Bad Company 1982 Dodge Van 1:25 Scale MPC Model Kit #824 Review

Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20151009*
Bad Company 1982 Dodge Van 1:25 Scale MPC Model Kit #824 Review

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

The B-Series is a full-size van that was built by Dodge starting in 1971. In 1979 the van received a redesigned front end, including a new grille with wraparound turn signals. Lower-end models had single round headlights, while the Royal Sportsman and other high-end vans received four rectangular headlights. The van would keep this body style and the 1978 dash intact with only grille changes all the way through the 1993 model year. In 1981 the B-Series was rebadged as the Dodge Ram Van; the passenger variant was known as the Dodge Ram Wagon. The body shell and most fixtures would be one of the longest running of any US vehicle, remaining nearly identical from the vans’ introduction in 1971 through their discontinuance in 2003, while Ford and GM would go through two or three generations of platform redesigns. DaimlerChrysler discontinued production of the Ram Van and Ram Wagon after more than 30 years of production following the 2003 model year, replacing them with the Dodge Sprinter.

  

For the Modeler: This review covers the re-release (Re-Pop) of the MPC Bad Company van by Round2. This is kit #MPC824 in the current catalog and is in 1/25 scale. This kit has seen multiple releases over the years and Round2 has returned this release to the original version from 1982 with all its stock and custom parts. Round2 rates this as a Skill Level 2 for moderate ability builders. You get 95 parts molded in White, Chrome, Clear and Clear Red with Vinyl tires and Metal axles. The decals are new reproductions of the originals. The instructions are laid out in nine easy-to-follow steps that show both Stock and Custom build options. The motor is a fairly detailed build but there is no purpose for excess details or wiring as it will not show in the built kit. The chassis is simplified with a separate frame but basic suspension. The interior has some custom parts but to see them you must cut out the roof. A clear panel is supplied if you wish to do so. The body is straight and represents a long body van that can be stock or custom as it has no custom windows or accessories pre-cut on the body. Overall dimensions are: Length: 7-1/2” Width: 3”, Height: 3”.

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; complete paint and adhesive selections and applications; using optional gauges from online sources; test fitting; highlighting the dashboard; interior color scheme; front suspension build sequence; dashboard detailing; stock vs. custom version considerations; flocking the carpet for optional interior realism; how to detail the turn signal lenses; using “clear” glue for window glass installation; passenger area detailing; frame detailing with a gel pen; front/rear tire Installation; mold seam identification and repair; enhancing the grill with black wash; chassis installation; a hassle free chassis to body installation technique; using Alclad paint to make the tire rims look real; using decal setting solutions for that “painted on” look; window trim detailing with foil; making realistic looking tires; a ‘crystal clear’ window glass treatment; complete engine construction and finishing; suspension construction and detailing; are all fully examined in this 15 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format.

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