SHOW ROD MODEL KITS: A BOOK REVIEW BY PAUL ADAMS

Here is another book review. Again, not my usual subject, but there is still plenty of useful information in it.

Show Rod Model Kits - A Showcase of America's Wildest Model Kits, Scotty Gosson, CarTech, USA, 2015. 159 pages, printed on glossy paper. Out of print.

This volume is a follow up to America's Wildest Show Rods, but this time focusing on kits in 1/24th, 1/25th and 1/32nd scale. Way out Hot Rods and Show Cars are not my usual subject, but again many of the models shown have a film or television tie-in, so it joined my other Star Car reference books.

Over a hundred plastic kit models are covered, ranging from kits of real custom cars (some of which had appeared in a few films or TV shows), to vehicles built specifically for film or TV work, and a good many kits that were designed just as models and never existed full-size. Most kits get a page or half a page. Information includes kit maker, catalogue number, release date, any re-issues, scale, and sometimes the name of the designer. Then some background information on the kit, and the original vehicle.

Some of the vehicles covered were included in America's Wildest Show Rods, but here it is the kit versions that are the centre of attention. Most of the photographs are in colour, with just a few historical shots in black and white. Most entries include the original box tops, and many include photos of built-up models. There are also a few examples of vintage advertising.

In addition to the Show Rod kits, and an introduction, there are sections on the history of Show Rod modelling, what the modelling scene was like in the 1960s, assorted modellers remembering 'the old days' and the kits they built, the corporate world of model making, and various monster model lines and toys.

These include the Hawk Weird-Ohs, Rat Fink models, Lindy Loonys, and some of the Aurora Monster-in-a-Vehicle kits. These are not covered in as much detail as the main models, but it is good to see them included. Finally, there are examples of customised models and What-if box art by various enthusiasts.

The film and TV models include the Batmobile, Munster cars, Monkeemobile (plus the Happy Days Fonz Dream Rod version), Pink Panther car, Green Hornet Black Beauty, Man From UNCLE Piranha, Beverly Hillbillies truck, Dark Shadows Barnabas Vampire Van, and Space:1999 The Alien.

Many of the kits in this book have been re-issued over the years, or have been produced as die-casts.

A very interesting book, if you can find a copy.

Paul Adams from New Zealand