Woodsy,
After some discussion with Paul Adams, and some good fortune on eBay, I decided to try a modeling challenge.
First, I purchased a 1910 Model T Ford model by Airfix, 1/32 scale, one of their earliest releases, from the late 1950s.
Next, I purchased a 1912 Model T Ford, also originally produced by Airfix, but released in the US by MPC in 1971, as one of their “Wild Drag” series, marketed as “Build Stock or Wild Drag!” These kits featured the original Airfix model, plus “custom” chromed parts to make a hot rod “Drag” version.
In building the MPC kit, I discovered what any unfortunate modeler from the time would have discovered, that the custom Drag parts really didn’t fit the original model well at all, and in fact had to be kind of slapped on any way you could do it.
Still, a comparison of the two models illustrates what a company can do with an existing mold to try and “jazz it up!” File under the “You can put lipstick on a pig…” section.
What do you think?
Rob C
USA
Wow, a great build of a bizarre model. MPC produced several lines of kits that started with an Airfix model, and then went off in their own direction. The original Airfix 1910 Model T is also excellent, and shows the difference in approach between Airfix in Britain and MPC in America. Thanks for giving a look at this nearly forgotten kit line.
ReplyDeleteThis was one wild ride, let me tell you! SFZ
DeleteGreat article Rob and what super cars! I always think I would have loved hot rod culture, cruising round the burger joint car park in your Model T with my elbow on the door listening to the Beach Boys on the radio! I think there's a die-cast version with the Beatles in it, renamed as the Yeah Yeahs I seem to recall.
ReplyDeleteNot my usual area of interest, but these oldsters really grabbed me!
DeleteAre you referring to the "Dinky Beats"? That was a Morris Oxford with a generic beat band in it. Cool model.
DeleteProbably. Thanks for clearing it up.
DeleteGreat photography too! Those low angles make a small model look really impressive!
ReplyDeleteI know - it was just a fluke, but it made them look bigger - and hid a lot of mistakes! SFZ
DeleteNice work! They turned out well considering the issues old kits have!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Oh, these kits had issues, let me tell you - not counting the issues with the builder! SFZ
Delete