August 2005

Each month I go through the most recent e-mails I've received and pick a few to share with you.  I try to personally respond to every e-mail I receive, but I also post a few here in my Q&A column.

I, too, am a fan of The Dukes of Hazzard TV show.  I went last Sunday to watch the movie.  I liked it a lot.  I also collect die-cast cars, mostly Johnny Lightning.  I like the cars with the rubber tires.  You could interchange the tires and rims on them.  I live here in Ohio.  5 years ago I went to Cleveland for the Autorama and was looking for Dukes of Hazzard die-cast.  I found Boss Hogg's Caddy still in the package from 1981 I've had for almost 10 years.  I see Johnny Lightning did a General Lee car but could never see where it was at.  I wish they could do the whole set, like the Bluesmoblie '74 Dodge Monaco could be Rosco and Enos' car and  a lot of others.  Well, enjoy your collection.

Jtsosie815@xxxxxx.com

I'm glad you liked the movie.  If you read my review, then you know I liked it as well.  But it sure has been getting trashed by critics.  It's the moviegoers, however, that will decide if this movie becomes a box office hit.  ERTL/RC2 has cranked out a ton of Dukes of Hazzard die-cast over the past few years, but Johnny Lightning's cars, though not perfect, are the ones you want to add to your collection.  Unfortunately, Hollywood on Wheels 6 has been near IMPOSSIBLE to find at retail stores.  If you want these cars, you'll have to shop online, unless they start showing up on clearance at stores like KayBee.  And I agree with you.  I think an entire line of Dukes cars from the TV show and movie would be a smart move for Johnny Lightning.

Hola Jose!  From the start, when I began putting my collection together, my goal was to open them and put them in a display case.  I like the option of holding them in my hands (and occasionally sending them down a race track).  But when I see collectors (like Metro Privratsky) who display their cars in their original packaging, I get a little envious.  I love looking at the photos and artwork on the packages.  Although the majority of my collection has been opened, I have a select few displayed in their original package.  These include RC2's grey and black GMC van from The A-Team, HW Jurassic Park helicopter, Austin Power's Jumbo Jet, a full set of racecars from Days of Thunder, and the most valuable piece in my collection, Snowman's Semi-Truck from Smokey & the Bandit II (there are a few others).  To open or not to open?  That's a tough call.

Hi Joe, Really like the completeness of your site. My Favorite was your modified Greased Lightning car, I plan to do the same. Just wondering if "The Car" was on your list or did I just miss it?  Also do you sell? You should just sell the Grease car (to me for instance), and then you can start over with  a new one...just kidding.

Hey yea, I saw your price guide on the website, so I have downloaded it and I'm very happy. I am also shocked at how many American Graffiti cars there are and the extensive list of Fast and Furious. I just picked up the Brian's red pick up at my local hobby shop.
Maybe I'll take a Lincoln and try to modify it to represent "The Car" from the movie, shouldn't be too tough.  Glad to see your website is always changing.  Do you think you may some day put some links on your site for toy die-cast shows?  Just a thought.  I do like your site as is though. Great to visit it for the close ups of the cars and the cards/packages.  This helps a lot in my searching/buying and when you give your extensive reasons why you like certain molds/brands over other really helps as well. Because of you I have found Charawheels. Where have I been!!!?
See Ya - Oz
Don Janzen

Hi Don.  I'm stunned that no one has done a good 1:64 scale version of the cars from Grease.  Thinking about it makes my head hurt.  I decided to take a stab at customizing one of my own using a HW 1940 Ford Convertible.  It turned out okay, but I hope to give it another shot.  I've learned a lot about customizing since making that car.  Of course, it would save me a lot of time and trouble if some die-cast company would just do it for me. 

As for The Car, I thought that RC2 was going to release it in 1:64 scale a while back.  It was solicited in the Previews Catalog and I ordered a case hoping to get one.  When the case arrived... NO MODIFIED LINCOLN!!  I was pretty disappointed.  I wish I knew what RC2 had in store for 1:64 scale TV and movie cars.  It seems like they're leaving up to Johnny Lightning to cover that area. 

Finally, I don't think I'll be adding links for die-cast car shows.  They're pretty few and far between in my area.  The best one comes along once a year as part of Autorama.