Ford’s F-Series trucks are the most popular pickups in the world. This rugged yet stylish ’91 F-350 was a great choice for Revell to produce. It has been a popular release as well and part of that is due to its adaptability for other mash-up and scratch built configurations.
I first made this model shortly after the 1989 release of the new Batman movie, having been fascinated by the transfiguration of this iconic machine from the old 1964 Adam West series, even going so far as to mail order the optional “cocoon” shroud for it. As the movies have proceeded, I’ve liked the Batmobiles featured less and less, as they have evolved from a snazzy convertible into heavily armed paramilitary vehicles much the way Batman himself has evolved from the noble “caped crusader” into a sociopathic vigilante. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I rather liked the idea of a crime fighter exclusively using his fists to deal with villains.
In any case, I never had a opportunity to model the re-release of this interesting machine after the second movie, where AMT added an exposable turbine engine and retractable computer controls. This latest incarnation not only features these lovely bits but also a card stock “background” display. What fun!
When Ford released the Mustang and started the “Pony Car” era in 1964, GM scrambled to answer the market with the release of the Camaro in 1967. Savvy dealerships (like Nickey Chevrolet) jumped on the performance aspects of the platform by ordering a version which featured the high-powered 427 CID engine. Sporting iconic red line tires, this model kit does a good job of replicating those classic cars.
This review covers the skill level 5 (ages 14 years and older) 1967 Nickey Camaro RS-SS 427 1:25 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4377. The reason this is a skill level 5 kit is because of the large number of parts and some tricky decals (like those red lines for the tires). The kit has 128 pieces and is nicely molded in white, and chrome plated parts with clear windows, soft vinyl tires and transparent red taillights. The finished dimensions are: 7-5/16"L x 3"W x 1¾"H.
The Moebius website sums up this vehicle by noting,
The Special was a fastback version of the 1954 Hudson Hornet favored by stock class drag racers in the 1960's. Complete with the high performance 308 Hudson engine, this kit replicates this unusual car in 1/25 scale.
In its purely stock form this car was still a hallmark of speed and handling. By ’55 the innovation of Hudson would begin to yield to the corporate manufacturers sporting V-8 engines, but in 1954 the “Hornet” was still the one to beat!
The Ford Ranchero is a coupe utility that was produced by Ford between 1957 and 1979. Unlike a pickup truck, the Ranchero was adapted from a two-door station wagon platform that integrated the cab and cargo bed into the body. A total of 508,355 units were produced during the model's production run.
The kit is produced by Round 2 Models, a well-known company who bought the AMT Line and is re-issuing the kits in very colorful packaging. The box artwork shows a close up of a black 1961 Falcon Ranchero on a classic green background.
In 2010 Ford introduced a restyled Mustang known internally as the S-197 platform. The fifth generation of the iconic pony car featured design cues from the 1960s fastback including a body shape with hard edges, scalloped side panels and hooded headlights for a more aggressive look. As it turned out, this generation would mark the return of the Mustang muscle car. In 2011 the GT version featured the return of a much improved 5.0 Liter Coyote V-8. This dual overhead cam 32 valve power plant made over 400hp in its normally aspirated form. The S-197 platform was also the basis for the return of the infamous Boss 302 (2012-2013). This kit represents the last year of S-197 body style that was replaced by the current S-550 body style in 2015. In the last few years I’ve reviewed a number of Mustang models on this site so it’s no secret that this is my all-time favorite car. The only thing that’s changed since then is that after a 30 year hiatus I have one in my garage.
This review covers the 1972 Sport Custom Pickup Truck 1:25 Scale Moebius Model Kit #1220. This is a newly released kit (using common parts from its’69-’71 counterparts) with great detailing and it is one that can be taken forward with some added work. This kit has ~130 parts molded in White, Clear and Chrome with Vinyl tires and easy to read instructions. It has a nicely detailed engine and interior. Moebius calls it a skill level 3, meant for modelers 15 years and older. Finished dimensions are: Length 8”, Width: 3½”, Height: 2¼”
The '57 Bel Air is truly one of the most beloved cars in the history of the automobile. Its unique styling is unmistakable. I was thrilled to be able to have the opportunity to build Round 2's newest creation. It is released under their series of cars entitled "the Car Culture" series. Everything comes molded in white so to me that's a good thing. It has no flash and the entire car is very intricately detailed. It contains 160 plus pieces including photo etched chrome.The chrome etching covers the namesake fins, as well as the front and back gold V's that require some gold paint to accurately depict them, as well as the 3 inserts in the front fenders. As of these pics I hadn't completed these yet.
Early last year I was excited to see that Revell was going to release two new NASCAR kits sometime in the 4th quarter of 2015. I was equally excited because these would be of the newer Generation 6 style of cars and Ford Fusions. Well the bubble burst when I discovered that these kits would be SnapTite kits. Excited for the kids and snap builders, but a little disappointed that we haven’t had a new glue-style NASCAR kit in almost two decades.
I understand Revell plans to rectify this situation in 2017-18, based on the sales of these snap kits. At $24 dollars each I am really skeptical that they will be able to penetrate the youth market with these kits.
Moebius hits another grand slam with their 1961 Pontiac Ventura kit. Little to no flash, excellent fit, and terrific engraving make this a kit worth building. If there’s a downside to the kit, it’s the poor instruction sheet. While printed on glossy paper, I found the instructions incomplete, incorrect, and lacking in detail. More later.
The engine comes with only a tri-power setup. This is an option for air filter(s) although not covered in the instructions. There’s the large air filter (#79 & 80) or the individual air filters (#93) that are not mentioned in the instructions. I chose to use the #93s. There are 2 heater hoses shown but placement on the engine is not clear at all.
Moebius did an interior platform with separate side panels and seats that feature wonderful engraving. Detailed painting instructions make for correct color interior.
