Funky Show Rods

[Terry Jessee]

When I was working on "Hot Rod Model Kits," one of the categories that kept popping up was all the show rod kits that were produced in the '60s and early '70s. I built a few things for the book (most of which were not included), but I think they're fun. And they seem to be getting a kind of revival. So here's a few.

MPC's "Jolly Rodger." This was designed by Bill Depuy, then sent to Harry Bradley for a little more flash. The story of the development is detailed in the book.

The Jolly Rodger was an offspring of the "Beverly Hillbillies TV Truck." This photo was supposed to accompany the story, but didn't make the cut.

AMT's "Li'l Stogie." When I was working on the book, I really wanted one of these for some reason but the originals were just too expensive. When Round2 re-released it, I grabbed one and built it. This one and the Jolly Rodger were a lot of fun because of all the textures--cloth, wood, leather, and rusty metal.

These are silly, but they're also a lot of fun.

Tom Daniel's "Red Baron." This is probably Monogram's top-selling kit of all time. Some estimates put sales at seven million.

The original version of the "Fast Buck" was this "Jinx Express." I think the friendly folks at Brinks didn't like this because it got changed pretty quickly.

Tom Daniel's "T'rantula." When asked where this idea came from, he said, "I just like spiders." Funny story about this model. I was trying to make the little spider (originally it was designed to be a pin) a little better looking, so I wound up using black flocking to make the body hairy. One night I was up working at the computer when I heard this "thump!" on my hobby bench. When I got down there, I found my wife standing next to the bench with a slipper in her hand. There were a number of little bright green pieces scattered on the bench, including the hairy little body. She looked at me and said, "I think I just broke one of your toys."

This guy is the second version.

Terry

[jeffs396]

Good stuff Terry!

I remember building a Red Baron as a kid...I think the "helmet" is still in my parts box

Edited October 17, 2010 by jeffs396

[sobpinstriping]

I love old show rods. You did a great job, I havent seen a few of those before now I have to keep my eye out.

cheers

mat

[Foxer]

Your wife apparently agrees on your building talents!

[Chuck Most]

Very cool! I've always wanted to try out one of those Jolly Roger kits.

Fun fact about the Red Baron... after MPC kitted Chuck Miller's Fire Truck T show rod, Mr. Miller sort of 'returned the favor' and built a 1:1 version of the Red Baron kit using a Pontiac OHC I-6 for power.

[charlzrocks]

Great builds, I love em all...they are all off the wall and make the show rod what it was back in the day.

[Modellpularn]

I'm getting a bit of an urge to build some of these. I'm tinkering with the Beer Wagon right now. Think I need something uncomplicated to finish in order to get me back "in the groove" again....

[Tijuanataxi]

I just love them old show rods

Great builds Terry, thanks for sharing. I actually thought that Monogram´s ´40 Ford pick up were their top selling kit.