Doug Cole
Reviews By Author
|
How to Build a Successful Low-Cost Rally CarPublished:
Veloce Publishing has issued a number of books in their SpeedPro Series that illustrates practical automotive performance tips and advice. This softcover book conations 96 pages of honest and engaging information on “How to Build a Successful Low-Cost Rally Car.” It is first and foremost a primer that shows you how to enter the field of long-distance endurance racing on a budget but it also has information and close-up photos of the kinds of modifications that can be used to recreate an authentic replica of those spartan race cars in scale. The book is British-centric and many of the automotive terms like bonnet and windscreen (just as the races are) are prevalent but are easily understood from context so it’s still a pretty easy read. If you are seriously… more |
|
Ford GTPublished:
The new Ford GT is a stunning supercar that competes favorably with the best of the breed at a price that the competition hasn’t seen in in a decade. Tamiya, not wishing to be left out of the fray has produced a similarly gorgeous replica of the car in scale for the advanced builder. There are a lot of things to love about the kit and some things that could be improved, but in the end; if you want a great looking model of this superb car this the best example on the market. Construction begins with the rear and forward body panels and you’ll quickly discover that you can’t use tube glue or the parts will not fit together. Thin liquid cement or thin superglue are needed due to the tight tolerances of the pieces and miniscule glue points. Reminiscent of the over-… more |
|
Sauber Mercedes C9Published:
The Sauber Mercedes C9 made quite a splash in 1989, winning the World Sports Car Prototype Championship with both the #61 and #62 racers. In this curbside kit you have the option of building either vehicle with the decals provided. Although this is a simple model it is rated a skill level three kit for modelers aged 14 and over by the manufacturer due to the large decals involved in finishing. It has 79 pieces molded in gray, clear and black styrene. The decals are very nice with a great register and minimal carrier film. There are no drivetrain parts and the underside is a plain floorpan with a few molded in details. When finished the dimensions are approximately: Length: 8”, Width: 3”, Height: 2.” ConstructionThe best way to describe the kit is to say; “… more |
|
2016 Corvette StingrayPublished:
The KitThis review covers the 2016 Corvette Stingray 1:25 Scale Revell Kit #85-4425. It’s a Skill Level 4 kit for the intermediate builder requiring glue and paint. There are 57 parts molded in white, clear, chrome and transparent red and metal axles with easy-to-follow instructions and waterslide decals. The kit features a detailed LT-1 V-8 engine, multi-piece chassis, and soft black tires. Overall finished dimensions are approximately: Length: 7", Width: 3¼", Height: 2". Construction and DetailingConstruction of this kit begins with the motor and although it is fairly detailed it is a simple construction that is easily built. The sad fact is that you can’t really see the motor after it is placed into the engine bay just like the real thing! The chassis… more |
|
Grim Reaper Chopper by Tom DanielsPublished:
BackgroundThe Grim Reapers description on Revell’s website sums up the premise best, “The baddest of the bad is back and hotter than ever. Tom Daniel's devilishly designed Grim Reaper still has that mean, classic look 40 years after it was designed. The Grim Reaper starts with raked, custom, square-tubular forks and cool, dual-square headlights. Then, there's the "coffin" shaped gas tank on the custom frame with custom stitched seat, and "Iron Cross" medallion. It's all powered by a classic V-twin motor with down-swept chrome pipes. Kit features tons of chrome parts, flexible tubing for wiring, swing out kick stand, and soft black tires”. The KitThis review covers the 2016 re-release of the Grim Reaper Chopper 1:8 Scale Monogram Kit #85-7541. It’s a Skill… more |
|
Kenworth K-100Published:
This review covers the re-release of the Kenworth K-100 by Revel in 1:25 scale. There are 284 parts molded in White, Chrome, and Clear, with Vinyl tires, and waterslide decals. Fit and finish on this kit is very good for its age. Incidentally, this is the truck style used for Optimus Prime in the original cartoon version of Transformers. The good news: this is a well designed kit. The bad news: I don’t see a current release date so they may be hard to find. Construction and DetailingThis 2017 re-release #85-2513 has seen several box arts and versions (including the aerodyne’s) over the years. It needs glue and paint, so it would be recommended for advanced modelers due to the high piece count. On the other hand, it doesn’t have the usual poor cab fit issue.… more |
|
Lamborghini Countach 5000 QuattrovalvolePublished:
After ten years of Countach production, the 1985 four valve per cylinder “Quattrovalvole“ V-12 coupled with a new fuel injection system was a significant upgrade. If that wasn’t enough for auto enthusiast they only made 610 of them which sold out immediately. This review covers the skill level 5 (ages 14 years and older) 2016 release of the Lamborghini Countach 5000 Quattrovalvole 1:24 Scale Italeri Model Kit #3683. This kit is molded in white, grey, black, chrome, and clear with vinyl tires. Decals are made for the detailed interior and the chassis is made in multiple parts for enhanced finishing. The motor is highly detailed and can be viewed through the open engine cover. The body is also a multi-part unit crisply molded and proportionally correct. Finished dimensions are… more |
|
1977 AMC Pacer WagonPublished:
Back in ’77 the AMC Pacer was arguably ahead of its time. The expanded windows were a definite safety feature allowing greater visibility, and the sub-compact (now the same size as some mid-size cars) had great fuel consumption. Unfortunately, it was “too far ahead” and people described its odd look as an upside-down fishbowl. Construction and DetailingThis 2016 release #AMT1008 is a Retro-Deluxe re-pop for this kit which has seen several box arts over the years. It needs glue and paint, so it would be recommended for modeler 12 and older. The overall model is simplistic as many of the detail work is molded in. As an example, the block on 14 piece motor has a molded-in exhaust manifold and fuel pump. The gas tank and frame rails are molded into the floor pan and the… more |
|
Blazing Bison Puller TractorPublished:
Talk about a blast from the past – this kit hasn’t been seen since its 1986 release. The secondary market prices were approaching $100 and here it is again for our enjoyment at reasonable prices. This kit features some of the largest tires available for a 1:25 scale kit, and not one, but three fully blown Hemi drag motors and a wagon full of accessories. This review covers the skill level 3 (ages 12 years and older) 2016 re-release of the Blazing Bison Puller Tractor 1:25 Scale AMT Model Kit #1006. There are 150+ pieces molded in yellow, black, and chrome, with metal axles, gigantic soft vinyl tires and waterslide decals. Finished dimensions are; ~ L-8”, W-5”, H-3”. Construction and DetailingTo reduce color variations I recommend that you spray all the yellow… more |
|
Corvette C7.RPublished:
The stunning good looks and performance of the Pratt & Miller Corvette C7.R were only surpassed by the performance of this incredible racing machine. A true race car, this triple threat vehicle only shares it outer skin with the Corvette as nearly everything else is custom made to handle the rigors of long endurance racing propelled by a 491 HP engine. This review covers the skill level 4 (ages 12 years and older) new tooling release of the 2015 Corvette C7.R 1:25 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4304. There are White, clear, clear red, metal axles, soft black tires with waterslide decals. You get a superbly detailed race car body with a racing chassis, safety roll cage and separate, but simplified, motor. This is a specific vehicle special subject kit and a historically accurate… more |