Note: This month's new products announcements are primarily from the 1999 Chicago Hobby Show; special thanks to Dan Goins for providing this information.

Classic Metal Works has established their initial lineup for 1/87 scale, titled, "Mini Metal Series" will consist of:

1953 Ford Victoria [December 1999 release]
1970 Chevy Chevelle [January 2000 release]
1961 Chevy Impala [December 1999 release]
1950 Ford Pickup [December 1999 release]
1948 Ford Woody Panel [January 2000 release]
1941 Plymouth [January 2000 release]
1948 Ford Convertible [December 1999 release]
1955 Chevy Belair [January 2000 release]

Priced at $7.98 each, we anticipate that these will be very popular with modelers and collectors. Features include rubber tires, two color paint schemes, plated parts where appropriate, opening hoods with engine detail. The models are assembled and we will definitely have more information as it becomes available!

Boley has announced a Navistar 9400 Eagle 3 axle tractor. [Note: Perhaps one of the most disappointing "vaporware" announcements of our hobby. Model was canceled and unfortunately Boley never really produced an over the road highway truck tractor.] Also they announced a wide variety of models based on the Navistar mid-range truck, the 4900 series. These vehicles include at least 6 new modern fire trucks utilizing the Navistar 4900 cab and this does include a crewcab version, at least 7 Navistar 4900 tractors in several colors and axle configurations, at least 9 straight trucks utilizing both regular and crewcab variations where appropriate for van, dump, MOW, lumber, and stake bodies in both 2 and 3 axle versions, at least 13 tractor-trailer combinations using Navistar 4900 cabs combined with assembled trailers.

Don Mills Models has just released the two axle truck tractor version of the Mack LJ that was produced from 1940-1953. The retail price is $18.95 for the resin kit. This follows their very successful 1952 Kenworth Bullnose tractor kit. Don Mills states that the three axle version of the Mack LJ and the Mack B-73 should be available soon. Click here for contact and ordering information.

Ertl had the John Deere front end loader/backhoe on display at the show. The Dodge Ram pickup is still due in December although no sample was displayed at Chicago. [Note: Long since out of production.]

GHQ has announced a new 50 ton lowboy trailer kit. This is in addition to their 1/87 scale Farmall tractor, implements, Bobcat loader, and utility trailer kits already released! Cast in pewter, these models are very finely detail kits. Scheduled for release over the next year are a medium sized front end loader (possibly a Caterpillar IT18F or similar; will also be available in a log loader configuration), a vintage bulldozer (Caterpillar D8 or similar size), and a forklift.

Model Power had samples in Chicago of their upcoming Exxon and Sunoco tank trailers; the Exxon is awesome. They also had an early pilot model of the new HD wrecker. They are planning another tractor release but it is not known yet what that is.

NJ International has their two Pierce fire trucks that have been out of production for several years that were originally white metal that are now rendered in brass as an unpainted kit. [Note: Long since out of production.]

Noch has the new Ford Focus 2 door and 4 door on display.

On Trak Model Products has two versions of their 28' vintage trailer for imminent release. [Note: Long since out of production.]

Overland Models, the manufacturer and importer of brass railroad models, announced they will soon be announcing a series of MOW ("maintenance of way" for you non-railroad modelers) vehicles in brass. [Note: Model was canceled and never produced.]

Resin Unlimited will be producing a three axle lowboy that features a laser cut deck with photo-etched outriggers and excellent spring and brake details. This kit will be utilizing Lonestar Models spoke wheels and Trucks 'N Stuff tires and axles. [Note: Long since out of production.]