AMT '64 Olds F-85 AWB

[DAVE "THE DUKE" ARMSTRONG]

Olds AWB

Another poke in the eye of the collectors! Well, sort of. It IS a rare kit, but half way through building it I saw the news that they had restored the mold and were bringing it back, re-issueing this kit- probably in the next few weeks/months. Even though I have the three originals, I'll probably buy a couple repops.

I have had these forever, and although I like the kit immensely, never got around to building one- partly because I was not a fan of the boxart theme, and crappy looking decals- I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with it.

Many years ago a former member of VDM had restored a gluebomb using a Hurst theme and a gold/white paint job- I loved it! Then, some time ago (years? months?) I found a member on another site had done another Hurst theme, in gold/black, with a resin replica of this kit. I have never seen anyone build an original non-gluebomb of this kit. I liked them so much that I had decided that Hurst was the way to go, and I wanted one on MY shelf! So, right off I'm not claiming any credit for the idea of the Hurst theme or the paint style- I chose the gold/black colors. Differences are, not the same gold, the decals, though Hurst themed are not the same, and it is entirely boxstock.

My taping job was not perfect, a couple of paint touch ups needed. Decals were from my stock, several different sources. There was some chipping of the decals that I had to touch up. This is not my best work. The finished build, I think, not quite as good as the other guys (they're great builders!) but at least I figured out what to do with this kit, even though it's not my idea, and I have it on the shelf. Comments welcome!

[BRITBOY]

First of all, that looks great Dave (and I didn't even have to prompt you for an engine shot - "You are learning well Grasshopper"). I can see Joe at the helm of that thing, crossed up off the lights and grinning like a loon!

I have history with this kit. It first turned up on my radar many years ago when, I think, it appeared in SAE and I wanted one soooo badly! The thing looked so cool, even if I had my doubts about what class it would ever have actually run in. With the arrival of the internet I thought I finally had a chance of getting my hands on one so a hunt began - a long hunt as it turned out. Then a weird coincidence occurred, a friend did get his hands on one at the same time that one popped up on Ebay (at an eye watering price). Checking his kit out I realised that the whole thing fell far short of the accuracy/ detail levels that I demanded of kits at that time so I dropped the hunt in a huff. I did keep an eye open for glue bombs as I knew I would be throwing most of the kit away anyway (my inner detail addict at work!) but no joy there either. Now, even though there's a reissue out there, I'm not sure I really want one anymore so, long story short, it's great to see one built as it came back in the day!

[Sammy the ace]

First off l was having laughing fits when l had seen my name on the side (thanks Dave)
Second yes l would go like a bat out hell if l was in the driver's set
But l really like this  kit l never got a chance to get one hopefully we at down under will get some 
Really  nice build l like your paint scheme l think it turned out nice 
Also seems retirement is suiting you you are building some really great stuff  cannot wiat to see what else you pull out your hat
The collectors must be crying like little babies 

[ssdave]

Love it!

[DAVE "THE DUKE" ARMSTRONG]

Apr 4, 2024 2:51:44 GMT -4 BRITBOY said:

First of all, that looks great Dave (and I didn't even have to prompt you for an engine shot - "You are learning well Grasshopper"). I can see Joe at the helm of that thing, crossed up off the lights and grinning like a loon!

I have history with this kit. It first turned up on my radar many years ago when, I think, it appeared in SAE and I wanted one soooo badly! The thing looked so cool, even if I had my doubts about what class it would ever have actually run in. With the arrival of the internet I thought I finally had a chance of getting my hands on one so a hunt began - a long hunt as it turned out. Then a weird coincidence occurred, a friend did get his hands on one at the same time that one popped up on Ebay (at an eye watering price). Checking his kit out I realised that the whole thing fell far short of the accuracy/ detail levels that I demanded of kits at that time so I dropped the hunt in a huff. I did keep an eye open for glue bombs as I knew I would be throwing most of the kit away anyway (my inner detail addict at work!) but no joy there either. Now, even though there's a reissue out there, I'm not sure I really want one anymore so, long story short, it's great to see one built as it came back in the day!

Glad you liked the build, Harley. I understand where you're coming from, it IS a rather unusual car kit.

[DAVE "THE DUKE" ARMSTRONG]

Apr 5, 2024 3:39:48 GMT -4 Sammy the ace said:

First off l was having laughing fits when l had seen my name on the side (thanks Dave)
Second yes l would go like a bat out hell if l was in the driver's set
But l really like this  kit l never got a chance to get one hopefully we at down under will get some 
Really  nice build l like your paint scheme l think it turned out nice 
Also seems retirement is suiting you you are building some really great stuff  cannot wiat to see what else you pull out your hat
The collectors must be crying like little babies 

Glad it tickled you Joe! I just thought it would be cool seeing you drive it!
More cool stuff coming- retirement is great, time to do what I want.

[DAVE "THE DUKE" ARMSTRONG]

Apr 16, 2024 10:30:41 GMT -4 ssdave said:

Love it!

Thanks Dave!

[Sammy the ace]

Jeez you guys l was looking forward to getting one
Now not so sure thanks for bursting my bubble 
Looking forward to see what other gems you build 
Always a treat