Right On! Replicas

Right On Replicas Step-by-Step Review 20140208*
Florida State Patrol Dodge Charger 1:24 Scale Lindberg Model Kit #72784 Review

 Review and Photos by Alan Mann

In early 2006, Daimler-Chrysler released a new police version of the Charger. It made its debut at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Unlike the civilian version, the police version features upgraded heavy-duty brakes, a severe-duty cooling system, police-performance Electronic Stability Program, police performance-tuned steering, and a gear shifter that is mounted on the steering column instead of in the center console. In place of the center console, Dodge has equipped the police edition with an aluminum plate appropriate for mounting radio equipment, computers, and controllers for lights and sirens. The vehicle’s electrical system is specifically designed for integration of siren and light controls, and other police vehicle accessories. The Charger is in use with many American police departments. The 340 hp Hemi V8 is powerful enough to accelerate the car from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds and to a top speed of 146 mph. In Michigan State Police testing, the Charger V8 easily outperformed all other pursuit vehicles in acceleration, cornering, and braking (except the Dodge Magnum and V6 Charger, which stopped slightly faster in some tests) in the first five years since its introduction. When the Charger was redesigned for 2011 the police package version was renamed Dodge Charger Pursuit.

For the Modeler: This is a Florida State Patrol Dodge Charger 1:25 Scale Lindberg Model Kit #72784 Review.  It is a Skill Level 2 kit for the intermediate builder.  The kit contains 274 parts molded in White, Clear, Chrome with vinyl tires. This review is based on the previously released Lindberg Kit #72784 Dodge Charger FHP Version. This is a current release from 2010 and the kits are still available and released as current production. The kit is the same in every version but is packaged in seven different Police agency and blank car versions. Included in this kit are Stock parts to build a NON POLICE UNIT also. Because it is a multiple version kit it comes with 8 different current use light bars and all the up-to-date Police goodies! The motor is super detailed; you get the stock parts or police versions included. The chassis is molded in multiple parts and is a highly detailed unit. The interior is nicely detailed and has dash details as decals. The door panel detail is crisp and easy to see. You get all kinds of options in the interior for your version choice. The body shell is one piece with a separate hood and bumpers. There are almost no mold lines on the body and are light and easy to sand off. The box information does say it is a pre-painted body but it is not! They place a sticker over that on the shrink wrap so it isn’t seen from the outside.  Lindberg sets the bar on quality and quantity with this kit. In one word— IMPRESSIVE! I have found a few minor problems also but overall they can all be fixed fairly easy.  See the full build review on this point.  Finished dimensions are; Length: 8.5″, Width: 3.25″, Height: 2.25″.

Covered in this Review:  If you want to perfect your build; basic construction; decal preparation and application; extensive engine construction notes; detailed frame and suspension construction and detailing; detailing the coil springs; using Sharpies for fine detailing; dashboard detailing and decal identification map; interior paint and detailing instructions; how to make custom license plates and floor mats; parting line identification and repair; version considerations; foil application and methods for trim; chassis detailing; microphone differentiation; painting the body with or without bumpers; department specific paint: masking and taping techniques for tutones; installing the windows; altered assembly sequences for ease of construction and paint protection; creating and adding department specific decals; adhesive selection and applications; police specific equipment considerations; adding parts from your stash: contest model considerations: lightbar modifications for authenticity: identifying and removing molding trademarks, are all fully examined in this pictorial 19 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format. 

 

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Right On Replicas Step-by-Step Review 20140203*
1966 Chevelle Station Wagon 1-25 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4054 Review

  

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

The Chevrolet Chevelle was a mid-sized automobile produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors in three generations for the 1964 through 1977 model years. Part of the GM A-Body platform, the Chevelle was one of Chevrolet’s most successful nameplates. Body styles include coupes, sedans, convertibles and station wagons. Super Sport versions were produced through the 1973 model year and the Laguna from 1973 through 1976. After a three-year absence, the El Camino was re-introduced as part of the new Chevelle lineup. The Chevelle also provided the platform for the Monte Carlo introduced in 1970. The Malibu, the top of the line model through 1972, replaced the Chevelle nameplate for the redesigned, downsized 1978 models.

For the Modeler: This is a “Muscle” Series ’66 Chevelle Station Wagon 1:25 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4054 Review.  It is a Skill Level 2 kit for the intermediate builder.  The kit contains 125 parts molded in White, Clear, Chrome with vinyl tires. This is a re-release (Re-Pop) of the Revell California Wheels ‘66 Station Wagon. As with the previous version the Stock parts are missing, this is a Custom Only build. The motor is nicely detailed; it is the same 396 Big Block as seen in the ’65 SS Chevelle kits. The chassis is molded in multiple parts and is a well detailed unit. Four Wheel Disc Brakes and oversized tires are the only options, no stock parts supplied. The interior is nicely detailed and has dash details and seat details as decals. The door panel detail is crisp. The body is one piece with separate hood and is straight and well defined but only has the SS options which were not offered on the wagons. The chrome trim is not molded on the body and applied as add-ons which I consider a plus. There are very few mold lines on the body and are light and easy to sand off. Revell fills a muscle car void with this kit but it would be nice to supply some stock stuff for us “Old School” builders.  Finished dimensions are; Length: 7.875″, Width: 3″, Height: 2.5″.

Covered in this Review:  If you want to perfect your build; basic construction; decal preparation and application; detailed engine construction notes; detailed frame and suspension construction and detailing; detailing the coil springs; using Sharpies for fine detailing; dashboard detailing and decal identification map; interior paint and detailing instructions; how to make custom license plates and floor mats; parting line identification and repair; version considerations; foil application and methods for trim; clear coating foil is discussed; installing the windows; altered assembly sequences for ease of construction and paint protection; adhesive selection and applications; how to make and add black washes for authentic looking trim/grill; automotive vs. hobby spray paints; directional tire identification and construction; identifying and removing molding trademarks, are all fully examined in this pictorial 20 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format. 

 

 100% money back guarantee!

Click the Buy Now link below to purchase the full Step-by-Step review for $2.95 USD.

 

 

                                                                

 

Important – You MUST click on the “Return to Right on Replicas, LLC” link after you’ve made your purchase to download your review!

Right On Replicas, LLC ©2014 All rights reserved.

*All registered trademarks are the property of their respective brands.

All “SF” logos used are the property of the San Francisco Giants Football franchise.

Right On Replicas SnapShot Review 20140122*
1965 Chevelle SS 396 Z-16 1:25 Scale Revell 85-4055 Model Kit Review

 

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

The Chevrolet Chevelle was a mid-sized automobile produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors in three generations for the 1964 through the 1977 model years. Part of the GM A-Body platform, the Chevelle was one of Chevrolet’s most successful nameplates. Body styles include coupes, sedans, convertibles and station wagons. Super Sport versions were produced through 1973. 1965 was the first year for the Big Block powerhouse 396 motor. The SS-396 was known as the Z-16. Only 201 Z-16s were built, but they became one of the highest-performing cars of the era. Because of their short production run, classy looks and pristine performance, Chevelle SS 396 Z-16s are avidly sought after by collectors.

For the Modeler: This review is based on the newly released Revell Kit #85-4055 ’65 Chevelle Z-16 SS 396. It is Skill level: 2 and Scale: 1/25. The kit contains 129 parts molded in White, Clear and Clear Red, and Chrome with vinyl tires. Shelf space is Length: 7- 7/8″, Width: 3″, Height: 2-1/4″. This is a current re-release (Re-Pop) and has been in a few different box art versions, most recently the California Wheels series. And as with the previous version there are Stock parts and some mild Custom items, like oversized wheels. The motor is nicely detailed; it is the same 396 Big Block used in a few other Revell kits also. The chassis is molded in multiple parts and is an overall well detailed unit. The interior is nicely detailed and has dash details as decals. The door panel detail is crisp and easy to see. The body is mainly one piece with a separate hood and trim panels. The chrome trim is not molded on the body and applied as add-ons which I consider a plus. There are almost no mold lines on the body and are light and easy to sand off. Revell periodically re-pops this kit as it is a popular car and the kit itself is good quality with room to customize it even more.

Overall Impressions: Revell has a nice kit with the ’65 Chevelle. It is a beautiful kit with lots of possibilities to add on aftermarket stuff. I really like the look of the finished build. The car is cool and with today’s “Foose-Look” styling that the older cars are getting this one lends itself well for that look. Parts assembly is straight forward and everything fits right without a fuss. I think a lesser experienced builder can very easily damage the finished paint job the way it assembles now. I would like to rewrite the instruction sheet to make assembly more builder-friendly. Overall the car builds easy and there are no construction issues to speak of. Even following the instruction sheet you can build this properly and end up with a nice car.  Is this a repeat builder kit? Yes, I actually will probably do straight stock one too. On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this kit an 8 because of the instruction issues previously stated.

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