Kenworth K-123 Cabover 1:25 Scale AMT Model Kit #687 Review

Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20150328*
Kenworth K-123 Cabover 1:25 Scale AMT Model Kit #687 Review

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

 Kenworth began its history in Portland, Oregon in 1912, the company was founded by brothers George T. and Louis Gerlinger, Jr. and was known as Gerlinger Motor Car Works. In 1917 Edgar Worthington and his business partner Captain Frederick Kent bought the Gerlinger business, renaming it the Gersix Motor Co. In 1919 Kent retired from the business, and his son Harry Kent became Worthington’s new partner. In 1923 Kent and Worthington reincorporated the business as the Kenworth Motor Truck Company. In 1945 Kenworth was bought by The Pacific Car and Foundry Company. In 1957, the model CSE was replaced by a new model with a COE design (cab-over-engine). The model was improved by the introduction of tilt cab which facilitated access to the engine. Trucks with cab over the engine were designed to operate on the West Coast, where there were strict limits for the length of combinations. This model originally was produced on the basis of a bonneted 500 series, and had a letter ‘”K” ahead of the index. In 1961 cabover trucks started to be produced on the conventional truck chassis 900 series. The cabover models were known as K900 from that moment. Later with the introduction of the W900 series, the cabover range was renamed to K100. Kenworth was known for Custom Ordered trucks, allowing the purchaser to get the truck they wanted not just an assembly line vehicle like most of their competitors.

 

For the modeler: This review covers the recent Re-release (Re-Pop) of the AMT Kenworth K-123 Cabover rig. This kit has seen many box art versions over the years and in multiple variations. Round 2/AMT rates this as a Skill Level 3 build. The molds were thought to be lost or destroyed, Round 2 has found and released the kit in the original version as a Retro Deluxe Kit. The kit has over 300 parts molded in White, Chrome, Clear, Clear Yellow and Clear Red and includes Metal Axles, rubber tubing and Vinyl Tires. The Original Interstate Motor Freight Systems decals have been reproduced also. The instruction sheet is typical of the AMT re-releases and much like the original build sheets. Care must be taken for parts locations and assembly sequences because the instructions can be confusing with such a detailed build and no part numbers on the sprue. There is a detailed Cummins motor. The cab tilts forward. Optional wheel hubs are included. Overall completed dimensions are: LENGTH: 9-3/4”, WIDTH: 4”, HEIGHT:  6”.

 

Covered in this Review:  If you want to perfect your build; basic construction; preparing parts for better finishing; alternate assembly sequence suggestions for fit and ease of finishing; abrasive choices; complete paint and adhesive selections and applications; test fitting; repairing excessive flash; mold seam identification and repair; using white glue for the window glass; suspension construction; detailing the tires for realism; chassis construction and detailing;  detailing the window trim; removing copyright script; exhaust color selection; engine construction and detailing; building and complete interior detailing; contest model considerations; locating the connection points; correcting instruction errors; detailing the dashboard; livery  choices; modifications for mounting the fuel tanks; optional parts considerations; combining instruction steps for better finishing; using undocumented parts; hinge mount usage; attaching the license plates; using floor wax to make crystal clear window glass; decal preparation and application; using decal setting solutions for that “painted on” look; are all fully examined in this extensive 23 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format.

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