Being a model car builder on and off since the late 50's, I seldom buy diecast models. But... I picked up a diecast model mag today and there were announcements / adverts for two very interesting models being made in 1/8 scale (same size as your old Monogram Big T kit). One was by ACME Trading Co., an 1/8 SoCal Belly tanker. The other was an 1/8th Dean Jeffries Manta Ray by STRUCTO Models. I'm sure both models will be too expensive for me to own, but I bet they will look great anyway especially at 20+ inches long. It's too bad Revell-Monogram doesn't make NEW 1/8 kits like these cars anymore. Or... if these models could also be sold as unpainted kits, I might be able to get one... or two. See your favorite dealer... Gary
havn't built models for years now. but, i've got most of the 1/8 monograms. 65,82,85 corvettes and 2 of the 32 ford roadsters and the 82 Z/28. i always liked the 1/8 scale. never did get the big "t".
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?format=go&key=83001495f9a6e04a78af5e8d5ca3b8a3&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rodsnsods.co.uk%2Fforum%2Fshelf%2F1-1-8-scale-diecast-66371%23post597613&v=1&libid=1348858980394&out=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diecastxmagazine.com%2Fblog%2F2012%2F09%2F21%2Fmo-photos-acmes-18-so-cal-belly-tanker%2F&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rodsnsods.co.uk%2Fforum%2Fnewthread.php%3Fdo%3Dnewthread%26f%3D33&title=1%201%2F8%20scale%20diecast&txt=Mo%E2%80%99%20Photos!%20ACME%E2%80%99s%201%3A8%20So-Cal%20Belly%20Tanker%20-%20Die%20Cast%20X&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13488591995783
^^ Thanx for the link to the pix. I couldn't find any. Nor can I find any more on that Manata Ray - www.structomodels.com - is dead to me right now. The belly tanker appears to be a fairly uncomplex model, so I hope the price will be more affordable. Gary
I would bet that with that large of a scale that you could "detail" this one to the max. Someone will do it. Neat model and thanks for sharing the information and link. I believe ReplicCarz is also building a 1/18 scale die cast type model of the tanker as well as the Marmon Wasp. They also have a line of Indy Roadsters coming out. In my mind the most beautiful race cars period, well maybe throw a few Millers in as well!!
Gary the So-Cal Belly Tank is made By Acme Trading Co. The is the same company that used to go by GMP Diecast.
Sit down before you open this link, on a previous super cool GMP release. No, I don't have one of these, either. As they don't look nearly as complicated as that dragster model, I sure hope the new releases are priced down in the mere mortal range. Gary http://www.legacydiecast.com/xq/asp/id.GMP0600801/qx/review.htm
I already have the GMP 1/6 scale Greer Black and Prudhomme 392 HEMI engine... I only paid 50 bucks for it brand new off of ebay some years back... Some dealer had 20 of those at the time he was selling...
^He was no dealer, sounds like either a thief or a counterfitter! Regardless, I'll give you 100 bucks for it! Gary
For that price I hope it come's with a LARGE SAMPLE OF K.Y.JELLY! I think i will just have to look at pic's an be happy.
I think there were 1500-2500 of those made.... And folks snatched those up!... Not sure how many engine kits were made and sold.. If you look on ebay, you might come across 1 er 2...
With the advent of 3D printing I would bet you will see more obscure kits being made by individuals. They dont need to be made by the big guys anymore.
There is already another thread about the 1/8 So Cal tank where ACME is getting flamed for the price. A 1/8 scale model is huge. Tooling that size is expensive, even in China. Yes, the price is out of reach for us commoners, but guys like Bruce Meyer will buy one, and the short run will sell out. Like Gary, I've been building models most of my life, but I appreciate the detail on the 1:18 scale models currently being offered. At $150, or less they are a bargin. When GMP started their Indy roadster series, I was instantly hooked. Then they did the Kurtis midget series, and I couldn't help myself. I have sworn never to buy another die cast model, but if they ever do the M&S coupe, I will happily fall off the wagon!
Anyone got an early release of their model yet? The msrp is pretty steep, as expected. Gary http://www.acmediecast.com/products/default.cfm?category=1:12