By Frank Bonilla
Model Scene
October 2004 - RCHTA Chicago Hobby Show Report:
The Polar Lights RC2 booth was much more smaller than the PL booth at the Chicago Wizard Comicon. Gone were the PL built-ups and NX-O1 built-up. But there was the new Captain America Supersized painted built-up that looked very good. The clear water splashes were very impressive and the face looked liked Cap actor Reb Brown.
I talked with RC2's Product Manager Mary Stevens who told me that the Aurora figure kit line would be looked at and inventoried. A lot depended on licensing she said. I highly recommended that Aurora's Gigantic Frankenstein should be next and she said it would be considered. Chances look better. If you want to see one I'd write a letter to RC2, Highways 136 & 20 PO box 500, Dyersville, IA 52040-0500.
I also complimented Dave Metzner's innovations like the Supersize and improved resculpts to Mary Stevens and Art Anderson. If they ever get Wonder Woman, I hope Dave is put in charge of the resculpt as he understands how to fix that kit best.
They also had a 1/18 diecast of KITT with working lights, Steven King's Christine, and the General Lee. There was also a superdeformed Starsky and Hutch Car. The mini Enterprise looked good.
The test shot of the Enterprise refit was not there but Mary said the next Star Trek kit was a snap together. I said I'd like to see a line of more giant kits like the Enterprise TOS and Serenity. She said their new RC2 website will have more updates.
Fan favorites Tom Lowe and Dave Metzner were not there. I was hoping they would autograph my Spider-Man kit. RC2 said Dave was now on a contactual basis with the company and that Tom would be a consultant.
Pioneer Packing had very impressive display stands. And they have a tilting option which made model cars look more impressive. pioneerplastics.com and displaycasesinc.com.
There were Tom Daniels diecasts of the Red Baron at another company that looked cool.
Unfortunately I can't go to next year's show in LA because Chicago's uncompromising rules forced RCHTA out. So since LA is too far this will be my last report after 8 years. I hope RCHTA returns to Chicago.
I took photos and if the Enterprise refit was there I'd have post them immediately but will do so later. The Captain America and especially the Enterprise refit look the most promising kits from RC2.
