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DESIGNER BUILDS HIS LIFE-SIZE DREAM CAR THE PASSION, PRODUCTS & PERSONALITIES CMC’s Teardrop MMMOOAGVPIAIECR AUTO WORLD Top 10 Dodge and ›› Talbot Plymouth Star Cars Dirty Mary Crazy Larry Charger Stunner! EASY DIY JADA RESTORATION AND CUSTOMIZING Collector’s Series The Fate of the Furious Ice Charger Micro-Mark’s Resin Casting Kit ›› PLus › Highway 61 Returns! › Tuner Porsches from AUTOart and BoS › Presidential Airpower: George Bush’s TBF Avenger by Flight Wing FDNY WINTER 2018 $6.99 US $8.99 CAN HERO DCXMAG.COM Rescue 1 from Display until November 28, 2017 Fire Replicas

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CONTENTS DIE CAST X | VOL. 14 | ISSUE 1 16 FEATURES OUT OF THE BOX 22 | Dom’s Radical Ride from F&F8 16 | Mopar Movie Magic Jada Collector’s Series e Fate of the Furious Ice Charger Top Ten Dodge and Plymouth Star Cars from the Big Screen 24 | Catch is Legendary Mopar Before It Vanishes 32 | Restoration and Customization 101 Philly Mint 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Using Micro-Mark’s Complete Resin Casting Starter Set 28 | A Spectacular Slice of Silver Screen Muscle Auto World Dirty Mary Crazy Larry 1969 Dodge Charger R/T 36 | Performance and Perfect Proportions Produce an All-Time Great CMC Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Figoni & Falaschi “Teardrop” Coupe 40 | Two Teutonic Tuners AUTOart RWB Porsche 993 and BoS Gemballa Avalanche 24 44 | Hero Hauler with Outstanding Precision Fire Replicas FDNY “Rescue 1” 58 MODELS IN 52 | e Style and Performance Apex for Buick’s Elegant Flagship MOTION Automodello 1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport 58 | A Factory- Built Demo Truck IN THE HANGAR with Legit Off- 54 | Grumman’s Grand-Scale Road Chops Torpedo Bomber RC4WD 1:18 Gelande II Flight Wing TBF Avenger Land Rover D90 RTR QUICK LOOKS 62 | Highway 61 1976 Chevrolet 54 G10 Custom Van UP FRONT REGULARS 63 | Maisto Off-Road Kings Ford F-150 Raptor 8 | Editorial 48 | Hot Wheels Highway 64 | AUTOart Porsche 918 Weissach Edition Martini Livery 65 | Best of Show 1957 Buick Caballero Estate Star Struck in Scale Hot Wheels Designer Builds His Dream Car—in Real Life and in Scale 10 | Showroom New Releases & First Looks 66 | Rear View e Forgotten First Impala Die Cast X (USPS 017-276; ISSN 1551-854X) is published quarterly by Air Age Inc., 88 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 USA. Copyright 2017, all rights reserved. Periodicals Postage paid at Wilton, CT, and additional mailing offices. Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 40008153. CONTRIBUTIONS: All materials published in Die Cast X magazine become the exclusive property of Air Age Inc., unless prior arrangement is made in writing with the Publisher. Descriptions of products were obtained from manufacturers or their press agencies and do not constitute an endorsement by the Publisher or guarantee their safety. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Go to our website: DCXMag.com. Rates one year (4 issues): U.S., $19.95; Canada, $23.95, including GST; all others, $27.95. All international orders must be prepaid in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express accepted. EDITORIAL: Send correspondence to Editors, Die Cast X, Air Age Inc., 88 Danbury Rd., Wilton, CT 06897 USA. Email: [email protected]. We welcome all editorial submissions but assume no responsibility for the loss or damage of unsolicited material. To authors, photographers, and people featured in this magazine: All materials published in Die Cast X become the exclusive property of Air Age Inc. unless a prior arrangement is made in writing with the Publisher. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: To make sure you don’t miss any issues, send your new address to Die Cast X magazine, P.O. Box 420134, Palm Coast, FL 32142-8685 USA at least six weeks before you move. Please include an address label from a recent issue, or print the information exactly as shown on the label. For faster service, go to DCXmag.com/cs, and click on the customer service link. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address changes to Die Cast X magazine, P.O. Box 420134, Palm Coast, FL 32142-8685 USA.



EDITORIAL Star Struck in Scale WINTER 2018 | VOLUME 14, NO. 1 This issue brought together two of EDITORIAL my favorite things: prime muscle- Executive Editor era Mopars and car movies. ere’s Matt Boyd ›› [email protected] naturally a lot of overlap between Editorial Director/Surface Group the two; with their killer looks Peter Vieira ›› [email protected] and awesome performance, Dodges and Copy Editor Plymouths from the muscle car heyday have been featured prominently in hundreds of Suzanne Noel ›› [email protected] films for the past 50 years. So of course, they’ve been featured prominently in diecast as well, and in this issue, we had opposite ends of the collector spectrum come together CONTRIBUTORS to celebrate movie Mopars. e film franchise that has cornered the market on Mopar Bill Bennett, Peter Celona, Wayne Moyer, muscle for the better part of the last two decades—the Fast & Furious movies—came Alan Paradise, Ron Ruelle, Dan Townsend, roaring back into theaters for the eighth time earlier this year. As it has for the last several Mike Zarnock F&F films, diecast power player Jada has produced all of the significant cars from the film—including several insane Mopar builds. Meanwhile, Philly Mint just released an Alpine ART White ’70 Challenger R/T that is the spitting image of the star car from the car-chase Creative Director Betty K. Nero classic Vanishing Point. With those, the die was cast on this issue’s theme, so we rounded Designer Alan J. Palermo it out with a third cool movie car that’s been on our list since it debuted a couple years Photographer Peter Hall back but (for whatever reason) we never got a chance to review until now: Auto World’s Dirty Mary Crazy Larry ’69 Charger. DIGITAL MEDIA Web Producer Holly Hansen For those whose tastes lean more toward again in DCX to admire a gorgeous model of the prewar European classics, our buddy Wayne TBF Avenger warbird flown by former President ADVERTISING Moyer turned his meticulous eye for historical George H. W. Bush in WW II. Speaking of things Senior Account Manager accuracy and exacting detail on CMC’s latest: the we haven’t done in a while, on page 32, I dive into Mitch Brian ›› 203.529.4609 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS “Teardrop” Coupe, a model replicating my own resin parts for repairing and Senior Account Executive so exquisite it just might bring a tear to your eye! customizing diecast using Micro-Mark’s awesome Ben Halladay ›› 203.529.4628 all-in-one Resin Casting Starter Set. Rusty as my Senior Account Executive e two cars in our Teutonic Tuners double feature casting skills are, the kit produced results that Brian Vargas ›› 203.571.8850 take classical European sports car styling and turn made me look good on my very first try! it on its roof—showing the extroverted extremes CONSUMER MARKETING/ that tuners Gemballa and Rauh-Welt Begriff have All that, and we still haven’t covered all there PRODUCTION SERVICES taken Porsche’s iconic 911, as reflected in models is to see and read. I feel like this is one of the by BoS and AUTOart, respectively. e emergency most diverse and jam-packed issues we’ve ever e Media Source, a division of TEN, service vehicle experts at Fire Replicas have just done—no matter what you’re into there’s bound e Enthusiast Network produced a beautiful tribute to the heroes of the to be something here for you. Enjoy, and check us FDNY’s Rescue Company 1, and we examine this out online at DCXMag.com and on social media at MARKETING & EVENTS outstanding 1:50 masterpiece on page 44. Facebook/diecastmag to see all the extra goodies Marketing Assistant Erica Driver we couldn’t squeeze into this issue! Event Manager Emil DeFrancesco After a long absence, we take to the skies once PUBLISHING Group Publishers Louis V. DeFrancesco Jr., Yvonne M. DeFrancesco FOLLOW US On Facebook: diecastxmagazine On Twitter: @DCXmag On Instagram: @diecastx On Google +: DieCast X Magazine Visit us online: DCXmag.com Comments may be sent to: [email protected] EDITORIAL MAIL 88 Danbury Road, Wilton CT 06897 USA Phone (203) 529-4635 Email [email protected] Remember, to come find us online and on social media too. e Association of e Network for RCX.com Plenty of news and products that we receive between issues Magazine Media Global Media get released there, so please be sure to check us out—and sign up for our newsletter for even more bonus content! PRINTED IN THE USA Matt Boyd ➜ DCXMag.com SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES Executive Editor ➜ On Facebook: diecastxmagazine [email protected] ➜ On Twitter: @DCXMag To subscribe, go to DCXMag.com/cs. ➜ On Instagram: @DiecastX For a change of address, write to DCX, P.O. Box 420134, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0235.



showroom new releases & first looks Show-Winning Super Duty The Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals has become one of the preeminent shows for classic Detroit Iron, which is why Auto World has inked a licensing deal for its American Muscle line to produce some Auto World 1973 Pontiac Firebird of the most notable and interesting cars from the Chicago-based event. Case in point is this ’73 Trans Trans Am (MCACN) Am Super Duty in ultra-rare Brewster Green. It is a re-creation of the car that won the Gold Concours Award in the “Original, or Restored to Factory Stock Original” class at MCACN in 2016 for owner Chris 1:18 | $95 McAllister. Auto World decks out the model with a wired and plumbed SD-455 engine and the Firebird signature shaker hood scoop poking through a hood that had the “screaming chicken” decal fac- tory deleted. The interior features flocked carpeting and folding seatbacks, and the car rolls on nicely re-created Magnum 500-style wheels wrapped in Firestone Wide Ovals. It’s a superb re-creation of a super-subtle Super Duty! autoworldstore.com Rat Rod Rolling Art The Car That Went around the Maisto Design Max Grundy Outlaws World 1:64 | Prices to be announced Sun Star 1958 Ford Max Grundy is an artist, illustrator, and graphic designer who specializes in hot rod and rat rod themes. His work Fairlane Hardtop can be seen in everything from conventional prints and posters to T-shirts and all manner of pop-culture para- phernalia. Maisto has brought his talents to diecast with a new set of six 1:64 rat rods branded “Max Grundy Out- 1:18 | $120 laws.” From the Ford camp are a black ’29 Model A 5-window, a ’36 Coupe, and a ’50 Mercury convertible. From Ford was so proud of its new- crosstown rivals at GM, we have a ’36 Chevy pickup, a ’55 Nomad gasser, and a ’55 Buick Century sedan. All six for-1958 Ford Fairlane that it took capture the character of Grundy’s style nicely, and should be appealing to his fans and to diecast collectors alike. the car on an around-the-world tour to showcase its bold new maisto.com styling and technology. Sun Star is justly proud of its 1:18 version of 10 DCXmag.com the ’58 Fairlane, and has chosen to replicate the ’58 hardtop that toured the globe in advance of the car’s release. Limited to just 999 pieces, the special Platinum Edition model features the ’58 Fairlane’s wide stance, broad grille, quad headlights, and unique triangular hood scoop. The engine is fully wired and plumbed, and the interior has flocked carpeting and folding seatbacks. The model also includes a special 20-postcard tour book and special packaging. sunstarmodelcars.com

Precision Pierce Pumper Pair Japanese Car Culture Heroes Fire Replicas Milwaukee Fire Department Engines 26 and 32 Jada JDM Tuners 1:50 | $249 ea ($449 for set) Fire Replicas now has nearly a dozen Pierce trucks in its library (or on the way) in various configura- 1:24 | $18 ea (est.) tions patterned after Pierce Manufacturing Co. products, but these two Milwaukee Fire Department “Japanese Domestic Market” has long been a source Pumpers (and the Rescue 2 unit also from the Milwaukee FD) are the only examples of the Pierce of fascination in tuner car circles—a mix of style, Arrow XT chassis. The Arrow XT is an amazingly versatile piece of equipment; can be configured performance, and “unobtainable” has proven a pretty almost any way an emergency services department could possibly need. One of its most notable irresistible formula. We tend to think of it as a relatively features is the cab, which can be configured in any of three lengths, with four possible heights from modern trend, but it has its roots in some classic flat to 20-inch raised roof. The Nos. 26 and 32 Milwaukee Pumpers show that raised-roof feature machinery—notably the Datsun 240Z and the 510 and have custom pump panels precisely matching those of the real truck. You can order each truck sedan. The Honda Civic aftermarket, in particular, was separately or as part of a set that saves you $50 off the cost of the models individually. The models responsible for the “JDM” acronym becoming a badge are meticulously crafted using more than 500 pieces of stainless steel, brass, wire, rubber, resin, and of honor. Jada is plugged into the JDM subculture and other composites. Flip to page 44 to read a full review of another of Fire Replicas’ latest releases! has just launched a product line in 1:24 and 1:64 branded firereplicas.com “JDM Tuners.” The first series of 12 cars encapsu- lates many of the all-time favorites. Those classic Exemplary Euro-Hauler Datsuns—the 510 and 240Z—are in the mix, along with ’90s favorites like the NSX Type R, twin-turbo RX-7, Conrad MAN TGX XXL Tractor with the Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Toyota Supra Turbo. Plenty Nooteboom Semi Flatbed Trailer of modern mega-performance JDM is represented as well—as can be seen by the cars pictured, starting with 1:50 | $185 the candy red R35 Nissan GT-R BenSopra widebody—a back-cut fender design reminiscent of the kit devel- MAN trucks are an institution. oped for a D1 drift car. Speaking of widebody kits, the The company is the largest manu- 2016 Subaru WRX STi wears a radical one, along with facturer of cab-over trucks in Europe, some upgraded graphics and a bi-level wing. The third and one of its specialties is long-haul tractors. car arrives styled as it came directly from the factory: In continental Europe, international trucking is the Toyota FT-1 Concept. Toyota’s designers went a common requirement. The two-man driver teams pretty radical to begin with, so Jada produced it as is. tasked with routes crossing multiple countries need a We appreciate the realism Jada employed with the JDM roomy, powerful truck to complete them. The TGX XXL has one cars. The styling is aggressive but only bec ause the of the largest, most comfortable, best-equipped cabs available real cars upon which they are based are aggressive; the anywhere—perfect for international hauling. And the 15.2L D38 turbo­ body proportions and wheel/tire packages are realistic. diesel engine can produce as much as 640hp and 2200 lb.-ft. of torque— jadatoysinc.com perfect for hauling large industrial payloads like what might come on this model’s Nooteboom Semi Flatbed Trailer. Detail from the Conrad tractor-trailer set is extraordi- winter 2018 11 nary both inside and out, and the flatbed configuration gives ample opportunity for custom- izing the payload. The MAN TGX XXL is one of the most sophisticated trucks on the road, and this is without question one of the most sophisticated replicas of it. b2breplicas.com; 3000toys.com

showroom Special K Bburago Signature Series Ferrari FXX-K 1:43 | $25–30 Behold Ferrari’s most advanced production car ever: the FXX-K. It only just barely qualifies as a “production car” since Maranello has said it will limit production to just 40 cars, and they are not road-legal. Nor are they designed for any organized racing series. These cars are essentially rolling test beds for Ferrari’s emerging technol- ogy that it has sold to a very exclusive clientele—exclusive not only because it costs $3 million but also because each owner becomes part of Ferrari’s Client Test Driver program; factory technicians accompany owners to various tracks around the world to collect R&D data on all aspects of car performance, including the F1-derived Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) from which the car derives its “K” designation. The system recharges the battery in the hybrid drive system, which helps the FXX-K produce 1036hp! Such a special car deserves a special model, so Bburago has produced it as part of its flagship Signature Series in 1:43. Under the included dust cover, the model has added engine detail beneath the rear glass and more detail on the interior as well. bburago.com Build Your Own Get Your Fill in Scale Display Time Machine! GreenLight Vintage Gas Pump Collection Eaglemoss Back to the Series 1 Future DeLorean 1:18 | $27 (set of 3) 1:8 | $11/month + S&H (subscription) In decades past, gas stations had brand identities every bit Eaglemoss specializes in diecast col- as strong as the cars they serviced, and that identity came lectibles from some of the most beloved through forcefully in the distinctive style of their gas pumps. movies and TV shows, and we’ve The designs recall a bygone age of automotive culture that is tapped into by GreenLight’s new 1:18 collection. The first series enjoyed its 1:43 Batmobile and contains three classic pump designs—from Gulf, Shell, and James Bond Collection cars in Standard stations. It’s the last that is perhaps most interest- issues past. But Eaglemoss ing, as the Standard Station brand was previously known as has a big announcement Standard Oil of California and later became the brand we now about a new car—and “Great know as Chevron, with which it shares a logo design. If you Scott!” we do mean big! Its need further proof of the vintage nature of these pu mps, just new DIY DeLorean from the note the price per gallon marked on the mechanical counters ’80s classic Back to the Future on each! Detail on these is pretty nice, and you can’t beat measures over 20 inches. the nostalgia factor. Whether you’re setting up a full diorama Here’s what happens: Each display or just want a few eye-catching accessories for your month, Eaglemoss sends you shelf, these are worth a look. a package with a few pieces; greenlighttoys.com instructions for assembly; and some cool info documenta- tion, showing the meticulous research the company does on each project. The model will have all opening panels, plus working lights and various other details. No word if it will travel back in time when you hit 88mph, but it will be a heck of a lot of fun building one. We’ve got the first few kits ourselves and will be building our own over the coming months. Check out DiecastX Magazine.com and follow along with our progress! And if you visit deloreanbuildup. com/dcx, Eaglemoss will give you a special risk-free introductory price to sign up to receive your own kits! deloreanbuildup.com/dcx

Subtle ’70s Muscle (and Others) Auto World Premium 2017 Release 3 1:64 | $42 (set of 6) Mid-’70s Americana seems to be the theme with the latest set from Auto World’s Premium 1:64 series, as four of the six cars in the set fall into the 1972–76 vintage: two Mopars and two GM products. Shown here is Version B, which offers some truly interesting color combos, but there is an alternate palette in Version A. Starting off is a ’72 Challenger Rallye in bright Blue Streak with factory black side stripes and an R/T-style twin nostril hood. That’s joined by a white-over-black ’74 Road Runner—the final year for the 2nd-gen ’Runner. The luxury market is well represented with an Innsbruck Blue ’76 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, while the muscle car contingent can rejoice in the 1975 Pontiac Trans Am with its stylish new wraparound rear window and two-tone flaming phoenix on the hood! The sole Ford offering is modern muscle: a 2017 Mustang GT 5.0 in black with a silver twin stripe over the hood, roof, and trunk. The final car is the craziest color yet—it is a ’65 Barracuda that Plymouth used to demo its factory paint swatch options, so it wears 13 different colors! As you can see, great paint, true-to-scale dimensions and contours, and realistic-size wheels are all hallmarks of the Premium series cars. autoworldstore.com Big Aftermarket Names in a Small Package Sign of the Times M2 Machines Drivers Release 42 University of 1:64 | $6 ea Racing Signs The latest release in the Drivers Series from M2 features six classic castings decorated with big names from the automotive aftermarket. The blue/white ’49 Mercury Custom lead sled wears the Prices vary Mr. Gasket livery, while the ’66 Charger sports the Hays logo. There’s a ’70 Ford Torino Cobra with igni- The University of Racing brand tion specialist MSD on the door. A wild blown ’68 Firebird 400 has the familiar Comp Cams logo, while was developed to educate the In Violet ’Cuda has the graphic from Zex nitrous-oxide systems on the door. A cool cream-colored fans about the rich history of ’58 Chevy Apache stepside has the classic Holley Performance Carburetion logo on the door, and motorsports. The company’s there is a chase car version of this last one in bright purple. And each car comes mounted on a display 1:24 Legends diecast line base with a dust cover. does this with accurate scale models of classic-era NASCAR m2machines.com race cars with meticulous accuracy. Joining those cars is a new product line called the “Heritage” collection, which honor and celebrate the rich tradition of motor­ sports’ most iconic tracks and racing organizations. The first of these new offerings is a set of vintage metal signs. Each sign is embossed and painted with period- authentic logos in vivid colors and graphics, and measure between 12 and 18 inches depending on the logo shape. Among the first are shop signs for the iconic Wood Brothers Racing Team as well as the signage for NASCAR’s home track, Charlotte Motor Speedway. Future products will include the sign from Dan Gur- ney’s All American Racers shop and Cotton Owens Garage. They are available through many of the same outlets as the diecast cars as well as directly from the University of Racing webpage. universityofracing.com winter 2018 13

showroom Elegant D’Elegance Best of Show 1953 Chrysler D’Elegance 1:18 | $120 During the 1950s, while competitors’ show cars tended to be “Gee Whiz” radical concepts with little regard for practicality, Chrysler was showing functional cars with bodies styled by Virgil Exner, designed to fit production chassis, and hand-crafted by Carrozzeria Ghia. Long, low, and with soft-flowing lines, they were some of the best-looking cars ever made. Chrysler’s fourth Exner-Ghia car was the D’Elegance, built for the 1953 season. It was a beautiful three-passenger Coupe (the rear-seat passenger rode sideways, displacing the fitted luggage carried for trips) that sat on a shortened New Yorker chassis, with a 331 cid Hemi V-8 providing the go. Best of Show has captured Exner’s flowing body lines perfectly, and its excellent Bur- gundy paint matches just as well. The massive peaked grille and unadorned bumpers are chrome-plated as are all light bezels, including the “gunsight” taillights, while wipers and the triple- row wire wheels are photo-etched. All window surrounds are printed inside the exceptionally thin, clear “glass,” while the “D’Elegance” scripts and multicolor Ghia badges are printed on very thin film. Although nothing opens, interior details can be seen clearly and are a visual treat. —Wayne Moyer BoS; distributed by american-excellence.com Fetching Fleetwood Impressive Imperial Brooklin High-Detail 1954 Cadillac Brooklin 1937 Chrysler C-14 Convertible Coupe Series 60 Special 1:43 | $183 1:43 | $204 For 1937, Raymond Dietrich, the new head of Chrysler’s styling department, incorporated many of Cadillac restyled the entire line for the 1954 model year— the Airflow’s design cues and rounded shapes into the all-new models. The result was Chrysler’s best longer, lower, wider, and with a new “panoramic” windshield. sales year since 1929. Brooklin has chosen to model the sportiest Imperial: the Convertible Coupe. The Also new was a full-width egg-crate grille highlighted by trim level has been upgraded on these “standard” models, too, although not quite to the fully detailed Cadillac’s first true “Dagmar” bumper guards. The midprice Series 60 Special had only one model in ’54: the 4-door Fleet- level. Its glossy Brewster Green paint (which looks black in some lights) is smooth and glossy wood Sedan with many luxury features and the traditional but with traces of surface ripples under the paint. Brooklin has understandably omit- Fleetwood rear fender louvers. It’s the subject of Brooklin’s ted the very tiny scripts on the nose, but the other exterior trim is done with first new high-detail white-metal model, which will set the separate plated parts. Inside, the upholstery patterns are correct; standard for following releases. 1954 Cadillacs had a lot of trim door panels have separate plated handles and cranks, along and it’s all here: side spears, lower body moldings, window with wood-colored sills.—Wayne Moyer surrounds, door and trunk handles—done with separate Brooklin, distributed by brasiliapress.com plated pieces. Tiny, legible Cadillac scripts; Fleetwood fender louvers; and the gold hood and deck emblems are photo- etched—a first on a Brooklin model. Interior detail has been upgraded, too, with accurate two-tone upholstery and plated door-sill trim. This is easily the best Brooklin model to date, and hopefully many more like it will follow.—Wayne Moyer Brooklin, distributed by brasiliapress.com 14 DCXmag.com

Lovely Loewy Coupe A Mustang Ford Should Have Built Best of Show 1953 Studebaker Commander Starliner Autocult 1 967 Mach 2 Concept 1:43 | $40 After stunning the Big Three with the small, radically styled “Which way is it going?” 1947 Studebaker 1:43 | $105 and the better-looking “Bulletnose” 1951 redesign, Studebaker needed something new for 1953. Even die-hard Mustang fans (this writer included) know very While the company tried to develop a more conventional sedan, Raymond Loewy had Bob Bourke little about Ford’s rear-engine Mach 2 concept car, despite the design a show car for the ’53 season: a sleek, clean coupe that was several inches lower than the fact that it was displayed at the 1967 Chicago Auto Show and Detroit norm. When management saw the clay model, the Coupe immediately got greenlighted for spent more than a year on the show circuit. Gene Bordinat de- production, along with some taller, bulkier sedans developed to accompany it. There were actually signed the sleek two-seat body, giving it a definite Italian look. two coupes: the original pillarless version, dubbed “Starliner,” and a pillared roofline named “Starlight.” Its midship-mounted 289 put power through a ZF 5-speed Both versions were available as 6-cylinder Champions or V-8–powered Commanders. BoS has transaxle, with Mustang front suspension and other parts as released this beautifully finished top-line Commander Starliner Coupe with an authentic Nocturne applicable. Autocult has nailed Bordinat’s flowing shape and all Blue over Maui Blue finish. The resin body’s panel lines are especially thin and well defined. From the the visible details perfectly. Its resin body is very smooth, and twin nostril air intakes to the dual exhausts, every piece of trim (Loewy didn’t use much) and detail is the glossy bright red paint is as good as you’ll find in this scale. there.—Wayne Moyer Every piece of exterior trim is there—either photo-etched or BoS; distributed by american-excellence.com plated. Windows were fixed, with opening panels à la GT40, and Autocult has that right. The mag wheels match period photos of the Mach 2, but there are no brake discs. This is a beautiful model of a rare Mustang!—Wayne Moyer Autocult, distributed by acmediecast.com Let George Do It! The Corvette That Almost Was TSM 1972 Can-Am Championship Porsche 917-10 TSM 1964 Corvette Grand Sport 1:43 | $79 1:43 | $79 1972 was supposed to be Mark Donohue’s year to take In 1962, Zora Arkus-Duntov and the rest of the the Can-Am Championship away from the all-conquering Corvette designers decided that if they weren’t allowed go racing McLarens. He had the world’s fastest, most powerful race and beat the Cobras themselves, they could at least make it possible for customer Corvette racers to do so. car—the 1000hp Porsche 917-10—and had spent months Under a modified Corvette Coupe body, they built an entirely new chassis with an experimental aluminum- setting it up as only he could. Then, while practicing after block engine. The plan was to build 125 of them to qualify the “Corvette Grand Sport” for SCCA’s Grand Touring the season’s first race, he crashed and was badly injured. class, where the Cobras ruled. But GM management caught wind of the program and ordered it canceled Penske immediately called in George Follmer to drive the after just three cars had been completed (along with parts for two more). The three cars were subsequently backup car. It took George a couple of races to come to “loaned” to Corvette racers for the ’63 season and then returned to the factory, where Duntov made chassis grips with the mighty Panzerwagen, but then Mark could and aerodynamic improvements. Mecom, Hall, and Grady Davis got them for 1964; Mecom promptly installed only watch as Follmer won five of the six remaining races A. J. Foyt in his car for the ’64 Sebring 12-Hours, where he finished 11th behind only the prototypes. TSM’s resin and took the Can-Am crown. There have been a lot of model of that car matches race-day photos down to the extra hood hold-down strap and small “3” on the rear models of this car in 1:43, and TSM’s beauty is the best yet. window denoting chassis 003. Mecom’s signature Cadillac Pelham Blue paint is super-smooth and glossy, with Castings, paint, and detail work are flawless, although the a printed white stripe. Although the restored car now has the oil cooler painted white, period race photos show long red decal stripes were not cut and snugged down into that TSM is correct. Add in the big mag wheels, correct Firestone racing tires, and tacked-on fender flares and the front-fender louvers. The interior tub is correctly bare you have a drop-dead gorgeous and very accurate model. (Thanks to autozonehobbies.com for supplying this fiberglass color and Penske Gray (to make seeing oil leaks review sample.)—Wayne Moyer tsm-models.com easier), with the exposed chassis tubes neatly painted aluminum. Delicate-looking photo-etched parts support Beautiful Buick the big rear wing, and the exposed tube-frame rear chas- sis that supports the turbocharged engine is also done Neo 1947 Roadmaster Estate Wagon 1:43 | $90 with photo-etched parts. Race graphics are accurate and almost complete; the L&M cigarette markings are illegal The 1946–48 Buicks appear virtually identical except for the grille, parking lights, and interior detail. The in some countries, so those are supplied as decals to be one big change was the addition of a partially wood-bodied “Estate Wagon” to both the Super (Model 59) applied by the owner. (Thanks to autozonehobbies.com and Roadmaster (Model 79) lines in 1947. Neo has chosen to model the high-end Roadmaster version, of for supplying this review sample.) which only 300 were built, and it has produced a really striking model. Its flawless resin body is bathed in a tsm-models.com deep black paint that is smooth enough to be hand-rubbed, while the canvas roof insert has both a realistic texture and sheen. Most of the exterior trim is done with plated parts; check out the tiny “Bombsight” mascot—there’s no flash between the center and the ring! The wood panels make this model, and they’re very well done, with lighter frames and darker panels that match the best restored cars perfectly. Unlike lesser woodies, Buick covered the inner side panels with leatherette, which Neo has reproduced well. There was no headliner, and Neo has even included realistic plank and cross-member detail, all painted in wood tone.—Wayne Moyer Neo; distributed by american-excellence.com winter 2018 15

MMAOGVMIICEOPAR Top Ten Dodge and Plymouth Star Cars from the Big Screen BY MATT BOYD Diecast movie cars are mostly made of zinc, plastic, resin—the same stuff as any other model—but when it comes to fan appeal and collectability, cars from the silver screen might as well be cast in gold. And regardless of whether the film is modern or the product of a bygone era, the subject itself never gets old—for manufacturers, for collectors, or for us! Vehicles from almost every marque have captured the admiration of car movie fans at one time or another, but it does seem that muscle-era Mopars are especially well- represented in any l ist of the great star cars of all time. Most of them have been crafted in scale as well—some numerous times—in a variety of scales and levels of detail (and accuracy). With all that great cinematic material, and with a couple of newly minted movie-themed replicas rolling off production lines, the time seemed right to count down our all-time favorite Movie Mopars—along with a look at some of the models that have been made of them. 16 DCXmag.com

GreenLight Artisan Series 1967 Plymouth GTX Tommy Boy GTX Convertible— Tommy Boy (1995) What this serious Plymouth is doing in a goofball comedy is anyone’s guess. We suspect costar David Spade is a secret Mopar fan, as he appears at the wheel of some pretty legit muscle in a number of films—including ’67 GTX convertibles in Tommy 10 Boy and again in Joe Dirt. GreenLight actually produced both movie versions in 1:18 as part of its Artisan series, and we reviewed them in the Summer 2015 issue. Neither movie is a car flick in the conventional sense, but the eye candy is a fun embellishment to silly but endearing films. Tommy Boy in particular is the best from the duo of Spade and the late, great Chris Farley, and evokes echoes 9 1tr9i6lo8gyDo(1d9g9e8C,h2a0r0g2e,r2—B0l0a4d)eofanothercomedicteamalittlefurtherupthelist. Cool as it is—in an apocalyptic, smite-the-ravening-undead sort of way— Blade’s wicked ’68 Charger doesn’t get the screen time or script attention it deserves throughout the Blade trilogy. at’s a shame, because the Daywalker’s Dodge looks (and sounds) mean, with its Whistler-tuned 440 huffing nitrous and old-school traction bars giving it that high stance. Interest in the films has dropped off over the years, so there is little chance of an official movie version, but there are enough good quality ’68 Chargers and parts out there that a custom job would be pretty simple. SPRING 2017 17

Mopar Movie Magic “The General Lee” 1969 Dodge Auto World 1:18 General Lee 8 Charger—The Dukes of Hazzard (2005) What, you may ask, is the General Lee doing this far down on the list? Well, at the risk of invoking a technicality, this is a Movie Mopar Top 10, and while the bright orange ’69 Charger is one of the most recognizable cars on the planet, its claim to fame is largely small-screen-related. The 2005 film adaptation had some pretty sweet jumps and other automotive hijinks, but among this stellar cinematic company it rates no better than eighth. Extra points to the film for faithfully recreating the TV General, and for doing all the car gags with real cars instead of CGI! There have been more General Lee diecasts than we can count—among our favorites are the 1:18 Ertl American Muscle Authentics version that AutoWorld revived a few years ago, and the long-gone Danbury Mint 1:24 version. 7 “The Bluesmobile” 1974 Ertl/Joyride 1:18 Bluemobile Dodge Monaco—The Blues Brothers (1980) “It’s got a cop motor, a 440 cubic-inch plant. It’s got cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks. It’s a model made before catalytic converters so it’ll run good on regular gas.” In only 20 seconds in this film’s opening scene, we learn more about the Bluesmobile than we do about many star cars in an entire script. Elwood is a car guy at heart, and so is director John Landis, who staged the largest car chase/crash sequence ever put on film in The Blues Brothers. The veteran Mount Prospect PD Dodge that Elwood picked up at auction is beloved among fans, and the 1:18 version Ertl did shortly before exiting the market is highly prized. More recently GreenLight has done 1:24, 1:43, and 1:64 versions that will likely follow the same trend. 18 DCXmag.com

Auto World Christine ’58 Fury 1C9h5ri8stPinlyem(o19u8th3)Fury—The vengeful Plymouth of Stephen King’s novel, as brought to life by director John Carpenter, is the perfect blend of ‘50s nostalgia and 6 muscle car menace. We did a feature story on it last year in the Winter issue and looked at all three 1:18 Christine series cars from Auto World, two of which—Denny’s ’68 Charger and the Lady In Red herself—are classic Mopars. Check online for full reviews of both of those models! 5 1971 Plymouth Barracuda—Phantasm/ Phantasm II (1979, 1988) These are a bit more obscure than some others on this HEART OF THE HERO CAR: THE list—but they really shouldn’t MOPAR 440 MAGNUM be, because the black ‘Cudas featured in the Phantasm No fewer than six of the ten cars on this list—including the top horror franchise are glorious. The low-budget original film featured a ’71 three—are all powered by the same engine: the venerable 440-6 hardtop ‘Cuda with all the ‘70s hotrod swagger you could want: Chrysler RB-block 440, topped by a four-barrel carburetor. custom pinstripes and rolled fenders to clear fat rear tires on chrome Sure, the Hemi and Six Pack are sexier and slightly more powerful, Cragars jacked up on slapper bars—groovy! The sequel got (semi-) serious, but the 440 Magnum’s 375 horses are plenty for virtually anything with ice-cream-man-turned-everyman-hero Reggie hunting the evil “Tall demanded by a script, and with tons of tire-shredding torque Man” and his undead minions from behind the wheel of the ‘Cuda—which available at any rpm, it is much more drivable for stunt work. More had magically shed the pinstripes and flares and grown a Hemi and a trunk importantly, it is much easier than its exotic siblings for film crews full of weapons (no doubt where the boys in Supernatural stole the idea!) to keep in tune, and can withstand abuse and conditions that would There are a total of five Phantasm franchise films now, and Reggie and the have other motors spitting rods in protest, so it helps minimize ‘Cudas are institutions in all of them. The first ones especially are schlock- expensive delays due to downtime. Whether blasting through horror gold, and writer/director Don Coscarelli is an authentic Mopar nut. dust-clogged high desert, bounding over Bay Area hills and rural He made a point of framing the ‘Cuda as a character in the films, and like the Dixie creek beds, or laying waste to display windows in a Windy City “Tall Man” himself, it just won’t die! shopping mall, the 440 did it all and made it look effortless! As perfect as the setup is, many fans see this as a missed opportunity for the diecast world as, to date, only one licensed Phantasm ‘Cuda has been produced—a half-hearted attempt at the hardtop from the first film. Unfortunately it is little more than a stock model with a pinstripe; no effort was made at the other movie specific details—motor, flares, slapper bars, tires—seen on screen. They are highly collectible by virtue of being the only fish in a small pond, but authenticity is lacking. A better version is long overdue. WINTER 2018 19

Mopar Movie Magic The ’70 Charger returned for F&F4 with flat black paint and bumper and larger wheels, all of which Jada’s 1:24 model captures. 4 Fast & Furious Mopar Menagerie—(2001–2017+) With eight films (and counting) the F&F franchise has perhaps the most Ertl had the license in the early days, and Hot Wheels has done Dom’s prolific collection of Mopars ever ogled on the big screen. They range Charger in Elite 1:18 along with dozens of cars in 1:64. GreenLight did from the merely cool to the utterly spectacular, and span the entire some 1:18 and 1:43 licensed cars, and affiliated GMP (ACME) has done the 16-year range of films. We count no less than 23 Dodges and Plymouths “Hammer” and F7 orange Road Runners. Jada now holds the license for of various vintages playing notable roles in the series—the most by 1:24 and 1:32, including most of the F8 cars. No other licensing deal even far of any single manufacturer. Dom Toretto’s blown black 1970 Hemi comes close to the F&F franchise, and it shows no sign of slowing down. Charger set the tone in the original film (although that blower was fake You can bet scale versions of the F9 cars will be cued up to accompany and the “Hemi” was actually a 440). The Charger returned in episodes 4, the film’s scheduled release in 2019—and there are sure to be some sweet 5, and 7, with bigger budgets affording authentic Hemis and functional Mopars in the mix! superchargers in some six incarnations, while others featured more stock configurations. The one specially built for off-road work in Furious 7 used a full-on Pro-2 stadium truck chassis and a Chevy LS motor for power. At least two 1968 Chargers (the “Maximus Charger” from the credit sequence in Furious 7 and the “Ice Charger” starring in the most recent installment, The Fate of the Furious) are joined by a 1969 Daytona in F&F6. And that’s just the Chargers! A host of classic Plymouths and plenty of modern Dodge models are featured throughout as well, culminating in a particularly effective bit of movie marketing in synchronizing the introduction of the diabolical 840hp Dodge Demon with the release of F8. Nearly as many diecast manufacturers have produced F&F cars in scale. 1969 Dodge Charger R/T—Dirty Mary Crazy Larry (1974)ActorPeterFondaisprobablybestknownasthecountercultureicon “Captain America” in Easy Rider, but a few years later he signed on to star in another cult classic as the flaky but talented aspiring NASCAR 3 racer “Crazy” Larry Rayder, who, together with his mechanic Deke, robs a grocery store for the startup funds to get their racing careers underway. The duo’s carefully planned high-speed getaway is complicated by mercurial stowaway “Dirty” Mary Coombs (played by British actress Susan George), who accompanies them on their escape through the grove lands of central California. The movie really hits high gear when they change getaway cars, dumping their ‘66 Impala sedan for a yellow/green ‘69 440 Charger (the exact color of which is the subject of much heated Johnny Lightning 1:64 DMCL Charger debate— see our review on page 28). The extended chase sequences through the groves have a gritty realism lacking in some other period chase films, and the trick helicopter piloting is as spectacular as the automotive stunt work in the closing scenes. But really, it’s the look and sound of that Charger at full song that resonated with enthusiasts the world over, propelling this movie into the pantheon of cult car films. Auto World has the exclusive on this movie Charger, and produces versions in 1:18 and also in 1:64 under the Johnny Lightning brand. Both are faithful to the original, right down to that curious paint color! 20 DCXmag.com

2 1968 Dodge Charger R/T—Bullitt (1968) Deciding between these last two rankings was brutal. The black 440 Charger that stalks (and is in turn stalked by) Steve McQueen’s fabled ’68 Mustang in perhaps the greatest 10 1/2 minutes in automotive cinema history could easily have snagged the top spot on any movie car list. Why then did we put it at #2? Well, because those 101/2 minutes comprise its entire cinematic life—and it is arguably not even the most important car in the scene! But like an automotive version of Ali/Frazier, the Mustang/Charger battle elevated each GreenLight and Roud2 of these star car heavyweights to heights they could not have achieved collaborated on this 1:18 against a lesser opponent. The ultimate victor is (spoiler alert) Bullitt Charger. McQueen’s Mustang, but that’s almost incidental—the real winners are movie fans who are treated to a chase for the ages. The Charger was at the hands of legendary stunt driver Bill Hickman (who also plays hitman “Phil” in the horn-rimmed glasses) while stuntman Loren Janes doubled McQueen (as he would virtually his whole career, including in such classics as The Getaway and Le Mans) for the most of the Mustang driving, although McQueen did some of the lower speed maneuvers himself. A third Hollywood legend, Carey Loftin, served as stunt coordinator overseeing the entire chase, which took four weeks to film! In addition to the skills of the best stuntmen in the business, much credit for the chase scene’s genius goes to director Peter Yates for choosing to film much of it from cameras looking out the cars’ windshields, as if the audience is sitting in the back seat. But of course none of that would have been possible without the brand-new-for-1968 2nd-generation Charger—for which Bullitt was its big-screen debut. The car’s blend of speed (thanks to the burly 440 engine), indestructibility (thanks to the torsion bar suspension), and gorgeous Coke-bottle contours has made it the favorite on-screen muscle machine to this day, evidenced by the fact that it holds five of the ten spots on this list. But the Bullitt ’68 R/T is the original—and coolest—of them. With such broad appeal, it’s no wonder the Bullitt Charger has been done in diecast numerous times. Ertl did an entry-level 1:18 version in the late ‘90s, followed by a Revell kit in 1:24, and an upscale 1:24 replica by Danbury Mint. GreenLight collaborated with Round 2 to release a 1:18 version based on American Muscle Authentics tooling in 2008, as well as several 1:43 and 1:64 versions in the years up to now. 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T—Vanishing Point (1971) 1In a hard-fought battle it is the enigmatic Kowalski’s white 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T that is our pick for the top Movie Mopar of all time. Perhaps because we know so little about the human star, it is in many ways the car that becomes the central character, and that is one of the reasons it prevails on this list. Another is the compelling mystery has followed the cars in the decades since. As we explore in our review of Philly Mint’s version (on page 24), the choice of the Challenger was almost an afterthought. And A rough preproduction sample of GreenLight’s forthcoming reboot of the Highway 61 1:18 Challenger. because the film models were returned to Chrysler and immediately crushed, debate rages on how many movie cars there were, and what love letter to car chase flicks, ‘70s exploitation films, and stunt woman configuration(s) they had, although the hero car is clearly a 440 Magnum par excellence Zoë Bell, who plays herself surfing the hood of a white 4-speed car. A testament to the allure of the Vanishing Point Challenger 440/4-speed ’70 Challenger at 100+mph specifically because it is the is the number of times it has returned—first as a made-for-TV remake spitting image of the Vanishing Point car. of the original film in 1997 (where the script gives it an upgrade to Hemi Model manufacturers have had some trouble recreating an authentic power) and again in 2007 in Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof—a cinematic Vanishing Point Challenger, though several have tried, officially and unofficially. In addition to the Philly Mint 1:24 car, there were several officially licensed in 1:18 from Ertl following the ’97 remake that opted for that car’s Hemi power plant. The original Highway 61 made a pretty accurate unofficial tribute in the mid-2000s prior to closing up shop, but they made theirs a 440 Six Pack. Highway 61 is in the process of being rebooted under GreenLight’s stewardship, and they have a white 383 Magnum-powered Challenger in the initial Hwy61 releases, mirroring the configuration they did some years ago with their own in-house Challenger castings in 1:18 and 1:43. In 1:64 Johnny Lightning has the official license to Vanishing Point, and ironically, despite it’s size, its correct 440 Magnum configuration makes it arguably the most authentic to the movie car… for now. ✇ WINTER 2018 21

OUT OF THE BOX BY THE DCX CREW Jada Collector’s Series The Fate of the Furious Ice Charger Dom’s Radical Ride from F&F8 The Fast & Furious franchise has been AT A GLANCE WHAT WE LIKE rewriting the rules for car movies for the past 16 years. With the series now stretching to eight MODEL Marquee car from F&F8 films we’ve seen some pretty crazy car stunts—and Fast & Furious 8 Ice even crazier cars built to perform them! Dennis Charger ++ Lots of subtle movie detail McCarthy and his crew at Vehicle Effects are for the money responsible for building most of them, and with MANUFACTURER the release of the newest installment—The Jada + Instant collector appeal Fate of the Furious—they have dreamed up their wildest creation yet. Main character GENRE some of the subtler details right. Dom Toretto (played by Vin Diesel) has driven Movie car ere’s decent detail on the EMP, eight classic (‘68-70) Dodge Chargers throughout most of the series, dating back to the blown ‘70 SCALE turbine, and the red racing fuel R/T in the first film. In the climax of Fate, Dom 1:24 cell wedged between them, and invades a submarine base (yes, seriously!) in the even on the fuel pickup and fuel Russian Arctic (actually filmed in Iceland) in an PRICE line. Jada tends to do oversized insane Charger equipped with a helicopter turbine $15 wheels and tires on its diecast, and an EMP weapon in its trunk. While the turbine but since the movie Charger has and EMP are fake, the real hardware built into the crew did the unthinkable—they huge rims with 18-inch-wide tires, half-dozen cars for various scenes and stunts is ditched Mopar power for a 550hp Jada’s end up looking fairly close. plenty exotic. General Motors LS-series V-8 set way back through the firewall e semi-flat paint looks the right Now, it’s not an actual Dom’s favored ’70, while the rear and offset to the passenger’s shade, and it’s sprayed smoothly Charger—except for the roof has taillights reminiscent of a side. at’s backed by a TH400 on the model. ere’s the correct panel and windshield frame there ’68. e tube-frame chassis is all automatic bolted up to an Atlas (and very Chevy-esque) cowl- isn’t anything factory Charger custom—this Charger had to be 4WD transfer case. induction-style hood with a left in it. e fat-fendered body four-wheel-drive to handle ice. black stripe, along with a Mopar is fabricated; call it “Charger- For reliable, easy-tuning power in Jada was heavily involved with bumblebee stripe on the tail. e inspired.” e nose resembles cold conditions the Vehicle Effects the pre-release promotion, and “R/T” emblem on the stripe is had extensive access to the cars present on some versions of the in its movie-licensed product movie car and absent on others. lines. ey’ve released diecast in Exhaust manufacturer Magnaflow 1:24 (that you see here) as well clearly ponied up for product as 1:32 and a couple different placement in the film (and the radio-controlled models. e sound the Charger makes is great 1:24 is the most faithful to the marketing!) and the “MF” logo is original in terms of detail, and prominent on the right rear fender even though it’s an entry-level heat shield, just aft of a sewer- product targeted at a retail shelf pipe-sized side exit. environment, they’ve gotten 22 DCXmag.com

virtually anyone can afford to collect as many of Jada’s several dozen F&F cars that can fit on a shelf. The Ice Charger is a good place to start. Doors open, and the shut lines detailed radiator. The engine is were mixed collect as many of Jada’s several are better than you’d expect of a correctly set way back and to the on it, but fans dozen F&F cars that can fit on a $15 car. Inside there’s a custom right, leaving a big gap between of outrageous shelf. The Ice Charger is a good asymmetrical roll cage; given the radiator and the engine. The cars, over- Dom’s propensity for rolling power unit even has a convincing the-top stunts, place to start. ✇ his Chargers, it’s a must. Jada rendition of an LS intake manifold. big-name stars, got the engine housing offset We’d have liked to see some and explosive SOURCE right too; not a lot of legroom contrasting paint around the action surely jadatoys.com for passengers in this one. The engine bay to help the detail stand got what they transmission tunnel has the out, but at this price point that’s a were looking winter 2018 23 correct ratcheting shifter for luxury. for—and then the automatic, but molded as some! The Ice expected in monochromatic black FINAL SCENE Charger was plastic. The window reinforcement unquestionably brackets are painted onto the The Fate of the Furious enjoyed the biggest 4-wheeled star of the window glass, but they’re well- the highest-grossing global box film, and Jada’s version headlines executed. The hood opens to office opening weekend in movie the most complete line of diecast reveal a surprising amount of history—all the more astounding from all eight films—in multiple accuracy in the engine bay. The given that it’s sequel #7. Surely scales—ever produced. They’re top frames of the tube chassis are some were curious to see the first entry-level cars, but that means clearly visible, and there’s a nicely full F&F film since co-star Paul virtually anyone can afford to Walker’s untimely passing. Critics

OUT OF THE BOX BY MATT BOYD AT A GLANCE WHAT WE LIKE MODEL Philly Mint 1970 DodgeChallenger R/T + The first premium 1:24 1970 Dodge Mopar model in ages Challenger R/T MANUFACTURER Sly nod to Vanishing Point car Philly Mint Catch This Legendary Mopar ++ Great contours and perfect Before It Vanishes GENRE stance Movie muscle car There is perhaps no Movie Mopar with more mystique than the white SCALE 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T that roared its 1:24 way through spectacular southwestern landscapes in the 1971 existentialist car- PRICE chase epic Vanishing Point. Despite the $110 fact that the Challenger gets as much screen time as the star car from any film you can name—as much as the human star Barry Newman, who portrays the enigmatic driver Kowalski—the details of the car itself are shrouded in mystery (or at least controversy) for a variety of reasons. e trunk accurately depicts the jack, mini spare, and (intrusive!) fuel filler neck. Philly Mint’s replica nails the Challenger’s stance perfectly—an impressive achievement in 1:24. 24 DCXmag.com

it is a tremendously accurate rendering of Dodge’s first-year ponycar— among the finest ever offered in 1:24, in my opinion. To begin with, the Challenger most reliable information suggests carried a variety of powertrains, and Which brings us to the newest was not originally selected by the four: three 440 4-speeds and one three survived the experience. Two iteration: a 1:24 Challenger R/T filmmakers to star in the film, so 383 auto. With the exception of of them—the Hemi 4-speed main based on ACME’s tooling and few car-specific mentions were heavier-duty shocks, they were hero car used in close-ups, and the offered exclusively by Philly Mint. written into the script—leaving fans left stock—440 Challengers were primary stunt car (a 440 automatic Like previous efforts from Highway to glean car details only by analyzing already fast and tough enough! with “Hemi” hood emblems)—are 61 and GreenLight, this falls into the film images frame by frame. At least one car was irreparably on public display at the Floyd Garrett the “semi-official” category, highly The idea to put Kowalski behind damaged during the creek jump Muscle Car Museum in Sevierville, suggestive of the Vanishing Point car the wheel of a Challenger actually sequence; it and a second car were Tennessee. but not carrying any movie-specific came from Dodge, which—looking plundered for parts to keep the other The nine cars—in various licensing. It does come in proper W-1 for opportunities to stimulate cars running during the later stages configurations used during the two white and is devoid of accent striping demand for its ponycar which had of filming. Legend has it Dodge films—have presented a daunting on its twin-snorkel R/T hood. That met with somewhat lackluster came to regret its involvement in challenge to diecast manufacturers hood carries “426 Hemi” engine initial sales—volunteered to the a film that so openly romanticized looking to craft a single authentic emblems—making this a closer production the use of several R/T drugs and the counterculture, so movie replica. Numerous companies match to the 1997 remake than the coupes bathed in subtle “Alpine they immediately confiscated the have tried, tracing back to film- original 1971 movie car. Proportions White” (color code W-1.) The cars after filming ended. What is licensed 1:18 models from Ertl in on the Philly Mint casting are film’s stunt coordinator, Hollywood universally agreed upon is that, after the late 1990s. Highway 61 did a excellent, capturing the Challenger’s wheelman extraordinaire Carey repossessing the Challengers, Dodge “semi-official” 1:18 version in the distinctive character line and long Loftin, enthusiastically endorsed the had them all crushed, leaving no mid-2000s, and more recently hood/short deck proportions nicely. choice of the Challenger because survivors—thus greatly contributing GreenLight did the same—all of Delicate foil work picks out the of its sturdy torsion bar suspension to their mysterious reputation. which have become prized by cast drip rails, window surrounds, and powerhouse 440 V-8 (both of No survivors of the original film, collectors despite minor trim and and wheel well trim, while the which he had come to prize while that is—because Vanishing Point option discrepancies from the movie door handles and marker lights are stunt-driving a certain black Charger returned as a made-for-TV movie cars. Model kit manufacturer Revell separately cast. Paint is smooth and with the same indestructible setup in 1997, with Viggo Mortensen as released a licensed metal-body kit even, and the tight hood, trunk, and during the filming of another iconic Kowalski. Carey Loftin returned to version in 1:24. Hot Wheels did an door gaps are better than Chrysler car-chase film: Bullitt). do stunt work on the remake as official 1:64 version some years ago, managed on the real cars much of Surprisingly, there isn’t any well, again at the wheel of a cadre of and now Johnny Lightning currently the time! official record of how many Alpine White ’70 Challengers. This holds that license. And yet, even with The car has functional hood Challengers were actually used time though, Kowalski had a 426 all those versions, no company has pins—a detail that is fun to look at during filming. As many as eight have Hemi 4-speed R/T to help him evade gotten the car 100 percent correct to but a real pain to remove (and all but been variously reported, but the the man! Actual film cars—five in all— either film! impossible to put back in!). They’re winter 2018 25

PHILLY MINT 1970 DODGE CHALLENGE R/T e contours of this casting are spot-on, and Philly Mint correctly decodes the engine/wheel/tire size equation, replicating the 15-inch Rallye wheels beautifully. not on any car Kowalski had in car. It is the apotheosis of American Detail on the Hemi is first-rate. I like the attention to the little things like the color-correct either version of Vanishing Point, Muscle Car technology—a reminder battery cables and warning labels. either, so I’d have been happy to of when we were No. 1. Some people see them left off altogether. e just don’t get it.” But we collectors e detail inside is excellent, as well: readable gauges, high-back buckets, woven seatbelts, model wears Colorado tags front do get it, which is why this model and that cool pistol-grip shifter! and rear—emblazoned with “PHL- is so satisfying! Detail on the Hemi MNT” instead of the movie car’s is exceptional; there’s a full set of this model depicts perfectly. Even unmistakable—particularly to the “OA-5599.” is car also carries the plug wires of appropriately thin the stance is right—which can be a 1997 remake car with which it optional body-colored sport mirrors gauge, along with color-coded real challenge in 1:24. shares its Hemi powertrain. More on both sides—as did the 1997 battery cables and cooling hoses. important, it is a tremendously movie cars—whereas the cars in the Various labels and placards are FINAL REEL accurate rendering of Dodge’s first- 1971 film had the standard chrome replicated, as is the correct orange year ponycar—among the finest mirror on the driver’s side only. oval Hemi air cleaner—a detail the e original Vanishing Point was ever offered in 1:24, in my opinion. model gets right but the movie flubs, made on a shoestring budget, From a collector’s perspective, Flicking the doors open reveals accidentally showing a ’68-69 style and the choice of a white ’70 the extremely limited production nice scale touches, like door tags and chrome air cleaner. (I guess even Challenger as its automotive star run (just 250 pieces, individually hidden hinges. e car has the ultra- some people on the movie crew was almost accidental. And yet numbered), very reasonable price, cool (and film-correct) pistol-grip didn’t get it after all!) Interestingly, despite that, it has become one and connection to that most shifter for the 4-speed transmission this model doesn’t have power of the most iconic movie cars of famous of Challengers should jutting up through the wood-grain steering. at is not an error; Hemi all time. It has been attempted in ensure that these do indeed vanish center console. e upholstery is the cars could be ordered with or diecast—officially and unofficially— standard black vinyl (again, correct without it, but all of the movie cars numerous times from numerous at a point in the very near future! ✇ to the original film). e steering definitely had power steering, as companies. Philly Mint’s 1:24 Hemi wheel is a puzzler; in ’70, you had a nearly 800 pounds of Hemi sitting R/T is not an official movie version, SOURCE choice of the standard wheel (like squarely over the front wheels but the spiritual connection is the movie cars) or the optional would have made them virtually phillymint.com Rim-Blow wheel with metal spokes. undrivable with manual steering! e model’s wheel is neither; its Philly Mint’s Challenger delivers in shape somewhat resembles the the chassis department as well. e deep-dish sport wheel that was chassis plate is beautifully molded optional on Chargers but that wasn’t plastic with tremendous surface available on a Challenger—the only detailing and simulated overspray. real inaccuracy on an otherwise excellent interior. Fabric lap belts e torsion bar front end has some with etched metal buckles, flocked flex thanks to functional metal coil carpeting, and a highly detailed springs, and out back the beefy gauge cluster round out the interior Dana 60 sits on rigid leaf springs. details, while a trunk mat, a mini spare, and a serialized number plate e wheels and tires are outstanding add eye candy to the trunk area. as well—and properly decoding the sizes and styles trips up a lot of For the 1997 remake, the model manufacturers. filmmakers decided to give Kowalski All R/Ts could be ordered with the ultimate example of the first- 15-inch wheels but Hemis got them year Challenger, and hoisting the standard—either painted steel or long hood on the model reveals the these lovely optional W21 Rallye mighty 426-cubic-inch Street Hemi wheels with argent centers. Lesser V-8. In its first scene, the dialogue motors with 15-inchers came with gives it a fitting introduction: “A Goodyear Polyglas tires in E60 size, 1970 Hemi Challenger is not just a but Hemis got wider F60s—which 26 DCXmag.com

1-918:018-335-2701 » ALL BRANDS » ALL SCALES 1:18 » 100% DIECAST Chrysler Newport Town & Country Wagon, 1962 No. 213557 $119.95 Dodge 1:18 Imperial Eight DG Coupe, 1931 Crown Southampton 4-Door, 1962 No. 214160 $119.95 No. 214635 $119.95 Buick Buick Buick Chevrolet Chrysler Estate Wagon, 1974 Flxible Premier, Ambulance, 1960 Le Sabre Concept, 1951 Corvette Corvair Concept, 1954 D´Elegance, 1953 No. 193758 $119.95 No. 213558 $135.95 No. 201315 $119.95 No. 214154 $119.95 No. 213709 $119.95 Chrysler Chrysler Imperial LeBaron 4-door Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Touring Cadillac Cadillac Imperial LeBaron, 1975 Hardtop, 1971 Sedan, 1941 Series 62 Club Coupe, 1946 Series 62 Club Sedanette, 1949 No. 194378 $119.95 No. 200856 $119.95 No. 200864 $119.95 No. 214157 $119.95 No. 213636 $119.95 Dodge Chrysler $119.95 LaSalle Coronet Club Coupe, 1952 Newport Convertible, 1967 Series 50 Convertible Coupe, 1940 No. 214155 No. 213599 $119.95 No. 216482 $119.95 Desoto Dodge Dodge Ford Ford Firedome 4-Door Seville, 1956 Dart Phoenix, 1961 Ramcharger, 1979 Ranchero, 1979 Thunderbird Landau, 1968 $119.95 No. 213723 $119.95 No. 214151 $119.95 No. 213710 No. 213556 $119.95 No. 213712 $119.95 Chevrolet Imperial Crown 4-Door, 1965 Imperial Crown Southampton, 1957 Jeep J10 Honcho, 1976 Apache Pickup, 1959 No. 214159 $119.95 No. 200854 $119.95 No. 194377 $119.95 No. 213740 $119.95 Jeep Lincoln Lincoln Continental Lincoln Continental Oldsmobile $119.95 Willys Pick Up, 1954 Continental, 1968 Mark IV Luxus, 1974 Sedan, 1975 Vista Cruiser, 1964 No. 213555 $119.95 No. 199425 $119.95 No. 213713 $119.95 No. 213561 $119.95 No. 200860 Packard 902 Standard Plymouth Valiant Pontiac Lincoln Eight Coupe, 1932 4-Door Sedan, 1960 Bonneville Special, 1954 Continental MkV Coupe, 1978 No. 213614 $119.95 No. 209743 $119.95 No. 193746 $119.95 No. 217838 $119.95 www.american-excellence.com

OUT OF THE BOX BY MATT BOYD Auto World Dirty Mary Crazy Larry 1969 Dodge Charger R/T A Spectacular Slice of Silver Screen Muscle Have you ever noticed how the best AT A GLANCE WHAT WE LIKE movie cars always seem to have a little controversy attached to them? I think MODEL + “Citron Yella” color and it’s because movie crews—in their uphill Dirty Mary Crazy Larry 1969 custom side stripe match battle to get filming done on time and Dodge Charger R/T movie car exactly on budget—often don’t pay too much MANUFACTURER + Correct U.S. Mags “Indy” attention to what Auto World wheels on staggered size a car is, what it tires equipment has, GENRE and what fate Classic movie car + In character and period- befalls it when the correct engine upgrades cameras stop rolling, so long as they get the SCALE shot. In the old days especially, movie cars 1:18 the often-claimed 1970 Banana were often stripped, crushed, auctioned off, or Yellow (Y-1) or Sublime (J-5). even stolen, and movie production companies PRICE Nope, it’s “Citron Yella” (Y-3)—also barely noticed. If a film later became a cult $90 referred to as “Curious Yellow” classic and fans went looking to find details when sprayed on Plymouths— on a particular car that was featured, it was How could the color be the and it was available for one year not unusual for that car to have disappeared subject of debate? Pretty easily, only: 1971. How did it end up on without a trace, with few if any detailed it seems. e story goes that a 1969 Charger? Well, the movie records left that it had even existed, outside editors processing the film print in was filmed in 1973, and since of what was captured on film. As a result, post-production—apparently not enthusiasts often fill in those absent details Mopar aficionados—thought the e second mystery surrounding the with rumor, conjecture, even wishful fantasy, strange, greenish-yellow hue they DMCL Charger is the wheels. Contrary to and debate those ephemeral details as if were seeing in the raw film footage popular belief, they are not Anson Sprints. they were ironclad fact. Usually such matters was the result of a bad lighting concern minutiae like engine configuration effect. inking this had to be a ey are actually lesser-known U.S. Mags and option packages—things that cannot mistake, they “corrected” the film “Indy” 5-slot mags. Auto World did their necessarily be clearly seen on screen. But print to make the Charger a more homework, and it paid off beautifully. that’s what makes the controversy about conventional pale yellow color in the Dirty Mary Crazy Larry (DMCL) Charger so most of the scenes in the original unusual—it concerns the most screen-visible theatrical release, which carried aspect of the car: the color! over to the subsequent television and VHS versions made from it. It 28 DCXmag.com wasn’t until 2005— 31 years after the film’s release!— when a DVD release was being prepared that the color was “uncorrected” back to the proper color. And that color is not 1969 Dodge Yellow (code Y-2), nor

A company that respects its customers enough to put this kind of effort in deserves credit and collector support, particularly when the finished product offers this much value. production required three Chargers The interior is pretty stock—and pretty awesome. A deep-dish wheel, legible gauges, a 4-speed—even the glove box opens! The only thing (two ‘69s and a modified ’68) to be missing is the CB radio. painted to match anyway, the crew chose Y-3, then applied a cool console! In the movie, Larry is Larry’s mechanic partner Deke rate. We know it’s a 440 from custom black racing stripe up the an aspiring NASCAR racer, so of worked his magic on the 440, the callouts on the rear fenders side for good measure! course the car features a manual and we can see his handiwork (although at least one of the movie Auto World first released the transmission gear lever. The only when we hoist the hood equipped cars was not real R/T—it had a highly anticipated DMCL Charger non-stock addition is the CB radio with realistic spring hinges. This small block under the hood). The R/T a couple years back, and a few antenna, which is clipped onto the represents a bit of projection on hero car used in close-ups was a months ago added a 1:64 version passenger’s side C-pillar drip rail. the part of the product designers, legit 440, though, and that’s what under the Johnny Lightning brand. Sadly, there is no corresponding as we never really see down into this model wisely represents. Auto The bigger model is based on the radio unit—the only real miss on the engine bay during the film, World surmised that Deke would stellar Authentics series casting, the interior. but the effort here is truly first- have added a few ‘70s-appropriate and the company put an amazing amount of research into getting the minute details correct, from the 1973-vintage California “938 DAN” tags down to the proper slotted mags and CB radio. Most importantly, the Citron Yella paint is right, and expertly applied. For the custom stripe they had only the movie stills to go by (it was designed from scratch by the film crew to give the car some contrast on the flanks) and there were some slight differences even among the three cars used during filming. Given that, Auto World did an impressive job recreating it. Open the doors to reveal a pretty stock R/T interior, with black vinyl low-back buckets, a thin-rim, deeply dished 3-spoke wheel, and accurate replication of Dodge’s not-very-convincing wood grain on the center winter 2018 29

AUTO WORLD DIRTY MARY CRAZY LARRY 1969 DODGE CHARGER R/T e custom stripe was added by the film crew. Auto World only had movie stills to go by, but they nailed it. aftermarket touches, like upgraded maybe liked to see a set of headers hood of Larry and Deke’s optimal look perfectly—so much so that Auto World has subsequently ignition wiring, an open-element thrown into the mix, but overall getaway car. offered the wheel set separately for customizers to add to other air cleaner, an aluminum intake, Auto World’s depiction is exactly One of the great strengths of 1:18 muscle cars. An interesting bit of trivia for you: the tires on and chrome valve covers. I’d have what I’d expect to see under the the Authentics series tooling is the movie cars were bias-ply— reportedly Goodyear Polyglas the supremely White Stripes turned around so the white sidewall was on the inside. detailed chassis Auto World chose to deviate from the film in this regard, mounting that underpins each BFGoodrich radials on the wheels to broaden utility to a wider variety Charger. Most times of future models. e BFGs are accurately done and spot-on to the underside of the staggered size of the movie car, so the more modern tread mid-priced diecast pattern is forgivable, given the extreme authenticity of the rest of is an afterthought, the package. but not so here. FINAL SCENE Functional springs, is one has been on collectors’ wish lists for more years than realistic overspray, almost any other movie car. e wait was worth it, as this model and a geared diff in is one star car that fires on all cylinders! You can tell the people the authentically who put it together really cared about getting it right. A company rendered Dana that respects its customers enough to put this kind of effort 60 rear axle are in deserves credit and collector support, particularly when the just some of the finished product offers this much value. I’m a fan of all the Authentics highlights on display. Chargers, and admittedly this one has been out a while, but the Dirty As previously Mary Crazy Larry version is my mentioned, much favorite to date. ✇ effort was made to SOURCE get the slotted mags autoworldstore.com Deke was an aspiring NASCAR mechanic, and he surely would have added a few tricks to the 440 to help their right. Designers getaway. Aftermarket ignition, air cleaner, and an intake are spot-on visible upgrades on the model. compared half a dozen of the popularly theorized candidates for the correct wheels, including Cragars, Halibrands, Fentons, American Racing, and the most often attributed Ansen Sprints. As it turns out, after comparing a blown-up freeze- frame from the film, the one that matched the slot contour and wheel rim spacing was the lesser known “Indy” 5-slots from Even the trunk is decked out in scale detail. All that’s needed are Larry’s denim shirt and Deke’s toolbox! U.S. Mags, and they really nailed the 30 DCXmag.com



Restoration and Customization 101 ByMattBoyd Using Micro-Mark’s Complete Resin Casting Starter Set MAKING A SIMPLE MOLD When making a mold, the first thing you need to decide is whether to go with a one-piece or a two-piece mold. Single-piece molds are easier and less time-consuming, and are great for parts that have a side that need not be visible on the finished piece. For parts that have undercuts or tricky angles, a two-piece mold can really improve results. Let’s go through some of the basic steps: With all the brilliant detail available in today’s 1 Mold Box diecast models, it might seem that there is little need The first step is to decide how big a mold you need for your specific part. for DIY modeling techniques. But seasoned collectors If you’re making a part for a 1:18 model, chances are it won’t need to be know that models get damaged from time to time. Sometimes more than a few inches. For very small pieces, small utility boxes from craft a favorite model needs a little touch-up restoration; other times stores can work well. Another quick and easy reusable method is to shape a you may find a diamond in the rough at a swap meet, at an box using Lego bricks. For larger molds or those with irregular shapes, you can estate sale, or on eBay that needs a little TLC. To restore these make your own simple mold box by cutting pieces of foamboard and securing models to their previous glory you may need to replace broken them with sturdy tape or glue. I used Lego to box in a variety of motor parts I or missing pieces. Or if you’re like us, you may see one of these damaged or incomplete models as an opportunity to make some wanted to duplicate, along with a pair of mirrors I needed to improvements—“up-detailing” or adding aftermarket custom repair on a model that had lost its mirrors at some point in pieces to make a model more appealing, or just give it your own the past. I placed the more detailed sides of the parts facing personal touch. Regardless of the reason, you may find yourself up for this stage, but when complete, this will be the bot- looking to duplicate or fabricate parts, tom of the mold, because having the most detailed sides and one of the least expensive and easi- at the bottom will tend to produce better results. I created est ways to do that is with resin casting. little spouts for filling the molds out of modeling clay and stuck them to a Lego baseplate, along with a few vents Micro-Mark has long been a go-to made out of toothpicks. source for modeling tools and materials, and we figured it would be the perfect 2Working with Modeling Clay place to start when talking about entry- When making a two-piece mold, the easiest way level resin casting. Sure enough, the com- is to place your master part on a base of model- pany offers a Complete Resin Casting ing clay. That’s what I did with this complex engine block Starter Set (item no. 82698; $99.95) that and transmission. I shaped the clay to fit, then built a box contains virtually everything you need to around it out of foamboard. I left enough room to put sev- get started resin casting your own parts. eral indexing tabs We used the kit to copy a few different in the clay so that parts for some 1:18 models we have on the upper and our workbench to see how the kit works lower molds will and what its potential is for restoring or remain aligned modding 1:18 models. We also consulted later. (You can with a couple of its product specialists see the finished for some helpful tips on resin-casting two-piece mold technique that will help you achieve bet- to the left.) ter results from your very first mold. 32 DCXmag.com

3Pouring the Mold TECH TIPS TO MINIMIZE AIR BUBBLES Mix and pour your silicone into the mold box (or the first half for two-piece molds). Pour in a thin stream into the corners of the box, The enemy of any DIY resin-casting project is air bubbles. letting it flow gently over the master part until it is completely covered. With a precision scale project, they can be especially annoying Let the silicone cure completely according to the time listed on the bottle. and can easily ruin the surface texture of a part. But there (Micro-Mark’s takes about four hours.) are a few helpful techniques that can go a long way toward minimizing air bubbles in both the silicone mold and in the resin part itself. • Use smooth plastic, metal, or glass stirrers and mixing containers. Micro-Mark’s kit comes with wood stirrers. Those aren’t ideal because wood is porous and has a rough surface texture that can froth the mixture and introduce air bubbles or moisture, resulting in flaws in your molds and castings. Use metal or plastic instead, and stir slowly to avoid whipping air into the mixture. • Do your casting in a dry environment. Resin doesn’t like humidity. Choose a dry day, or better yet, do your casting in a climate-controlled workspace. Keep in mind that the cooler the ambient temperature, the longer most resins will take to cure. • Pour your resin into the mold’s lowest point first, filling gradually upward from the bottom. This is especially important with larger molds. This will help minimize bubbles and allow your resin to fully fill the mold. • Create a vent at the top of the mold for air to escape that is separate from the hole in the mold into which you pour resin. That way, as the air is displaced by the resin, it is less likely to get trapped and create voids in your finished piece. • Air bubbles want to rise up and out of the liquid resin, but sometimes they get trapped. To shake them loose, you can try vibrating the mold. Small molds can be agitated by something as small as an electric toothbrush or razor pressed gently against the side of the mold box. For larger molds, a Dremel tool or a handheld sander can provide the needed motion. • If you’re having trouble feeding your resin down into your mold even after you’ve made the appropriate vent holes, try using a syringe to inject it into the mold under a bit of pres- sure to help get the resin down into harder-to-reach sections of the mold. 4 Making a Two-Piece Mold If you’re making a two-piece mold, you’ll need to remove the modeling clay (set it aside—it’s reusable), then turn the mold upside down and repeat step 3 for the second half. Make sure there is no residual clay on the part, and you will need to cut some indexing tabs or notches in the first half of your mold so that you will be able to precisely align the two halves later on. Triangular wedges work well and are easy to cut, but you can use pretty much any shape. Lastly— and this is crucial!—brush rubber-to-rubber mold release thoroughly on the first half of your mold. If you forget this, the second half will fuse to the first and you’ll have to cut the mold apart—likely damaging it. Winter 2018 33

Restoration and Customization 101 5Finishing Your Mold 7Making Your Casting When the silicone is fully cured, extract your mold from the mold Now, mix up a batch of resin. It’s easier to get the right ratio if you mix box. If you’re making a one-piece mold, you will now need to split in larger amounts, so it is more efficient to have several molds ready to open the silicone to pull out your master part. (A two-piece mold should fill at one time so that you don’t waste excess resin. If you have to mix a small just be able to be peeled apart.) Be strategic with your cuts to preserve amount, use a syringe or similar precise tool to be as accurate as possible. As the integrity of the mold as much as possible. Silicone flexes, so you can you mix, be mindful of the pot life of your resin. You want to leave plenty of stretch and bend it quite a bit to retrieve the part. time to pour it into your mold, so don’t waste too much time mixing. Pour a thin stream to minimize bubbles. Rotate, flex, or shake the mold if necessary to make sure the resin keeps feeding down into the mold. If desired, you can vibrate the mold to help dislodge air bubbles. If your mold has particularly intricate sections, consider using a junk paintbrush to “paint” resin into those portions of the mold before pouring the rest. Keep pouring steadily until you see resin rise up through the vents. As the resin begins to set, it will start to turn white and it may get quite hot to the touch, so make sure you are not holding the mold with bare hands. 6Prepping the Mold 8Demolding Put a liberal coating of mold-release spray on the empty mold and Allow the resin to cure for its full duration. Also note that, contrary to then close it back up. Secure with rubber bands or tape as needed, what you might assume, the thin sections of a casting will cure slower and make sure the two halves of the two-piece molds are properly aligned than the thicker sections, so allow thin molds extra time to ensure they are using the indexing tabs. Make sure your pour spouts and vents are clear. completely hardened before demolding them. When they are cured, you can extract your cast parts just like you did the masters in step 5. If you overfilled your mold, like I did here, there will be some extra material to clean up or trim off, but this is easily done with a sharp hobby knife. 34 DCXmag.com

USE THE RIGHT MATERIALS life and is ready to demold in 30 minutes. Micro-Mark also offers CR-300 and CR-900, with shorter and longer pot/cure times, The most basic components in any resin-casting project are the respectively. Generally, the longer the resin takes to cure, the mold rubber and the resin itself. Kits like Micro-Mark’s will have stronger it will be. So if you need parts with extra durability, go for the correct types of silicone and resin for most model projects, the CR-900. but if you’re purchasing your materials individually, there are a few key things to make note of. 3. Mold Release 1. RTV Silicone Mold Rubber Having your silicone stick to your casting—or to itself—can ruin your mold. There are two types of mold release included in the You want to use RTV (room-tem- Micro-Mark kit: rubber-to-resin mold release and rubber-to-rubber perature vulcanizing) silicone mold mold release. The rubber-to-resin comes in a spray can you will rubber because it does not require use just before you pour your resin into the mold to keep the heat to cure. Micro-Mark uses 1-to-1 finished resin part from sticking inside the mold. The little jar of ratio binary liquids for both the mold rubber-to-rubber mold silicone, meaning you mix equal release is specifically amounts of part A and part B—the for use with two-piece simplest type. There are other molds. You brush it onto products out there that use a dif- one completed mold ferent mix ratio. Just make sure you half just before you know what the proper ratio is before pour the second half to you begin, and that you measure keep the halves from precisely. bonding together as the second half cures. 2. “Pot Life” and Curing Time These products are a good reason to opt These two things are very different, for a complete kit like and it’s important that you under- Micro-Mark’s, but if stand what each means. “Pot life” you don’t have them means the time between when you on hand, there are first mix parts A and B and the time substitutes you can that mixture begins to set (harden). use in a pinch. You can The cure time is the amount of time use a very light sprinkling of talcum powder to keep a resin part it takes to fully harden. The mold from sticking inside the mold. If you need a substitute for rubber- rubber formula in Micro-Mark’s kit has to-rubber release, petroleum jelly can work to keep silicone from a 30-minute pot life and a four-hour cure time, but it also offers sticking to itself (but be sure to test your specific type of silicone mold rubber that cures faster. Until you get some experience, a beforehand to make sure it’s compatible.) longer pot/cure time is generally preferable, as it is more forgiving. The kit-supplied resin (called “CR-600”) has a seven-minute pot READY-MADE RESIN (AND METAL!) CAST PARTS CONCLUSION Micro-Mark’s Complete Resin Casting Starter Set As you can see, duplicating parts in resin is not super difficult, and that has created a whole cottage industry of companies and individuals who sell aftermarket parts to fit is really well thought out and easy to use, and it models. But there are some professional outfits out there that actually design their own aftermarket parts, which opens exciting new possibilities for up-detailing and customizing includes everything you need to create your own models that goes beyond what most of us can do at home with resin casting. The majority caters to the 1:24 kit market, but there are a couple who also offer 1:18. parts. My results were surprisingly good with my SD Model Car Tuning very first set of castings. The resin pours thinly This company out of the Netherlands has a really and smoothly, with relatively few air bubbles. And cool and extensive mix of aftermarket hop-up and detail parts for 1:18 models—mostly European- by using the tips shared by Micro-Mark’s experts, I market cars, but many of the parts are applicable to other makes as well. SD Model Car Tuning does got excellent results the very first time on even the engine parts, body pieces, interior items—a little of everything. Some of its most interesting are parts with intricate surface detail, like supercharger the parts cast in metal, like this Weber carb set and 4-point roll bar. The company also does some nice work with laser-etched metal, replicat- vanes. Not every part came out perfect, but I chalk ing various internal engine components like gaskets and even connecting rods! that up mostly to user inexperience. I am very Hobby Design satisfied with this as a first effort, and with a little This company offers parts in high-resolution pressure- cast resin, 3D-printed resin, and etched metal, to practice, I have no doubt even better results are name just a few. Finding a company that carries Hobby Design’s 1:18 line can be a challenge, but the quality is around the corner for me. If you’re looking to get excellent. Hobby Design tends to favor modern exotic cars, but an enterprising modeler can find other ap- into casting your own SOURCES plications like these turbos and intake kits. micromark.com parts, you can’t go wrong sdmodelcartuning.com with Micro-Mark’s hobbydesign.com.cn Starter Set. ✇ WINTER 2018 35

OUT OF THE BOX BY WAYNE MOYER Having seen the company go recording a 1-2 finish at the 1937 broke building small cars for the Tourist Trophy race and 1-2-3 at CMC Talbot-Lago masses, Lago decided to build the 1937 French Grand Prix for T150C-SS Figoni & luxurious high-performance Sports Cars. Falaschi “Teardrop” sporting cars for Europe’s Coupe remaining wealthy sportsmen. Despite the firm’s racing and A racing program would sales successes, Talbot-Lago Performance and Perfect demonstrate the speed and would likely have remained a Proportions Produce an reliability of Talbot-Lago cars. To footnote in the history of French All-Time Great that end, a new 4-liter hemi-head, cars had not Lago taken an early multi-valve DOHC straight-six short-wheelbase T150-SS rolling Sunbeam-Talbot-Darracq (STD) was formed engine with three downdraft chassis to Parisian coachbuilders after the end of WW I, and the Talbot badge Solex carburetors was designed Figoni & Falaschi. e design that was used on a variety of small cars built both and installed in a sturdy (but resulted was replicated on 16 in England (Sunbeam and Talbot) and in France heavy) chassis with a live rear axle (built in two “production runs”) (Talbot and Darracq). In 1933 STD succumbed carried by multi-leaf springs and of the most spectacular works to the Depression and one of the directors, an independent front suspension of automotive art ever created, Anthony Lago, stepped in to buy the French with a transverse front leaf spring. the Talbot-Lago “Goutte d’Eau” Talbo-Darracq division. His first move was to (or “Teardrop”) Coupe. While all drop the Darracq name and add his own, forming e hemi-head six would later be 16 are very similar, no two are Talbot-Lago. bored out to 4.5 liters and produce exactly alike. All make lavish use 160hp. of chrome trim, compared to other streamlined bodies from Unlike most of the competition, coachbuilders like Pourtot and Talbot-Lago racing cars were built Bugatti. Upon seeing one, Jaguar from production components with founder and creator Sir William “tweaked” production engines, Lyons was quoted as saying, “ e but you could just as accurately lines of that car are positively say that Talbot-Lago production indecent.” cars were built on racing chassis with suitably detuned engines. One of those Teardrop Coupes While Lago concentrated on is the subject of the latest 1:18 regional races where customers could see his cars win, the team did participate in some international races, THE HEAVY, MULTI-PIECE DIECAST BODY IS FLAWLESS AND THE SUPER-SMOOTH GLOSSY METALLIC MEDIUM BLUE PAINT WOULD RATE, ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 5, ABOUT AN 8!

e spectacular Figoni & Falaschi coachwork has been captured perfectly by CMC. e workmanship on the lavish trim is exceptional—every piece of it a separate piece of chrome-plated metal. scale masterpiece from CMC. on it!) line to perfection. e or photo-etched. e same goes front part of the handle until the Although listed as a “1937-1939” heavy, multi-piece diecast body for the grille and every piece of rear pops outward, then gently Talbot-Lago, the thin chrome is flawless and the super-smooth trim on the model. e tiny red, pull the rear of the handle. at “Talbot 4-Liter” badge on the glossy metallic medium blue paint white, and blue Talbot-Lago badge unlatches the door (you’ll hear it deck lid identifies this a 1937 or would rate, on a scale of 1 to 5, appears to be cloisonné. ere are latch when it’s closed). It sounds early ’38 chassis. ere are lots of about an 8! six rows of see-through louvers more complicated than it feels, photos of this particular car, and on the hood, with the lower ones but the engineering is exquisite. CMC has captured the curvaceous Starting up front, the thin framed by more thin chrome. Use Seats, side panels, and the body (there’s not a straight line blade bumpers must only the handles to open the alligator dash are upholstered in red real have been useful for chopping hood, and then hold it open with leather, while the floor, console, unwary pedestrians off at the the prop to check out the fully and luggage area are covered shins. is car has its headlights wired and plumbed six. Spark with carpet, not just flocked. e hidden behind nine thin vertical plug leads are twisted multi-wire model’s seat back can be folded bars. ose bars, the bezel that cables, fuel lines and throttle forward for access to the luggage surrounds them, and the thin linkages for the three downdraft area (will future releases have stripe that runs from the top of Solex carbs are perfectly placed, fitted luggage, perhaps?) It’s a the bezels to the start of the rear along with coolant hoses that CMC model, so interior handles are have separate tiny metal clamps. separate plated parts, and all the fender, then up and over that instruments—even the tiny ones— to the rear of the car, are Windshield surrounds are have legible faces set behind clear all chrome-plated chrome—set into simulated rubber lenses fitted into chrome bezels. metal, not foil moldings, and are especially Controls for the trafficator arms realistic. To open the suicide (about the only non-functional doors, first push in on the round AT A GLANCE MODEL Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Figoni & Falaschi “Teardrop” Coupe MANUFACTURER CMC GENRE Prewar European SCALE 1:18 PRICE $518 WHAT WE LIKE Immaculate finish ++ Brilliantly engineered functional door latches and sunroof + Finely sculpted and individually plated trim WINTER 2018 37

CMC TALBOT-LAGO T150C-SS FIGONI & FALASCHI “TEARDROP” COUPE Anything visible on the real engine is there in perfect scale on CMC’s model. Note the Door latches function, and the suicide doors open to display real leather on the upholstery multiple battery cables and double wires to each spark plug. and dash as well as a legible set of gauges. Unbuckle the straps and you can remove the e rubber weather-stripping is a separate flexible piece fitted to each window before wire-spoked spare wheels and tire. Unscrewing the assembly. Check out that functional sunroof, too! knockoff lets you check out the big brake drum and its plumbing. things on this model) and Wilson a tiny nipple set into the rim for big drum brakes are plumbed) built examples are by far the pre-selector gearbox are fitted each spoke) can be dismounted by held in place by miniscule shaped most prized machines from that to the scale steering wheel, and removing the knock-off lugs. Note metal clamps. e drivetrain detail marque. eir racing pedigree of course there is a full set of that the wheels have machined is complete as well. e gearbox is unquestioned; bone-stock separate mounted pedals. You can tire valves, too. Lift the tiny and its linkages are done in several examples were legitimate even open the sunroof—press external trunk latches, raise the metallic colors, along with the contenders against pure-bred down on the rear edge and then deck lid, and support it with the big finned sump and the various racing machines at some of slide it backward into its pocket. two rods to check out the spare front suspension and steering the world’s most prestigious With any other manufacturer wheel and tire. It’s held in place by components. Later models had sports car events thanks to such a delicate exercise would be real leather straps and functional finned brake drums, but this is coachwork that was as elegant nerve-wracking, but with CMC it metal buckles if you wish to do a an earlier 4-liter chassis so it aerodynamically as it was visually. works perfectly. tire change. does without. e entire chassis Everything about this car begs appears to be held together with to be commemorated with a If you wish, the big teardrop Be sure to check out the those tiny screws, and the body museum-quality replica, and that fender skirts can be removed by chromed lower body trim—it’s attached to it with more of the is precisely what CMC has given taking out two tiny screws; CMC thin metal that’s been formed same. Anyone brave enough to us with every one of its 1,488 provides a bag of spares, which to shape before being glued in disassemble one? individual components. It’s a is nice of them because if you place; there’s no foil or printed trim model for the collector for whom tackle this procedure, there is a anywhere on this beauty. And as FINAL THOUGHTS only the best will do, and it may fair chance you will lose one! All you would expect, chassis detail well bring a teardrop of joy to even four double-row wire-spoked is as complete as the rest of the Although his firm did bodies for the most discerning eye. What a wheels (individual spokes with model. ere are wood-grain other chassis, it was Giuseppe floorboards above the big chassis Figoni’s take on the competition model! ✇ rails, real metal multi-leaf springs spec “C” short-wheelbase front and rear, and separate fuel T150-SS that came to define SOURCE and hydraulic lines (yes, even the Talbot-Lago, and the 16 hand- cmcmodelcarsusa.com 38 DCXmag.com



OUT OF THE BOX BYMATT BOYD Right: Akira Nasai’s RWB creations are one-off interpretations of the owner’s AUTOart RWB goals and personality. “Rough Rhythm” is Porsche 993 and one of the more famous, and AUTOart’s BoS Gemballa replica is striking in Signal Green—a classic Avalanche Carrera color. Two Teutonic Tuners Below: Uwe Gemballa lived loud and fast and so did his customers. is car is about as subtle as the landslide its named after, and Best of Show captures the spirit of glorious excess this slantnose 930-based beast embodies. It takes a certain degree of, shall we say, self- Alois Ruf was among the first, lavish over-the-top interiors, and assurance to think that one can improve upon the and his 211mph 911-based Yellow high-tech entertainment systems flagship model of Germany’s preeminent sports Bird remains the stuff of legend. attracted tons of attention, car manufacturer of the last half-century. Porsche Ruf was soon followed by other and more than a few celebrity has earned its world-class reputation by delivering Germany-based tuning firms customers. heretofore unheard-of levels of performance, like Koenig, and the extroverted style, and reliability—a sporting experience with Gemballa, who in the 1980s When Gemballa released few practical compromises. But even as the recognized that—particularly in its outrageous 930 Turbo- Stuttgart factory began offering increasing levels the United States—high-profile based creation in 1985, it was of performance and exclusivity, the 911’s popularity styling was even more important named “Avalanche,” making inevitably fueled demand for something more to its customers than high it plain in word and deed its powerful, more stylish, more exclusive performance. e wild body kits, intent to bury the traditional than even the factory’s best. Porsche establishment. Each Thus was born the tuner Porsche market. 40 DCXmag.com

car was essentially hand-built plus a cutting-edge Pioneer to shame, and a convoluted rear was built for a U.S. customer, and to order, with as much glitz and entertainment system developed wing/deck/backlight that looked well publicized on its debut in 1986. technology as the customer exclusively for Gemballa that like something out of a sci-fi It was the very first to carry the desired—assuming he could afford featured a flat-screen TV in the movie. In the 1980s, if you were rear-view camera option; they’re it. Relatively few could—a fully glovebox and rear-facing backup an aspiring rapper, an NFL starting contained in those elongated optioned Avalanche could easily cameras years before such items quarterback, a wolf of Wall Street, housings where the side-view top $250,000 at a time when would be offered by even the most or a south Florida cocaine kingpin, mirrors would otherwise be. Ferrari’s most expensive model advanced production models. a Gemballa Avalanche was just About the only detail the BoS cost less than $100K. But for And of course you got that your speed. model misses on the exterior is that sum you got a slant-nose body—with wide-body fenders the subtle fade to the paint color. 930 with a turbo motor tuned to hand-shaped from aluminum, six Best of Show’s 1:18 resin model 375 horsepower (by Alois Ruf!), exhaust pipes, side strakes that of the Avalanche is a beautiful e original car was sprayed with put that $100K Ferrari Testarossa tribute to a monument of excess. a slightly lighter red on the nose that blended to a darker shade is burgundy left-hand-drive car AT A GLANCE AT A GLANCE MODEL MODEL RWB Porsche 993 Gemballa Avalanche MANUFACTURER MANUFACTURER AUTOart Best of Show GENRE GENRE Tuner sports car Tuner sports car SCALE SCALE 1:18 1:18 PRICE PRICE $150 $120 WHAT WE LIKE WHAT WE LIKE + Ultra-realistic wheels + Styling captures the and tires essence of ’80s excess! + Stance exactly replicates + Interior color allows detail the real car’s to shine + Delicately precise + Gorgeous paint-matched aerodynamic aids three-piece BBS wheels WINTER 2018 41

AUTOART RWB PORSCHE 993 AND BOS GEMBALLA AVALANCHE e Ruf-tuned 911 Turbo motor received a giant exhaust system with individual pipes for each of its 6 cylinders, and the body’s side strakes put a Testarossa to shame! is was the car that pioneered the rear-view side camera tech- It’s hard to know what inspired the outlandish shape of the back- e color-keyed BBS wheels are perhaps nology. Speaking of which, the Pioneer brand used Gemballa light shroud and engine cover, but the model replicates it with the most beautiful—and one of the few Porsches as rolling showcases of its most advanced and extrava- excellent accuracy. subtle—additions to the Avalanche. gant audio/video entertainment systems! at the rear; the model is all one BBS spoked wheels with center build is different, and every car gets e car began life as a stock 993 shade. e fine ‘Avalanche’ script sections color matched to the an individual name. Nakai interviews Carrera 2S, which Nakai reworked on the trailing edge of the rear wing metallic red body, and huge rear each customer to get a sense of in 2011. He chose Signal Green as is perfectly replicated, as are the tires to help put that extra Ruf the desired style, priorities, and a tribute to early Carrera race cars. crazy contours of that rear wing horsepower to the ground. intended use, then designs a car to Like virtually all RWB creations, and window shroud. fit that profile. He ships the parts it received an extensive body kit In modern times, the most to the customer’s location and featuring ultra-wide fenders, nose e doors are sealed, but the innovative—and extroverted— travels to personally assemble and tail caps, side rocker panels. and windows yield a fine view of the modified Porsches have been each conversion himself—part that huge multi-tiered rear wing. A custom interior. Virtually every coming out of, of all places, Japan. contractor, part artist. RWB signature feature of RWB bodywork surface is correctly wrapped in Porsche purists still lament the creations are completely different is the exposed rivets. Some critics light beige leather, although the departure of the elemental air- in substance and character from contend that they make the cars model lacks the real car’s red cooled 911. Designer Akira Nakai Gemballa, yet have also sparked look crude, but the rivets provide a piping at the edges of the seats. has a special affinity for them— controversy by choosing to build more purposeful, race-derived look particularly the 964 (‘89-93) and cars unconstrained by Porsche that is in keeping with this car’s e steering wheel does have the 993 (‘94-98)—and has centered tradition. purpose as a tribute to Porsche special buttons that actuated the his tuning firm Rauh-Welt Begriff racing heritage. And that look isn’t rear-view cameras mounted in (or RWB, which translates to e car you see here—“Rough just skin-deep; Rough Rhythm is the doors, and a special display “Rough World Concept” from Rhythm”—was built for Nakai’s a primarily a track-day car, and screen is mounted between the German) around offering body friend and business partner Toshiya the canards on the front fenders two largest gauges in the digital kits, wheels, and suspension mods Ichiraku, the man responsible for are fully functional in creating extra instrument cluster, to show the that transform 964s and 993s into helping RWB branch out from downforce on the track. e front images captured by the cameras. something entirely unique. Every Japan to international customers. e car features beautiful 3-piece 42 DCXmag.com

e model’s microscopic wheel gaps allow it to emulate perfectly the asphalt-hugging stance of the RWB 993. No one does hyper-accurate wheels and It looks like RWB couldn’t decide whether to go with a wing or a e model’s interior is nicely detailed and surprisingly stock. Racy tires better than AUTOart. spoiler, so it did both! e model gets that schizophrenic aero setup seats and steering wheel have been added, but otherwise it looks just right. like a typical 993 cockpit. splitter is functional too, and if switch and fire-suppression switch “Professors”—10.5 inches in front ese were statement vehicles, anything, the model’s is too nice— on the center console, but the and an immense 13 inches wide but statements with purpose; the real car has a bit of wear and model does not—not really an error, in back—with sticky Kumho DOT despite all the eye-grabbing tear on that low-slung panel. seeing as this model was patterned race tires to match. at’s a lot of visuals, each retained the essential on the car as it existed prior to the grip, but the car can use it thanks to engineering that has made e interior of Rough Rhythm addition of the switches. RWB’s fully adjustable suspension. Porsche the standard for German has a more stock appearance A special nod to the razor-thin sports cars for a half-century. Both than one might expect. e seats AUTOart’s RWB cars are part of gaps between fender and tire; they models capture what is alluring have been replaced with carbon- its composite series, and thus do replicate the stance on this car about these cars, in both detail and shelled racing units, with shoulder not feature opening engine bays. perfectly. essence. ey may be irreverent, harnesses threaded through the Rough Rhythm’s power plant is but they are also extremely seatbacks and into the bench pretty much stock Carrera 2, with FINAL THOUGHTS well crafted, and for Porsche area where the rear seat used to only the addition of a Tunerhaus fans looking for something a bit reside, but there is no roll cage. e ECU bumping the power slightly to Gemballa and RWB are from different, both the BoS Gemballa steering wheel has been swapped 310hp. As such, we aren’t missing different eras, and each Avalanche and AUTOart RWB for a competition-oriented leather- out on anything that defines the approached the discipline of Rough Rhythm Porsche 993 are wrapped wheel with a centering RWB conversion, but I’m still a fan of Porsche tuning with vastly stripe at the 12 o’clock position, but AUTOart’s engine treatments and different philosophies. But they well worth a look. ✇ the gauges remain stock. Rough wish it were visible here. Another share some similarities too—in Rhythm is an evolving project car, AUTOart specialty is wheels particular, a bold vision for creating SOURCES and has undergone some minor and tires, and in that category something unique from familiar tweaks since it was first built. e this model takes full advantage. beginnings. Neither makes any autoartmodels.com current iteration has a big red kill apologies for their lack of subtlety. e wheels are 18-inch SSR SP1 american-excellence.com WINTER 2018 43

OUT OF THE BOX BY MATT BOYD Fire Replicas FDNY “Rescue 1” Hero Hauler with Outstanding Precision It used to be, when you asked a little boy what he wanted to be when he grew up, you’d get a handful of predictable answers. Things like “cowboy” and “astronaut” don’t hold quite the same allure with the youth of the digital age as they did in generations past, but “firefighter” is as popular as ever— and most of us never completely outgrow our fascination. What is it about that calling that going up in flames and AT A GLANCE WHAT WE LIKE captures the imagination? Well, crumbling down around part of it is the awesome vehicles us—it’s these guys who MODEL + Tow hook and winch and equipment (the Ferrea Heavy charge in to save us and FDNY “Rescue 1” Ferrea detail is brilliant Rescue you see on these pages make sure we live to see tomorrow. Heavy Rescue certainly testifies to that!) but And many of them volunteer to do + Metalwork on diamond there’s more to it. When a kid says it. Can there be a more crystalline MANUFACTURER plate, vents, and ladders he (or she!) wants to grow up to example of heroism? Fire Replicas be a Jedi knight, the parents smile is insane for 1:50 scale indulgently, but when that same But what happens when it’s GENRE kid says “firefighter” those parents the heroes that need saving? In Emergency vehicle + Precision of graphics nod with approval. We intuitively the case of the Fire Department of depicting Rescue understand even from a young age the City of New York (FDNY), the SCALE that these guys are heroes—real ones who answer the call are the 1:50 Company 1 emblems heroes. We know that on the worst five special Rescue Companies— days—when our worlds are literally think of them as the FDNY’s PRICE of laser-etched stainless steel. It’s Special Forces Units. Rescue $299 the latter that impresses most on Rescue 1. It forms the ladders on e diamond plate and wire mesh Company 1 covers the borough top as well as the impossibly fine vents on the roof are brilliantly of Manhattan, and when FDNY scale diamond plate and wire mesh delicate workmanship. I really personnel are trapped or injured, vents that cover the entire roof or an emergency is too severe of the truck. ere is plenty more like the lighting and special or complicated for the regular on the flanks: the running boards, mirrors (vital in crowded personnel to tackle, the company boxing the wheel wells of the dual Manhattan) as well. rolls in on its Ferrara Heavy Rescue. rear axles, forming the steps at the rear and the front grille. Rescue 1 has been specifically outfitted for the equipment the You’ll also notice that the grille team needs for its specialized has an interesting script stenciled mission, and each of the other across it. In addition to the obvious Rescue Companies has a matching numeral 1 and “FDNY”, you will Ferrara. Fire Replicas has produced make out the word “Outstanding.” Rescues 1, 2, and 3 as its latest series of museum-grade 1:50 e story behind that word—which replicas. Each model boasts more has become the motto of Rescue than 600 individual pieces— Company 1—is both tragic and triple what many upscale 1:18 inspiring, and speaks to the unit’s automotive models have! e main commitment to its mission. e hulls are high-definition resin— term was a favorite of Terry Hatton, enhanced by brass, wire, rubber, who was captain of Rescue 1 on and various composites—and a lot September 11, 2001. He and his crew had just come on shift that morning when the call came in, 44 DCXmag.com

Rescue 1 emblazoned the TRUCKS with “Outstanding” as both a commemoration of Hatton’s leadership and a reminder of the standard that Rescue 1 upholds. and were among the first to enter the North Tower at One World Trade Center. Hatton and ten other men from Rescue 1 were lost that day—nearly half the company. Ironically, he had just helped design the special truck requirements for the unit, and when the new trucks were delivered—in 2002—Rescue 1 emblazoned them with “Outstanding” as both a commemoration of Hatton’s leadership and a reminder of the standard that Rescue 1 upholds. Every truck since has been so marked, and this model accurately depicts the motto. There are other tribute markings to September 11 on the rig, as well as emblems commemorating the company’s 100 years of service. What impresses even more “Outstanding” is the motto of Rescue Company 1 in tribute to their fallen captain Terry Hatton—and an apt description of the detail on this model. winter 2018 45

FIRE REPLICAS FDNY “RESCUE 1” All Fire Replicas pieces come mounted to this type of velvety base and include a matching In addition to Rescue 1, Fire Replicas is producing 1:50 replicas of Rescue 2 acrylic dust cover (not shown). Very classy! (Brooklyn) and Rescue 3 (Bronx). As you can see here, all three trucks share the same outstanding levels of detail and quality of assembly, down to the unique than the markings is the effort put contend with the particular hazard and accurate markings that reflect each respective Rescue Company’s insignia. All the trucks will be limited to 300 pieces each, with the first half available by into capturing the subtle external of close-quarters pedestrian traffic. the time you read this, and the balance of production coming in 2018. If you miss the first allotment, you can preorder a model of your preferred truck on details, like the grappling hook e special convex mirror on the firereplicas.com. attached to the winch built into upper right allows the driver to see the front bumper. It’s not just if pedestrians are close to the truck surface-molded; the hook is laser- both directly in front and around etched and attached to a braided the right front corner, which would metal wire cable. I also like the otherwise be too far below the extra mirror mounts on the front windshield line to be seen directly. of the truck. Being assigned to e lighting is another highlight. Manhattan, Rescue 1 trucks must ere are spinners on the top of the cab and fixed flashers at various places around the superstructure— all done with nicely colored and textured translucent lenses. Clear plastic windows give a nice view of profile doubles for each of the rear FDNY Rescue models will be in axles. Like all Fire Replicas releases, high demand, Fire Replicas is trying the interior, which the Rescue 1 comes with a velvet- something new with these limited covered base, with a laser-etched editions. Each truck will be limited is well detailed but plaque identifying the model and to a total of 300 units, but the depicting the FDNY crest, that fits production run will be split into two understandably perfectly into the included acrylic runs. e first 150 of each version dust cover. e model can be will be available by the time you not quite up to the removed from the base—as we did read this, and we predict will sell for some of our photos—but the out quickly. But if you miss that exemplary level of presentation of the base is so nice first run, the second 150 of each most owners will probably keep will go on sale in 2018, giving you the exterior. it mounted. a second crack at a model that will certainly be in high demand. You can Fire Replicas does an In anticipation that all three pre-order them on Fire Replicas’ website, and it’s a good idea to excellent job capturing do so—particularly if you want Rescue 1! the look of the wheels Fire Replicas’ stated goal with and tires, correctly every model is that each owner will notice something new each molding a larger time they view it. Given the subtle complexity of the FDNY Rescue Look at the attention to detail on even the most mundane diameter single tire 1 and its 600+ components, that features! for the front and lower ambitious aim might actually be attainable. Certainly the attempt I love the braided cable and etched hook on the is enjoyable. And more than just winch. Remember that this truck is 1:50 scale! seeing something new; more often than not I am learning something new—that’s how meticulously researched these models are. ey are truly outstanding, and a worthy addition to any collection. ✇ SOURCE firereplicas.com 46 DCXmag.com

CMC Talbot Lago T150C  1:18 Teardrop Coupe 37'-39' Scale This hand-made model is crafted from the highest quality copper, stainless steel, and high-quality zinc alloy. The interior is richly decorated with genuine red leather. The DuPont paint job gives it a realistic appearance. A museum-quality model ready for your personal collection! CMC Classic Model Cars USA 1225 Jefferson Rd. Suite 15A Rochester, NY 14623 P: 585-292-7280  Web: cmcmodelcarsusa.com  Email: [email protected]

hot wheels highway by mike zarnock hat do you do when you can draw your dream car, you’re able to build your dream car, and you work for Hot Wheels Designer WHot Wheels? That’s right—you make your dream car into a Hot Wheels car for the rest of the world to enjoy. And that’s Builds His Dream Car— just what Hot Wheels designer Brendon Vetuskey did with his in Real Life and in Scale purpose-built Pro Touring Resto Mod style 1967 Firebir d. Or as Brendon puts it, “a Track Day capable car with vintage aesthetics and modern performance.” Brendon bought the Verdoro engine. Setting the engine back Brendon’s ’bird is Green Firebird in 2009, drove it 3 inches was the best way to now something for the year, and in January 2010 retain the factory 6-quart oil pan all Hot Wheels started his 5 1/2-year project. The and windage tray in a car that has a collectors can car was stripped of everything steering linkage located behind the enjoy, but they right down to the empty shell. The front-axle centerline. Also, moving won’t stay avail- front-frame rails and suspension the engine back provides a better able for long! were removed, along with the rear weight distribution, which, in turn, end—all later to receive upgraded allows the car to handle the curves versions. The body was acid- much better. dipped, and the rear quarter panels removed to make way for new The front subframe was ones with larger wheel openings replaced (with a nonrusty one) and custom scoops for rear brake and received a Detroit Speed cooling. Speaking of brakes, the Suspension Stage 3 kit, which #BVbird (as it’s known online) now included a fast-ratio steering box, stops with 4-wheel disc brakes front tubular control-arm suspen- activated via a Hydro-Boost Power sion with coil-over shocks, original Assist System. 1969 Z/28 (short) steering arms, and a 1.25-inch swaybar. The rear Once the body was fitted with of the car got a Detroit Speed a taller transmission tunnel, it was QUADRALink suspension with ready for the Tremec T-56 Mag- coil-overs, a panhard bar, and a num 6-speed manual transmis- DSE swaybar to carry the Moser- sion. The firewall was also notched built GM 12-bolt with posi and to accommodate a 3-inch setback 3:73 gears. After the suspension of the 550hp 383ci stroker LS1 was installed, the car got a custom 48 DCXmag.com

e #BVbird was a complete frame-up build that required lots of fabrication. It took him more than five years, but the results are amazing. 6-point roll cage, subframe con- with modern electronics to work e unpainted finish is true to the real car, too. Brendon clearcoated the bare metal to nectors, and hoop supports to accurately with the LS1 engine. showcase all the fabrication work that went into the body! stiffen it all up. e front seats are relocated back As for the body itself, the tail for taller drivers, and the back seat panel was frenched and fitted with was removed. e trunk was fitted LED lights. Both bumpers, front with a relocated battery box and and rear, are flush-mounted along modern-day fuel-filler neck with with a custom-built honeycomb antisplash valve to eliminate fuel front grille and a 1969 Trans Am spillage during hard acceleration. spoiler on the trunk lid. e car was widened in the back to When the time came to pick accommodate the spoiler and what color to paint his life-size allow for more tire without nar- rowing the track width. e Hot Wheels car, the decision was tinted windows, you see a realistic hood is vented for heat simple. Brendon cleared over the black interior and roll cage, too. e dissipation along with unpainted metal body to show rear of the car shows the frenched vented quarter-panel just how much fabrication and tail panel with Trans Am spoiler on air scoops to cool the craftsmanship was put into his the trunk lid, and the front view rear brakes. Inside, project. He says, “It helps me not shows the custom honeycomb the factory rally worry about potential scratches grille. e brake vents in the rear gauges were from driving or any mishaps on quarter panel look just like those modified Track Day. It also gives the car an on the full-size rendering, along attention-getting unique look!” with the wide flares and bigger Brendon designed wheel opening to make room for the Hot Wheels e Hot Wheels version of the 18 x 12-inch rear rims and tires. version without Brendon’s Firebird is meticulously a hood so that he detailed in the same way. e body e front wheels and tires on the could include extra is unpainted and cleared, and you Hot Wheels version may look a detail on its modern can see the differences between bit large, but they’re in proportion LS1 stroker. this and a stock-bodied 1967 to the size of the 18 x 9-inch front Firebird. When Brendon designs rims and tires on the real car. Even Hot Wheels cars, he does so with the Hot Wheels chrome Open Hole added engineering, which most 5-Spoke wheels look close to the people will never notice or maybe US Mags forged-alloy Bandit rims even get to see. Being a real car on the #BVbird. guy (as many Hot Wheels design- ers are), he knows what needs to Congratulations to Brendon for be included in the design of the toy being able to drive and enjoy his form when comparing it to its full- Hot Rod Firebird project and for size counterpart. When looking at the replica Hot Wheels Firebird the no-hood Hot Wheels version, produced for the rest of the world you can see the black plastic intake to enjoy! I’ll be looking for this one manifold of the LS1 engine and as soon as it hits the stores, and how far back it’s set in the chassis. believe me, these 1967 Custom Peeking through the lightly blue Firebirds won’t be on the shelves for long! WINTER 2018 49