Right On! Replicas

Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20150126*
Time Machine Mark II (Back To The Future II) 1:25 Scale Polar Lights Model Kit #POL925 Review

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

Marty: “Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Doc, uh… Are you telling me that you built a time machine… out of a DeLorean?”

Doc: “Yes, the way I see it, if you’re gonna build a time machine into a car, why not do it with some style?

The DeLorean time machine is a fictional automobile-based time travel device featured in the Back to the Future trilogy. In the feature film series, Dr. Emmett Brown builds a time machine from a DeLorean DMC-12 with the intent of gaining insights into history and the future but instead winds up using it to travel across 130 years of Hill Valley history (from 1885 to 2015) with Marty McFly, undoing the negative effects of time travel. For most of the first film, the 1.21 gigawatts are supplied by a plutonium-powered nuclear reactor and, with the absence of plutonium, a bolt of lightning channeled directly into the flux capacitor by a long pole and hook in the film’s climactic sequence.

Marty: “Hey Doc, we better back up. We don’t have enough road to get up to 88.”

Doc: “Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need roads!”

At the end of the first film, and for the remainder of the trilogy, the plutonium nuclear reactor is replaced by a “Mr. Fusion Home Energy Reactor” generator possibly acquired in 2015. The “Mr. Fusion” device apparently converts household waste into electrical power. Due to a “hover conversion” made in 2015, the car also becomes capable of hovering and flight, though it lost this ability at the end of the second film.

 

For the Modeler: This review covers the Snap-It kit # POL925 from Polar Lights/Round2 of the Time Machine Mark II from the Back To The Future II movie. The kit is 1/25 scale and listed as a Skill Level 2 although it is a Snap Together kit, but, the kit requires paint.  The model includes 62 parts molded in Gray, Clear, Chrome, Brushed Steel and it has Vinyl tires. This is a Re-Release (Re-Pop), SORT-OF, as it was released in the original movie version earlier and now as seen in the second movie. Polar Lights has updated the moldings to include a “Brushed Steel” looking body that more accurately depicts the Stainless Steel body. As with the previous versions this one includes the original Plutonium Reactor as well as the Lightening Rod and “Mr. Fusion”. So in effect you can replicate multiple versions of the car with this one kit. The Hover version is included and has stands to make it “Float”. The build is simplistic but painting is very tedious and detail specific. Go to the internet and download reference photos to give you a better idea as to how to properly paint it. The only decals are the license plates in the OUTATIME and BAR CODE versions. There are both decals and stickers of these in the kit. Overall dimensions are: Length: 7”, Width: 4”, Height: “Rolling” 3”, “Hovering” on stand: 5”.

 

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; test fitting; complete engine construction and rear panel detailing; explaining instruction errors; making realistic tires; dashboard detailing and sourcing; front and rear suspension build sequence; chassis installation; to hover or not to hover; removing unwanted chrome plating; the difference between front and rear tires; detailing the back panel; power plant version considerations; removing unwanted copyright script; using “clear” glue for the windows and glass; using optional “clock story” props; comparative kit history; identifying and removing mold lines; license plate decal or sticker application; using parts-box gauges; are all fully examined in this extensive 17 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format.

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Click the Buy Now link below to purchase the full Step-by-Step review for $2.95 USD.

Important – You MUST click on the “Return to Right on Replicas, LLC” link after you’ve made your purchase to download your review!

Right On Replicas, LLC ©2015 All rights reserved. *All registered trademarks are the property of their respective brands. Follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations for any product mentioned here.

Right On Replicas, LLC (Support Your Local Hobby Shop) 20150124*
Roger’s Hobby Center – 5618 State Street Saginaw, Michigan

Kit Review and Photos by Alan Mann

Once in a while I run across a local hobby shop that is special. Roger’s Hobby Center (RHC) is one of those places. With over thirty years experience the knowledgeable employees at RHC are among the best in the business. I am always impressed by their willingness to serve their customers and the hobby business in general.  RHC is an avid supporter of local Make-N-Take builds and R/C Events.  They graciously provide space for local hobby club meetings and demonstrations.  Without Local Hobby Shop  (LHS) businesses like Roger’s; the hobby industry would suffer greatly from lack of leadership.

The shop itself is clean, well lit and impeccably maintained and store features a variety of mainline hobby kits, R/C planes, boats, and cars. Local flying ace Brian frequently demonstrates the latest in R/C quad-copter equipment by deftly maneuvering them around inside. They also service R/C equipment and offer miniature railroad and craft supplies as well.  As they’ve stated things pretty well on their website…

“We’ve always specialized in the radio control aspect of the business (cars, airplanes, helicopters, and boats), but we also supply local hobbyists with plastic models, trains, gaming supplies, dollhouse supplies, coin and stamp materials, hobby tools, slot cars, and art supplies. We have one of the area’s best selection of puzzles, combining national brands with local manufacturers. We offer repair services for radio control vehicles as well.

We’ve now been in business for over 30 years, and we continue to serve the Mid-Michigan area for all their hobby needs. We are also branching out online, with accounts on social media giants such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. We’re pretty active all our social media sites, so stop by one and say hello!

We’re looking forward to continuing the tradition we’ve followed for more than a quarter-century – providing best-in-class service and support to our customers and promoting the hobbies we hold dear – for years to come!”

Again, there’s a great kit review involved here (kit compliments of RHC) of the Time Machine Mark II from the movie Back to the Future II, but this is really a plea to urge you to consider buying your models and supplies from your local hobby shop (LHS).  The LHS is getting to be just as hard to find as a discontinued kit.  Owned by an individual or family, those old line hobby shops are quite often chock-full of old hard-to-find kits and supplies that you won’t find in a big-box hobby shop. That’s not to mention the expertise that is readily available in most LHS stores. The prices might be retail but by the time you add shipping and the inevitable trip to the nearest store for the paint, stripes, decals, glue etc. that you couldn’t find online you’ll probably spend about the same amount of money.

If you’re ever in the area stop in and look over the great selection of hobby supplies and advice – you’ll be glad you did!

Right On Replicas, LLC ©2014 All rights reserved. *All registered trademarks are the property of their respective brands. Follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations for any product mentioned here.

Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20150122*
F9-F Grumman Panther 1:48 Scale AMT Model Kit #813 Review

Review and Photos by Doug Cole

Grumman’s first construction of a Navy jet fighter was a big success with two versions powered by different engines.  The FPF-2 used the Pratt & Whitney and the FPF-3 housed an Allison engine.  Prototyped in 1947, it saw production the next year. Fast and maneuverable they were the first Navy jet fighters to see combat in the Korean War. They were primarily designed for ground support, but were found to be effective interceptors as well and through its lifespan was fitted with different armaments for a variety of combat and support roles. The Allison design had a top speed of 575 mph and carried four 20 mm cannons in the J-33 configuration.

 

For the Modeler: This is a review of the F9-F Grumman Panther 1:48 Scale AMT Model Kit #813. This the latest re-release of the old AMT kit. It is rated a skill level 2 kit for intermediate modelers and is part of the Retro Deluxe Series. Included is an updated and enhanced decal sheet, and refurbished part trees. The kit contains 40+ pieces. They are molded in dark blue styrene with a clear canopy.  Decals are provided for three aircraft, Navy, Marine and Blue Angel liveries are included. The parts are very clean from flash and are crisply molded. Finished dimensions of the kit are: Length: 9½” x Wingspan 9½” x Height: 3″.

Covered in this Review:  If you want to perfect your build; basic construction; preparing parts for better finishing; extensive paint and finishing information; adhesive selections and applications; alternate assembly sequence for improved fit and finish; repairing seams and sinks; replacing lost panel lines are discussed; cockpit console and  instrument panel treatment and highlighting; gluing clear parts without crazing; detailed landing gear construction; clamping methods and locations; clarifying part location information; using Parafilm masking; how to “tone down” raised panel lines; black washes with diluted paint; decal preparation and application; removing unwanted paint guides; how to mask for panel painting; using decal setting solutions; removing locating posts and bosses for improved fit; mounting the plane for spray painting; using tacky putty as a painting aid; applying Pledge floor finish for perfectly clear “glass” parts; livery and version considerations; decal treatments; identifying pin marks; detailed masking instructions; pilot figure colors and paint sources; are all fully examined in this extensive 17 page, full-color Step-by-Step review.

100% money back guarantee!

Click the Buy Now link below to purchase the full Step-by-Step review for $3.95 USD.

Important – You MUST click on the “Return to Right on Replicas, LLC” link after you’ve made your purchase to download your review!

Right On Replicas, LLC ©2015 All rights reserved. *All registered trademarks are the property of their respective brands. Follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations for any product mentioned here.