MAMA Sez!

Volume 22, Issue 6 February, 2009

This is the newsletter It’s Time to Go Racin’ !! of the Maryland It continues to amaze new plastic ‘68 Mustang $59.00, while the door Automotive Modelers me not only the amount GT. Thanks, dudes! box contributed another Association of modelers that consis- Don’t forget to check $91.00. Yay—we made tently show up for our out the new Mustang the rent. Thanks, guys. ‘Lectric Caddy?! 1 monthly ‘bull sessions,’ Cobra Jet racer on page Thanks to the following Ref. Review 2 but also at how, eventu- 12. Talk about retro! donors: Brad, Ed Brown, ally, stragglers manage to Especially considering Ron Bradley, Ron Ham- Revell ‘68 Mustang 3 carry the meeting out that the NHRA Winter- ilton, Phil Jones, Ron Barn Find 4 into the parking lot! nationals was the begin- Leedy, Charlie Magers, ‘NOTHER Barn 5 This month, we can ning of February, where J.C. Reckner, yours Find? thank Rich Wilson and these awesome cars de- truly, Rich Wilson, Rep- T ‘n T 6 Ron Hamilton for their buted, winning their class licas & Miniatures Co. So Long, Farewell, 9 opinions of reference in an all-Mustang final. of MD, and yours truly. & Buh-Bye! material, and Revell’s The raffle raised Thanks, guys! Lets Go Racin’! 10 ‘08 Cobra Jet?! 12 ‘Lectric Caddy?! Philly Sit-Down 13 GMs’ tight finances they have to prove may keep them from they have the cash. building a production It would have a 2009 Meeting Schedule version of the recently range of 40 miles on Meetings are scheduled for revealed Cadillac Con- electricity, with a the third Saturday of the month Edmunds.com, the ‘09 (unless noted otherwise). Do verj concept car. It potential total range of Lexus SC 430 starts at NOT assume meeting dates— would use the same tech- 700 miles after a $67,630, and the ‘09 confirm them with a club offi- nology as the Chevy Volt generator kicks in. GM Caddy XLR starts at cer! plug-in hybrid. GM de- says the powertrain, January 17th $86,200. The Volt likely signed it so the produc- formerly known as E- February 21st will cost $40,000+, a March 21st tion version—if it ever Flex, is now called high-priced Chevy. April 25th happens—will look Voltec, and could be used ! “The Voltec May 16th TE NO “exactly like this,” says in a variety of technology we’re June 20th Bob Lutz, soon-to-be- applications. developing is flexible, July 18th retired GM vice chair- Lutz says a produc- August 15th and can meet the man of global product tion version of it would September 19th expectations of luxury development. But, be- be priced like a “luxury October 17th buyers,” said Lutz. November 21st fore GM can build it, coupe.” According to December 19th Inclement weather phone MAMA Sez is the official monthly publication of the Maryland Automotive Modelers Association. Articles as attributed by author and source, and may be reprinted with proper credit given. Opinions expressed are those of nobody of any importance. Any corre- number: (301) 474-5255. spondence or contributions should be sent to: Timothy Sickle, 15905 Ark Court, Bowie, Maryland 20716. Page 2 MAMA Sez!

and article. Reference Review When Motor Books released Mickey Thompson-The fast this one in November, I life and tragic death of a racing knew I had to have it. legend, by Erik Arneson He was born in 1928, [hardbound, 304 pages, $25.00, and was the ripe old age ISBN-13: 9780760331781,ISBN: of 59 at the time of his 0760331782, Catalog ID: 144606, and his second wife, http://www.motorbooks.com] Trudy’s, deaths. It was an Since both of our resident act of pure revenge for Tims seem to like quizzes, here’s lawsuit losses in a part- a quick one for you. nership that went terribly Who invented the sling shot wrong. dragster? Zoomy headers? Water Because of a child- filled traffic barriers? hood illness, his stature Who was the second man to was temporarily stunted. go faster than 150mph in the ¼ Later when he met his mile? The manager of the 1st first wife to be, Judy, she commercial drag strip BEFORE was slightly taller than the NHRA was created? The crea- him. Their meeting was tor of stadium off-road racing? not unlike the famous BEEEEEP! Time’s up; it was scene in the movie Marion Lee ‘Mickey’ Thompson; American Graffiti, with one of my personal heroes. I’ve Suzanne Sommers and the white punched the unknown person right been following the news updates T-Bird. She was not immediately in the nose! He was hauled off to of the double murder of him and attracted to him, but started dating jail and wasn’t released until he his wife since I heard of it in ‘88. I him anyway. He wasn’t much of a agreed to leave town immediately. can remember many years ago student in high school, so Judy did He was introduced to Semon helping my mother grocery shop- his homework for him. She did so E. ‘Bunky’ Knudsen in ‘55. Knud- ping; in the early summer of ‘63. much of it that the school princi- sen had just been tasked to im- There was an ulterior motive pal congratulated her when prove Pontiacs’ image. He and for this as the best hobby store in Mickey graduated. Because of his Mickey hit it off immediately and town was in the adjacent drug size, he had a hair trigger temper remained friends for decades. store. As we passed the magazine that got him into fights all of his Knudsen shipped him four of the rack, my eyes were caught by a life. The local Lions clubs hired new overhead valve V-8s that had wild looking car on the cover of a him to manage the newly created just been introduced, but they magazine. It was HOT ROD, and Lions drag strip. were used test engines. the car on the cover had a wild set Despite his efforts to make the Mickey and his mechanics re- of headers coming out of a blue races safe and fair, he always built them and put them in his mid-engined, open wheeled car. It ended up in fistfights afterwards. Challenger salt flats car, which was Mickey’s ‘63 Indy 500 entry, People would form a line to fight was under construction at the the Harvey Aluminum Special. him. In the early 60s he took his time. They had to be tested and This was in an era when the road- family to Europe to tour several tuned separately, which required a sters still dominated. Grand Prix races. While in the pits special dragster. There is a whole It was the first car mag I ever at the French race, a policeman chapter on the building of and the bought, and I had to have it, and, grabbed his arm from behind. problems encountered. Later when to this day, I still have the cover Mickey instinctively turned and Knudsen went to work for Ford, (Continued on page 4) Volume 22, Issue 6 February, 2009 Page 3

parts. First, I must warn you, each Revell ‘68 Mustang These kit is unique, but curiously, the “2 kits were par- ‘n 1” has all of the parts included [Revell #4233; 1/25th scale; tially assembled, well engraved, in the “Bullitt” version, with the modified reissue; 79 pieces plus simple to build, and represented exception of the “JJZ109” black decals] the subject well. But the plastic on yellow California plates, which [‘68 Mustang GT 2 ‘n 1; Rev- kit purists tended to shun them, were on the movie car exclu- ell #4215; 1/25th scale; modified probably because they were really sively. reissue; 99 pieces plus decals] simple kits, and without a lot of The 2 ‘n 1 kit adds not two, I take my hat off to the Revell- work, the variations were limited but three building variations, Monogram for reissuing this kit in to the one represented by the kit. which should be welcomed by a new version and medium. These kits were run once, and most modelers interested in build- Originally, these ‘68 Mustang GT have since been hard to come by, ing such a car. The versions are variations included a diecast metal being issued five years ago. as follows: body and attendant parts, and sty- Up ‘til now, a model of a ‘68 1) A Replica Stock ‘68 Mus- rene plastic for everything else Mustang GT was only currently tang GT with the 390 V8 engine, except tires, axles and attaching available as an AMT or MPC including the “Exterior Decor screws. They issued the car in “annual” kit, last produced for the Package” hood with twin depres- two guises: ‘68 model year (41 years ago), or sions 1) A replica of the car driven a resin kit of the same. When Rev- 2) A Replica Stock ‘68 Mus- by Frank Bullitt, portrayed by the ell announced they were going to tang GT with the 428 “Cobra incomparable actor Steve Mc release a kit of this subject, I was Jet” V8 engine, including a flat Queen in the ‘68 Warner Brothers hoping for one with a detail level hood, functional ram-air scoop, movie of the same name. The comparable to the great AMT kit and specific air cleaner. (Not men- model is a faithful copy of the ve- of the ‘67 Mustang. We did not tioned in the instructions, but in- hicle used in the film, with the get that. What we got was a sty- cluded in the kit) mods which made the car unique, rene plastic bodied, completely 3) A Super Stock racer ‘68 and highly revered in Mustang unbuilt version of the aforemen- Mustang GT with the 428CJ V8 circles. It had a pre-painted tioned diecast metal kit, complete engine, including a flat hood, “Highland Green” diecast metal with the dogleg hood hinges, functional ram-air scoop, specific body, with the appropriate tampo- metal axles, and mounting screws. air cleaner, exhaust headers, mag printed trim, with a semi-gloss A lot of serious modelers will wheels for the front, and steel black styrene and chrome plating scoff at the build design the manu- wheels and slicks for the rear, as representing the rest of the parts. facturer set forth for these kits. well as a set of decals for the car 2) A ‘68 Mustang GT, which They are simple, without a lot of as raced by the Tasca Ford deal- was to represent a typical car in extra detail, but very well en- ership with Bill Lawton driving the era of the late 60’s, tied in by graved, with the exception of the There is one engine assembly the short run “American Dreams” body, which is not as crisp as of- in these kits, a simplified “FE- TV show on the NBC TV net- ferings from AMT. Just about series” 4-barrel V8, with a hole in work. The model depicted was a anyone should be able to build a the block for a wire axle to pass well-optioned ‘68 Mustang GT. reasonable model of this one. through, which will depict either a This one had a pre-painted Modelers wanting to super-detail 390, or 428CJ engine, depending “Candyapple Red” diecast metal it will need to resort to the use of on the air cleaner or exhaust sys- body, with the flat black hood aftermarket parts and kit-bashing tem used. stripes, and white “C” stripes, and to get a better detailed engine and The 390 uses the chrome tampo-printed trim, with a semi- chassis. Let’s look at the various “closed element” air cleaner, and gloss black styrene and chrome assemblies which make up these “cast iron” exhaust manifolds. plating representing the rest of the kits. (Continued on page 8) Page 4 MAMA Sez!

the Northumberland Barn Find?!? gentry, in ‘55. He drove it for a Dr. Harold Carr, an orthopedic few years, but by the surgeon in England, was a recluse early ‘60s it was in his later years, according to parked in his garage, relatives. He never married or had where it remained children. So when the doctor died until after his death. in ‘07 at the age of 89, few knew It has exceptional what to expect inside his dusty originality, retaining garage. The last thing Dr. Carr’s original chassis, en- relatives expected to find was one gine and drivetrain. Even the not to have his name published, of the rarest cars in the world, a odometer gives a mileage of only told the Times of London that the ‘37 Bugatti 57S Atalante, which 26,284, although the vehicle is discovery stunned the family. The Associated Press said was almost 72 years old. “It’s amazing, really,” he said. one of 17 in existence. The car was discovered in the “It’s worth so much because he From the Times of London: garage of an English doctor who hasn’t used it for 50 years.” The Bugatti, a black two-seater, had died in ‘07. Dr. Carr’s The car was hardly a secret was delivered to Earl Howe, the nephew said, “It was one of the among classic-car cognescenti. first president of the British Rac- original supercars. When it was Dr. Carr’s nephew said his uncle ing Drivers’ Club and a winner of built it could reach 130 mph. had received many letters from the 24 Hour Le Mans race, soon when most cars could only do 50.” collectors all over Britain asking after it was completed on May 5, The Bugatti will be a highlight him to part with the Bugatti. “He 1937. He kept the car for eight of the Bonhams auction at Retro- got notes pushed through his years, adding personal touches mobile in Paris this month. Ex- door,” he said. including a luggage rack, after perts said the car could fetch $4.3 (Thanks to the LA Times—http:// which it changed hands a couple million or more ($4.4 million— www.latimes.com/classified/ of times before Dr. Carr bought it Ed.). automotive/highway1/, and Matt from Lord Ridley, a member of Dr. Carr’s nephew, who asked Guilfoyle, for this one)

ing, or stadium racing. He was wouldn’t want to be on the wrong Review (contd) racing in the Baja 1000 before it side of her. It took her 18 years to was officially created. He partici- bring their killer to justice. She (Continued from page 2) pated in the first Carrara- had worked with Mickey in all his Mickey shifted with him. Panamerica race through Mex- business dealings. She knew who To say he was a workaholic is ico. When he and his sister, Col- was guilty and refused to give up. a big understatement. He worked leen, were still in school, Mickey This book has little information all around the clock on numerous would follow her to protect her for building replicas of his many projects. When he needed parts from guys he didn’t approve of. hot rods, but is filled with the true that were in another city, anybody He would threaten them and that highs and lows of his life. else would overnight the parts if was it; they would never return. It If you are a fan of ANY- they were needed in a hurry. But was probably because of his pro- THING with wheels on it this that wasn’t fast enough for tective nature of her that his sister book is a must read and its not Mickey; he would have the parts took on the investigation of expensive. Every one of its pages placed on a cross-country bus in- Mickey and Trudy’s murders is fascinating, I could hardly put it stead. If he wasn’t building or cre- when the police ran into a dead down. ating he was promoting drag rac- end. Trudy was his second wife. by: Rich Wilson ing, salt flats racing, off-road rac- Considering her perseverance, I Volume 22, Issue 6 February, 2009 Page 5

zine reported. 1970s; four Holdens, one of the ‘NOTHER Barn Find?! “Consider original Aussie automakers and a them projects member of the GM family since OK, so it’s not Pebble Beach with a capital ‘P.’ ” the 1930s; and a flock of old se- with its high-priced Ferraris and Trevor Fay, the freelancer out dans by Morris, another old Brit- Maybachs. But a recent “barn of Adelaide who chronicled the ish carmaker. find” of almost 300 classic and find, said his first look at the col- Not to mention a wide variety not-so-classic cars in Australia is lection was an eye-popper. of Jensens, Vauxhalls, Singers and causing a bit of a stir among col- “I was stunned,” Fay said. “I Wolseleys. There are also a few lectors. had never seen so many cars racing cars, commercial vehicles The Down Under discovery packed in so tightly. They were and pickup trucks. was first reported by Sports Car packed in like sardines in a tin.” Phil Skinner, collectible-car Market magazine, though the lo- Most of the cars date from the editor at Kelley Blue Book, did a cation is being kept secret, as is ‘40s to the ‘80s, although there quick calculation and figured that the identity of the collector. But was a smattering of earlier vin- the whole lot is worth about $1.5 photos that accompanied the arti- tages and long-vanished marques, mil, maybe less. cle documented a cache of cars such as a ‘20s-era Hupmobile and “It’s an interesting lot of vehi- that probably ranks as one of the a Jewett sedan from the same dec- cles, to say the least,” Skinner bigger finds of vintage metal in ade. said. “But very few of them would recent years. As might be expected given bring six figures in fully restored About 200 of the cars are the location, the bulk of the cars condition.” stored in corrugated sheds with are of British or Australian origin, That said, Skinner thinks the dirt floors, so tightly jammed to- ranging from well-known brands find will create quite a stir in Aus- gether that there’s no room to such as Jaguar and Rolls-Royce to tralia, which has an active car- walk between them. The rest are names less familiar to Americans. collecting community. parked outside in paddocks. For example, there’s a ‘50s Barn finds are legendary The cars are in various states sedan from Lanchester, a British among car collectors, who dream of disrepair, although many are brand launched in the 1880s that of hitting upon that rare Ferrari or restorable—especially those that was last produced in ‘55; four Duesenberg that got parked in a have been stored indoors, out of Humbers (including a ‘45 Snipe garage years ago and was some- the elements. “The semi-arid cli- and a ‘64 Sceptre), another British how forgotten. mate is tough on paint and trim, carmaker, which was absorbed by It’s not clear whether the but metal lasts forever,” the maga- Chrysler and killed off in the mid- anonymous Aussie intends to sell any of his hoard. He said he con- sidered himself a preservationist and that he began storing vehicles on his property to “keep them from the car crusher” and preserve them for future generations. He said he’d like to restore some of them and start a museum, although given the history of the collection, I wouldn’t start lining up for tickets anytime soon (Again, thanks to the LA Times— http://www.latimes.com/classified/ automotive/, and Matt Guilfoyle for the entertainment) Page 6 MAMA Sez!

shifting duties for the driver, yet stripes, headlamps and wheels; a This n That has the guts of a manual. This set of Corvette racing pedals; a means the new transmission is 30 special engine cover, and the One Fast Cat! Jag’s hot pounds lighter than the four-speed Corvette Racing “Jake” logos on 503hp XFR is officially the fast- automatic in the current Focus— the B-pillar, seat headrest and est-ever Jag after a record run last and doesn’t require a torque center armrest. On the 1LT November at the Bonneville Salt converter or hydraulic pump. The coupe, the package also adds the Flats, piloted by trans’s shifts are Z51 package—bigger brakes, racer Paul Gen- quick, with stiffer suspension, diff cooler and tilozzi. The virtually no lag a limited-slip diff with a 2.73 axle lightly modified between gears. ratio—along with performance XFR ditched its There’s also a exhaust. Engine output on the electronic speed- manual mode for 1LT coupe with the package is limiter and was those who want 436 hp, a 6-hp jump on the base fitted with a tea- the thrill of car as a result of the exhaust; on tray rear spoiler making gear the Z06, it is unchanged at 505 hp. to keep the rear changes on their Buyers also get a set of racing- wheels planted on a run that broke own, without the need to work the style numbers—based on build the 200-mph barrier, topping out clutch. The transmission will also sequence—which they can install. at 225 mph. That speed pushes it shift into neutral when the car is Pricing is not yet available… past the early ‘90s XJ220, which decelerating to boost economy, Bumblee Back for T2. The new ran close to 220 mph, hence the and it’ll have hill-holding Camaro nabbed a starring role in name (Ed. Note: or, was that just technology to prevent that little the next Transformers movie as wishful thinkin’?)…Toyota #1?! backward roll that manual trans the Autobot namd Bumblebee. It After 77 years, GMs’s reign as drivers get used to.…Fiat Buys was recently revealed at the the world’s largest automaker is Chrysler?! Not quite, but they are Chicago auto show. It’s unclear over. GM recently announced joining forces. Fiat S.p.A. and what changes have been made to global sales of 8.356 million units Chrysler LLC confirmed recently the car. Other Chevies, including in ‘08, placing it second behind that the Italian company intends to the Volt and the Corvette, also Toyota’s tally of 8.972 million acquire an initial 35 percent stake could make appearances in the units. GM had recorded the most in the U.S. carmaker…Racier movie, called Transformers: sales in the world every year ‘Vette? This Spring, Chevy is Revenge of the Fallen, which since ‘31, when it passed Ford in offering a special options package opens on June 26th…Lutz Out at the depths of the Great to Vette buyers GM!? GM Depression. The victory is a who want to Chairman and hollow one for Toyota, which saw wring just a bit CEO Rick its own sales skid four percent more Wagoner amid the global economic performance recently downturn, its first sales dip in 10 out of their announced that years…PowerShift-ing! Looking cars—or take it Robert A. Lutz, to wring as much fuel economy as to the track— GM Vice possible out of its upcoming small without having Chairman - cars—we’re talking Fiesta and to step all the Global Product Focus here—Ford will equip them way up to the ZR1. The Development, will transition to a with a new six-speed, dry-plate, Competition Sport Package will new role effective April 1, ‘09 as dual-clutch transmission, called be available on the ‘09 Vette Vice Chairman and Senior PowerShift. The dual-clutch unit coupe 1LT and Z06 models. It Advisor. Lutz, 76, will provide acts like an automatic, handling includes gray-colored racing (Continued on page 7) Volume 22, Issue 6 February, 2009 Page 7

operator will call staking a claim to T n T (contd) 911 and report the the world’s most car’s location. As powerful series- (Continued from page 6) with GMs’ manufactured strategic input into GM’s global system, Safety truck, a 700-hp design and key product initiatives Connect- and monster that until his retirement at the end of Enform-equipped makes a ground- ‘09. He will continue to report to vehicles will have punishing 2,323 Wagoner. Meanwhile…GM a button that occupants can press lb-ft of torque. The semi is called ‘Writes Off’ Pontiac? GM will for emergency help. The the FH16, and Volvo says it’s for go to market with four core brands vehicle’s location can be the ‘most demanding’ of transport in the future— determined by the operations. So, if you need to pull Chevy, Cadillac, cell and GPS something huge, such as a Buick and GMC. technology bulldozer or, say, North America, Pontiac will be embedded in it. here’s your ride. The engine’s shrunk The Lexus system specs would make Optimus Prime “significantly,” a offers the same jealous: 16 liters, six cylinders of senior GM exec services but adds diesel power bolstered by a told the features such as turbocharger and intercooler. Automotive News weather reports, route guidance Previously, the FH16 had an World Congress. GM COO Fritz and the ability to send and receive engine that made ‘only’ 660 hp. Henderson said GM is conducting data. They plan to introduce the The engine’s been in development a strategic review of Saab and system in late summer and give a for three years and has been tested Hummer and that “status quo” for one-year free trial. After that, under grueling circumstances in Saturn won’t work. Henderson customers will have to subscribe Australian deserts, frigid northern stopped short of saying GM would to the service, just like OnStar. Sweden and high altitudes in the outright shutter the brand, but he Guess what they say IS true— Rocky Mountains. It also gets a made it clear that it would not imitation IS the sincerest form of new, 230-kilowatt electronically remain in the same capacity and flattery…We Got the ‘Beat’?! controlled exhaust brake, with an form it is today. Likewise, GM is Two more fuel-sipping Chevies option that upgrades to 425 working with the Swedish will come to North America in kilowatts. Believe it or not, Volvo government to help Saab…Toyota ‘11—the Beat concept, now also says it is environmentally Onstar?! Toyota Motor Sales called the Spark (first the Volt, friendly, noting it meets new said recently that it is launching a now the Spark—what’s next— European emissions that take telematics system similar to GMs’ Charger?! It’s already taken!), effect next fall and cuts nitrogen OnStar that will be available on along with the Orlando multi- oxide levels more than 40 percent. some Lexus and Toyota vehicles purpose vehicle, have gotten the Want a test drive? Check out a in late summer. At the Consumer go-ahead for production. They video game you can play at your Electrics Show recently in Las will be sold worldwide, including desk at www.strongesttruck.com Vegas, Toyota detailed its plans the US. Chevy says both vehicles (Thanks to the Washington Times, for the system, which has different will be able to get 40 mpg. Sales autoweek.com, and other Internet features for each brand. On will begin first in Europe in early sources for this insanity! Ya just Toyota vehicles, the system will ‘10…More Power! When you cant make some of this up!! be called Safety Connect; on think hp and torque, names like as Thanks also to those of you in the Lexus models it will be called Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini Peanut Gallery who have Enform. In the event of an and Volvo come to mind. Huh, attempted to help me entertain accident with airbag deployment, VOLVO?! That’s right. Look y’all by sending stuff along—I an operator will call the driver. If out, supercar makers, Volvo is ‘preciate it!) the driver doesn’t answer, the Page 8 MAMA Sez!

painting and aftermarket products brace, and washer bottle. Revell (contd) will make this one stand out. If The rear view mirror mounts poseable steering is considered, a to the glass unit which mounts (Continued from page 3) lot of scratch-building will be re- into the body. The front clip This engine is the only one in- quired as the front suspension is mounts to the front of the body, cluded in the “Bullitt” kit, and a molded as a single unit, and the with clear head lamp lenses and variant in the 2 ‘n 1. front wire axle must be eliminated chromed bezels. The “Bullitt” The 428CJ uses the “ram air” and replaced by some sort of stub grille is an engraved mesh unit air cleaner, and tubular exhaust axle. The kit instructions state without a “Running Horse” corral headers for the Super Stock racer that the exhaust system should be or trim, and meant to be painted a version. An added bonus not omitted from the Super Stock dark charcoal. The 2 ‘n 1 grille mentioned in the instructions is a racer, but if memory serves, the includes a chromed grille with the Replica Stock 428CJ engine varia- rules at that time required a full “Running Horse” corral surround tion, by substituting the “cast exhaust system on the car, but not and trim. Both grilles receive a iron” exhaust manifolds and full hooked up to the headers. Use black wash for depth. There are exhaust system for the tubular ex- your judgment and do some re- clear lenses for the grille foglamps haust. search here. for the 2 ‘n 1. The “Bullitt” and Wheel choices include: There are two basic interior 390 Replica Stock versions of the 1) American Torque Thrust units, neither being correct for a 2 ‘n 1 have the hood with the twin mags, mounted on “no-name” ‘68. The door panels, front and indentations, while the 428CJ ver- blackwall vinyl tires for the rear seats have the upholstery pat- sions of the 2 ‘n 1 have a flat hood “Bullitt” kit. (Also not mentioned, tern of a ‘67 Mustang. Not a ‘68. and “Ram Air” scoop, both having but included in the 2 ‘n 1). For Period. Curiously, the diecasts big dogleg hinges, carried over accuracy, the spokes should be have the correct ‘68 Mustang stan- from the diecast version. The rear painted with a dark metallic flat dard front bucket seat and door tail treatment is a separate finish, per photos or American pattern upholstery. Somehow, smooth-finished panel, incorporat- wheel ads these pieces got lost during the ing a rear roll pan with exhaust 2) ‘68 Ford chrome-plated transition from diecast to styrene depressions, separate chrome gas styled steel wheels with the GT media. In the 2 ‘n 1, there is an cap, and clear red tail lamps which center cap, mounted on “no- option of a folded rear seat, and a mount from the inside. On the name” blackwall vinyl tires for the 4-point roll bar. While the interior “Bullitt” kit, there are dual slash “Replica Stock” versions in the 2 is a well-engraved rendition of the tip exhaust extensions, while the 2 ‘n 1 subject, it is from the previous ‘n 1 uses the distinctive chromed 3) Cragar mags (with no year’s car. This is a minor nit to “double” tips. On the “Bullitt” brand detail) mount to the stock some modelers, but a real problem version, there is no M-U-S-T-A- front tires, and unplated steel to me. Both kits use the same N-G lettering on the trunklid, and wheels with lug detail and slicks well-engraved dash, with decals the trim at the edge is painted for the rear of the Super Stock representing the gauges, a 4-speed over, while there is a decal repre- racer version of the 2 ‘n 1 shifter, a “Secura” steering wheel senting this lettering for the IMHO, the tire manufacturers in the “Bullitt” version, and stock trunklid and the trim around the should allow the model kit makers padded hub wheel with horn ring, tail lamps and the rear edge of the to put their brands on model tires which is curiously chrome plated car should be rendered in chrome at no cost. It’s free advertisement, for the Replica Stock and Super for the 2 ‘n 1. A pair of chromed and the kit tires look too toy-like Stock versions. The interior tub rear view mirrors round out the without them. incorporates the underhood area body. There are two sets of “C” The radiator and upper hose with good front bulkhead detail, stripes—black and white, and the attach to the chassis. No lower well-engraved firewall, separate black hood stripes, as well as the hose is included. Proper detail power brake booster, engine (Continued on page 9) Volume 22, Issue 6 February, 2009 Page 9

boosting horsepower to a mind- So Long, Farewell, & Buh-Bye! numbing 777, and making the most of the car’s carbon-fiber Looks as though several cars confirming recently during a chassis. Fittingly, it’s called the are gonna disappear this year. conference call with reporters, that Renntech 777 and can reach a top First off, ‘09 will be the swan production ends this summer.” speed of 210 mph with the heavily song for the Caddy XLR. GM is Since it’s going out of modified, supercharged 5.5-liter taking final orders, with the last production, he said Chrysler V8 and suspension. To help cars built this spring after a six- would be willing to sell the assets cornering, a new differential year run. It was built on the Vette to make the car, but so far the system allows for 100 percent platform, using Caddy’s North- company has no offers. The locking between the wheels. All star overhead-cam engines in- Viper business also is on the this power for an already stead of the Vette’s ‘small’ block. market as the company looks to formidable car might seem a bit No special final year packages are cut costs and focus on core areas. gluttonous—but Renntech is only coming—only Platinum and V- Actually, Chrysler said recently building 20 of them to mark the series trims. Its’ demise leaves that it has received three propos- company’s 20th anniversary. And Caddy without a halo car. als for the Viper business unit, there’s more to come: the tuner One of the original retro cars, which includes the car, workers hints it will make “a few different the Chrysler PT Cruiser also gets and a factory in Detroit. But a extreme vehicles” to further mark the ax. It was a hit when it sale does not appear likely before the occasion. At the Detroit auto launched in ‘00, and refreshed for the company sends in its viability show, Mercedes showed off the ‘06. Over the past decade, plans to the feds by Mar. 31st, edition (see last Chrysler has produced 14 vice chairman Jim Press said. month’s T ‘n T). The SLR, a joint variations, including a turbo, a And finally, the SLR project between Mercedes and woodie, a convertible, and five McLaren, which has been quite a McLaren, ends this year. Woodward Dream Cruise canvas for tuners—and editions. Still, with styling even Mercedes. And essentially unchanged for nearly a though the end is here for decade, sales fell 51 percent last the SLR, it won’t fade year. As it has aged, rumors of quietly. Florida tuner its’ demise increased, with Renntech is creating Chrysler prez Tom Lasorda perhaps the ultimate SLR,

the Revell ‘69 Mach 1. If I were with the GT package, in various Revell (contd) the kit planner, I would have in- guises. cluded a flat, scoop-less hood for I believe that Keith Marks and (Continued from page 8) modelers so inclined. This kit is Fred Cady both offer a compre- various emblems for each version. not as satisfying to build as the hensive decal set, and Missing All in all, I really like these AMT ‘67, as they are much better Link offers “C” stripe decals for kits, and plan to buy more for detailed from the box, and have the car in several colors. At one other versions of the 2 ‘n 1 ‘68 better defined bodies, as they were time, R & D Unique (Mini Exot- Mustang, one being a “sleeper” designed from the outset to be a ics) marketed a small photoetch with 428CJ, resin dog dish hub- plastic kit. Unless you are collect- set for this kit. I am not sure as to caps and steel wheels, as well as a ing distinctive box art, or plan to its availability; as mine was pur- replica of “Dyno Don” Nichol- build a replica of the car used in chased several years ago. son’s ‘68 Mustang Super Stocker “Bullitt,” the 2 ‘n’1 has every- Highly recommended. with decals which can be sourced thing you need for a convincing from the “HOT ROD” version of replica of a ‘68 Mustang fastback by: Ron Hamilton Page 10 MAMA Sez!

in one of the grandstands. The cars for Mitsubishi, particularly Let’s Go Racin’! NHRA made 1,500 tickets all-wheel drive. It cost the com- available daily for the four-day pany nearly $260,000 to compete Forty years after his world- event at this price. Children 12 in the two-week Dakar Rally in famous father, Mark, won the and younger can get in to all January, according to the Finan- race, earned his NHRA-owned tracks for free this cial Times. The event was held in own spot in history by holding off year, including Pomona, Gaines- South America this year for the NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Juan ville, Atlanta and Indy, as well as first time after it was canceled in Pablo Montoya for the overall other national tracks that partici- ‘08 because of terrorist threats. victory in the 47th annual Rolex pate in the promotion. Also, mili- Brace yourself for another war 24 Hours at Daytona. tary personnel can get a free Fri- of words between F1 commercial Donohue was part of the two- day reserve ticket with proof of boss Bernie Ecclestone and F1 car Brumos Porsche team in the their service. Additionally, the manufacturers after Ecclestone Daytona Prototype class. The NHRA passed out coupons for told London’s Financial Times other Brumos car, driven by a $10 off merchandise for purchases that he is poised to pay teams less team headed by endurance-racing of $25 or more to the first 1,000 money, despite recent calls from legend , finished adults on Saturday and Sunday at the Formula One Teams Associa- third. Brumos had not won a the Winternationals. More details tion (FOTA) for a bigger slice of Grand-Am sports-car race since of the promotion will be an- the revenue pie. ‘03, and this is the first time Bru- nounced later, the NHRA said. FOTA president and Ferrari mos won the One of cross-country rally rac- boss Luca di Montezemolo re- since ‘78. Haywood has five 24 ing’s most successful programs, cently exchanged barbs with Ec- Hours of Daytona victories. Mitsubishi, is withdrawing— clestone regarding this very issue. Donohue’s co-drivers were starting with the next Dakar—as a He said that major changes must former Indy 500 winner Buddy result of the global economic happen—including an increase Rice, and Antonio downturn. The pullout is the latest from the 50 percent of F1 revenue Garcia. Montoya’s teammates blow to motorsports as manufac- received now—when the manu- were Indy Racing League champ turers reshuffle priorities and cut facturers’ contract with F1 expires , and costs. Subaru and Suzuki have at the end of 2011. But Ec- . Their Lexus- left the World Rally Champion- clestone appears to think that powered Ganassi Racing Riley ship, has withdrawn from since the sport is on the verge of was the defending race champ. Formula One and Audi has left major cost cuts, teams should be Montoya was going for his third- the American Le Mans Series. happy with whatever he gives straight 24 Hours of Daytona win, Mitsubishi has been one of rally’s them. Ganassi’s team for its fourth. spotlight teams, winning Dakar “We don’t need to pay more. Montoya was not graceful in de- 12 times in 26 entries—including We’ve got to give them less,” he feat, saying that the Porsche en- a string of seven in a row from ‘01 said. “In what I call the good old gine had much more power than to ‘07. The pullout covers all days, all we had to do was have a his Lexus. cross-country competition, report- chat with the people who had all The NHRA is cutting some edly including events in Spain and the money…but now they come ticket prices and letting military Portugal. The move comes after along and they’ve got lawyers and personnel and children 12 and an uncharacteristically poor per- masseurs and they can never agree younger into some events free this formance at Dakar last month, on anything…They can ask for year as part of a “fan relief pro- where Mitsubishi finished 10th more but they won’t get it.” gram.” The promotion launched with the debut of its new racing Meanwhile, American engi- with the Winternationals at Lancer. The program also has neer Ken Anderson and former Pomona, CA, where $20 general- served as a catalyst for technologi- Williams Formula One team admission tickets were available cal development for production (Continued on page 11) Volume 22, Issue 6 February, 2009 Page 11

closed down his team and sold its ries. It’s starting with TV com- Racin’ (contd) assets shortly after last season mercials featuring two-time se- ended. Sam Hornish Jr., one of ries champion Dale Earnhardt (Continued from page 10) Penske’s three full-schedule driv- Jr., said to be “a longtime cus- manager and well-known TV ers, will get the No. 22’s points tomer of our company.” Nation- commentator Peter Windsor are and be assured of starting the first wide also will offer $25,000 bo- attempting to form an American five races (he was 38th in '08 nuses to series regulars (including Formula One team, according to owner points). He will stay in the Cup drivers) in the stand-alone a report on Autosport.com. The No. 77 Dodge, teaming with Kurt races at Nashville, Iowa, Ken- team is set to be called “USF1,” Busch in the No. 2 and David tucky and Memphis. If the winner and a website already exists— Stremme in the No. 12. Davis isn’t eligible (a Cup driver, for www.usf1.com—though as of now will be listed as a minority owner example, who runs a limited Na- it only displays a logo while dis- of the No. 22 team. No drivers tionwide schedule), the bonus rolls closing no details of the operation. have been named. to the next stand-alone race. The Anderson has an impressive rac- Former Cup Series champ driver who scores the most points ing resumé, serving as the now- said he and team in the stand-alone races will re- defunct Ligier Formula One owner Chip Ganassi were at 90 ceive a $50,000 postseason bonus. team’s technical director. He also percent agreement to make a deal Series director Joe Balash said held the same position with Chip for Labonte to drive Chevies for that NASCAR hopes to have a Ganassi and A. J. Foyt’s Indy the new Earnhardt Ganassi Rac- “new” Nationwide car by next Racing League teams, and also ing team. Instead, Labonte will year. “We’re watching the econ- designed the original and subse- drive Ask.com-sponsored Fords omy and talking with owners in quent G-Force Indy Racing for Hall of Fame Racing through our garages,” he said. “We’ll see League chassis. He is co-owner its new partnership with Yates if we’ll be able to launch for the of the full-scale Windshear wind Racing. will feature ‘10 season, but that’s our plan tunnel near Charlotte, N.C. Auto- Labonte in No. 96 (the old Hall of right now.” sport.com’s sources claim the Fame number), team newcomer In team-related news, Michael team plans to build cars in North in No. 98 and Annett signed for the full season Carolina, something that is now in a “new” No. 28. in No. 15 Toyotas for Germain feasible since in-season Formula It’s new because last year’s car- Racing; Larry Foyt will run the One testing is banned. The latest owner points were moved from Daytona race in the No. 56 Chevy round of cost-cutting measures in No. 28 to Menard, meaning for Mac Hill; Tony Stewart will the sport, and the availability of Kvapil will begin the season with- drive a No. 80 Chevy at Daytona relatively affordable “customer” out being top-35 in owner points for Hendrick Motorsports; Paul engine supplies, have also played and without a guaranteed starting Menard will run 16 Nationwide a large role in USF1’s ambitions. spot in those races. Earnhardt races in the No. 98 Ford for Yates Over in NASCAR-land, Roger Ganassi laid off 40 more employ- Racing, and Danny O’Quinn re- Penske, who owns and fields ees recently, and perhaps that’s portedly will run the full schedule three full-time NASCAR Sprint what spooked Labonte. The team in No. 0 Chevys for Johnny Davis. Cup teams, has bought the No. 22 now seems almost certain to be Multiple motocross champ used by several drivers over the able to field only two full- Ricky Carmichael realizes that he past 16 years with owner Bill schedule Chevys next year, one faces a huge learning curve in his Davis. The No. 22 Bill Davis Rac- for , the other rookie season in the Camping ing/Caterpillar Toyota with driver for Martin Truex Jr. World Truck Series. He’ll drive a finished 31st in Nationwide Insurance wants Harvick-owned No. 4 Chevy in at owner points in ’08 and thus has a to increase its brand awareness least 14 of this year’s 25 races, guaranteed starting spot in this during its second year sponsoring more if sponsorship arrives in year’s first five races. Davis the second-tier Nationwide Se- time. Later! Page 12 MAMA Sez!

Blast From the Past—Mustang Cobra Jet!

. The latest speed demon from headers, a one-piece Ford Racing, the Cobra Jet Mus- driveshaft, a drag spring tang, is a lock to be a collector’s kit and a nine-inch rear item—but at least four of them are axle assembly. The sure to light up their tires and wheels measure 15 make it down the strip. inches by 4 inches in An Oklahoma enthusiast, the front, and the back Brent Hajek, bought the first 10 are 15 inches by 10 and plans to enter four at the inches. NHRA Winternationals at The cars are Pomona, Calif., next month. painted white and have That’s the idea, Ford Racing hood scoops and op- also includes the FR500S, the says, as it wants to get the limited- tional exterior graphics. Inside, FR500C and the FR500GT, run cars in the hands of sportsman there’s a five-inch pedestal ta- which are built with Ford per- racers and reestablish the Mustang chometer, a SVT short-throw formance parts and can be ordered among drag fans. shifter and Cobra Jet seat package. through dealers. The Cobra Jet was first un- The cars cost $69,900, and The new car also marks the veiled at SEMA in November, and deliveries are expected to begin in 40th anniversary of the original Hajek got the keys to the first car the first quarter of the year, Cobra Jet, which was the brain- Dec. 18 at Roush Industries in though they’re being called ‘08 child of drag legend Bob Tasca, a suburban Detroit, the site of final models. Ford is looking at bring- Rhode Island car dealer with a assembly. ing back the car in ‘10, said Brian taste for competition. His conver- Only 50 will be made the first Wolfe, director of Ford Racing sion package got the attention of year—and they’re sold out. They technology. They’ll likely remain Henry Ford II, who had the Blue get a supercharged 5.4-liter, 400- low-volume in the future, with Oval assemble several Mustangs hp engine paired with a six-speed perhaps 50 being produced per in the same fashion. Tasca’s manual transmission or an op- year. grandson, Bob Tasca III, drives a tional three-speed automatic, an Though collectors are likely Mustang Funny Car in the NHRA NHRA-legal interior and a curb angling for the cars, Wolfe ex- series. weight of only 3,300 pounds. Ford pects at least half of the first At the ‘68 Winternationals, Racing says it’s expected to be year’s allotment will make it to two Mustangs made the finals, able to run in the 10-second the drag strip for display or com- and Al Joniec won the Super range. petition—which is the whole point Stock championship. Afterwards, The car is also outfitted of the CJ. Ford announced plans to build the with a crankshaft damper, racing The car begins life at Ford’s 428CJ engine. Flat Rock, Mich., plant Hajek, meanwhile, remains with street Stangs before happy with the modern version. the bodies-in-white make After the Winternationals, he’s it over to the nearby aiming to set a class record with Roush plant. Development the Cobra Jet at another event, and took about eight months. is considering outfitting one of his The Cobra Jet, also 10 cars with an E-85 engine. known as the FR500CJ, is “It’s cool, man—it’s like liv- the latest speedster from ing a dream,” he said shortly after Ford Racing. The series receiving the keys. Volume 22, Issue 6 February, 2009 Page 13

cus, (603) 382-9724; show ics to WRXs). Info: Tom Gei- info—Ed DaRosa, (717) 413- ger, (732) 264-9305 (7-10 p.m. 8668. weekdays), [email protected], Feb. 28th—6th Annual Philly April 18th—23rd Annual NNL or www.nnleast.com. BoyZ ‘Big Sit” (details below) East, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Apr 22nd to Apr 26th—Spring March 21st & 22nd—Masscar Wayne PAL Building, 100 Pal Carlisle Swap Meet & Corral 21st Annual Model Exhibition, Drive, Wayne, NJ. Theme— April 30th to May 3rd—GSL- at the Holiday Inn in Taunton, Fins & Feathers (tailfins, XXII Greater Salt Lake Inter- MA (now featuring military sharkfins, any feathered ani- national Scale Vehicle Cham- classes). Get-together/Italian mal—T-Bird, Firebird, Hawk, pionship, at the Salt Lake Feast on the 21st. Vendor/ etc.), with a Compact Car sub- Sheraton City Centre. Info: military class info—Stu Mar- theme (Pintos to Novas, or Civ- www.gslchampionship.org.

6th Annual Philly Area Car Modelers ‘Big Sit’

When: Saturday February 28th Where: Main Line Hobbies

Hey, how you doin? Listen up if yous knows whats good for ya. The Philly Boyz. (aka Philadelphia Area Car Modelers) is putting’ out an invite ta our 6th Annual Sit Down! If any of yous clowns happen to be in da Philly area on Saturday February 28th, come on down to Mainline Hobbies in East Norriton Pa. (2915 Hannah Ave.) and sit down wit members of da area modeling “Families.” We is expecting representatives from MAMA, Silent Traffic, Joisey Shore, Del Val, Central PA, and a’ course PACM. Dis is a chance ta get togedder before da model car contest season gets into gear and B/S wit’ some of de East Coast’s best modelers. Hey, some a’ dese boys is even listed on dat fugaze Master Modeller Invitational ting.” Dis is NOT a contest of any kind, but we want yous ta’ bring some of your work to da table. Da only competition of any kind may be on da stores’ two primo 1/32 slot car tracks. So, unless yous don’t wanna end sleeping wid da fishes, get yer carcasses to Mainline Hobbies on Saturday February 28th, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Ya won’t regret it. For information, send Uncle Bobby an e-mail @ [email protected] Dat is all. Tank yous for your time.

FROM I-476 North: Take the last exit before the tolls, Exit 20, “Germantown Pike - WEST/Plymouth Road" and Bare Right at the fork in the ramp for Germantown Pike West. Follow Germantown Pike for 3 Miles. Look for a Sunoco Station on your right hand side, and make a right onto Hannah Avenue Just before the Sunoco. We are the First Building on the Left.

FROM Pa Turnpike/NE Extension (I-476 South):

Take Exit 333 Norristown, Make a Left at the Traffic light at the end of the ramp, Then a Right at the r of the 1/32nd scale ‘70 Trans Am kits, This is the newslette e Modelers Maryland Automotiv Classifieds ‘84-’87 MPC Fieros, and ‘70 -’81 Association Firebird Formulas and T/As, Polar Lights funny cars, empty Pontiac Chapter Contact: WANTED: I’m gonna do the Timothy Sickle equivalent of throwing chum into kit boxes. Would also like to buy 15905 Ark Court shark-infested waters, if you’ll or borrow old AMT/MPC/ Bowie, Maryland 20716 Phone: 301-249-3830 pardon the analogy. I am looking Monogram/Revell model car Email: [email protected] to purchase mint, unbuilt and/or catalogs. Contact Tim Sickle at rebuildable GTOs, specifically ‘68 [email protected], or see me at MAMA’s BoyZ do it in scale! MPC hardtops and convertibles, a meeting. and ‘71 hardtops. I also have an FOR SALE/TRADE: extensive collection to trade from, Thinning/narrowing focus, not including but not limited to some quitting. Contact Tim Sickle at mint, unbuilt kits such as an MPC [email protected], or see me at “New” Stuff this month: ‘71 Demon, and ‘77 Volare. Also a meeting. want Monogram ‘81 Snap Fire- Revell ‘69 Camaro Got an ad? E-mail me, and we’ll bird, and Revell Formula converti- (yellow Snap kit) see if we can fit it in! Revell ‘70 Challenger ble, 5-spoke & Minilite-style Revell ‘68 2 ‘n 1 Mustang wheels, in both 1/32nd ‘63 Ford 1/32 ‘63 Ford and 1/24th and/or We’re on the web! Slot car (F. Lorenzen) 1/25th scales, Revell http://www.mamasboyz.org/ Revell Ferrari 250 slot car kit Revell 275P slot car kit Directions

From the Baltimore Beltway (RT 695): Take Exit 7, Route 295 Websites (Baltimore-Washington Parkway) south towards Washington approx. Carlisle Events: 18 miles to Route 193 (Greenbelt http://www.carlisleevents.com Road), and exit. When on the off- East Coast Indoor Nationals ramp, stay to the right and merge (Timonium, MD): right onto Southway (see below). Once on Southway: Go www/eastcoastindoornats.com straight to the second (2nd) STOP Maple Grove Raceway: http:// From the Washington Belt- sign. Make a left onto Crescent www.maplegroveraceway.com/ way (RT 495/95): Take Exit 22 road. Go to the STOP sign and Philly Area Car Modelers: http:// north, towards Baltimore. Stay in make a right into the parking lot www.pacms.org/ the right lane and take the first exit behind the Greenbelt Library. Maryland Intl Raceway: onto Route 193 (Greenbelt Road). Once in parking lot, look to the http://www.mirdrag.com/ When on the off-ramp, bear to the right. The large, white building is Old Toyland Shows: http:// right and take Greenbelt road west, the Greenbelt Community Center. www.oldtoylandshows.com/. towards College Park. Stay in the Enter building using the doors near York US30 Musclecar Madness: right lane and immediately after fenced tot lot. The multi-purpose www.yorkus30.com passing over the Parkway, make a room is on the second floor. There right (at the light) onto Southway is an elevator to the left of the en- (read on!) trance.

President: Lyle Willits Treasurer: Matt Guilfoyle Club Contact [email protected] [email protected] Vice President: Tim Powers Newsletter Editor: Tim Sickle Info [email protected] [email protected]