Straight out of 1984, look out Zuul, it’s the Ghostbusters ECTO 1! Well actually it’s the 1/25 snap assembly kit from Round 2 Models but it’s just as cool as the full size version. The kit consists of 54 Plastic parts, 4 screws, 2 metal axles, decals and stickers, and finally a simple 4 step illustrated manual. The detail is good enough and the chrome parts look great.

Grace and I made the decision in the beginning to tackle this without the use of any special tools. This meant sprue cutters, scissors, paint brushes, and acrylic paints. All things we guessed the average young modeler probably has access to. Oh, and don’t forget to cover moms kitchen table.

History

First introduced in 1979, “Bigfoot” started the monster truck craze that is still going strong today. Created and owned by Bob Chandler as a promotional billboard for his 4X4 truck accessory business, Bigfoot #1 was based on a Ford F-250 4X4. The real innovation came when Chandler built the first 4X4X4, which is a four wheel vehicle with four-wheel-drive and four-wheel-steering. Bigfoot pioneered the art of car crushing, now a common part of any monster truck event. While fans might take pride in the particular brand of their favorite monster truck, the only thing these trucks have in common with the brands they represent are the body shells cast to look like a Ford, Chevy or Dodge/Ram. These are in fact specially designed and built race trucks. Think funny car (a truck in this case) with a blown engine mounted in a sub frame designed with suspension travel that allows for driving over a van and you’ve got it. Twenty one Bigfoots have been built.

I love kits like this ‘Cuda. Everything fit together very nicely with no flash at all.

Engine

The Hemi engine is a gorgeous unit to work with. Every part fit together just the way it should. You get a couple of options about the air cleaner setup. Rather than have a hole in the hood (kit provided) I chose to go with a dual 4 bbl. air cleaner.

Chassis

The exhaust pipes, rear differential, and front torsion bar are separate assemblies, and fit together very well. You get a choice of stock wheels and larger diameter 5 spoke wheels and tires. I used the gorgeously detailed stock wheels and added valve stems.

Interior

The interior features a floor unit with separate side panels that are very well engraved. The separate seats and console are wonderful pieces. I added flocking to my build.

Engine

The kits Chevy 409 can be built with either dual quads or blown. There is flash on the engine parts and after it has been removed, the engine fits together fairly well. Detail of the engine parts is defiantly showing its age.

Chassis

The chassis frame rails are separate from the chassis, which can make for further detailing easier. The exhaust system, front & rear suspension are also separate pieces. With a little grinding and relocation of the spindles, the front end can be brought down. The kit also provides a straight tube axle with leaf springs for building a gasser.

Interior

The interior is a bit on the sparse side so I opted to swap out the kit seats with a pair of resin aftermarket parts. The door panels are fairly well engraved.

The Kawasaki Police 1000 is probably one of the most recognizable motorcycles on the planet. The motorcycle has appeared in countless TV shows and Movies. The most notable of which is the TV series CHiP’s, Starring actors Eric Estrada and Larry Wilcox. Adapted in the 1970’s by the California Highway Patrol as a patrol bike, the Kawasaki Z1 quickly gained a reputation as a highly dependable and agile motorcycle. After several improvements and a name change to the KZ1000C1 police version, the bike became a staple in the motor pools of Law Enforcement agencies all across the country. Aoshima has faithfully reproduced the bike in its California Highway Patrol, Las Angeles Division, trim.