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Post by Tim Nolan on Feb 20, 2008 9:12:49 GMT -6
This is kind of kool. I acquired this model box rom 1968 about 20 years ago with a collection of stuff I bought, just a box. It features this kid Branch "Twig" Lew from Indiana, who won the championship, then got promotional sponsorship from Chevrolet and traveled all over the place doing promotions. Neat story. I was going to list this on eBay, then I decided to look him up via the internet. Turns out he is still living in Muncie Indiana, and is an attorney there. I left a message for him this morning ofering to give him the box for him and his family. I thought that would be kind of fun! He may have the kit or something, but what a surprise for him after 40 years to have one of these turn up! I hope to hear back from him today. I'll let you guys know if I hear from him!   |
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Post by donculley on Feb 20, 2008 9:28:50 GMT -6
If he doesn't have one, I'm sure he'd love to get it .As with most kits back them ,it has some great artwork on it. its really cool of you to go to the trouble of looking for him and offering it to the guy as well
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Post by fredmellini on Feb 20, 2008 9:36:01 GMT -6
A Lawyer Huh???...............Hmmmmm...........He will probably send a signed order requesting that you stop "stalking" him............another Twig fanatic!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D...............Just kidding!!!! (you know me ;D) Seriously that is a Nice and great idea on your part Tim. How cool is that, that in 1968 you get get corporate sponsorship for soapbox derby racing (........Hey......Scurvy.........start taking notes!!!!!  ) I will say it again, that was a time to be a kid!!!!! |
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Post by whitewall on Feb 20, 2008 10:49:02 GMT -6
Aww Timbo! it's so nice seein this softer side of ya! Who's an ole Romantic at heart!
Thats pretty freakin cool I tells ya! Oddly, when I saw the box art...it looks amazingly familliar! the feller at the hobby shop has (or had) one of these kits! it's in a different box...but I was lookin at it thinkin "what the hell could I do with a soap-box racer?"...The Camino was the same, the racer was the same...but there was no kid on the box, and I can't remember for the life of me who was makin it...but I don't think it was AMT??? wish i could remember...I didn't think it was important at the time, and I'm trying lately to save what little brain space I got left to remember peoples Names, and other usless information...LOL!
Kelly
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Post by nightstalker on Feb 20, 2008 11:08:17 GMT -6
Nice box. Nce gesture too to ofer him the box. I wonder what he will say, or if he has one still?
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Post by Tim Nolan on Feb 26, 2008 16:09:20 GMT -6
Well, there's an ending to this story! Mr. Lew called today, and was thrilled about the box! Turns out he doesn't have one, he thinks his parents may have had one at one time. He couldn't believe I'd just "give" it to him! So, I'm packing it up to ship out tomorrow! He still has some connections with Soapox Racing, I guess it's still pretty popular in Indiana. I have to get his e-mail and send him some of Scurvy's links! LOL! THAT would really blow his mind!
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Post by bronzegiant on Feb 26, 2008 16:29:18 GMT -6
In Indianapolis we have the "Wilbur Shaw Memorial Hill" which is a permanent venue for Soap Box Derby or as the box said, the "Gravity Grand Prix."
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Post by theflame on Feb 26, 2008 17:14:03 GMT -6
I'd really like the little 1:25 derby racer - that thing is COOOL!
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Post by theflame on Feb 26, 2008 17:16:33 GMT -6
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Post by howardcohen on Feb 26, 2008 17:44:31 GMT -6
I had that kit when it was new, built it with the soap box in the bed on the rails, decals and all. It was a great kit!
To find Lew and have him contact you in return is really great!
The soap box was available in resin many years ago and I bought one in Toledo for a buck or something. It is painted black&white as it is a soap box cop car.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 26, 2008 18:07:59 GMT -6
That's so cool Tim. I bet he can't wait to receive it! |
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Post by Pegleg (Hotwheels Bob) on Feb 26, 2008 18:12:44 GMT -6
My hats off to you for the great gesture. The nicest thing about it is that you weren't even looking for a pat on the back................well deserved anyway, here's mine - pat, pat
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Post by RatRod on Feb 26, 2008 18:32:16 GMT -6
That is cool as heck Tim!!! I actually figured he would have gotten back to you, and told you he had a sealed case of 'em or something. The whole thing had a great ending!!
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Post by Tim Nolan on Feb 26, 2008 20:44:17 GMT -6
Geez, I cant believe what that complete kit went for! Unreal!
Yeh, he was stoked! I could hear him grinnin' over the phone! LOL. Made my afternoon after a frustrating day at the office.... ;D
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Post by flounder on Feb 26, 2008 20:46:14 GMT -6
You are alright, Tim. No matter what Zoot says. (Is that speaking for him or about him?)
It's amazing who you can call up. I once called Jim Lytle of Big AL fame. Just looked up his number in Hawaii. He was a nice guy.
A friend of mine called Chuck Yeager up in Grass Valley CA. He helped with a report he was doing.
Once Tim Nolan called ME. I was working on a model and I ended up super gluing my fingers together while he was talking to him.
Flounder.
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