Green Hornet Roadster Mgrm PC61 Review

RoR Step-by-Step Review 20120425* – Green Hornet Roadster Mgrm  PC61 Review

See the Step-by-Step Review by Marty and Stephanie Oberman

Monogram’s Green Hornet kit is considered to be among the earliest all-plastic model kits mass-produced for public consumption. Originally issued in 1960 under the kit number of PC-61, it was later re-issued in 1996 with the number 85-0061. The original box art (and kit number) remained the same, however there were a few discrepancies between the box art description and instruction sheet.

For the Modeler: This review takes a look at one of the early models that made the fledgling kit industry a success. Although it is an old design, it was well done, and the kit has been reissued a couple times (1996, 2003) since. This no-frills easy builder kit is perfect for the novice and sports a lot of chrome making for a great display piece.  

(Fig. #16) One of the first things I noticed when I opened this kit was how detailed and straightforward the instruction sheet was. Not only did it include an exploded view of the parts in the kit, but every step was clearly labeled with accompanying photographs (not drawings) and written instructions. This was a common procedure with kits of this vintage, and it made assembly a no-brainer…no guesswork involved.

(Fig. #4) I began by assembling the engine, despite what the instruction sheet called for. Curiously, the “original” box art states that the engine is a Chevrolet with a GMC blower. However, the tutorial in the instruction sheet claims it’s a 461c.i. Oldsmobile mill. Despite the discrepancy, I played it safe and painted the two-piece block Dupli-Color Chevrolet Engine Blue, which is a close enough match to the Olds blue unless you happen to be the “discerning type”. In fact, the engine itself is woefully lacking in detail…the two-piece block contains a molded-in starter and nothing more. There is no distributor, coil, alternator, oil filter, radiator hose, or any other engine component usually associated with a complete assembly. However, the instruction sheet tutorial states that “most of the non-essentials have been eliminated” from the engine, but that still leaves plenty to the imagination of the advanced modeler.

The remainder of the engine assembled without any issues. Most all the remaining parts, save the belt assembly and flash shield, are chrome-plated. I left them intact, but detailed the beautiful finned valve covers with a blackwash. The cylinder heads, amazingly enough, have spark plug detail molded in just in case an adventurous builder wishes to add plug wires. The heads also have the exhaust headers molded in, whose tips I painted flat black for realism. The engine itself as a whole is simplified and nothing much in terms of detail, save for the valve covers and cylinder heads. Remarkably, it’s rather nice for a tooling that’s over 50 years old.

(Fig. #5) I moved on to the chassis, which is very simple, and consists of a two-piece rail with “D” slots for both the roll bar and its support as well as the grille shell. The steering column fits into a slot in the frame and also doubles as a subtle engine support. Construction of these items was seamless.

(Fig. #6) The engine fit snugly and securely in the frame, as did the drivetrain which consists of a three-piece rear and two-piece rear axle…all chrome. Installation of these items was issue-free, as were the rear drag links.

(Fig. #7) The front axle, shocks, radius rods, tie rod, and drag link also installed smoothly. Since the majority of these parts are chrome-plated, it’s important to scrape the plating off at the contact points before installation. The instruction sheet stresses this numerous times.

(Fig. #7a) The seat assembly with fuel tank and pressure pump straddle the roll bar and its support, and installation of these items also were trouble-free. I painted the fuel tank cap gold and the pressure pump’s knob gloss black to add diversity. I then added the shifter to the hole in the transmission and painted its knob Tamiya clear green also for diversity. I painted the chromed steering wheel rim gloss black before installing it.

(Fig. #11) This kit offers a choice between fendered and fenderless builds. I chose to not only install the fenders, but the top as well. The fenders are two-piece affairs each, and are removable if the modeler wishes. I chose to permanently install mine.

(Fig. #12) The tires are two-piece plastic units molded in black with separate wheel backs and chrome “moon” discs. I assembled the tires and sanded the tread down to remove the seams, then applied some whitewall stickers.

(Fig. #13) Final assembly of this car included the three-piece body, dashboard (whose dials and knobs I painted silver using a silver Sharpie), pedal assembly (painted gloss black with flat black pedals), clear windshield with frame, chrome rear bumper, and taillights (painted Tamiya clear red). The top was painted flat white and installed but not glued on. I also did not glue the body onto the chassis since one of the options is indeed a removable body.

I then added the pinstripe decals, which were horrendous to apply. The “Green Hornet” graphics decal practically fell apart while I attempted to install it, and so I was forced to eliminate the two of them from both sides of the car’s body. Meanwhile, the pinstripe decals, on both the fenders and body, even with multiple coats of Micro-Sol and Micro-Set, kept trying to lift up and run away.

(Fig. #18) Final impressions: Despite the decals, which were the main undoing of this kit, it nonetheless was a joy to build. Even for the age of the tooling, flash issues were pretty much a non-issue, and because it’s a relatively simplistic kit, it was a refreshing departure from the more intricate and highly detailed kits I’ve become accustomed to building for review. I consider the instruction sheet to be a highlight due to its detailed directions and photographs. I would highly recommend this kit to not only beginners but anyone else, including the daring advanced modelers who envisions supplanting the existing parts with others to make a wild (or even mild) custom hot rod. I have to give this kit a 4 1/2 star rating…if not for the decals, it would get a perfect 5. But then again, decals for this puppy could come from practically ANY kit! ;c) 

 

*All Registered trademarks are the property of their respective brands.