Doug Cole
Reviews By Author
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Bad Company '82 Dodge VanPublished:
Through most of the seventies and early eighties custom vans were all the rage! This kit takes you instantly back to that magical era when shag carpet, eight tracks and incense were commonplace. The KitThis review covers the Bad Company 1982 Dodge Van 1:25 Scale MPC Model Kit #824. A 2015 re-release, this model was first produced in 1982 and Round2 has brought it back with all its original stock and custom parts along with an updated decal sheet. Round2 rates this a level 2 skill kit for intermediate modelers and I would say that it’s probably a 2+ with cutouts and large decals to install. The instructions are pretty clear and the motor is fairly well detailed although you would have to open up the hood to see it. It comes with cutout areas in the roof which harkens… more |
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Carl Casper’s Cosmic ChargerPublished:
The KitThis review covers the Carl Casper Cosmic Charger 1:25 Scale Model Kit #826. A 2015 release, this model is a reissue with some brand new parts and updated decals. It is rated a skill level 2 kit for the 10 year and older builder although I think this is a bit conservative, and a level 3 rating is probably in order. This is due to the large decals and delicate frame construction. It is molded in white, clear, and chrome pieces with waterslide decals and instructions. Two versions can be built; either a front or top blower configuration are included. This kit features a highly detailed rendition of the 426 Hemi V-8, 15 new parts and pad printed drag slicks. The completed dimensions are Length: 12” Width: 2½” Height: 2¼.” Construction and DetailingThis… more |
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1957 Ford Del Rio Ranch WagonPublished:
The KitThis review covers the 1957 Ford Del Rio Ranch Wagon 1:25 Scale Model Kit #85-4193. A 2015 release, this model is a collection of past offerings with refreshed trees and some brand new tooling. It is a skill level 3 kit for the 12-year and older builder, molded in 156 pieces of white, clear, transparent red and chrome pieces with waterslide decals and instructions. As you can tell from the piece count it comes with quite a few options. Two complete versions can be built; either the police wagon or a stock version. Both use a highly detailed rendition of the 312 c.i.d. Thunderbird V-8. This kit includes a separate frame for enhanced detailing along with custom wheels and disc brakes. The completed dimensions are Length: 8”, Width: 3”, Height: 2-3/8” … more |
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Time Machine Mark IV (Back To The Future III)Published:
The KitThis review covers the Time Machine Mark IV (Back To The Future III) 1:25 Scale Polar Lights Model Kit #POL932. A 2015 release, this model is a continuation of the previous Time Machine version offerings. This skill level 2 kit is molded in color in about 60 pieces in gray, clear, chrome, updated brushed steel, metal axles with waterslide and sticker license plate graphics. While the kit is fairly easy to assemble the details are small and difficult to paint. You may also need to find some online sources to supplement the build with homemade decals to really make the model stand out. The completed dimensions are Length: 7”, Width: 3”, Height: 2-1/4” and it comes with a set of rail tracks for display. Construction and DetailingI started construction… more |
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Nestle Crunch Monster TruckPublished:
The KitThis review covers the Nestle Crunch Monster Truck 1:32 Scale AMT Model Kit #911. A 2015 release, this model is a repackaging of the popular USA-1 Monster Truck model. This kit is designed to be an easy-to-assemble kit with subject matter that appeals to youngsters. It is all about letting kids get into the hobby with minimal skills and come out with a great looking “monster truck” that has “eye candy” written all over it! A skill level 1 Snap It kit it is molded in color in 21 pieces that are (blue, white and chrome) with metal axles, monster style wheels and vinyl sticker graphics. The completed dimensions are Length: 7”, Width: 4-3/4”, Height: 4”. Assembly time is under an hour. Construction and DetailingMinimal construction skills are required… more |
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USS Akron or Macon LTA Aircraft CarrierPublished:
BackgroundThe USS Akron and Macon were lighter than air (LTA) aircraft carriers built for the US Navy in the 1930’s. Filled with Helium, ach rigid airship was designed to carry five single-seat Curtiss F9C Sparrowhawks for scouting or two-seat Fleet N2Y-1 biplanes for training. A gondola was also designed to be lowered through the cloud layer for aerial surveillance. Both rigid airships crashed within two years after becoming operational. There’s a good article on these craft at: https://www.airships.net/us-navy-rigid-airships/uss-akron-macon/ . The KitThis review covers the USS Akron or Macon LTA Aircraft Carrier 1:520 Scale AMT Model Kit #892. A 2015 re-release, this model… more |
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53 Foot Smooth Side Trailer with ReeferPublished:
The KitThis review covers the 53’ Smooth Side Trailer 1:25 Scale Moebius Model Kit #1303. A new release, this model should be readily available at most outlets. This is a complimentary version of the original corrugated side 1:25 scale trailer model with a reefer and roll-up rear door option. Moebius designates this as a Skill Level 3 kit for modelers 12 years and older. It is molded in white styrene with soft vinyl tires, chrome wheels, waterslide decals, and an extensive instruction manual. This kit features all the details of the real thing. There is a highly accurate undercarriage featuring cross-members with angle-braced landing gear and a tandem axle configuration. The instruction booklet is top notch with a centerfold for decal placement. The completed model is a… more |
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Battlestar Galactica Viper Mark II (2 Pack)Published:
The KitThis review covers the Battlestar Galactica Viper Mark II (2 Pack) 1:72 Scale Moebius Model Kit #957. A new release, this model should be readily available at most outlets. These are resized versions of the original 1:32 scale model. Moebius designates this as a Skill Level 3 kit for modelers 12 years and older. It includes two main trees containing most of parts for each craft. It is molded in white styrene with a transparent canopy, display stand, waterslide decals and an extensive instruction manual. There are markings for different craft in the decal sheet. I have to give Moebius Models credit for releasing this model and to IPMS for providing the review sample. Construction and DetailingFor the most part, tube glue works just fine for… more |
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Tim Flock’s 1956 Chrysler 300BPublished:
The KitThis automotive model review covers Tim Flock’s 1956 Chrysler 300B Kiekaefer Race Car 1:25 Scale Moebius Model Kit #1212. The release date on the inside of the body is 2013 but this model is readily available at most outlets. Moebius designates this as a Skill Level 3 kit for modelers 12 years and older. It includes 15 trees molded in white, chrome, clear and transparent red, soft vinyl tires, waterslide decals and an extensive full color instruction manual. Also included are some photo-etch detail parts. This kit is designed to commemorate one of the cars used by the celebrated Tim Flock whose career would lead him to be named one of the 50 best NASCAR drivers of all time. I have to give Moebius Models credit for releasing this model and to IPMS for providing… more |
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Battlestar Galactica Viper Mark II (2 Pack)Published:
The KitThis review covers the Battlestar Galactica Viper Mark II (2 Pack) 1:72 Scale Moebius Model Kit #957. A new release, this model should be readily available at most outlets. These are resized versions of the original 1:32 scale model. Moebius designates this as a Skill Level 3 kit for modelers 12 years and older. It includes two main trees containing most of parts for each craft. It is molded in white styrene with a transparent canopy, display stand, waterslide decals and an extensive instruction manual. There are markings for different craft in the decal sheet. I have to give Moebius Models credit for releasing this model and to IPMS for providing the review sample. Construction and DetailingFor the most… more |