RoR Review 20101005 – VW T1 Samba Bus Revell Kit #85-4292

RoR Review 20101005 – VW T1 Samba Bus Revell Kit #85-4292

Photos and review by John Martin

 
Buy This Kit!

This 1/24 scale kit was built right out of the box with the only addition being the use of Bare Metal Foil^TM and the variations in the paint scheme. 

The box art of the reissued kit has a showroom ready Samba on it.

VW9

Though it’s a Skill Level 3 kit, the average modeler shouldn’t have any difficulty putting this one together and they really don’t need to be apprehensive about taking on the build.  Actually, it would work very well as a kit to push the skills of someone looking to improve their modeling skills.  Overall it was a fun build with only a few challenges to overcome.

This photo shows off the great detail of the assembled model with tinted windows and foil trim work in the European version.

VW3

Start the model by finishing the underbody sub-assemblies. In order to do that you might need to straighten out the main floor pan (part 49).  Place a weighted object on it for a few days on a flat surface. Gluing it to the sub frame should straighten it out.  The rocker panels that are molded in one piece with the main body panels (parts 23 & 27) were also warped slightly. Fortunately, these parts straighten out when attached to the assembled sub assemblies. Alclad II^TM steel, aluminum, and chrome colors were used for the various metal and chromed parts in the chassis.  Dry brushing and highlight painting were used to accentuate the details. This kit also features movable front steering linkage.

VW1

The interior was finished and the seats were painted Model Master® ‘Fifties Aqua’ #2942.

VW2

Highlight the engine detail with dry-brushed accents.

VW6

Bare Metal Foil^TM was used on the chrome details. Note the chrome trim just below the window area.

VW4

Tamiya Clear Green^TM for sun windows, Model Master Classic White^TM and Lime Green Pearl^TM were used as primary finish colors.

VW5

Here is the finished model showing all the features of the kit. Most kits don’t have opening doors and hoods but this one can be shown wide open to show off the detail.

VW7

This kit would make an awesome display for any modeler’s shelf and for those old timers that are “stuck in the sixties” it would give you something to gaze upon while you play those old Grateful Dead records!

 

Pros:  Adequate parts fit with minimal flash.  Chrome parts were pretty well done, but I removed the plating and used Alclad II^TM Chrome lacquer.  Good kit to improve basic modeling skills.  Clear windows fit well into body panels.

Cons:  Warping of large flat parts (i.e. sub frame, floor panel, and large body panels).