Glencoe Models: a brief history

A quick overview of Glencoe models which specializes in affordable and kits for young and nostalgic builders as well as the casual model builder.

[@hertzair1186]

I really appreciate Nick and Glencoe....for bringing back these lost molds.

[@sugarhillsrr]

Don't remember ever having a Glencoe Kit. That Coast Guard rescue boat looks interesting, going to have to look for one. A big thank you to Nick for still making kits in today's market.

[@douglasw.7864]

I’m a fan of Glencoe. Seeing these images made me take a mental inventory of their kits. I have quite a few apparently. Bless Nick for bringing these old kits back to life. Kudos on the closing theme, the rarely heard vocal version of the Buck Rogers TV show theme.

[@Anlushac11]

My Dad used to own a Hobby shop. I remember seeing Glencoe models but I don't think I have ever built one. I remember my Dad's shop had that Glencoe PT-76.

[@ksig219]

my experience is the SS FRANCE 1/450 and the SS UNITED STATES 1/400 ocean liners. I built the United States when I was in the mid 90's and i still have it. in fact its displayed in my office on a shelf with the wooden pedestal base that holds it up and everyday clients remark about it wanting to know what i got it and they are shocked when I tell them I built it and how long again. Not the most detail. and from what i understand it was from old molds from the 1950's but its perfect to me and I LOVE IT! I even built one for my nephew with down syndrome with an internal lighting system. drilled out port holes and glazed. he used it as a night light :)

[@Maxiplusomat]

Thanks! I was always wondering about the weird choice of kits Glencoe was offering. Thanks for clearing this up!

[@wkelly3053]

You are the Oasis! This is one of your best history videos, in part because of the technical description of adapting the old molds. The Hawk Viscount was my first built model in 1966. I still have it, beat up as it is. I bought the Glencoe version many years ago, just haven’t built it yet. The also-ran competitor to Hot Wheels was JOHNNY LIGHTNING... I never owned one, but I still have my Hot Wheels mag wheel carrying case full of my original Hot Wheels cars. Sorry Johnny!

[@kennethkwilinski4899]

I built the Glencoe Navy Seal. Also the Neanderthal Man with Skeleton. Glad to see a new model company history video. Hope to see more.

[@chuck9987]

Wow! Great video. Nice to see/hear about the molding process itself and the potential issues. Thanks!!!!!!

[@Banner_Bearer_of_Eternity]

Thanks Max and good luck to Nick! Not a very well known brand in this part of the world, but their struggle for a reasonable kit price is worthy of respect.

[@maxsmodels]

Thanks

[@tomdynia9951]

Thanks for the history! I'm actually close to finishing a Glencoe Martin MB-2! I made a few refinements, since the original mold dates back to the 1950s and modeling has moved on a ways since then. But it's basically a decent kit and I think the only one out there of this important aircraft. Also a bit of a nostalgia build because I remember building one of these back around 1968. I'm grateful that Glencoe rescued some the classic kits from way back so some of us old foofs can relive the models of our youth.

[@adamhay2798]

Neat history and obviously a real passion project of a company for Nick. I've built the Convair 880 which was shown in Max's viewer builds 7, but I still have the Glencoe Republic Seabee in the stash. Glencoe decided to mold the Seabee entirely in clear plastic which will be great for windows but will be challenging due to the brittleness of clear plastic. Still a cool kit. Glad to hear they are still around and producing kits.

[@Slickboot21]

And there I saw the Piasecki ZV-8P SEAGEEP...a variation of my ZV-8P AIRGEEP land vehicle. I didn't know about that one. Good show!

[@nanorider426]

I've sadly never built a Glencoe kit (as a European). I applaud Nick for his business model and hope he and Glencoe Models will continue on. :)

[@occamsrayzor]

What a great company! I have, alas, never had a Glencoe kit, but I would happily snap up up every one of those space models.

[@johnashley-smith4987]

Thanks for another excellent history video ! I always assumed Glencoe Models was a "Golden Age " manufacturer, judging by the kits they produced. Thank you for clearing up that assumption. I have yet to aquire any Glencoe kits, but I think I'll keep my eyes peeled for some of those Von Braun spacecraft, and that U.S.S. Oregon,,and possibly on of those dinosaur skeletons, they would be perfect for a diorama or a peice of wargames terrain for sci-fi/ fantasy type games! On a side note, Glencoe Models I have seen haven't been at " bargain" prices. They're usually premium priced at the shops I've seen them in. Anyways, thanks again!

[@calvingifford9442]

I'm sitting here looking at the only pre-house fire kit that I have left, the Coast Guard Rescue Boat done right after I got out of the Marines in '91. I have/have built about a dozen other kits and certainly enjoyed all of them.

[@Slickboot21]

My only Glencoe is a Piasecki Air Jeep hover machine. Very unusual. Impressive concept to see in use in war times.

[@nu_foz]

Thanks for the Glencoe history and bonus Buck Rogers trip down memory lane, Max!

[@xtalvt]

Glencoe is one reason I got back into modeling. I was watching the old Disney "Man in Space" ... which I grew up watching even though it was released 7 years before I was born ... and I wanted some of the models. I realized Glencoe had them ... bought a few ... I was hooked again! Looking back, what a different time. We all dreamed of how much better life would be tomorrow. Now I find most people remembering how good it was (though we always seem to remember the good rather than the troubles).

[@Plengwing]

I have never seen, much less had a Glencoe kit, but am now very intrigued by them. Especially the space and sci-fi subjects look particularly interesting. Just need to find somewhere to get them in my part of the world. Great video.

[@tommyanderson-filmmaker3976]

I'm glad you did this. I didn't think some of these older kits were still around. I have been out of modeling for a few years and doing 3D CAD Modeling and artwork. I am going to check out their line.

[@patjohnson3100]

Never built a Glencoe model, but they made kits that are of interest to me. I think I'll take a closer look. I'm glad they're still around.

[@spottydog4477]

I'd love to hear more about moulds whenever possible..kind regards John

[@roberste]

I have built Glencoe's Jupiter-C, Spirit of St. Louis, and BTR-50, and have their USS Oregon and J2F Duck kits in the stash. Quite nice.

[@FastSports-ScaleCarGarage]

Very well done! I really enjoyed the story of the company, the molds and the challenges involved in operating the business! Keep 'em coming!

[@garfieldsmith332]

Thanks for the history Max. Never knew anything about this company. Also new nothing about the molding process or how difficult it was.

[@larrydee8859]

Great work, Max! I built a variety of Glencoe models over the years. Great Modeling. Subjects

[@farpointgamingdirect]

Just when you think Max has covered every model company out there, here comes another!

[@luislealsantos]

Got the lifeboat. Nicely detailed and easy build. Thanks Max

[@georgetaylor2875]

What’s my Glencoe Models experience, you ask? My entire experience with them is watching this video, lol. How have I never seen them? I’ve been building models most of my life and my son works in a successful hobby shop. Thanks as always for the interesting and informative video!

[@Slickboot21]

Max - I hope you don't mind me pausing so much through this. No disrespect intended. You always get it going. Thank you so much for your inspiration and these wonderful visuals you're serving up. It's very drug-like for some strange reason. Is it the glue? No. It is the possibilities...the potential for creating something you've never touched before.

[@ZigguratSF]

Glencoe Models rocks! Nick Argento really put his heart and soul into reissuing some of the "classics" from the golden age of modeling. I've owned and built dozens of Glencoe kits over the years, and still have most of the Strombecker "Man in Space" reissues, which are just too cool for words. Glencoe deserves the ongoing support of any true fan of the golden age of modeling.

[@betamax5674]

Very interesting. A company I knew nothing about! Great feature!!!

[@norherman]

Great stuff man! Their kits build to very nice models. Have many on display. thanks.

[@tsfullerton]

I've built three Glencoe's. The XV-1 Convertaplane, the Grumman Duck and The Spirit of St. Louis. The 'glass' on the XV was a hassle if I remember right.

[@larrybrown1824]

Very nice Max. Enjoyed it a lot!

[@BigLisaFan]

Built the duck and sub chaser. Decent kits overall. Thanks, Max

[@richardwillett]

I built the Vicount for my uncle who worked for Capital as a mechanic! He got a real kick out of it! I also built the X-1B and I think I did a good job on it and the life boat that I put on a O gage flat car load! That most of my Glencoe stories!

[@a9323hj]

I've built the Viscount. A nice build. Also have the Curtiss Condor, unbuilt. Thanks for your review on Glencoe. Very interesting.

[@maxsmodels]

That was my old Voscount build in the video. Very straight forward.

[@vibeforge]

Built XV-1... Added cables to back of instrument panel, drilled out engine nozzles, covered with alu foil, added fuel lines to rotor blade roots etc. Despite the age came out quite okay. Unique concept, unique kit.

[@Slickboot21]

That made me chuckle a little - "Toy Fair" winning scale model ship. That ain't no toy!!

[@petermoscone3115]

have met Nick several times when I worked for a hobby shop whose owner helped him to get started and find the molds for many of the kits back in 80's & early 90's.

[@dalecomer5951]

Point of history: Explorer I was not launched on a Jupiter C. It was a Juno ('Juno I"). Somebody got it wrong at the time and it was never properly corrected. Built a number of the kits Glencoe has repopped in the original issue. Have the Glencoe Ferry Rocket in the collection for the sake of posterity. Originals cost too much. Wish Glencoe had used the same yellow color as the original, or white. Loved the Disney "Man in Space Series." It was truly inspiring. The "Marsliner" was originally the "TWA Moonliner." The Moonliner in Tomorrowland at Disneyland was a visual icon. Howard Hughes was involved in its creation. The accompanying ride was a real yawner. Disney unceremoniously removed it in a 1967 Tomorrowland makeover and it later disappeared from the Disneyland boneyard.

[@maxsmodels]

There is a story behond why they changed the name but to protect the innocent...and everyone else, I can't tell it. I think I read about the Juno Jup-C issue when I toured the Marshall manned space flight center in Huntsville.

[@dalecomer5951]

@@maxsmodels The reason most often cited is that someone at ABMA issued a press release with the error and since there isn't a big difference they just let it go. Don't know what you read but keep in mind NASA never likes to admit a mistake and will often revise history in true Orwellian style.

[@maxsmodels]

@@dalecomer5951 I think a plaque on a Juno on display said this type launched Explorer 1 so, being a rocket geek, I asked and somebody said yeah, the only difference was a valve that adjusted the thrust rating and no one really cared. It was the same and was really renamed to sound benign.

[@andrewlowes9123]

got the Convair 880 unbuilt in the loft, thought the company must be an old one as it was new to me in the UK, seems it is just the kit that is old. nice to have a hard to get subject.

[@leonardusgroenendyk6027]

I like all the Glencoe kits however the Frog3, BTR-50 and PT-76 all suffer from some missing internal parts that the ITC production had. This results in the tracks being slack. Yes I have the ITC version to compare. Still they are fun and really get you to improve your modelling skill or just have fun.

[@markfrommontana]

Interesting. I’d love to find one of those Albatros DIII kits, assuming they are 1/48 scale. Great history, Max. Thank you.

[@jwaller51]

OMG... I have that soundtrack!

[@maxsmodels]

So did I...in 1979

[@chrislongbeard]

Assembled and painted alot of the small cars. They were great with the American Flyer trains I ran before graduating to HO scale.

[@mvhew]

Built the J2F duck. Nice model, decals were a problem but model went together well.

[@nigelbranthwaite8471]

Have three (unmade) Capital Airlines Vickers Viscount series 700,it a excellent model and has to be best model of a viscount I have ever seen in kitset form.

[@PiperStart]

Great stuff, really interesting.

[@dankamikubo7002]

Thanks, Max! I mistakenly thought the Glencoe name was an homage to the old Revell Co. that was located in Venice, CA on Glencoe Ave. Ever since I could read, I’ve been fascinated by Disney’s “Man in Space “ series and the book based on it. I especially loved the moon ship and hadn’t realized it was made into a model until well after Strombecker was out of business! Imagine my delight when I found out Glencoe reissued it! I purchased the ship, the space station, and the Disneyland rocket kits, all fun builds! An interesting sidelight, I guess the TWA logo could no longer be used (trademark infringement?) so the decal sheet read: WAT.

[@maxsmodels]

FASTWAY: FAS-TWA-Y.............clever.

[@Corsario-ud1du]

Congrats for your work on his video. I happen to have a couple of Glencoe models in my stash (Grumman Duck and Brystol Sycamore); so far, no complaints on quality, fit issues, etc. By the way, that Martin Bomber and the Convertiplane kits sure look very nice.

[@brittboyette8617]

I love Glencoe kits, just hard to find.

[@PlayWithYourThumb]

I had the UFO, one of my first kits...... Yes I was a late starter.

[@mrains100]

Thank you for an informative video.

[@VinceWeston]

I've got a bunch of Glencoe kits. I really enjoy he produces unique subject kits. I have a pair of Mars Liners (one is the Limited Edition IPMS show in the 90's), 3 Stage Ferry Rocket, and several of the aircraft to mention a few. I built the Republic Seabee RC-3 20+ years ago. I was fascinated by all the clear parts and it was an enjoyable build. I even researched and built a cockpit for it. I've actually been eying the the XV-1 and the Nuclear Powered Space Station for a next build. I still have the Grumman OA-9 Goose on my want list. I think I spoke with Nick on the phone back in the 90's about that kit. I called to find out if it had the cockpit. He was very gracious and spent some time on the phone with me. I was a bit disheartened that the kit didn't, but he was encouraging that it might get one. I'm sure it won't, but it doesn't stop me from still wanting the Goose. I'll just scratch build my own. Again, Thank You for doing these videos. I always enjoy watching them, and learn something new about manufacturers and kits every time.

[@sonnysy9468]

wow, didn't realize Glencoe was still around. Those ship/boat kits look interesting, and those dinosaur skeletons too!

[@nitropfunk]

I have the rescue boat, great video.

[@F4FWildcat]

Max, thanks so much for all your hard work on these videos. You are the MAN OF PLASTIC! (that title Man of Plastic, should be accompanied with trumpets and reverb.)

[@animalyze7120]

I still pick these up when I do run across them, they were good rainy day kits that never had much at all wrong with them. It would be nice to see them more regularly in stores as I mostly come across them at swap meets and other thrift outlets. Glencoe is a solid brand and a great introductory set of kits for new modellers.

[@model-man7802]

I did the JF2 Duck.It was the only 48th scale duck at the time.

[@bluetopguitar1104]

It's a shame the model kit market has fallen off by so much. I want to build the Duck and the Condor.

[@johnaitken7430]

I really resonate with this...it’s about dreaming..and cad stuff maybe loses some soul over old simple blobs we based our dreams on

[@paulbervid1610]

Great.. I built the ho stage coach.

[@decam5329]

It might be because of the subject matter they do, but I always thought Glencoe was founded in the 60's. I was surprised to find out they started in the 80's.

[@davidfifer4729]

Glencoe indeed started in the late 80s, but most of their kits are reissues of kits originally produced by defunct companies of the 50s and 60s.

[@farpointgamingdirect]

The Jupiter-C and Explorer-1 models are fantastic!

[@maxsmodels]

I love mine

[@chrispacer4231]

I have a combo kit... 1/100 SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS... made a little diorama.... piece of wood with the UNITED STATES on one side the continent of EUROPE on the other side... basic paint job ... turned out good... it also had with ( COMBO KIT ) the WRIGHT BROTHERS ... kitty hawk... haven’t built that one ... GOT THE KIT AT THE HENRY FORD MUSEUM GIFT SHOP... another excellent episode from MAXSMODELS...

[@dinoallbaugh2050]

thanks for the interesting review! i live in Eugene Oregon. I build mostly Cars and trucks(custom,race sports cars) so some of the brands are new to me.

[@garyb2991]

Max I've been enjoying your model company histories. Having built and enjoyed building Glencoe kits and dealing with Nick I looked forward to learning more about them. But then you mentioned the USS Oregon and I found myself looking at my own model. I had sent Nick pictures for his gallery and you used them. Kind of neat to see one's own work show up where you don't expect it!

[@davegaracci1043]

Loved the buck rodgers music :)

[@Wild-Dad]

The Curtis Condor is the other Glencoe AC model. I knew it as soon as I saw it. My Viscount is built with the Air Canada livery decal set.of the 60’s before they went with their red, black and white designs of the 70’s and 80’s. The Viscount was the first airplane I flew on. For your model company logo, put Honey in an Cessna 172 cockpit - sunglasses, headset and all - LOL

[@maxsmodels]

Mrs. Max approves

[@Wild-Dad]

@@maxsmodels - actually, I screwed up on the livery used for my Viscount’s decals. They were the Trans Canada Airlines decal - Trans Canada being the precursor to Air Canada. The Viscounts were repainted into the new Air Canada scheme when it came about but Glencoe never included that option in their kits, only TCA.

[@tinmansscalemodels]

I'm still trying to secure a Sycamore

[@tgmccoy1556]

Tim McCoy wife's account Have the Oregon. Had the Condor too. Also the Army Mule . How was that thing to drive thought it would make a great rig to pack out an elk from one of the local deep canyons.😁

[@maxsmodels]

It was OK up to about 30mph. The steering wheel comes in from the side which is weird but ti works. It will go anywhwere.

[@JCEVANGELIST.]

I built the NS Savannah! Its so hard to find these kits these days

[@mikedietrich8356]

Max, loved the history lesson as always, and I remember doing the Glencoe Duck years ago, great kit. I was wondering though, have you ever done a history of the overall hobby and how it's changed from kids with a little extra pocket change to the adult hobby it is today?

[@jameshutchisson2002]

The Archer Spacemen reissue was great. Classic figures from the 1950's. I hope he finds the mold for the Spaceship that came with the boxed set.

[@wendellb36]

I have two convair 880’s a wing in both didn’t mold al the way so if I bash them and use fillers I’ll be good .I also have the ITC convertiplane that glencoe released

[@FrederikEngelmand]

their stegosaurus is by lightyears the best skeleton model for the price. just give it some weathering and pose it right and it looks like a museum piece from a meter away

[@chrispacer4231]

The HENRY FORD MUSEUM IS IN DETROIT MICHIGAN... Go

[@geraldstephens8791]

Dearborn

[@chrispacer4231]

@@geraldstephens8791 Thank you... I wasn’t sure... was trying to get it close... COOL PLACE... very interesting

[@geraldstephens8791]

@@chrispacer4231 yes, I tell everyone interested in mechanical things about it. There is (or was, been awhile...) a building where he had acquired every electrical motor and various subsystem from the time electricity entered the market until about 1940. It in itself is overwhelming . Engineers of all stripes appreciate this place.

[@chrispacer4231]

@@geraldstephens8791 only been there once... AND I ENJOYED IT... so much to see... cars , locomotives... I mean BIG ...appliances... yes now I want to go again... maybe , let’s see what happens...I do have information about both places . I know if you go to BOTH the FORD MUSEUM and GREEN FEILD VILLAGE in the same day, you get a discount...but with so much to see at both places how can you see it ALL... Enjoyed your replies... You must live in the area... Chris Pacer from Ohio

[@geraldstephens8791]

@@chrispacer4231 well my family moved to Anaheim California in 1975 and I still live here. But yes, you do need to go to both places and bring enough money for some gift shop things. I was able to pick up a 1934 specification booklet for the 3 window coupe that I've never seen anywhere else, and I'm an avid car enthusiast .

[@marcbrasse747]

My kind of model company although I am not sure I've ever seen one in real life here in Europe. I have a weak spot for such honest down to earth companies anyway. I for instance still miss Aurora a lot. A good kit has to be correct shapewhise but I am not very anal about all the details and since I love prototypes and speculative models most anyway: Who can claim too know how a certain type would have looked in actual service guise.

[@ShortBusScotty]

I see them on EBay but never built one.

[@luislealsantos]

Great, no superb as always.

[@ryanbarker5217]

out of curiosity, would it have been more expensive to make a mold back in the 60's as opposed to today given CNC (and perhaps better EDM processes), overseas competition, and perhaps better computerized manufacturing equipment?

[@maxsmodels]

It is actually cheaper today in adjusted dollars and the quality is usually better.

[@kl0wnkiller912]

I have the Sycamore, MB2 and I think I also have a Martin Clipper from Glencoe... all the boxes are still sealed so I have not looked at quality...

[@rickd9096]

I thought the name Glencoe came from the street that Reval was located on in Venice California!

[@rickmoreno6858]

Can anyone point me in the direction of the uss Oregon with pe upgrades?

[@bobbuesking]

That's my Duck!!!!!

[@maxsmodels]

Great work!

[@bobbuesking]

@@maxsmodels Mounted on diorama base to match box art. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqXbkoZrgbdgiac

[@CaptLiberator]

Made all those dinosaur kits.

[@lancerevell5979]

I have a the Glencoe Coast Guard boat. Haven't built it yet, but it looks good in the box. Just built their wee 1/110 scale "Spirit Of St. Louis" kit, in a combo package with the 1/105 scale "Wright Flier". Very poor accuracy and detail, it makes tge old 1/72 Hawk kit look positively Tamiyaesque by comparison. The Wright Flier is so badly done, many parts warped, I have tossed it in the trash. Luckily this kit is very cheap. Every company has it's winners and losers.

[@theBaron0530]

I'm confused by your comment about the Albatros kit, that it's the only "Glencoe original mold." How is it different from the other kits that were Glencoe originals and not re-issues of other companies' kits? Also, on HyperScale, someone asked for more details about the legal issues that Glencoe had in connection with the Albatros kit. Thanks in advance for any info you can share!

[@maxsmodels]

All Glencoe kits are molds bought from other owners except the Albatross. I am actually working on an addendum to this video showing a few of the kits I left out including where the molds originated. I do not have all of the details but as I recall the mold maker went broke before it was done so Glencoe was left hanging. They had to sue to get the partly done molds and get them to another company to finish.

[@theBaron0530]

@@maxsmodels Thanks, Max! I didn't realize that the Albatros was the only original one. Did I miss it in the video, but where did the Grumman Duck mold come from, originally?

[@maxsmodels]

@@theBaron0530 i actually talk about this a bit on this morning's coffee and show the Duck in the new video. Off the top of my head I think it was Strombecker.

[@maxsmodels]

@@theBaron0530 I checked up, the Grumman Duck was originally an ITC kit.

[@badkittynomilktonight3334]

OMG I had forgotten how HORRIBLE that theme song was....AGGGH get it out of my ear, out! out! oh hated earwig!!!

[@CC-dq6ck]

yea no one likes the rivet counters.

[@chrispacer4231]

YOU BUILD IT THE WAY YOU WANT IT TO BE

[@roddumouchel5956]

I avoid Glencoe kits like the plague. While they are cheap you get what you pay for.

[@ianpattison841]

I’ve got the sub chaser upstairs, must get around to building it, well done Glencoe