From The Diecast Pub

Profiles
Q & A Answers From Tom Haverland Hwy 61, Some great stuff
By Tim Cote'
May 12, 2004 - 3:31:36 PM

In early 2004 the members of the Diecast Pub were given the opportunity to ask Tom Haverland of Hwy 61 questions concerning the hobby of diecast collectibles. For those not familar with Tom, he works in product development for Tradermark Models which is the parent company of Hwy 61.

From: 72 Square (Richard Brown)

With the thousands perhaps millions of Automobile body styles and each one having its own unique following how is a single car chosen?

Tom H: - Many factors go into choosing a body style for reproduction. One of the first criteria is: has the model been reproduced previously? If so, in what scale? How long ago? By which manufacturer? These days the life expectancy of a model is not near as long as it was so being able to create variations from the original is a key point. One of the great things about this hobby is that collectors speak out and tell you what they want to see next. Keeping tract of and paying attention to these requests is a very important part of model selection.



From: LBS

Hwy 61, what about the idea of a Super Sport Series? Not withstanding, there has been a lot of Chevy Super Sport muscle cars produced in 1:18, but a new angle to the familiar muscle car series could add a refreshing entry into the competitive 1:18 muscle car diecast arena.
You could conceivably start with a single model, such as the Impala, and do either a consecutive series or promote certain years. The diecast market would ignite with a entry such as the '65 and '66 Impala SS, or a '67, '68 Impala SS series.

Another thought could be to consider an entry with two or three different SS sixites cars that haven't been done in 1:18, such as the '66 Chevelle SS, a '73 Chevelle SS, and a '73, '74 or even a '75 Nova SS.
I believe a new entry on a familiar muscle car series could really continue to promote the 1:18 diecast replica market, as well as further showcasing the fine talents of Hwy 61.

Tom H: - This reads more like a product suggestion than it does a question. I believe you are on to something here. I like most of the models you discussed and like the whole series concept. Thanks for the suggestion.


From: Joe Dee (FiaCobra)

Mr. Haverland, I attended the N.Y. toy fair on 02/15/04 and spoke to a representative at Hwy-61 about the possibility of a 1966/67 Dodge Charger being done in 1/18 scale by your company. The representative wasn't able to supply me with concrete answers but she did write down some notes to submit to you later on the subject.

My question to you is: Since it seems you may have come to terms with Chrysler/Plymouth/Dodge regarding some licensing issues, i was wondering if you entertained the idea of making a 1/18 scale 1966/67 Dodge Charger? Any comments on this? Not sure you can answer this or not?


Thanks,

Joe Dee - (FiaCobra)


Tom H: Note sure I can answer this or not? Sure I can comment on or answer this. Thanks for stopping by our booth and we really appreciate the product suggestions. The `67 Dodge Charger R/T seems like it would be a good follow up to our `67 Plymouth GTX and `67 Dodge Coronet R/T…..doesn’t it.


From: Al Cisne

Subject 1970 Mustang - Hi Tom,

Are there any other plans for the '70 Boss 302 mold like Mach 1's, Boss 429 and how about making some '69s from that mold?

Thanks,

Al Cisne

Tom H: - Hi Al, We are currently putting the finishing touches on the BOSS 302. We want to get the 302 right before moving onto or talking about future variants. Your suggestions of Mach 1’s and 429’s are good ones. I like the idea of doing a Twister Special as well. But give us a chance to get the 302 finished first then we can move on and make the changes for the additional models.

Thanks,

Tom



From: Alan Munro

How does secondary licensing of a diecast work? My interest is more Plymouth Roadrunners and I understand the Warner Bros is the stumbling block …………

I've been puzzled for some time why no 1:18 diecast manufacturer has been able to keep a Roadrunner license to produce a replica of a very popular car. RC/Ertl did it for a time, a very short time with the Superbird and now no one seems to have it yet you see them produced in other scales by other manufacturers. Couldn't a company like Highway 61 make a deal directly with Warner Bros. to use their likeness on some products. This would make the viability of a 68, 69 or 70 B body much better as you could produce GTX and Roadrunner issues in hard top and convertible form.

I believe these cars are so sought after, collectors would pay a slight premium for the Roadrunner license without blinking. I doubt an extra $5 per car would stop anyone.

Tom H: Secondary licenses are used all the time. Almost all the racecars that are produced use secondary or more than one license. The manufacturer is paid a royalty for the body-make and the driver is paid royalty for using his or her name. I’m really not sure what is going on with the Roadrunner license but for whatever reason it seems that there is something keeping this mark from being used.



From: Alan Munro
Does the paint technology exist to do a Mod top Dart like the one in the attachments? The 69 Dart Swinger is a favorite of mine for two reasons. First the rare 69 only mid year introduced F6 Bright Green Metallic and more importantly the very rare mod top. I'd love to have one of these in my collection if the paint machines can do this.

NOTE: Tom: I included attachment. Photo number 1 and number 2.

Tom H: I didn’t receive the photos you supplied but I will try to get them from Tim. Our vendor’s patented decoration process is fully capable of executing almost any type of pattern over most surfaces. I’ll review the image and consider including it on out `69 Dart release.

NOTE: I thought I had included the photos when I sent the questions to Tom. I will forward these later this evening.



From Alan Munro

I'd like to know what percentage of the cost of a mold would be in converting some existing HW61 cars, (GTX, Darts, and soon to be released Coronets) into convertibles? I'm a big fan of convertibles and Mopars. Since Highway 61 has been releasing so many cool Mopars they have been getting the majority of my purchases. I would gladly add to that with Highway 61 versions of the 67 GTX, 68 and 69 Darts and 67 Coronets or any other future Mopar release in convertible form.

My thinking is that the cost to tool this up would be a fraction of the original hardtop design cost so why not. All the hoods, doors, engines undercarraige grills and tail lights are the same. You'd need to modify the basic body cast, and probably the interior tub as the rear seat areas were usually a bit different, a new windshield and a top up and boot for variety. I think these could be very good sellers. Am I missing something on the cost?

Tom H: There’s a couple ways of doing this. The less expensive way of changing a hardtop into a convertible is to make a permanent change to the hardtop casting. Like I said, this is less expensive but you won’t be able to go back and make hardtops again. The alternative is to make an entirely new body. When you do that you have to make new doors, hood and trunk lid to ensure a proper fit. On most cars convertible interiors are different than the hardtop, so you have to tool seats and side panels as well. Usually you end up looking at a cost of 40% to 60% of the original tool. That cost has to be weighed against the demand. After releasing a hardtop of a body style there may be less demand for a convertible. It depends on the subject but with muscle cars a hardtop will almost always outsell a convertible.



From Muscleford

Since H61 has made some of the cars with undiscovered fans how about doing a Henry J Gasser.
There seems to be quite a bit of interest on this board.


Thanks
Muscleford

Tom H: I noticed the interest in this model and I’m sure other manufacturers have as well. One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that the cars that are requested on this web site end up in production. It may be a coincidence but then it may just be that this website is being watched and the members here have the attention of the manufacturers.



From Bob Isley

Dear Mr. Haverland, First of all, thank you for agreeing to take time to answer our questions.
My question relates to how an model is selected for production. I would assume that some sort of marketing survey is used to determine if a model would sell. If this is the case, then I'm curious to understand why H61 would produce some of the more "off the beaten track" cars that they have like the SD Tempests when it appears from posts on DCP that a more popular car like the '66 Charger would sell many more units. Please do not take this the wrong way. I know that many collectors (myself included) appreciate some of the unique images your company has supplied like the Tempests, Darts and Metropolitans.

Just curious to understand how one image gets a "go" decision.

Thanks,

Bob Ilsley

Tom H: I’m glad you appreciate the unique images we supply. We enjoy covering some of the “forgotten” marks from automotive history. We also enjoy covering some of the most popular cars as well. Maybe we have spent more time than other manufacturers working on the off-beat marks. But as you might remember our first release was a “bullet nose” Studebaker and I think because of that release the input we received from our customers gave us ideas for other “off the beaten track” cars. Thanks, Tom



From: Tyonks

Tom, Question 1. You are producing a 69 Dart from the 68 mold. Why have you not tweaked the 67 olds into a 66, and the 67 Plymouth into a 66. Question 2. Will you be producing wheel/tire sets in the future.

Tom H: Please give us some time on the Olds and GTX and I think you will get your wish. One of the areas that has kept us from producing the wheel and tire sets is that mounting wheels and tires on cars is not standardized in this industry. From one company to the next, different methods are used to attach the wheels to the car. I understand that if you have some modeling skills you can make it work. I guess it just seems like a very small segment of the market would want these. But you know what? We keep receiving requests for this sort of product. We like to listen to our customers so maybe you will see some new sets in the future.



From: Gary Allen GTA

Tom: Thanks for your great diecast company. Two comments than questions. I do hope that the BMF improves or changes in the near future. The back panel in your hard to reassemble boxes! Please don't ever make anymore Dark Backgrounds! The Blue Tempest and 442's get totally lost in the box.

Tom H: Gary: thanks for the comments. We appreciate the input and have been working with our manufacturer to improve the BMF process. We believe improvements have been made since our early releases and have been assured that the process will continue to improve. If the improvements do not continue or if the QC declines we will look at other methods to recreate chrome.

I agree with you on the back panels and we will be more sensitive to that in the future. We are also looking at alternative packaging methods for our product. We are close to a solution that will keep the product in a window style package for retailers but eliminate the need for chassis screws and the clear plastic tape to hold doors, hood and trunk shut. Another great feature of the new package is that it will be very easy to remove the car from the package
and to put it back in.

Questions:
The new 70 Mustang looks like it's going to be a big seller for you. I already want Boss 429's! When will we see them, and some drag cars like the Going Thang,
Custom Speed Enterprises 69/70 Boss 429 Ford Factory Team car. Also Please, Please make some Mach 1's!!! Hopefully you will also do a 69 Mustang! A
60 and 61 Pontiac. Just for your info, I sell diecast and the most asked for cars are the 64/65 Falcons/Comets. Thanks for the suggestions.


Tom H: I like your suggestions. Just give us some time.



From: David S. Jensen (Squatch on DCP)

Mr. Haverland, seeing as how you already have the basics with the Coronet, will we or will we not be seeing a 1966 or 1967 Dodge Charger from Highway 61?

Thanks,

David S. Jensen

Tom H: - David: We are still working on the Coronet. The `66/`67 Charger is a great car and we understand that we will have the basics to make this model. Sometimes the limitations of making a toy replica do not always allow for using parts from one model to the next. Sometimes it’s easier just to retool. Not saying that this is the case with these two models but just wanted to explain that what goes on between the real vehicles does not always translate to models.

Thanks, Tom Haverland


From: Kraig

Color question and also a request for a future release.

First, I would like to say thanks to Tom and Highway 61 for making a 1970 Boss 302. Second, I know you can't say what your future products will be, but I would like to say please make more factory colors in the Boss 302. If you can say, what colors are being considered for future 1970 Mustangs? There have been some great factory colors that have been overlooked in the past by the diecast industry. Here is a link to some Boss colors http://www.nvsaac.com/Details/1970_ford_mu...aint_colors.htm

Lastly, please consider making a 1969 Boss 302, a 1969 Boss 429 and also 1970 Boss 429. The 1969 Boss 302 has been done, but could surely be done better. The 1969 Boss 429 has not been done at all in the past and deserves to be done. As for the 1970 Boss 429, you have most of the car done already with some modifications it would be a very nice addition to your Ford line.

Tom H: I can’t really say what colors we will follow with. I appreciate the info and we do have an actual 1970 Mustang color chart in our files. From all the comments we received with these questions, rest assured that we will be making more Mustang models in the future. Thanks, Tom



When will there be more '70 Boss colors and what will they be? What other years and models will be made from this mold? When will they be released? I get it already. It looks like everyone want more colors and variations from the 1970 Mustang mold. Please be patient with us.

Is it possible to get 'sneak preview' pictures of upcoming models on the website that are models (in progress models?) and not real cars?

Tom H: This is a great suggestion. We have talked about it from time to time but never followed through with it. I’ll look into seeing if we can start adding some tool model photos to the What’s New section on our website.



From: David S. Jensen (Squatch on DCP)

Greetings, Mr Haverland. My question is basically simple, however some background. Roughly two years ago, Hwy 61 announced you were doing Bill Golden's Little Red Wagon. Many rumors, many innuendos. Fast forward to last spring Diecast show in Dyersville. Spoke to a female rep of yours said it was all Bill Golden's fault wanting too much money. Hmmm. Fall show - different rep, claimed Hwy 61 wasn't willing to invest that kind of money into a mold with minimal use. Really? So my question is, which answer, or what is in fact the truth, and WHY say you're going to do it, without all your ducks in a row, get us all wound up for it, then pull it with NO legitmate explaination? Where I come from we call that putting the cart before the horse. I for one, still WANT my Little Red Wagon, wheels up, along side my Hemi Under Glass.

Thanks,
David S. Jensen

Tom H:[/b] Hi David, I believe the product was first announced at the International Model and Hobby Show in September of 2001. Not sure what you are referring to as many rumors and many innuendos as the product was dropped from our product line before the end of that year and did not make our first catalog in January of 2002.

It could be that both answers you received are true. Bill Golden did ask for a higher royalty rate than drivers of the Beswick GTO, Hairy Hurst Olds and Hemi Under Glass. In addition to that, investors in this business wanted to limit the risk of our product selection and felt that we should drop one of the race models we selected. We were further along with the GTO, HHO and HUG, so it made sense to drop the Little Red Wagon. There’s not always one reason why a model is selected and not always one reason why a model is dropped. There is no conspiracy that I’m aware of, just the “dollars and sense” of business.

Your right about the part that we should not have announced we were going to make the model without following through. For that we apologize. I think we were trying to announce everything we had going on to make a big splash at our first show.

I don’t think you’re the only one who still wants this model and I’m sure that one day you will get it. If not from us, from another manufacturer.


Thanks, Tom Haverland



From: David C - Hwy 61 Boss 302 releases: Are these still on schedule for an April release? Will there be any hood variations such as a plain hood version? Any thoughts about releasing TransAm versions in this body style?

Tom H: David: The BOSS 302 models will not be available until June. Please bear with us on these. As you know they are not the easiest cars to model and we are trying to make them the best as we can. The 302’s will be available with both Shaker and non-Shaker hoods. No news on Trans Am models yet. Thanks, Tom Haverland


From: Tim Cote’ - A question concerning Tom Haverland as a person more than the company Hwy 61. - After many years of employment with Ertl and now Hwy 61. Where do you draw inspiration from to do certain models?

Tom H: Tim, I prefer cars from the late 60’s and early 70’s. Mostly because that’s the point in my life where cars had the biggest impression and when I was old enough to start driving these cars could be had for reasonable prices. They might not have been in the best of shape but most kids in High School or right out of High School could afford them. Also during this time we lived on the main car cruise street and I saw a lot of cars and got good at identifying them. Even got to the point of rating my Sister’s boyfriends by the cars they drove. If they had a GTO they were cool. If they drove an AMC Ambassador the guy didn’t have a chance.

Anyway, the choices are not all mine. Everyone in this company brings different experiences to the table and everyone has suggestions. We try to look outside our own experiences. Most of us know nothing about cars from the 50’s but we realize that there is a big following out there and we like to listen to people who have suggestions from that period.

Tim Cote' What direction do you see the hobby of Diecast Collectibles going?

Tom H: This market is constantly evolving. The input from the collectors and good old competition has driven the cars from basic replicas to replicas packed with details and features. It looks like market will evolve towards cars that provide the most bang for the buck. New subjects are being released at a faster and faster pace and this allows for the collector to be more discriminate with their selections of models to buy. If you’re a collector it’s obvious that the model you want is the one you don’t have. With most popular cars done or in the works, subject matter will become more obscure as time goes on and you will see cars/trucks being done that no one would have looked at or asked for several years ago.


A special note of thanks I would like to thank Tom Haverland for taking the time to reply to our questions and giving the members of the DCP a little insight of what we may expect in future models from Hwy 61.

Companies with personnel such as Hwy 61, Supercar Collectibles, PYE, Maisto, GMP and others who take the time to interact with collectors only make purchasing there product more personal and a pleasure to add to our collections.

Thanks once again Tom!
Tim Cote'

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