AMT ERTL International Scout II 1/25 Scale

The original Scout was created as a competitor to the Jeep. The Scout was developed and ultimately produced in less than two years time -- a remarkable achievement in the automotive industry in the 60's.

The Scout line was formally introduced to the public on January 18, 1961. The first Scout to roll off the production line was available in both 2WD and 4WD versions. The engine was a 93 hp 4 cylinder engine, with 3 speed, floor mounted transmission. In 1967, the first Scout V-8 was built, powered with a 266 cubic inch engine.

Scout 80Scout 80 was the model designation for the early model Scouts (1961-mid-1965). They had sliding windows, a 152 4 cyl. engine, a fold-down windshield, vacuum windshield wipers at the top of the windshield and an IH logo in the center of the grill.

AMT ERTL World War II Jeep 1/24 Scale

On September 23, 1940 in response to an Army Invitation For Bids, the American Bantam Car Company of Butler, Pa. delivered a prototype vehicle to Camp Holabird for testing. The test vehicle was immediately recognized by the Army as one of the most important and innovative vehicles in the history of modern land warfare. Delivered and tested as Bantam Reconnaissance Car #1001, it was soon thereafter that it's testers dubbed it the "jeep".

Though the design and development of the first prototype jeep was primarily the work of Bantam Car Co., both Willys and Ford later supplied prototypes to the Army also. The Army tested all three designs and combined features of each design into one standardized jeep design. The initial contract for these standardized jeeps, model MB, was awarded to Willys in October, 1941. With the attack on Pearl Harbor shortly thereafter and America's entry into WWII, the Army felt that a second producer of jeeps would be needed. Ford Motor Company was contracted to build standardized jeeps based on the Willys MB design. Ford's designation for their standardized jeeps was model GPW.

A common misconception is that the letters "GPW" stood for General Purpose - Willys, but this is incorrect. The letters "GPW" are from Ford's own vehicle model codes where "G" indicated Government contract, "P" was Ford's code for an 80" wheelbase Reconnaissance Car 4X4, and "W" meant Willys design motor.

Another common misconception is that the name "jeep" was derived from a slurring of the letters "GP", but the word "jeep" was in common usage as early as 1938 - two years before the first jeep appeared. Exactly how the little 4x4 Reconnaissance Car ended up with the name "jeep" has never really been determined.

Willys and Ford went on to produce approximately 650,000 standardized jeeps between November 1941 and August 1945. Ford stopped producing jeeps with the end of WWII, but Willys adoped the jeep name and developed many successful civilian versions of the trusty wartime jeep.

Its simple, robust design gave the WWII jeep a legendary reliability in the field. The jeep served well beyond it's intended purpose acting as not only a Reconnaissance Car, but as weapons platform, ambulance, troop transport, equipment hauler, tractor, railroad locomotive (when fitted with special wheels) and more. The flat hood served equally well as a dinner table, operating table, map table or altar in the field. It was beloved by the troops and remains one of the most recognizable vehicles in the world.

Model Kit Review:
http://www.spencer1984.com/my_models/hound.php

Aoshima Toyota Land Cruiser BJ40V Hardtop 1/20 Scale

The Toyota FJ40 is the model designation for a Toyota Land Cruiser made from 1960 until 1983. Most FJ40 Land Cruisers were built as two-door vehicles with approximately the same dimensions as a Jeep CJ.

Over the years Toyota has changed the engines used in the J40 series. The B series motor is a 4 cylinder diesel, and the H series a 6 cylinder diesel. The diesel engined trucks were never sold to the general public in the USA, though some found their way in as mine trucks. The engines are similar, within the series. For example, the F and 2F engines share many of the same parts, however. H and 2H are almost another thing. There are individual models within the engine series, for example, there is a F125 engine, and a F155 engine, all in the F series with different power ratings.

Most J40 series vehicles could have their roof and doors removed, and with a folding windscreen this allowed for complete open-air experience. Before c.1973, original factory winches were driven directly from the transfercase, powered by the engine. Later models used an electric winch (a Warn M-8274 4-ton model).

AMT ERTL 1957 Chevy Stepside Pickup 1/24 Scale

Chevrolet's management dubbed the 1955 trucks their "Task-Force" line. Task-Force is a naval term. "Task" refers to a specific job or series of jobs the Task Force is to accomplish and "Force" is the inherent power with which they accomplish their tasks.

Task-Force pickups were all new. Their styling hallmarks included the truck industry's first wraparound windshield. Chevrolet advertising called it a "Sweep-Sight Windshield". This idea was first shown the year before on GM's innovative Buick LeSabre concept Motorama show car. Other interesting styling innovations included shrouded headlights in visored fenders, a classic egg crate grille, running boards

The "Second Series 1955" Chevrolet trucks were called Task-Force models. Chevrolet designers developed a new shape for these trucks called the "Load Pulling" look. New features for driver convenience and ease of operation included power steering, power brakes, overdrive for half-ton pickups, key-turn starts, tubeless tires, a 12-volt electrical system and a four speed automatic transmission on Series 3000 pickups.

Fujimi Suzuki Jimny Samurai 1/24 Scale

After more than a decade of proving their 4x4 prowess in countries all over the world, Suzuki introduced the all-new SJ410 (nomenclature signifying 4-wheel-drive, 1.0 liter engine) in 1982. This truck was also known as the SJ30, the Sierra, the Jimny, and also re-badged as the Maruti Gypsy in India, as well as the Holden Drover in Australia.

Larger and more modern than the LJ series, the SJ30 expanded on the LJ's pluses and addressed many of the minuses. The 970cc 4-cylinder engine was a larger version of the LJ80's power plant, delivering 45hp and an even bigger improvement in torque, helping to haul its additional 300lbs over that of the LJ more quickly to its identical top speed of 68mph.

More information: http://suzuki.off-road.com/suzuki/article/articleDetail.jsp?id=277666

Aoshima Mitsubishi Montero Wagon GLS 1/24 Scale

The Mitsubishi Pajero, known as the Mitsubishi Montero in the Americas and Spain, and as Mitsubishi Shogun in the United Kingdom, is an SUV built by Mitsubishi Motors. The name Montero (meaning "mountain warrior") was used because Pajero is slang for wanker in Spanish.

Thanks to its worldwide popularity, the Pajero (and Montero) names were also applied to other, unrelated models. The Pajero Mini is a keicar-sized SUV available only in Japan. The Mitsubishi Pajero iO (sold in Europe as the Pajero Pinin or Montero iO), is a smaller SUV, similar in size to the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V. The Japanese Mitsubishi Challenger was renamed as the Pajero/Montero/Shogun Sport in most export markets.

Mitsubishi sold over three thousand Pajeros in 1989 and 1990. However, the time for a redesign was long due and 1992 saw the first Generation II Pajero. Just about everything was now new and further enhanced. A new, larger body was available in four different versions; Metal Top, Canvas Top Convertible, Semi High Roof Wagon and High Roof Wagon (long wheel base).

The short wheel base models where stretched by 70 millimeters (2.8 inches) and the long wheel base models by 30 millimeters (1.2 inches). The available engines included a 3.0 liter 12-valve SOHC with ECI-Multi electronic fuel injection and a 2.5 liter turbocharged diesel engine with an intercooler.

Aoshima Toyota Hilux 4WD Pick Up Double Cab 1/24 Scale

The Toyota Hilux, and Toyota Tacoma, are compact pickup trucks built and marketed by the Toyota Motor Corporation. The Hilux name was adopted as a replacement for the Stout in 1969, and remains in use worldwide. In North America, the Hilux name was retired in 1976 in favor of Truck, Pickup Truck, or Compact Truck, until it was renamed the Tacoma in 1995.

As the Hilux name was dropped in the US in 1976, any details listed here purporting to relate to the Hilux from that date may not be entirely correct when applied to the vehicle that continues to be marketed by Toyota as the Hilux throughout the rest of the world.
The product lines for the US and elsewhere diverged at that point and in many cases on a year for year basis the vehicles sold in the US only resemble the Hilux, with major mechanical/chassis differences

The next redesign, in 1989, saw a longer-wheelbase option, 122 in (309.9 cm) versus 103 in (261.6 cm) for the regular wheelbase. The V6 Xtracab SR5 earned Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year award that year. Production began at the NUMMI plant in Fremont, California in 1991.

Aoshima Nissan Terrano 1/24 Scale

The Nissan Pathfinder and Terrano are mid-size SUVs. Where as the Pathfinder is sold in North America, the name first introduced in 1986, elsewhere in the world the vehicle was known as the Terrano. The first generation Pathfinder/Terrano platform is known as the WD21.

The North American first generation Pathfinder came in two different bodies, and shared styling and most components with the Nissan Hardbody Truck. From 1986 to 1989 Pathfinders came in a two door body. In 1990 the body changed to a four door. Some 1990 Pathfinder's came with the two door body, but they are rare. The 2-door version was available in Canada until 1992.

From 1986 to 1989 Pathfinders were available with either the Nissan VG30I V6, or the Z24 I4. In 1990 the V6 received an upgrade from throttle body injection to a multi point fuel injection system. This engine was known as the VG30E, and was rated at 153 hp and 180 lb/ft torque. Also in 1990, the Z24 was replaced with the KA24E.

Tamiya Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited V8 1/24 Scale

The Grand Cherokee was a spinoff of the notably smaller Jeep Cherokee. Based on the Jeep Concept 1 (1989), the Grand Cherokee's origins date back to 1983 when American Motors engineers were designing a Cherokee successor.

The Grand Cherokee debuted in grand fashion at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. Production of the Grand Cherokee started shortly afterward in the purpose-built Jefferson North Assembly in Detroit, Michigan and has remained there since.

ZJ (1993–1998)
The ZJ models, manufactured from 1993 to 1998, originally came in 3 general trims, the Base, Laredo, and the Limited.

The Base model (later renamed SE in 1994) offered basic features such as full instruments, cloth interior, a standard five-speed manual transmission (93-94), and other optional equipment found on Laredo; The SE model was dropped in 1996 due to lack of consumer demand. The

Laredo was the mid-scale model (base model after 1996), features included added body cladding power windows, power door locks, and cruise control; exterior features displayed a medium grey plastic lower body paneling and five-spoke aluminum wheels.

The Limited was the premium model, with the lower body paneling being the same color as the vehicle color. The Limited also boasted features such as leather seating, optional power sunroof, mirrors, seats, and remote keyless entry system; a basic onboard computer; and waffle-like cast aluminum wheels.

Open engine bay.

Ford F-150 Ortho Lawn and Garden Stock Racing Truck 1/24 Scale

With stock car racing as one of the most popular forms of motorsports in the world, combined with the current popularity of American made pickup trucks, it was only a matter of time before the two came together to form a racing series involving pick up trucks based on the Stock Car rules.

Just like their Stock Car "cousins", there are many reasons for the enormous popularity of Stock Truck racing. The trucks are recognizable to people who actually drive the stock versions. Fords look like Fords and Chevy's look like Chevys. Add well known corporate sponsors, high profile drivers, bold graphics, high-speed close quarter racing excitement and the awesome rumble of the big V-8 engines and Stock Truck racing becomes a true spectacle.

AMT ERTL CJ7 Jeep 1/24 Scale

The CJ7 came out in 1976 and was an upgrade to its predecessor the CJ5. The CJ-7 had a 93.5 inch wheelbase and was seen as the most exhilarating development in the 4x4 market in years. It shared many features of the CJ5, including the engine and transmission, but had many changes such as wider door openings, more leg room for front and rear passengers and an optional plastic hardtop.

The CJ7 was the first CJ that offered both the Quadra-Trac and Hydra-Matic four-wheel drive system. The standard base motor was an inline six cylinder that was 232 cubic inches through a bore and stroke of 3.75 x 3.50 inches. This engine produced 100 bhp @ 3600 rpm. Since this really didn’t cut it for most jeep drivers, there was always the optional 258 cubic inch inline six cylinder or the 304 cubic inch V8. There were also trim and convenience packages such as the Renegade package. Locking rear differentials and winches were available options too which most buyers wanted for off-road use.

Open engine bay.

Lindberg F150 Pickup Truck 1/24 Scale

The F-Series is a series of full-size pickup trucks from Ford Motor Company sold for over 5 decades. The most popular variant of the F-Series is the F-150. It has been the best-selling vehicle in the world for 23 years and the best-selling truck in the United States for 28 years, though this does not include combined sales of GM pickup trucks[1].

Ford took the aero styling to its conclusion for 1997 with an extremely round nose on the new F-series. The "Super Duty" F series did not yet exist, so an F-250 was offered which was an F-150 with heavier duty axles and suspension, along with odd 7 lug wheels. With the arrival of the Super Duty, this F-250 "light duty" was offered as the "7700" package for the F-150 (noted on the tailgate emblem). A wide variety of body options were available: regular cab and SuperCab, standard or flareside boxes, and short and long beds.

Open engine bay.

Testor Boyd's Custom Chevy Pickup Truck 1/24 Scale

Chevy C/K Pickup offers higher payloads (select models), more powerful standard engine and diesel power at lower GVWRs than Dodge Ram. Dodge offers no available third door or front-passenger air-bag. Chevy C/K Pickup offers more standard torque and higher available horsepower and torque than Ford F-150.

C/K Pickup offers more front legroom and shoulder room than the redesigned Ford F-150
C/K Pickup offers a choice between a V6, two V8s and a Turbo-Diesel V8 on most 1500 Series trucks. Ford's choice is limited to one V8, with no diesel choice.

Open engine bay.

Revell 1973 to 1987 Chevy Pickup Truck 1/24 Scale

Starting in 1973 Chevy made some big changes on it's C/K Series trucks. The changes to the trucks resulted in a style that was embraced by the American public and was relatively unchanged for 15 years.

1973--The first year for the new truck displayed a completely new look from the previous 6 years. The most notable changes were to the body. The new trucks featured a completely restyled and "rounded" body style, curved side glass, bigger more comfortable seats, and flow through ventilation directed through louvers behind the hood. Woodgrain trim panel on tailgate of top trim levels. Also introduced in 1973 was a crew cab 1 ton 3+3 pickup nicknamed the "Big Dooley." 454 replaces 400 (402) as top engine option. 1,055,273 units were produced surpassing the 1972 Ford sales record.

Revell Chevy Tahoe Snap Kit 1/24 Scale

The Chevrolet Tahoe (and similar GMC Yukon) is a full-size SUV from General Motors. The Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon currently serve as General Motors' full-size SUVs. Lengthened wheelbase models are available for both as the Suburban for the Tahoe and Yukon XL for the Yukon.

The Tahoe was Motor Trend magazine's Truck of the Year for 1996. The Tahoe/Yukon were shorter than the Suburban on which they were based, but shared that vehicle's GMT400 platform. This was a true truck chassis, and was based on that used in the Chevrolet Silverado full-size pickup truck. Both two-door and four-door models were produced, as well as rear- and four-wheel drive.

In Mexico, the Tahoe 2 doors was released in 1995 called Chevrolet Silverado, and 1998 was released Silverado 4 door, is available in Base, LS and luxury LT. When the GMT800-based SUVs were released in 2000, a Tahoe Limited was produced for demand purposes.

More information: http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z198/default.aspx

AMT ERTL 1996 Ford Explorer Limited 1/24 Scale

The 1995 Explorer was significantly redesigned. Improving the vehicle that dominated the SUV market was a challenge. Since its introduction, Explorer had been a showroom sellout - without sales incentives. Not only was the vehicle already recognized as a leader in overall versatility, but it also topped all international competitors by being the only major SUV to offer dual air bags, four-wheel disc brakes, rack-and-pinion steering and a four-wheel, anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Said Benintende: "The 1995 Explorer was an expression of how Ford listened to its customers and responded directly to their needs. J.D. Power and Associates, a leading independent automotive research and survey firm, named it the best compact sport utility vehicle in initial quality." The redesigned SUV again maintained its best-selling status with sales of 395,227 during that calendar year. Major changes to the 1995 model included all-new front-end sheet metal offering a more rounded aerodynamic look, and all-new Short and Long Arm (SLA) front suspension. A Control Trac four-wheel drive system added safety and stability to the Explorer by automatically increasing torque to the front wheels upon rear wheel slippage.

Consumer safety was at the forefront of the redesign, with rear seat head restraints and a Crush Management System that incorporated accordion-like pleats in key areas of the frames and body structure. It was designed to absorb energy in a controlled manner and better protect occupants in the event of frontal impact. The 1995 model also added interior comfort amenities including a message center, 6-disc CD player and an integrated child safety seat.

In 1996, an optional 5.0L V8 all-wheel drive system was added to Explorer. The introduction of the optional V8 engine pleased buyers who were looking for more trailer-towing power to go along with the SUVs other capabilities. The optional new engine helped drive sales for the 1996 calendar year to 402,663 units.

A new 4.0L SOHC V-6 engine was offered on the 1997 Explorer with the XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited series. This engine was optional, as the 4.0-liter OHV V-6 was standard. For the sixth consecutive year, customers recognized its superiority and their preference enabled the Explorer to maintain its best-selling SUV status by selling 383,852 units in the 1997 calendar year.

Revell Monogram Dodge Ram VTS Pickup 1/24 Scale

An all-new Ram was introduced for 1994 and was an immediate hit with its combination of rugged looks, powerful engine lineup and car-like interior. Available only in a standard cab, the Ram's model designations changed to 1500 (half ton), 2500 (three-quarter ton) and 3500 (one ton). Dodge boasted that the new Ram was the largest full-size standard cab pickup available and, as a result, had the most passenger and in-cab cargo room. Wheelbases measured in at either 118.7 inches (6.5-foot bed) or 134.7 inches (8-foot bed).

Trim levels were revised and included the Work Special, LT, ST and luxurious Laramie SLT. As expected, the Work Special was bare bones, the LT and ST models added features such as a chrome (versus painted) grille, exterior clearance lights and a power take-off adapter (on 2500 and 3500 models), and the Laramie SLT was like the previous generation's Super LE: loaded to the gills. A 40/20/40 split front seat in the Laramie SLT had a center armrest/storage bin large enough to hold a laptop computer.

Engine choices in the new Ram were impressive in their variety and power output, and even though some of them lost a few horsepower to emissions tuning, they still had best-in-class payload and towing ratings. The engines and their output were as follows: 3.9-liter, 175-horsepower V6; 5.2-liter, 220-horsepower V8; a pair of 5.9-liter, 230-horsepower V8s (one rated as heavy duty with more low-end torque); 5.9-liter Cummins Turbodiesel (with 175 horsepower and 420 ft-lbs of torque for manual transmissions and 160 horses/400 ft-lbs for automatics); and a new V10 with a huge 8.0 liters worth of displacement. The big V10 debuted halfway through the model year and belted out 300 horsepower and 450 ft.-lbs. of torque, making it the most powerful gasoline engine available in a pickup.

Transmissions now included a four-speed automatic option for the Cummins Turbodiesel as well as the V10.Leading-edge upgrades in the area of safety also took place, with the Ram being the first full-size pickup featuring a standard driver airbag and the option of four-wheel ABS on 1500 and 2500 models.

Revell 1999 Silverado CK Chevy Pickup 1/24 Scale

Although General Motors introduced its first pickup truck in 1930, the term "Silverado" was a designation only used to detail the higher-level trim for the Chevrolet C/K pickup trucks from 1975 through 1999. Similarly, GMC's C/K used the "Sierra" as the higher-level trim designation on its vehicles up until 1988. In 1988, GMC decided to use the "Sierra" name on all GMC pickup trucks, though the "C/K" nomenclature was continued through 1999. "C" trucks had rear-wheel drive while "K" models had four-wheel drive. Both Chevrolet and GMC dropped the "C" and "K" designations in 1999.

The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks have been essentially the same for their entire history. The Silverado today is generally advertised as the "tougher" version, while the Sierra has more luxury options. There are some trim and option variations as well. Early models included variations in the engine and equipment, but the present differences are slight. The 1999 redesign included different grilles and interior trim, and certain features (e.g. Quadrasteer) were included at different times on the two trucks.