Test Shots for American Muscle 1:18
When we begin the process of making an American Muscle car, the factory first sends us a test shot. Usually the test shot is painted, with no deco, colors or vehicle badging. The main point of the undecorated test shot is to see the fit, assembly, and optional parts used in the correct places. This helps us determine whether everything is correctly assembled before the factory begins to mass-inject the castings to prep them for production. At this stage, we may change a hood scoop, wheels, engine parts, etc. if we see a problem. It also helps us point out areas where we can improve on some of these molds with minor tooling modifications.
Shown here is the test shot for upcoming AMM927, a 1971 Plymouth Duster. After we approve the test shot, next comes the first painted samples. I’ll talk about those next time.
Sneak Peek: American Muscle 1971 Super Bee
New to the Auto World blog? This is just a taste of things to come from Auto World. Absolutely nowhere else will you find pics of this upcoming 1:18 scale musclecar. The item number is AMM929 and won’t be available until October! So, gather ’round… we’ll be posting new and exciting sneaks and info in the future on a regular basis.
We at Auto World are striving to make the American Muscle product line better than it’s ever been. Happy collecting!
Round 2’s mascot
Round 2 has a kangaroo in its logo. Maybe we should change it to a cat! Meet “Max”. He’s our office cat that keeps us company day in and day out. Round 2 is his home, so we are all his family. Spotted like a leopard, he’s a “Bengal” breed cat. He’s a good companion that is always eager to climb into boxes, take a nap under a warm desk lamp, or stop by and say hello.
Just Arrived New X-Traction Racing Rigs Semis
Hey guys how’s it going?
This is Tony Karamitsos Product Manager here at Round 2.
As most of you know me and my passion for cars, i’ve been involved with Die Cast, Slot Cars and the development of product since the early days with Playing Mantis / JL and for the last few years here at Round 2.
I really enjoy researching and staring a project from start to finish. Seeing something begin from scratch and then moving along to mockup / test shot stage, to designing car graphics and then to see and hold the finished product is a great feeling and accomplishment!!
In this release I’m featuring our New X-Traction Racing Rigs Semis.
These Haulers are new tools and all trailers feature dual axles and guide pins for extra stability on the track.
The Rigs themselves are very detailed with painted and chrome features. Make sure to lift the trailers to see the added detail on the flat part where the trailer mounts to the semis.
Have fun with your Rigs and that’s a 10-4 Good Buddy!!
Tony K
American Muscle: The Interior Is “Red”
When we research colors for American Muscle interiors, body paint, or stripe colors, often times there are endless photos detailing the colors that we need to replicate, but sometimes we can’t get our hands on the actual paint or material for a color comparison.
So, when the upcoming 1969 Charger (AMM924) called for a red interior, we simply asked the factory to paint several samples that might be close. The painted seat material looks very different when compared to a Pantone or House of Kolor swatch due to it’s slight texture, so it was a case of trial and error. Even the painted color samples we don’t choose are kept for future reference in case we want to use them later for another project. Unexpectedly, the choice for the interior for the ‘69 Charger was based off of SG115 Kosmos Red.
American Muscle: Muscle Cars, Packaging, And Design!
Welcome to the Auto World blog! I’m Mike Groothuis. I’m an Art Director for Auto World. I’ve been drawing and designing cars since I was a little kid, so this is truly my passion!
My primary responsibilities are designing new packaging and vehicle paint schemes for Custom & Premium customers, researching and developing many of the cars for the American Muscle 1:18 scale cars, and in-house photographer for nearly every vehicle we use on packaging and sales materials.
Stop by often! We’ll keep you updated on the latest news from Auto World!