Right On! Replicas

Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20141010*
How to build a Resin Kit using the Revell 2009 Dodge Challenger 1:25 Scale Donor Kit Model #85-4220

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

This review will show you how to build a resin cast trans-kit model conversion. If you’ve been in the modeling hobby for a while you may have heard about resin cast models.  Essentially a resin caster makes models from molds and uses resin material and a chemical hardener to create a casting.  Most of the earlier resin casters simply used promotional models of older subjects that the injection molders weren’t interested in making because the sales of those models wouldn’t justify the investment in tooling. Some of the top quality resin casters have taken things further and added “phantom” kits to existing versions opening up a whole new level of building fun for modelers.

The aftermarket resin parts companies have been around for years making the kits and parts that the model companies did not and crafting variants of the real cars the auto companies did not. The greatest challenge beyond using resin is finding the right companies to buy from. Aftermarket suppliers are typically home-based businesses for the most part and unlike a major company like Revell the quality control is hit or miss. Finding the “Good Stuff” can be a costly adventure. As home based businesses, many smaller resin companies are part time and your purchase can take a long time be shipped. Also, ordering from these companies can be tricky because the photo you see looks great in the ad but you get a warped mangled piece of trash in the mail. Doing some research on the internet’s hobby forums can steer you to the right suppliers, and given the opportunity you can create a one of a kind build much like this review. Within the review you will get detailed advice on how to work with Resin and how to integrate it into your factory kit. Topnotch companies like RMR (Race Motor Replicas), offer fast service with a superior product. They will also recommend what kit to use as a donor to supply the “extra” parts for your model.

On February 6, 2008, Chrysler introduced the third-generation Dodge Challenger. The new version was a 2-door coupe which shared design elements with the first generation Challenger. The car is only a 2-door sports Coupe, but WHAT IF, a wagon, was available for the family? Building a Resin Conversion allows a modeler to create that “WHAT IF” car in miniature!

For the modeler: This review is based on the Revell Special Edition Series 2009 Dodge Challenger 1:25 Scale Donor Kit #85-4220 and the conversion resin Challenger Wagon Trans-kit from RACE MOTOR REPLICAS. There are 109 parts molded in White, Chrome, Clear, Rubber tires and Metal axles. Revell released this kit in 2009 as a NEW RELEASE TOOLING. It is still available and can be found in Hobby Shops and online quite easily. The kit has a simple but nice looking motor. The interior is a multiple piece unit with good details. The chassis is well detailed in looks but simplistic to build. The body is a multi-piece unit and looks good. Overall the car looks correct when built, BUT we are not building this car kit entirely! This review will stray from a standard build as we are using a resin conversion kit for the body replacement. We will make this standard Challenger into what is known as a Phantom Wagon. This is called a Trans-Kit and is a DIRECT REPLACEMENT conversion. The kit comes with all the parts needed to convert the “Donor Kit” into this phantom version. The kit is from RACE MOTOR REPLICAS owned by Ron Andrews. The company is based out of Meadville PA. They can be found at: http://www.rmrmodels.com/. The kit donor kit is rated a Skill Level 2 but a resin conversion should be considered a Skill Level 3 build for the advanced modeler. Overall dimensions of completed build: Length: 7-15/16″, Width: 2/3/4, Height: 2-1/2.

Covered in this review: This review will show you step-by-step, how to build a resin trans-kit model from start to finish. Differences between resin and styrene model parts; modifying the body to work with the Revell kit parts;  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; using floor polish to make spectacular window glass; making custom license plates, decals; floor mats and windows for your model; adding window tint; using “clear” glue for windows; detailing the engine bay; dashboard detailing; making realistic tires; aligning directional tires; removing unwanted copyright script; wet sanding; airbrush advantages; engine construction and detailing; how to extract residue from resin castings; suspension construction and detailing; use of flocking for interior detailing; using setting solution for decal application; expanded Challenger background; mold seam and ejector pin identification and repair; detailing the instrument panel; decal preparation and application; are all fully examined in this 23 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format.

 

Right On Replicas would like to thank Dave Burket at Model King for locating the donor kit so quickly for this review.  His tireless efforts at preserving and expanding the hobby are very much appreciated.  Additionally, kudos go to Doug Gallinat at ATM Hobby Club for arranging and shipping kits and supplies.

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Right On Replicas, LLC ©2014 All rights reserved.
*All registered trademarks are the property of their respective brands.

Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20141008*
Ferrari F310B Formula 1 (F1) Race Car 1:20 Scale Tamiya Model Kit #20045 Review

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

A modern Formula One car is a single-seat, open cockpit, open wheel race car with substantial front and rear wings, and the engine positioned behind the driver. The regulations governing the cars are unique to the championship. The Formula One regulations specify that cars must be constructed by the racing teams themselves. The use of aerodynamics to increase the cars grip was pioneered in Formula One in the late 1960’s by Lotus, Ferrari and Brabham. As well as being blindingly fast in a straight line, F1 cars also have incredible cornering ability. The 1997 the 310B was Ferrari designer John Barnard’s attempt to keep rival Williams off the podium. It was an improved design package, but still used Ferrari’s powerful V-10. In 1997 Michael Schumacher and Eddie Irvine raced for Ferrari. They had not been as competitive as they hoped for in the years preceding, however, Schumacher as the lead driver led Ferrari to 5 victories in the 1997 season. Those results might have catapulted Ferrari and Michael into the World Champion if it weren’t for an incident with rival Jacques Villeneuve in the last race of the season. Nevertheless, the 310B was an incredibly successful car for Ferrari. The F310 and F310B won a total of 8 Grand Prix, 22 podiums and 7 pole positions. The F310 proved to be a front-running car, but without the outright pace or superb reliability which led to the Williams FW18s dominating 1996. This car was notable as being the first Ferrari F1 car to use the then more conventional V10 engine format. The name F310 refers to the engine type, a 3 liter, 10 cylinder engine.

 

For the modeler: This review is based on the Tamiya 1/20 Grand Prix Collection Ferrari 310B in 1/20 scale, Kit #20045. The box is dated 1997 and this is the original release version but it is still available and can be found quite easily. The kit consists of about 105 parts molded in Red, Black and Clear with Vinyl tires. The decals are extensive and high quality BUT due to the regulations on Tobacco Advertising they do not have any of the MARLBORO branding decals. There are sets available as Fill-In decals to replicate the proper look, I will use the TABU DECALS set. This is a Japanese Model Kit so with that said the directions are in Japanese with multiple language translations on the instructions, it can be confusing. The build is straight forward and well detailed so if you take your time it should go together nicely. Tamiya is a quality product and the parts show few if any blemishes. The build starts with the body and requires you to construct on to it, take care to not damage the finish as you build. The motor is detailed and the cowl is removable to show the motor. The suspension mounts securely. Overall the finished size is: Length: 8-3/4”, Width: 4”, Height: 2-3/4”.

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; dashboard detailing; using aftermarket decals for authenticism; making the skid plate look like wood; airfoil assembly and detailing; detailing the steering wheel; correcting panel a misfit is discussed; making realistic tires; airbrush advantages; engine construction and detailing; removing copyright scripts; suspension construction and detailing; using setting solution for decal application; mold seam and ejector pin identification; detailing the instrument panel; decal preparation and application; and an expanded race history of the real car; are all fully examined in this 16 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 $4.95 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 ©2014 All rights reserved.
*All registered trademarks are the property of their respective brands.

Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20141006*
Street Fighter by Tom Daniel 1:24 Scale Monogram Model Kit #85-4262 Review

Review and Photos by James Yeager

Remember back to the late sixties and early seventies when the only “cool” station wagon was one that was turned into a street racer! Well, this was exactly how those drag buggies looked and I think more than one hot-rodder got their inspiration from Tom Daniel. As Monogram says, “Tom Daniel’s at it again, taking a classic ’60 Chevy® delivery sedan – and turning it into the Street Fighter Super Car Killer! Kit features a Camaro Z/28 engine, a tilt-up front end, a racing steering wheel, plush boat-type buckets, a custom “GO” pedal, a reverse-flow hood scoop, front end spoilers, chrome-plated accessories, wide black vinyl tires, mag wheels, a roll bar and more.”

 

 

For the modeler: This is the Monogram kit #85-4262, known as the Street Fighter, a custom 1960 Chevy Panel Truck that is 1: 24 scale, and a Skill Level 2 kit for the intermediate builder. The pieces are molded in orange, chrome, and transparent red styrene with black vinyl tires and water slide decals. There are 72 pieces to this kit and very well laid out instructions. This is a reissue of the 1970’s Street Fighter designed by one of the famous car designers of that era Tom Daniel. I remember growing up looking at this kit on my father’s shelf and honestly I think it was this car here that caused me to fall in love with the tilt nose pieces. This re-release has all the original features which is really great! Revell/ Monogram issued four different versions of this kit and I now have been able to build three of them; Street Fighter, Street Fighter Two, and the Bad Actor. The only version I have yet to acquire is the Quicksilver edition.  The dimensions are; Length-8^7/16”  X  Width-2^3/16”  X  Height-2^7/16”.

 

Covered in this Review:  If you want to perfect your build; basic construction; preparing parts for better finishing; complete paint and adhesive selections and applications; test fitting; detailing the engine bay; dashboard detailing; tire/wheel construction; airbrush thinning specifications; version considerations and extended side-by-side comparison of the various releases; engine construction and detailing; removing copyright scripts; suspension construction and detailing; checking the build for construction issues; using “clear” glue for windows; detailing the instrument panel; decal preparation and application; are all fully examined in this 15 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format.

100% money back guarantee!

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 ©2014 All rights reserved.
*All registered trademarks are the property of their respective brands.