For a long time, Floquil (solvent based) and Polly-S (acrylic) hobby paints were the gold standard for all sorts of modeling projects (model railroading, model armor, model vehicles and so on). Many detailing articles in hobby magazines would specify the needed colors such as “Polly-S Grimy Black” and “Floquil Roof Brown” in their materials list - free advertising in effect. I’ve airbrushed and hand-brushed these paints and they usually resulted in pretty good finishes once you knew what you were doing.
Testors brought out the parent company of Floquil, and eventually discontinued the two paint lines in 2013 in a somewhat baffling corporate move called “shooting yourself in the foot”. A few colors were eventually reintroduced in Testors Model Master line, but many in the modeling community have moved on to other brands (such as Vallejo or Tru-Color) with varying results. There has also been a consummate rise in attempting to airbrush using craft acrylic paint, not the least of which is the cost (craft - 2oz for .79c vs. Model Master - 1/2oz for 3.59).
I miss Wyler’s root beer drink mix (not sure of the exact name.) It came in individual packets like Kool-Aid but was (kind of) root-beer flavored. As my mum would only allow us one or two carbonated beverages a week, this was the next best thing.
Not a single brand or name, but I miss no-frills cars. I have a 1999 Honda Civic. From the factory, it has all the federally-mandated safety equipment. It doesn’t have anything unnecessary; No power brakes, power steering. No electric locks or windows. No radio, ash-tray, or cigarette lighter. It’s a stick so you have to pay attention when you drive it. It seems like today’s cars want to distract you from driving. My Civic insists you pay attention.
Johnny L.A., I’ll have to look in a store, I suppose. It certainly isn’t listed on their website. (Food for Neko is the only thing I’d be willing to go into Walmart for. I don’t like them.)
Speaking as a miniatures painter … craft paint + airbrush = clogs in five minutes, requiring full clean. If you want to save some scratch, grab Liquitex artist paint. Granted, you won’t save much, but once you thin it down a little, it’ll be half the price of model paint.
I was speaking with my son yesterday and we were both bemoaning the loss of cheese balls. During the conversation, he also mentioned how much he missed Hi-C Ecto Cooler. I had to laugh, I hadn’t thought of that in years.