This kit was originally released by Monogram as Tom McEwen's Hot Wheels Plymouth Duster around 1970. Attesting to its popularity, the kit’s been re-released over a dozen times in various versions including Tom Daniel’s “Cop Out” kit, as well as, this fresh new 2023 offering as the “Flashpoint” funny car. I have to hand it to Revell for giving this kit a new lease on life with some excellent and attractive decals.

Molded in 100 pieces of white and clear styrene with chrome plated parts and vinyl tires. The rear slicks are massive wrinkled and weighted tires that really set the model off. Also included is a beautiful new waterslide decal sheet featuring the Flashpoint side script and requisite flames.

Another big help is the expanded 12-page instruction sheet making the assembly a bit easier.

Molded back in the early 70’s, this kit’s parts are still in great shape but there are a few quirks that should be addressed to make it a great-looking model for your shelf. When you’re done, it will be a proud part of your collection!

The kits final dimensions are approximately L-8¼”, W-3¼”, H-2½” - Raised Height H-4¼”

Construction

The engine is a simplified facsimile of the 426 HEMI, but with a little extra detail, it makes for a decent-looking power plant. Drilling out the distributor and rocker covers to accept the ignition wires gives it enough character for a show car.

One issue is the bug catcher scoop you see on the box art. The instructions don’t call for it, but there is a butterfly plate and the upper half of a scoop that could be glued to the intakes.

Frame construction is straight forward and I recommend building the frame and painting it later for structural integrity. The engine is mounted in a large through-hole in the engine support and a pin on the tailpiece is located in a hole in the floorboard. The trick here is that part #15 (firewall) needs to be laid into the frame, tilted backward, and left unglued until the engine is in place. Once the glue is set, you can add the blower drive belt around the hub on the front of the engine support and wind it up around the idler and onto the blower drive. Part #16 slides into the frame at an angle over the back of the tranny and with an access hole for the driveshaft.

The rear suspension is a bit fiddly to build. I found placing a rod through the axle and aligning the springs/wheelie bars in place, helped with the assembly. Insert the driveshaft into the pumpkin and snap the axles to the frame. The center of the Watt’s linkage (part #42) has mounting holes on both sides of the frame but the center needs to e attached the tab on top of the differential.

The cockpit goes together pretty easily. Part #51 (shifter) is marked as chrome plated but you won’t find it on the chrome tree. It’s just white. The steering mechanisms mount over and off the top of the transmission tunnel and extend out to the left side.

The front suspension mounts to the front of the frame and the steering link mounts on a hub on the frame bottom extending outside to the drag link which runs back to the steering column linkage at the front of the cockpit.

If there’s a downfall in this kit it has to be the rear drag slicks. These are still the old hollow soft plastic tires that are split down the center of the “tread” surface. I stuffed them with tissue paper to give them some rigidity while the superglue set, to join the halves together. Cleanup of the seams is difficult but necessary.

The body is still in great shape with very little flash. I painted it a metallic fire engine red and detailed the front and rear with appropriate colors. The decals went on graciously. Even the large “Flashpoint” side body ones. A little setting solution will help them nestle into the door panels.

Overall, the “Flashpoint” model is a blast from the past and an easy kit to build. With a little extra detailing, it can be a respectable looking funny/show car for your shelf.

Thanks goes out to IPMS for letting me share this kit review with you.