Round2 model kits molded in USA

[kenny]

Maybe common knowledge, but I just realized the ex-Lindberg tools acquired by Round2 never got shipped to Chyna.

I just picked up the AMT branded repop of the old IMC "Touch Tone Terror" Dodge A-100. My first clue something was different was the box rattled like the old days (Tires aren't bagged). I noticed the cellophane was different from other recent Round 2 kits as well.

Sure enough reading the tiny print on the box, molded in Chicago Illinois USA. Packaging and decals made in Chyna though so still dependent on the slow boats for retail.

I looked at the fine print on the 64 Belvedere and 34 Pickup and they are the same way, molded in USA. At least one of the addresses was Michigan. I'm guessing all the tools last owned by Lindberg are still here.

[jbwelda]

I am not sure why you would even care. Frankly, the stuff molded in "Chyna" (why did you spell it like that anyhow?) is probably far superior to those supposedly molded in the USA. Thats what its come to, welcome to walmart aka the USA.

jb

[kenny]

Just an observation. Very few products that used to be produced here still are. I found a few.

If it's offensive to you that I care, that isn't my problem.

[jbwelda]

Nope, not your problem. Personally I prefer products not made here. Those glory days are long gone. Not your problem either I suppose.

PS: tires rattling around in the box vs bagged and not making marks on plastic. Kind of speaks for itself.

thanks
jb

[daddyrabbit1954]

In my early years of buying kits, primarily the early 1960's, styrene models made in the USA were the very best available. I don't recall ever having an issue with loose parts and tires only became problematic when they were stored for long periods of time. In those instances, the most common issue was clear plastic being damaged by the tires.
It's probably hard for younger people to realize this, but most brand-new car model kits could be bought for $1.00 each. Sometimes, a little more. The first time I ever bought (or even laid eyes on one) a styrene kit from another country outside the USA was from the Smithsonian Museum gift shop in Washington DC. It was an Airfix model. Later, I bought very low-cost kits made by Frog. Kits from Asia did not appear here until much later.
One of the most remarkable things about opening a brand-new American-made kit was that unforgettable smell of the styrene. Wonderful. Everyone who did this know exactly what I'm talking about.

[kenny]

Loose tires aren't my favorite thing either, in fact I used to bag them myself upon opening a kit, but hadn't had to do that in a while. I just said that was my first clue something was different and got me looking closer at the box.

[jbwelda]

Then there is Testors. Still proudly made in the USA.

And anyone with any of their paint on their shelves ought to go check the condition of the cans. You will probably not be pleased at what you find. At least if my experience holds for others.

Over, out

jb

[kenny]

Well "Testors" is now owned by a multinational corporation, so you will probably get your wish for some superior quality chinese paint soon.

[jbwelda]

I think you are misunderstanding my point, its not that I wish for quality "chinese" paint, it is that trusting in the "made in usa" to guarantee quality is a conceit that lost its value a long time ago and is not likely to come back any time soon. If I want quality paint, in a quality container, that sprays with some consistency without the nozzle clogging the first time I use it (even with shaking the can > 5 minutes), I buy Tamiya. Even now, its difficult to surpass Japanese products when it come to quality in most if not all aspects, even if it costs a bit more. Worth it to me in time saved not having to strip and repaint often numerous times like I find myself doing with Testors, not to mention cheap hardware store paint more suited to painting metal lawn furniture than delicate plastic models.

Just by way of clarification, you know.

jb

[kenny]

That is a weird attempted sidestep, because Tamiya paint has always been made in Japan. And Tamiya has always been a Japanese company.

Tamiya paint is not an example of something that was designed and developed in the USA, then had all the tooling and jobs shipped off to china.

You sure sound like you are cheering the loss of American production and jobs, and claiming that chinese products are superior in quality to anything still made here. All because I pointed out that a few tools remain here in the states.

[jbwelda]

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ...

Yep cheering on the fall of the empire that gave away its foundation for short term shareholder profits a long time ago. Everything crash, and its all my fault.

I probably wear lace underwear as well. And drive a Toyota.

Thanks for playing, have a great day.

jb

[kenny]

Mar 29, 2024 13:47:44 GMT -5 jbwelda said:

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ...

Yep cheering on the fall of the empire that gave away its foundation for short term shareholder profits a long time ago. Everything crash, and its all my fault.

I probably wear lace underwear as well. And drive a Toyota.

Thanks for playing, have a great day.

jb

You may very well wear lace underwear, I have no idea, and am not one to judge. If you drive a Toyota, we share that in common.

When you claim that Chinese products are far superior to anything still produced here, and there is no reason for any product designed or developed here to be produced anywhere but chyna, is where we differ. Have a wonderful ignorant oblivious life, sir.

[jbwelda]

Why do you spell it "Chyna"?

Never mind, if this continues we are both going to get booted.

one love
jb

[kenny]

Mar 31, 2024 16:13:36 GMT -5 jbwelda said:

Why do you spell it "Chyna"?

Never mind, if this continues we are both going to get booted.

one love
jb

"Chyna" is how it is pronounced. No other reason. If I get booted for pointing out a few model kits that haven't been shipped off to and claimed and held hostage by a foreign country for production, and very probable pirating/counterfeiting, so be it. Good riddance to you and your oblivious kind.

[jbwelda]

See you at Walmart.

Bye now   

Oh, and don't forget to enjoy building your models, wherever they may come from.

jb