The art of modelmaking in 1/87 has advanced so far that it is unreal. It started in 1958, from "promotional cars" copied from the car manufactors at that time. A company called AMT had a brilliant idea for increasing sales. Take an unassembled promotional model, add some extra parts, and sell it in a kit form to the hobby market.The new product was marketed as a 3-in-1 kit. It was designed so a modeler could build the car in one of the 3 different ways: stock, competition or customized with the add-ons popular in the 1950's: fenders skirts, continental tires and spotlights. As time went on, AMT capitolized on the rising popularity of customizing models. By the late 1950's, 1/87 (ho scale) had replaced the larger Lionel cars and trains as the most popular around that time. A company called Revell was already making 1/87 trucks modelers could use on the layouts as scenery accessories. As competition grew, so did demand for 1/87 vehicles. In 1977, Lesney (the company that originated the "Matchbox") in the 1950's bought AMT. Jo- Han and MPC were other companies producing models at this time. Unfortunately, they did not survive. They were either bought out, or merged with larger compianes. AMT was purchased by Ertl forming, AMT/Ertl. Ertl produces model kits today! There are alot of kits available to the average modeler. Companies like Herpa, Wiking, Kibri, and Busch produces excellent parts and accessories. But, the old Revell shows it is ready to assume it's role as honored 1/87 truck ancestor.