Background

Auto Modeling is a high quality Japanese language magazine from publisher ModelArt. Each edition features models of cars, mostly racecars, from various race series and eras. Many of the previous editions focused on Formula One cars in different time periods.

The magazine has Japanese text, but some of the titles and headings are in English. The photographs are numerous and very high quality.

Contents

This issue, Volume 30, March 2014, has the following sections:

Round 2 Models continues re-releasing older kits, including this re-release of a 1975 Chevy Rescue Van. The kit is advertised as a “Dual Color Kit.” This means that the kit was released molded either in white or in red; not two colors in the same box. My review model was molded in white. There is no indication on the outside of the box as to which color the model inside is molded in. I was lucky and got the white one. I prefer this over the red molding. I feel it’s more difficult to over-paint a red molded model and get a good even base coat. Red is just too difficult to over-paint, especially if going to a lighter color. This van model has been re-released many times since the initial release in 1975. I know that the kit was used to represent the A-Team’s van, released when that TV show was popular.

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.