Right On! Replicas

Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20140910*
How to Rescue a Large Scale Model Kit 1:8 Scale Monogram #2606 Rescue & Review

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

Veteran builders and even casual observers of the model building hobby have all seen it: there in the corner of the garage sale or flea market is a big box with a dusty, faded cover.  Taking the lid off and peeking inside she lays there: silent and dormant waiting for another chance to reclaim her full glory.  She’s been started, broken and painted but underneath she is a jewel in the rough.  They don’t make ‘em like that anymore and the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Be one of the few – the proud. Be a rescuer!

This review is based on the Monogram Kit #2606 ’82 Corvette Collector’s Edition in 1/8 scale. The kit started life as the 1978 Corvette kit and was updated and changed for this version. Parts are molded in “Metal Glow” Silver, Black, Chrome, Tinted Clear and Red Clear with Rubber Tires and Screws. The build consists of approximately 140 parts. With research I could only find this one box art and release date, the box and directions date this to the original 1982 release. If it was re-released I am unable to find it. This kit and other’s like it are still available at online auctions and flea markets everywhere. Having been made in the 80’s it does have some strong mold lines and the construction is simplified in some areas. Also being a model from the 80’s it does have some fit and finish issues that can be minor and workable if you take your time. Now, to the interesting part… This review will be somewhat different than a normal “New Build” review. This kit was owned and started by someone else and we will have to “Work with what we got”! The review will touch on re-conditioning previously painted parts, repairing damaged parts, and working around missing parts. Often a builder will buy, or be given a kit that has been started, and might need to know where to go from there. Hopefully, this will tackle some issues that you’ll probably run into.  Final constructed size of this kit is a massive 23-1/8” long, 9” wide and 6” tall.

NOTE: This kit was released prior to the Skill Level ratings, but this would have been a Skill Level 3 by Revell’s standards. Due to the condition of the kit being started and most of the parts off the sprue I rate this build as a Skill Level 4 meaning “Must have advanced model building skills”.  As this build requires damage repair, paint repair and parts identification ability, it is not your normal OUT OF THE BOX BUILD.

 

Covered in this Review:  If you want to rescue a model car kit this review shows you how through; what to expect when you open the box; how/why to inventory the part list; how to reduce variations in body paint; how to remove paint from parts; what to do with poor decals; constructing the hood hinges; how to repair cracked body parts; how to replace missing 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; mold seam identification and repair; suspension construction; detailing the tires for realism; frame construction; engine assembly and detailing with blackwash;  how to add plugs wires to an engine; using “clear” glue for window glass; suspension construction; dealing with missing parts; part orientation; making “optional” graphics; detailing the “dashboard”; where not to use glue;  decal preparation and application; are all fully examined in this extensive  27 page, full-color Step-by-Step rescue and review in PDF format. The kit’s instructions are also available with this review.

100% money back guarantee!

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 20140908*
1957 Chevy Convertible 1:25 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4270 Review

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

The 1957 Chevy was introduced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors in September 1956. It was available in three series models: the upscale “Bel Air”, the mid-range “Two-Ten”, and the “One-Fifty”. A two-door station wagon, the Nomad was produced as a Bel Air model. The “Bel Air” also included a convertible model. An upscale trim option called the “Delray” was available for two-ten 2-door sedans. It is a popular and sought after classic car. These vehicles are often restored to their original condition and sometimes modified. For 1957, the New Bel Air model was equipped with a fresh 283ci V-8. Additionally, Bel Air had reached the peak of refined retro elegance. Their fins and headlamps were stylish and the interior was spacious, comfortable and elegant. The ’57 also won 26 NASCAR “convertible races,” more than any make, and won all three possible driver’s championships. The first in convertible class and winning car in the 1959 Daytona 500 was a ’57 driven by Joe Lee Johnson.

 

 

For the modeler: This review covers the Revel Kit #85-4270 ’57 Chevy Convertible molded in 1:25 scale. Revell rates this as a Skill Level 2 for a moderate builder. The kit includes 176 parts molded in White, Clear and Chrome and Rubber tires. Copyright dates on the chassis date this kit to 1997, making this a partial Re-Issue or REPOP. That being said Revell lists this as a CONVERSION kit with some all new tooling. There are two versions of the motor, one auto and one manual transmission. The motor is quite detailed and has different intake options, including the ever popular Batwing air cleaner. This motor lends itself to easy aftermarket details! The chassis is straight forward and clean. It includes the proper “X Brace” only on convertibles. The interior is nicely detailed and a multi-part design. The body is nice but all the trim is molded on to it meaning lots of Bare Metal Foil work or Silver Paint Details. Decals include all interior seat and door patterns.  Overall completed dimensions are Length: 8-1/8″, Width: 3″, Height: 2-1/4″.

 

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; using floor polish to make spectacular window glass; making custom plates and floor mats for your model; version considerations; engine construction and detailing; removing copyright scripts; suspension construction and detailing; making realistic tires; use of flocking for interior detailing; how to use Bare Metal Foil for trim; using setting solution for decal application; mold seam identification and repair; 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.

RoR SnapShot Review 20140904*
1968 Corvette Roadster 2n1 1:25 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-2544 Review

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

Other sporty two-seaters have come and gone, but Corvettes have made American hearts thump for decades. Their combination of performance and elegance makes every generation timeless. For 1968 both the Corvette body and interior were completely redesigned; this is the “C3” or Third Generation. As before, the car was available in either coupe or convertible models, but coupes had new removable roof panels (T-tops) and a removable rear window. A soft folding top was included with convertibles, while an auxiliary hardtop with a glass rear window was offered at additional cost. The enduring new body’s concealed headlights moved into position via a vacuum operated system rather than electrically as on the previous generation. The chassis was carried over from the second generation models, retaining the fully independent suspension (with minor revisions) and the four-wheel disc brake system. The engine line-up and horsepower ratings were also carried over from the previous year as were the 3 and 4-speed manual transmissions. Finally, the new optional Turbo Hydramatic 3-speed automatic transmission replaced the two-speed Powerglide.

FOR THE MODELER:  This review is based on the Revell Kit #85-2544 ’68 Corvette Roadster 2n1 in 1/25 scale. The kit is considered a Skill Level 2 for the moderate builder and consists of 124 parts molded in White, Chrome, Clear, Clear Red and Vinyl tires. A quick search on the internet shows multiple box arts over the years for this kit  making this a re-release (Repop). A scan of the parts shows a chassis copyright date of 1988. Revell updated this kit to an L-88 and a Racer also with minor changes over the years. That being said this is one of the better releases of this kit. It retains the L-88 Hood, stock wheels and the soft top and hard top parts. The motor is a nicely detailed big block V-8 and you get a carb or “blown” option. The frame and suspension are well detailed and are built as a multi-part unit. The multi-piece interior has very crisp detail that is well defined and has easy-to-paint details. The door panels are separate but the interior is a “Tub”. The body is a single piece with only minor mold lines. The two roof options and hood are separate units but install perfectly. There are very few decals for the body with just some Flames and 2 sets of plates. Overall dimensions are: Length: 7-3/8″ Width: 2-1/2″ Height: 2-1/16″.

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS:  This was a great build! A Corvette is always fun to build because you get a little bit of a challenge but with patience a very nice car. The motor on this car has a few options with two intake systems. I did replace the factory air filter with one from my parts box because I used some of the custom parts on the stock build to make mine unique. With a little aftermarket wires and add-on stuff this becomes a very nice motor. The chassis is a little simple on the assembly but looks very nice with detailed painting.  Same with the interior, some Flocking and extra details and this interior can stand out. Being a Convertible allows you to SEE your work so take your time on the details. The single part body was nice and had very little clean up, the optional Up-Top or Hard Top roofs are a nice touch. I must note final assembly must be done slowly. Fitting the chassis and body properly to squeeze the motor in to the fender wells can be touchy. Not overly difficult to do, but the final alignment is important for the car to fit properly: take your time. I followed the directions step by step and the kit went together without a hitch. This kit has been around a while and I have built it a few times, I enjoyed it as much this time as the past. On a scale of 1 to 10 I rate this one as a 9. With a little extra time and effort you can make this a Contest Car!

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