takes an already extraordi- nary car a bit further. AUTOart’s release gets everything done just right in 1:18. LEXUS LFA “NURBURGRING PACKAGE” byBillBennett 1:18 | $189.95 Below: e flocked and sharply At a $445,000 base price, the Lexus LFA “Nur- AUTOart’s realization of number 500 — the very last cast interior looks understated burgring Package” two-seater coupe represents LFA built, wearing the Nurburgring Package — comes in for a supercar — just like the real the most expensive production automobile - and “Whitest White” and really gets the job done. e paint Lexus’ cabin. most understated supercar — ever to come out of Japan. is rich and crystal smooth and the model sits low, nicely Bottom: 563 horsepower and Looking to all but the most informed gearheads, like a matching the real car’s stance. Shut lines are tight, with ten cylinders lie below the pipes, slightly scaled-up Japanese four-cylinder FWD coupe just a little space at the front of the doors; thanks to ducts and braces, and it’s all here with a tuner package and body kit, this car is actually a real-aspect hinges, the leading edges tuck, when opened, under a precision-hinged hood. realistically inside the fenders. e glazing and lensing are front-mid-engined, V10- perfect. powered, 563hp ground missile capable of speeds on But the devil is in the details, and that’s where AUTOart the north side of 200mph. shines. All of the openings in the body are filled with fine, Made of carbon fiber and honeycombed screens. e bonnet opens on multi-link other exotic materials and hinges — beautifully engineered and functional. e engine metals, the LFA is the defi- is covered by the large dual-horn air cleaner that obscures nition of a wolf in sheep’s most of its detail - as in life - but it’s nicely done. e clothing and sports a RWD wheels are chrome plated, then sprayed with a translu- drivetrain with a paddle- cent black for an expensive, engineered look. e seats shifted six-speed automatic are covered with a fabric finish that is amazingly realistic, transmission programmed and the snug footwells are carpeted; there’s even a digital with four performance readout in the center of the dash that we swore had been modes, built specifically for turned on. Flip this little hot rod over and the carbon-fiber the car by Aisin. tray gives you lots of peeks at the suspension, exhaust, and structural members. e last 50 cars off the LFA production line were While only 50 people will ever own a new LFA Nurbur- done with the Nurburgring gring Package, AUTOart’s rendition is far more available Package’s additional 10hp and a lot less expensive. Make no mistake: this little 1:18 and some suspension scale beauty really captures the spirit of this amazingly tweaks and aero pieces. competent, well-engineered car, and it’s a treasure to Toyota took one of these own. special-specials to the famed Nordschleife circuit SOURCES at Nurburgring, Germany, and set a record of 7:14 for AUTOart autoartmodels.com a production car on street tires. For more images of this model, go to the “From the Magazine” section on DCXmag.com. 60 DCXmag.com

AUTO WORLD “RICHARD PETTY” ROAD RUNNERS byBillBennett 1:18 | $79.99 Richard Petty, “ e King,” earned his title the hard e interior features a Top: e engine is moderately way: by having the best racing statistics of any single racing seat, roll cage, detailed, and wears a spider-like driver ever to race in NASCAR. Petty won the window net, fire extin- set of spark leads. NASCAR Championship a record seven times — ditto the guisher, and racing steering Above: e dash is wrong—it Daytona 500 — and was in the first class of inductees into wheel. e instrument panel should be flat aluminum—but the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010, joining Bill France Sr. is from the stock rendition the overall feel of the racer’s gut and Jr., Dale Earnhardt, and Junior Johnson. Adding to his of this car, whereas a true is good. fame was his appearance as a character in Disney’s Cars racer’s instrument panel as “ e King” — a Plymouth Superbird painted Petty Blue would be formed from flat and wearing the number 43. sheet aluminum. e car rides on white-lettered One of the really important cars in Petty’s career was Goodyear slicks mounted his 1971 Hemi-powered Plymouth Road Runner that he on steel wheels. Ride height built and raced in ’71 and on into ’72. It was the last Plym- could be adjusted down a bit outh that Petty was to campaign, and it marked the end of for more accuracy. his Chrysler sponsorship. Painted and raced in Petty Blue in 1971, the car was repainted red, white and Petty Blue for Overall, these are two the 1972 NASCAR season, announcing the Petty team’s nice versions of one very new sponsor, Andy Granatelli’s STP Corporation. historic car. If you didn’t get your hands on one of these the first time around, don’t Auto World has revived Petty’s Road Runner in both its let this opportunity pass you by. Generally accurate, with ’71 and ’72 liveries and they are must-haves for the rabid a few hiccups, but no deal-breakers—grab the modeling Petty fan. Made from “classic” Ertl tooling, the cars have tools and you might spend a weekend afternoon getting it great-looking paint accented with bold graphics. e hood just right. and trunk both open on dog-leg hinges and the doors have been correctly “welded” shut. Opening the hood SOURCES reveals the Hemi equipped with headers, ignition wires, basic plumbing, and an aluminum two-piece manifold Auto World Store autoworldstore.com mounting a single four-barrel carburetor. e racing air cleaner is the type that takes air from a plenum at the For more images of this model, go to the “From the Maga- leading edge of the windshield. e only major compo- zine” section on DCXmag.com. nent missing in the engine bay is the tubular chassis and suspension reinforcement. Petty fans will like the way these look on display; with a little tweaking to the wheels—which are missing their slots—and some attention to a few other notes, the models could represent “King Richard’s” last Mopar even better. SPRING 2013 61

quick LOOK Tom Mix was a cowboy star who Minimarque original MM43 line, it took quite a bit of persuasion to get liked fine automobiles, and this “Tom Mix” Cord byWayneMoyer Steve to add it to the series, but it was announced at the customized Cord 812 was the 2012 Strictly 43rd show. The 90 serial-numbered models car he was driving — perhaps too 1:43 | $325 were ready for shipping in early December 2012 — less quickly — on the night he died. than two weeks before Steve Overy also passed away. All of the custom items, from Tom Mix, former “Wild West Show” rider and Okla- Minimarque’s superb “Tom Mix” Cord grew out of the the added lights and bumper homa Sheriff, was the first Hollywood cowboy star, MM43 Phaeton (see sidebar), and it has every unique fea- over-riders to the “continental” appearing in more than 330 movies between 1910 ture of the Mix Cord, including the holstered Colt, in perfect spare out back, are here in this and 1935, as well as starring in his own Tom Mix Circus. scale. Castings are flawless and the authentic “Cigarette Minimarque release. Mix did well; he owned several Duesenbergs and Cords, Cream” paint is excellent, though heavy enough to soften the last being a 1937 Cord 812 Supercharged Convertible the panel lines. Like the original, the louvers around the Phaeton (S.N. 31910) with many custom touches. It was nose have been scraped to bright, shiny metal while one of only three Cords built with a “Continental” spare, the plated exhausts exit through photo-etched panels. which required the taillights to be moved outboard to the Minimarque has modeled the car as it is now, with smaller rear fenders. It also had leather stone guards, a winged badges flanking the wings on the nose, but those aren’t badge and a mascot on its “coffin” nose, extra lights, and visible in pre-1940 references. Photos show that the red flagstaffs on the fenders to carry Tom Mix Circus pennants “leather” upholstery patterns are authentic, as is the during parades. However, its most famous accessory “aluminum” dash decal with its detailed instrument faces. was a pearl-handled Colt Peacemaker holstered just to Interior details are all there, including the Bendix “Finger- the right of the steering wheel. In October 1940, Mix was tip” shifter just above the 45. Chassis detail is minimal, driving the Cord at speed when the car skidded off into a but Minimarque modified the MM43 dual exhausts into construction ditch. A steel suitcase in the back seat (sup- the single-pipe system now on this Cord. The body lines, posedly full of cash) flew forward and hit Mix in the back of shape, and all the details match references perfectly, and the head, killing the original “King of the Cowboys” at age dimensions are right, too. The Minimarque “Tom Mix” Cord 60. The Cord wasn’t badly damaged, and still exists today; is a fitting tribute to Tom Mix, Richard Briggs, and Steve in fact, it appeared in a 1978 television film. Overy. Minimarque’s hand-built 1:43 white-metal model of Mix’s Cord has a long and almost haunted history. It was SOURCES: to have been part of Richard Briggs’ Mini Marque 43 (MM 43) “Cars of the Stars” line, but Richard died unexpectedly Illustra/Midlantic Models midlanticmodels.com before the model was completed. MM43 masters finally became part of the Illustra/Midlantic Models line, whose owner, Steve Overy, introduced the Minimarque line (note spelling and lack of “43”) as a tribute to his great friend, Richard. Since the Mix Cord had never been part of the Fond Farewells This has been the most dif- or Duesenberg “Model of the made many of the later MM43 series of American classics in ficult review this author has Year” at the A-C-D Museum. models. I’d known Steve 1:43. Steve became a regular, Steve Overy ever prepared. Richard Briggs The 1999 MOTY was a Cord 812 through correspondence popular part of the annual was a friend, and his Mini Convertible Phaeton. Richard and phone calls since he Strictly 43rd Show in Chicago; Marque 43 models were the asked if I could provide details introduced the first Midlantic in 2012, the first thing he said standard to which many rep- to add Tom Mix’s Cord to his Models kit. Aside from colors, to me was “We’re doing the licas were compared during “Cars of the Stars” line. I did, better paint, and the name on Mix Cord this year, so you can the 1980s and ‘90s. He was a and the model was being pre- the box, Steve’s Minimarque stop nattering at me about frequent visitor during his an- pared when Richard passed models proved identical to the it.” Steve, like all the other nual transatlantic jaunt to the away suddenly. Enter Steve originals, down to the decal models you did, this one’s A-C-D Festival at Auburn, In- Overy, who had become very of Richard’s beloved bulldog simply superb. Richard would diana, where he would intro- good friends with Richard, as “Cilla” on the baseplate, and be proud. duce a special Auburn, Cord, Steve’s Illustra casting service they remained one of the best 62 DCXmag.com

CUSTOMȱDISPLAYȱCASESȱ InnovativeȱDesignsȱȱȱȱȱȱȱȱMuseumȱQualityȱ OVER 60 Order Display STANDARD Cases Online SIZES PLUS Call for CUSTOMS Free Brochure www.customdisplaycases.com (888)889-0396 47720.indd 1 12/2/11 3:56 PM 1/6H.indd 1 11/30/12 9:30 AM Like. Follow. Join. 8/30/12 8:51 AM 1/3V.indd 1

Driven Floor It Pop Culture Auto World “Legends of the Auto World “Racing Rigs” Tractor/Trailers Quarter Mile Pro Racing Drag Strip” 1:64 | $21.99 each 1:64 | $119.99 It might take a little while to get used to Auto World’s little big rigs on the track, but a little practice is fun, fun, fun. e “X-Traction” geared Peterbilt 359s are decorated as Pepsi Cola haulers — one Road courses are fine, and strafing a scale “retro” and the other from the 90s (umm ... isn’t that retro too?), and feature pickups in the standard apex takes practice. But sometimes, it’s all position with an additional peg attached to the trailers’ steerable rears to keep the big boxes (some- about a slammed pedal and a long, straight what) locked in place while under way. For the most part, it works, and it always looks cool. e road ahead. at’s what we loved about torque-heavy gearing gets these busy, and quickly, with our eyeball ETs telling us that when the Auto World’s “Legends of the Quarter Mile trailers are parked, the tractors are only a couple of clicks slower than comparable cars on our drag Pro Drag Racing Strip” set – all 13 running strip; in full dress, as part of a real-world layout, or a mega-ton one-on-one, these soda haulers feet of it. e set features a staging area and (also available in “Mountain Dew” schemes) are a blast. a “dead track” for coast-down; in between autoworldstore.com is a well thought out snap-together run that pits a pair of included cars – in this case, the Fast Felines “Jungle Jim” Camaro and the “Blue Max” Mustang – in a run for the finish line. e Carrera Digital Bill omas Cheetah included sponsor stickers for the starting box and end gate had our younger testers 1:32, 1:24 | $31.99/$69.99 enjoying the setup process; once plugged in, the electronics were flawless. e e Cheetah was one of the most memorable race car designs of the 1960s, and that’s what Christmas tree start had us sharpening our has got us so excited by Carrera’s limited edition versions of the car in 1:32 and 1:24. is is reflexes (all the better to avoid the dreaded beautiful stuff; one of the sleekest racers ever made is delivered in a tough casting that’s “gotcha” red light), and within minutes, seemingly poured over the model’s digital-equipped (but analog-friendly) chassis. at frame racers of all ages were trying to gain an ad- packs a punch on the 1:32 “Daytona 1964” version; the car was grippy and smooth all around vantage — just like the real thing. Setup and our analog circuit, and while the larger model (done in “Bill omas” livery) isn’t as athletic out breakdown each took around five minutes, of the corners on that same circuit, the extra bulk and long-legged gearing made bombing it and the durable track design and tough cars around the course a lot of fun - especially sans magnets. Carrera makes some of the best-built, should last a good, long time. Track sets truly ready-to-run scale race cars out there, and they have some great tuning parts on deck like this make family afternoons at home a too. Bone stock, the medium compound tires (deco’d as authentic “Hoosier” and “Blue Streak” joy — especially if you have the faster car. racing shoes, natch), nailed-down nylon drivetrain, and spring-loaded pickups make the racers What fun. almost silent in the slot. Maybe, too silent: the working lights and visual impact of that slinky autoworldstore.com shape had us wishing for the sound of the Cheetah’s Chevy V8. Now, wouldn’t that be cool? carrera.com 64 DCXmag.com

tickets, info & try-mfelytrzoacnkess thrilling demos RCX.comvideo preview at celebrities Full-size star cars retail specials pro races & more! June 1-2, 2013 LongBeachconventioncenter LongBeach,CAlifornia “Where Awesome Happens”

collector profile Meet the Writers Say hello to DCX’s very own collectors by dcx staff We thought we’d dedicate this Collector Profile to the fellows who work so hard to make Die Cast X what it is. Say hello to Mike Zarnock, Bill Bennett, and Wayne Moyer, the guys who put the pedal to the metal, every issue, and bring their expertise and style to our pages. Here are the boys — and their toys. Mike Zarnock was there when the first Hot Wheels cars appeared, and from the look of things, he has no plans of letting a single one go by. The author of a dozen books on Hot Wheels collecting, Mike’s been in both the Guinness Book of World Records and in Ripley’s Believe it or Not! — twice. His favorite topic is “variations” — the subtle production differences that can make certain numbers of the cars more collectible — and he’s become a fixture at Hot Wheels conventions and events. In addition to having been on television and in film, Mike’s a member of the Diecast Hall of Fame, and one of a very few people who have had a regular production Hot Wheels car made with his name on it. The car, “Mike Zarnock’s Altered Roadster,” was part of the “Drag Strip Demons” series, and is a model of Mike’s old race car. Think that’s cool? He’s also one of the few folks who have been inside Mattel’s design center — and didn’t get frisked on the way out. With a collection that started in the early 1950s, and a focus on Tell us F1, Indy, Can-Am, Trans-Am, classic hot rods, and more, Bill’s our what resident race expert and West Coast man on the scene. Bill still fuels remembers his first car — a Dinky Toys 1950 Ford Army sedan — your because he still has it. Bill spent years in the paddocks and pits, passion! feeding his love for motorsport; in addition to making special- order decals for collectors, he’s consulted with model makers and Is it the hunt? manufacturers, and wrote his first review in 2001 for the Diecast The purchase? Zone online collectors’ forum. His writing also appeared on the Or the display? box art for Precision Miniatures’ 1:18 Altereds, Gassers, and the Mazmanian Corvette — and he’s been a part of DCX since the Share your col- Spring 2006 edition. And yes, he’s almost out of room. lection and your There’s a sign in Wayne Moyer’s office/display room that says “He passion with Who Dies With The Most Toys, Wins,” and after many decades of thousands of other collecting, Wayne — who’s healthy as a bear — is certainly in the collectors just like running. The passion for scale models first took root when Wayne you. Die Cast X started building kits, and an ability to detail and explain the process magazine is look- of building led to Wayne penning his first review in 1972. When his ing for collectors articles got noticed by 1:43 kit maker John Day (who had read a who want to show piece Wayne had done on his models, and sent along a box filled the world what with more kits, saying simply, “Do it again, please”), there was fuels them. Visit no looking back. Two thousand-odd written reviews later, we’re DCXmag.com/cp, glad he kept going. Wayne’s eye for precision comes from his answer the profile years as an aeronautical engineer, and his biggest kit — yet — is questionnaire the two-seat airplane he put together and has been piloting since and attach a few September 2010. pictures of your collection. It’s easy. And who knows— you might be featured in a future issue of Die Cast X! Contact Bill, Wayne, or Mike at [email protected] 66 DCXmag.com