Marauder die-cast cars

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by Billatpro
Thanks Mac, as always you seem to have the voice of reason, which must be why so many agree with the majority of opinions, which is why I try to find away to disagree :D Just trying to find a way to contribute!!

Oh, but you DO contribute here, Bill, and please keep doing so.

Question...If we were to put up some "promise" money, say maybe 100 bucks a piece, how would that help out with the 1/24 scale MM project? Could we see enough "tool" money?

I think that once we have a decent 1/24 die-cast, the die hard die-cast fans would have to get involved, yes? Just a thought...

[Billatpro]

Well, yes and then again no! You see tooling would run about $60,000.00 to $80,000.00, and would vary much between 1/24th and 1/18th scale,
(I think you would be much happier with 1/18th)

The unit cost would likely be about $45.00 to $55.00 each. so doing the math and using the high side estimate, 80000 / 500 = $160.00 + $55.00 unit cost = $215.00 would you pay that for any scale car.

Now a 1000 cars gets you to $80.00 + $55.00=$135.00 still to high? 1500 cars $53.33 +$55.00=$108.33? and so on. I would pay that for a 1/18th but thats me.

I say 1/18th because you will get a car about 11" long and a ton of detail. The overall profile would be much more faithful also.

Find enough people and we can pull it off.

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by Billatpro
Well, yes and then again no! You see tooling would run about $60,000.00 to $80,000.00, and would vary much between 1/24th and 1/18th scale. The unit cost would likely be about $45.00 to $55.00 each. so doing the math and using the high side estimate, 80000 / 500 = $160.00 + $55.00 unit cost = $215.00 would you pay that for any scale car. Now a 1000 cars gets you to $80.00 + $55.00=$135.00 still to high? 1500 cars $53.33 + $55.00=$108.33? and so on. I would pay that for a 1/18th but thats me. I say 1/18th because you will get a car about 11" long and a ton of detail. The overall profile would be much more faithful also. Find enough people and we can pull it off.

Okay...I'd pay 150. for a Franklin/Danbury mint quality model. I prefer 1/24, because my collection is 1/24, but I'd take a 1/18 if that what it comes to be.

Here's your first 150., now what?

[Murader03]

I'll be the 2nd $150.

[martyo]

Bill: I'll be your third Order @ $150.00.

[Kelly]

I'll be your 4th.

[LincMercLover]

5th here.

[Billatpro]

You guys are just nuts! Ok lets say we can do this now lets also decide what scale I should pursue?

1/24th or 1/18th?

Some considerations:
PRO 1/24th
1- 1/24th is considered the most common "American" collector scale.
2- It would have a unit price about (at a high level of quality) 33% less.
3- Broader appeal based on item 1.
4- Tooling cost might be reduced by a significant amount IF a fairly good tool exsist for a 1/24th scale Crown Vic, which I could mod to produce the MM, there are some out there but I don't know how good they are.

Con 1/24th
1- Detail level might be limited.
2- Proportions can be some what less then faithful depending on the skill and knowledge of the modeler/tool maker.
3- Smaller cars like this tend to have less visual impact.

Pro 1/18th

1- Larger size has more visual impact.
2- Proportions are generally better.
3- Size provides for higher detail level.
4- There is a current "American Muscle" market well developed by ERTL for this scale(but no tool for this car)
5- Manufacture would be more inclined to eat some tooling cost based on ability to produce variations of additional product from tool, some times colors are enough.

Con 1/18th
1- Unit cost higher (about 33%)
2- Tooling cost would be higher.
3- Size thought to be to big for some.
4- May not fit with current collection.

Now bear in mind (this is aimed straight Mac) regardless the choice, franklin Mint level build quality may be tough to get, things like fabric covered seats with "give" to them and hand finished Paint would likely not be there.

so between us we have about $1000.00 rounded up! just a few more thou and we are there!!

Maybe we should do a poll, I've not done this before but how bad could I screw it up?

[Billatpro]

looks like this topic has gotten moved to a new thread where it belongs, thanks.

[vaderv]

Ill buy either but prefer 1/18th.

[sandman]

definately count me in on this!

I prefer the 1/18th scale, but don't recall s ever seeing the CV done up.
I know there are alot of 24th scale versions of CV squads, maybe some mods could be done up to match our MMs??
just a thought.

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by sandman
I know there are alot of 24th scale versions of CV squads, maybe some mods could be done up to match our MMs??

Well, there's an idea for you Bill, unless you have covered it already. I know there are many model cop car builders on the market, in both scales. Maybe they could re-tool a PI to a Marauder for less than what we're expecting now?

[Billatpro]

Guy's, item 4 on the "pro 1/24th list" I would like to get a lead to the custom PI builder's working in each scale.

[MAD-3R]

http://www.classicmetalworks.com

they do 1/24 crown vics. Police cars and New York taxi cabs. They maybe our best bet for now.

[Jack McKenzie]

Let me know...I'd be interested.....

[merc]

sign me up

[mad man]

I talked with a guy who builds and paints 1/24 die cast police cars and he said there is something in the works .auto craft or someone like that is doing a 1/18 new style bullitt mustang so a marauder can happen:) lets hope

[UncleLar]

If you go 1/24th go Danbury Mint,Franklin Mint screws up the proportions.2 quick examples,look at the front-end of their 63 Chevy,or their Harleys at the gas tanks,yuch. I've never seen a Danbury Mint car that wasn't properly proportioned. Personally I prefer 1/18th,I've got a little over 100 1/18 cars and trucks right now.
Sarge,if you're serious about collecting you gotta hit the big Model Show at Dupage County Fairgrounds,twice a year,Feb. and again in the fall.

[Patrick]

I am on the list!:D :D . Scale, either as long its BLACK!!!!!!!!!

[gonzo50]

Count me in guys, I'm for either size as long as it's Black and Beautiful, where do I sign ? ;)

[MMpridenjoy]

Without a doubt, I would be in for either. Patrick says it best, "as long as it's black".

[nexstar7]

ID LIKE TO SEE A SAMPLE OF WHAT IT WILL LOOK LIKE FOR $150
HAQVE TO MAKE SURE IT HAS THE PLASTIC WIPERS, MISSING CARPET.SO ON;)

[JohnnyB]

Will they be 300A or 300B...........:D

[Billatpro]

Well, heres an update, I finally have two company's at least interested! ERTL is very interested but the project is near the bottom of a potential tooling list. This would be the best thing that could happen because it would be "from Scratch" new tooling.

I would furnish my car to them for detail and dimensions and would have some input in final tool approval. They of course would make this a mass market item and would be far short the Franklyn detail level. this might work for a lot of you at much more affordable price of around $40.00

I am trying to get an agreement with them to do a small special run with up scale detail level and in custom designed packaging which I already have done. With Logans permission I would include and perhaps even call it the "MercuryMarauder.net" release, what ya think boy's?

[LincMercLover]

I'm sure he'll let ya do that! ;) Good deal!

[RF Overlord]

Yowzah! Good work, Billatpro!...I'm in for one of those. :D

[Murader03]

Bill.....Like I stated way back when you started looking into this project, "I'm IN!" The MercuryMarauder.net special sounds great also!

[UncleLar]

If the Ertl 1/18 deal goes through I'm in for 2.

[prchrman]

You got my attention...I am in...

[SergntMac]

Nice work Bill, thanks, and count me in.

[WolfeBros]

Thanks here too. Count me in as well. :up:

[KSMM03]

As usual, I'm in for a penny, in for a pound!!!

If you need any mor pictures, let me know...

[one50npump]

Has anyone checked with ford to see if they already have one made????? When i bought my limited edition 35th anniversary mustang back in 99, Ford sent me a die cast of the car, same color as I bought and everything. Surely the already have some Marauders made up somewhere

[area51]

Ford won't advertise or promote this car in any way, I doubt they would make a car for it, they really missed the boat on this one. They have a great car and design but won't spend any money on the promotion of it

[chapel1]

I'm in Bill!:D

[martyo]

I am in too.

[Bob Mathis]

I'm in also.

[nexstar7]

you can count me in.

[jwheeler]

I'm in too!!!:D

-J

[ilpimp]

i'm in too!!!

[HotCrackers]

I want one also!

[Bigdogjim]

Billatpro: I also am in for one of these models.
Thanks
Big Dog

[one50npump]

I knew there had to be one already made.. there is.. theres one on ebay nowebay marauder (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3510115919&category=2514)

[Billatpro]

Yes and it's manufacture is so well informed about his product he calls it a 2002, OH 17" wheels, that hang outside the body! This is a piece of junk, a knock off! be patient and you will have an opportunity to buy something of quality and for far less then $100.00

[Murader03]

Originally posted by Billatpro
Yes and it's manufacture is so well informed about his product he calls it a 2002, OH 17" wheels, that hang outside the body! This is a piece of junk, a knock off! be patient and you will have an opportunity to buy something of quality and for far less then $100.00


The question is: When have you ever run across a bunch of car nuts that were patient? I don't think any of us ever were able to understand what that meant when it came to our cars, women maybe, cars, never......

[Billatpro]

Originally posted by Murader03
The question is: When have you ever run across a bunch of car nuts that were patient? I don't think any of us ever were able to understand what that meant when it came to our cars, women maybe, cars, never......

Well, yes I guess I forgot that! what the hell was I thinking? :D

[drobin]

Good Job, I'm in as well....

[DLoreanMARAUDER]

I need 2. im obsessed with 1/18 scale models, 1/24 break too easily (I know your not supposed to play with them..... but there just so life like). ertl's a good company! and then ill tint the model too :)

[hd2805]

I would be a customer...

[Constable]

OK, I can attest to the work that Classic Metal Works does. Their Police Interceptor is immaculate. One of their guys came right to my Police Dept. to photo and measure every aspect of our patrol cars. They were extremely detail oriented... right down to the customized console area that included the same radio and light systems that our cars use (which are not too common for patrol cars). I have an '02 P.I. model... the front end sits a bit higher than a MM. I'm sure they have an '03 cast by now which would include our undercarriage. I saw that MAD-3R refered to them on the 1st page of this thread. Has anyone checked them out yet???

[Hemlock]

IF ITS A NICE MODEL , IM A PLAYER .

[LincMercLover]

Originally posted by Hemlock
IM A PLAYER .

You admit to that?!?! :lol:

[Mike M]

I'll take 2

[Billatpro]

I have managed to get the MM on build list with ERTL this means it will get built with in the next 180 to 270 days. I have spec order in place and will be the first to get any production from the new mold. I asked for many upgrads not normally offered in there "American Muscle" line of die cast. As soon as I get the build sheet from them I will post it here and you will at least be able to see all spec's for "MercuryMarauder,net" version I am building. When I start excepting orders I will co-ordinate it with Logan so that all Royality payments will be made direct to him from each one of you who place an order.

[RF Overlord]

I guess I should have checked this thread more often...

I'm in for one, too!

Thanks, billatpro! :up:

[jgc61sr2002]

Billatpro - Sounds good keep us posted. John:D

[nexstar7]

i want one. just keep us posted. thanks

[LincMercLover]

Bling bling! :pimp: Count me in (again...)! :up:

[martyo]

I am still in!!!

[Slowpoke]

i am in - afterall, i could explain to the wife that it's a toy for the kid!

[TAF]

I'm in as well, Bill.

This will be my BEST opportunity for a second one....since I OBVIOUSLY don't have the "****zle" that Fordnut seams to have....bastage!

[WolfeBros]

I am in for one too Bill. :up:

[Murader03]

SlowPoke: Who's that rear faciong seat ride? Kinda hard to swivel your neck around to see the road! :beer:

Bill, I'm still on the build sheet. I'll take at least 1, maybe 2.....

[RCSignals]

Sounding better all the time

[gonzo50]

Originally posted by Billatpro
I have managed to get the MM on build list with ERTL this means it will get built with in the next 180 to 270 days.
Yes, I also want one, please. You the Man Billatpro. :bows:

[drobin]

I'm in for one (1).

Donald

[sprtyworty]

I would like one also Bill

[Marauderman]

Well,Well, well,----wondering where I was on this were you--well, been reading this thread since March and just got here....BUT OF COURSE --I'm IN Too.......

Its' been awhile since thread got started--is there any update on how all this is going and the current count??

Anybody can chip in....

[nhinterceptor]

I started this a while ago, it's been collecting dust for a while.
I'm just finishing up a fleet build of 50 CVPI's for a local department.
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2394d/mmnet/24front.jpg
I have filled in the bumper trim strip area and scribed out a single
line. The front lower area has been fab'd and bondo'd up. Needs
a little more work in this area. I drilled the driving light holes into
the facia as they should be.
http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2394d/mmnet/24back.jpg
The rear received a similar treatment, filled and scribed bumper
lines, filled center section. Still needs more bondo, filling and
shaping. The rear bumper holes were also enlarged.
I haven't started the body side molding fab, that's why
there's no side shots.

This is a prototype, I'll be building another one (sometime) and
will take in process shots.

I have another fleet build for a different department, so this is
on hold again.

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2394d/mmnet/mpd.jpg
Just finishing up this job.

-Dan

[JamesHecker]

That's pretty cool. I admire your talent.

[TripleTransAm]

Wow...

I'm speechless. :rock:

[jgc61sr2002]

Dan - They look great please keep us posted.:coolman:

[Bigdogjim]

A work of art! Such talent! Great job.

[TAF]

Well done...lots of perspective buyers here...

[nhinterceptor]

Thank You for all the positive comments and encouragement!

I've located a 1/18 CVPI below retail, I want to start it instead as soon as it arrives. I will take pic's as I go along and post them on my web space so I don't clog up mm.nets bandwidth. Will keep you posted of details.

I never intended to build so many CVPI's, but they were such a hit. Each car is personalize, car number, correct license plates, little details like painting window post (rear doors) etc. Once the word was out the flood gates opened.

I will create the artwork for the rear bumper embossing, grill and trunk emblems and god's head for front buckets. They will be waterslide decals, the guy that makes the custom PD ones for me is really good. Just need the time to do it, Summers finally here!

-Dan

[martyo]

Dan: Quit your day job! The car nuts around here (me included) can keep you plenty busy with orders.

[Doorknob]

:stupid:

[Kelly]

Bill I was #4 did this get made yet?

[nhinterceptor]

The 1/18 scale was out of stock - figures :( so back to the 1/24.

I have modified the chassis and fab'd the exhaust tips. I have provided a link to a web page so as pic's come and go it won't bust stuff on this side.

Exhaust Tips (http://mysite.verizon.net/~vze2394d/mmnet/diecast.htm)

Trying to figure out the grill, the vertical bars are to hard to do individually at 1/24 scale. Will have to check the hobby shop there must be something like I'm looking for either plastic of metal.

-Dan

[Marauder57]

Very nice work! Diggin what you have done so far.... :D

[nhinterceptor]

I've update the pictures at the above link. Needed to hit the primed nose and tail with some glossy paint to see how bodywork looked. I had some Toreador red laying around from a '98 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor with Street Appearance package that I built a couple years ago. I will be doing the finished car in black later.

-Dan

[MSR7878]

I'd put 150 on a 1/18th

[Billatpro]

Headed down to Chitown on wed. or thur. next week to see the man. That diecast is gettin closer!

[jrzygrl]

If these babies are actually happening I'm in for one. How does one go about acquiring one? I was watching this thread a million years ago and I don't even want to go back to the begining.

[Billatpro]

Don't worry Kiddo, Billy will fix you up when the time comes.

[jrzygrl]

YOU the man...thanks

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by Billatpro
Headed down to Chitown on wed. or thur. next week to see the man. That diecast is gettin closer!

Well, Billy, if you do drag your sorry butt to Chicago and you don't call me when you get here, you ain't gonna have much of a butt to tow home, got that?

'Snot my problem, ya know, just that my boys Bruno and "no nose" don't like being disrespected. Best to call me first, or, make sure you got your next of kin numbers in your pocket, K?

See ya then...Right?

[Billatpro]

With a phone number in hand I think I could swing that "Request"?:up:

[duhtroll]

Here is one that surfaced on ebay - just FYI.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3546175625&category=758

Thanks,
-A

[LincMercLover]

That's a SOHC motor, but nice Torque Thrust rims...

[SergntMac]

Well...It is the best looking scale model I've seen yet. Must be a 300C, has the full size spare, but the wrong motor.

It does show my extended exhaust tips nicely.

125 bucks? Nah...I'll wait.

Prototype for a 40 buck die cast production?

Could be...

[bigslim]

As a collector of model cars, plastic and die cast, I really have to have a Maurader in my collection. I have seen one company that made Impalla police cars make some Impalla SS die cast models. It shouldn't be hard for a company that makes Crown Vic police cars to switch to a Maurader.

[SouLRioT]

Has anyone looked into Road Champs? They make 1/43 scale PI's. I think for a normal custom order a department would need a $1,000 min. But they would need to make a new die for our cars (front and rear bumpers) and use differnt wheels.

[nhinterceptor]

AutoArt won't be the only source for 1/18 PI, Red Box aka RBI is suppose to be releasing 1/18 NYPD PI and a blank white version. Maybe they would be interested in doing a Marauder ?

Exoticar (http://www.exoticar.com) has it listed at their web site, search for mfg: RBI and keyword: police

-Dan

[Billatpro]

What you should all know is, it is not as simple as all that! re tooling is a quantity issue per the economics of pay back. no manufacture in the world will re tool a special order item or build a new tool for a $1000.00 order. I could have this car tooled in 90 days and in country 45 days later BUT I would have to place an order of 10,000 cars just to keep the retail price under $75.00 ea. 10,000 X 75.00 = $750,000.00 anyone care to sign this PO? 1000 cars I could sell, 10,000 ????? at 1000 cars the price would be $150.00 to $200.00 ea. now I can't sell a 1000 cars at that price! I know some of you might pay it but most will not.

The next real issue is "FMC" won't hand out a license to this to just anyone who comes along which by the way the guy making these things and selling them on ebay will be getting a call from FORD, they don't take this kind of thing with a sense of humor.

At this point Ford has not licensed the reproduction of this car to anyone and are not inclined to do so at this point in time, this comes from very good source's believe me! They are considering my request but no word yet.
It may never happen or it may but the issue of who could make with it a little rework is not the issue.

[gonzo50]

And the SAGA continues, drive on with the adventure my fellow compadre. :bandit:

[nhinterceptor]

I was just getting ready to order some lightbars for a fleet of police cars I'm building and it hit me - RESIN!

Maybe a resin caster would be interested in making a conversion kit, it's nothing new for them. They have been making body mod/conversion kits for years.

If RBI does offer the CVPI unmarked unit it would be an ideal conversion, they are about half the cost of the AutoArt.

Conversion kit could consist of front bumper cover, grill, headlights, rear bumper cover and exhaust tips. The wheels and tires could be molded in seperate pieces and resin will accept plastic plating. There could also be an interior conversion kit too.

Just an idea :)

- Dan