Steve Jahnke
Reviews By Author
|
Porsche 918 SpyderPublished:
OverviewAs an exotic model car builder, I went bonkers when this kit became available as an IPMS review candidate. The Porsche 918 kit was initially introduced on the European model market by Revell of Germany, luckily Revell USA soon picked it up and re-boxed it for the United States market, the only difference was the boxing configuration. Your hobby shop may have both the Revell USA or Revell Germany versions, the only difference is boxing and pricing. Specifically, the 918 is an exotic hybrid vehicle; main power is generated by a 4.6 litre gasoline engine and is supplemented by two electric motors on both the front and rear axles. It has astonishing performance; 0 to 60 in 2.6 seconds and 0-100 MPH in 4.9 seconds. Initial pricing of this car was a cool $845,000 less an… more |
|
1971 Ford ThunderbirdPublished:
This kit is presented in a throw-back to 1971 complete with period packaging. Molded in white, it can be built with a detailed motor or with a promo-style motor plate option, features include wild psychedelic decals, a few custom pieces and a miniature display kit box. Skill Level 2. The manufacturer claims that the kit is supposed to include pad printed slicks, however my review kit sample did not include those items. The KitThis kit was originally offered as an annual kit and as a “dealer promo” style kit back in the day. Due to this design parameter the front and rear fascia’s are pretty well detailed, however the body engraving is soft in spots, the engine, interior and chassis is somewhat simplified therefore parts count is lower than our modern… more |
|
2013 Dodge Challenger SRT 8Published:
Brief History of the MarqueThe first generation Challenger bowed its head in 1969 and was a stable mate to the Plymouth Barracuda, the original Chrysler “pony car” to play in that segment as started by Ford’s Mustang. The second generation “Challenger” from 1978 to 1983 was a badge engineered Mitsubishi Galant Lambda. The current generation of Challengers was introduced in early 2008 again to do battle with the fifth generation Mustang and Camaro segments that were exploding in popularity. The KitAs indicated above, the subject kit’s body is very nicely painted in Dodge’s modern rendition of Plum Crazy metallic paint complimented with dual white painted racing stripes, a favorite color and look of it’s early 70’s hayday. This kit is also available in “Hemi… more |
|
1956 Chrysler 300BPublished:
Overview and History1956 was the second year of the wildly successful Chysler 300 series and aptly named after the second letter of what became known as the Chrysler “letter” series cars. The V-8 powered series eventually went as far as the 300L of 1965, however the letter series continued one more time as the V6 powered FWD 300M model in 1999. The standard engine was a 394CID (5.8L) “Hemi” V8. The available dual 4 barrel carburated “hemi” topped out as the first American V8 to produce one horsepower per cubic inch or 394HP, a fantastic accomplishment of the day. The car was available in three colors: Regimental Red (37), Cloud White (41) and Black. The KitThe entire kit is well molded in a quality grey plastic, all parts and decals are bagged. The… more |
|
2008 Corvette Indy 500 Pace CarPublished:
This is a 1/25 un-assembled promo. The kit contains 40 pieces molded in clear, and black, seats are molded in black vinyl. This is an official Indianapolis 500 licensed product and includes an Indy 500 sticker and 5x7 picture of the car. This model is part of Round 2’s Showroom Replica series History and ResearchThe Chevrolet Corvette has become a familiar star at the annual running of the Indianapolis 500. The subject model of this review is the 2008 version of the Corvette or “C6” model. It was the 10th Corvette chosen to pace the annual May Indy 500 race. The 2008 Pace car celebrated the 30 year anniversary of the first Corvette to pace Indy. This 2008 model was styled after the 1978 (C3 model), complete with black over silver. The BuildAs this… more |
|
Mitsubishi Lancer GSR Evolution IVPublished:
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, or colloquially known as the Evo is a high-performance sports car manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors that is based on the Lancer. There have been ten official versions to date, our subject review kit is the forth generation of the series. All EVO’s use two litre, turbocharged and four wheel drive systems. EVO’s were not officially imported into the American market until 2003; therefore this model represents the “home-market” version of this car, The KitOur subject kit comes from Hasagawa imported by Hobbico and is part of their extensive line of the Lancer GSR series. All of the kit parts are crisply molded; since this is an EVO, there are additional standard Lancer parts included in the kit that would… more |
|
2012 Subaru BRZPublished:
1/24th scale, molded in “WRX” mica blue, black, clear and chrome; includes window masking templates, photo etched parts on an adhesive backing, and metal hood brace. The kit makes one version. History and ResearchThe Subaru BRZ (B=boxer enginer, R=rear wheel drive, Z=last letter in the alphabet) is a result of a joint collaboration between Toyota and Subaru. It was designed as a world car and is known by the names Subaru BRZ, Toyota GT86, and the Scion FR-S. They are all powered by a flat “boxer”-style 4-cylinder engines in all models and is engineered by Subaru. Most of the rest of the development of the car was the work of Toyota. The BuildThis is one of the latest issues from Tamiya. All of the BRZ’s body parts are molded in Soobs’ iconic Mica… more |
|
2010 Camaro SSPublished:
The Chevrolet Camaro was Chevy’s answer to the pony car sweepstakes in the late 60’s. Over the years, the “Bow-Tie” boys brought out many exciting and powerful Camaros to do battle with Ford and Chrysler. After a short hiatus in early 2000, Chevy brought back the Camaro in its current retro styling that harks back to the car’s 1969 aggressive styling. Today’s Camaro is truly a state of the art Pony Car, in part because it rolls on modern and expensive independent rear suspension (IRS) components just like its big brother Corvette; engine power ranges from its base 304 bhp V6 engine while V8s are available up to the 6.2 litre 400 bhp L99 engine. The KitOur subject kit from Revell comes packaged as a ‘Special Edition’ release. This kit is based on brand-spanking new… more |
|
2010 Ford Mustang GTPublished:
Kit Description: 1/25th scale, 117 pieces, molded in white, clear and chrome; newly tooled 2010 body and wheels with retooled 2005 Mustang interior and chassis, decals for three racing stripe versions. History and Research: Who in this world is not familiar with Ford’s iconic Mustang? Ford’s 2010 Mustang is the first restyle of the 2005 retro-styled version of the brand. The 2010 restyle further enhances the car’s aerodynamics and aggressiveness. Today’s Mustang remains the oldest American pony car in continuous production, 47 years to date. The Build: As with my prior IPMS reviews, I start the build by painting the body parts and then move onto everything else. After separating and cleaning up the… more |
|
Ferrari California PE Detail SetPublished:
What’s in the Bag?Hobby Design is a Chinese manufacturer with an extensive line of resin and metal photo-etch, window masks, and other up detailing add-ons for cars and motorcycles. This review centers around Hobby Design’s set of PE parts for Revell’s Ferrari California. Included on the two seperately packaged and Mylar protected frets are detail parts for the engine bay, interior, and the car body itself. Some of the more intricate pieces include a 4-piece grill insert that replaces the as-molded center section of the grill. Only the outside portion of the Revell grill is used. Other exterior pieces, of course, include various Ferrari logos and scripts as well as the rear exhaust escutchions. Of note are the 3-piece windshield wiper arms and blade assemblies… more |