This page is dedicated to the 1/25th scale model Kit being developed for release in September/October 2024. Projected retail cost of this low volume kit is $75. A few select vendors are being lined up and will be listed on this webite to enable online purchases. Revisit this page for updates.
Box design by Jeff Allison. Tribute/Retro-style box looks like it came right out of the 1950's. First sample box June 14th.
Box top view.
Box side view.
Box side view.
Jeff Allison also created the incredible renderings for the Studebaker Stiletto, which can be seen at www.granthamstardust.com
Detail of box construction, interior view.
Press Release, May 2024
Woodill Wildfire “Idaho Special” Model Kit
Due for release in late Summer/early Fall this year is the JoHan Models 1/25th scale model kit of the Idaho Special from the 1954 hit movie Johnny Dark starring Tony Curtis. The Idaho Special was a modified 1953 Woodill Wildfire that raced in The 1st Annual Santa Barbara Road Race in 1953. The Wildfire is credited with being the world’s first production fiberglass bodied car, beating the Corvette to the market. The beautifully designed multi-media kit will feature the racecar in Curbside form with 50+ 3D printed, injected Styrene, cast tinted-resin, photo-etched nickel-silver, vacuum metallized, and vacuum-formed clear acetate parts. The kit also contains gel-based water slide decals and real 1/16” plywood floorboards. Details include an opening hood and flexible tires.
The upcoming model was designed by Okey Spaulding, longtime producer of kit models and owner of JoHan Models. The company is most famous for its Detroit automakers’ “Promo” cars, and scale model kits for the hobbyist of cars from the fifties through the seventies. The Idaho Special’s 2024 introduction marks the first completely new car offering from JoHan Models since 2001.
The release of the model will preceed the debut of the fully restored Idaho Special in early 2025. The Idaho Special, owned by Steve Cowdin, is undergoing a full restoration headed by master-fabricator Dick Shelton. Cowdin has partnered with Spaulding to create this all new model kit.
The 5/8ths Scale Woodill Brushfire with the model box on the hood, above.
The process of creating a Model kit from conception to completion is being detailed below. More to come.
Shown here is rendering nearing completion.
Kit will have a White Wall tires "option". The Idaho Special had Black Wall tires, shown here with White Wall "option".
After the artist completes the 3D Rendering, project enters the production design phase. The body and all the separate components need to be detailed. Each designed to allow the appropriate production process to be employed.
Front bumper being detailed.
Rear body section being designed to be printed. Thickness of the body is critical in certain areas to maintain rigidity.
.jpg?ts=1727053668)
Kit will have White Wall tires option. Wheels are designed to be molded. Tires will be molded in flexible material.
Gathering detailed information and dimensions is needed, shown here is one of many photos used.
Getting details and proportions right takes time, and patience.
Photo showing frame with newly added stronger "outriggers". The bottom of the new outrigger is contoured to exactly fit the bottom contour of the body. Built by Master-fabricator Dick Shelton.
Typical photo of detail parts. All photos have a scale or tape added to allow proper modeling. Here a Tail light assembly, Steering wheel center, and Gas pedal.
