Right On! Replicas

Right On Replicas SnapShot Review 20140121*
1968 Volkswagen Beetle 1:24 Scale Revell 85-4192 Model Kit Review

 

Review and Photos by Doug Cole

This was the car that started the import invasion. It was an engineering marvel for the time that included simplicity, reliability and economy. Young people (especially students) needed a car like that so they bought them by the millions. Student loans were what you got from your parents so they packed up their VW’s and headed off to college; and concerts. They would stuff these compacts and make a weekend run driving non-stop for hundreds of miles to see their favorite band. They loved to “personalize” their rides with poster paint and thus was born; the “Flower Power” Bug. In the meantime, the rest of the world was driving the ubiquitous “Bug”. It was everywhere and by most measures it eventually became the bestselling car of all time. Quite often seen in stoic colors and few options the “Beetle” was the global choice for narrow streets and high gas prices.

For the Modeler: This is by far the very best offering of the “Beetle” from Revell USA. It is way ahead compared to the previous offering that originated with the 3-n-1 kit H:1264:200. That kit evolved into the “Inch Pincher Too” Rally car and was released again in 1998 as the 60’s Beetle. This new release (Revell Kit #85-4192) appears to be a re-boxed offering from a Revell of Germany kit due to the leftover police style gumball lenses. The kit comes with 125 pieces molded in white with clear and chrome pieces and realistic soft vinyl tires and waterslide decals as a 1:24 scale skill level 2 kit. The part fit is excellent even down to the windows which crisply fit flush from the outside. The parting lines and sprues connectors are mostly found in areas where they aren’t seen and the body seams have been reduced to half of the original kit. The best part is they removed the mold lines from the top of the front fenders which really improves the model’s appearance. The tires are so realistic I couldn’t bring myself to apply the whitewall decals included in the kit. The only issue I had with construction was in the engine area where an assembly sequence change would help by installing the heat shields to provide spacing for the exhaust manifolds. Putting them in along with the manifolds would ensure the correct spacing. The kit features positionable front tires, a highly detailed engine and interior and left or right-hand drive versions. The detail of this kit was excellent and the fit was among the best I’ve seen.  Final dimensions are: Length: 6-3/4″, Width: 2-1/2″, Height: 2-5/16″.

Overall: If you’re looking for an excellent rendering of the “Type 1 Beetle” in this scale you won’t find a better offering at this price and they’re available at most hobby stores and online shops.

Right On Replicas, LLC ©2014 All rights reserved.
*All registered trademarks are the property of their respective brands.

Right On Replicas Step-by-Step Review 20140116*
Russian Spacecraft VOSTOK 1 1:24 Scale Revell Model Kit #00024 Review

Review and Photos by Robert Byrnes 

On the morning of 12th April 1961, the Russian Cosmonaut Yuri Alexejewitsch Gagarin took-off from the Soviet Cosmodrome at Baikonur to become the first man in space.  The Vostok Spacecraft consisting of two separate modules now made it possible to return from Space to the Earth for the very first time.  All the important sequences such as ignition of the braking rockets towards the end of the flight were completely automated.  A modified R-7 intercontinental Rocket with a take-off weight of 360 tons was used as a launch vehicle.  The duration of the mission was calculated using an orbital height of between 180km and 230 km.  The Spacecraft achieved orbit 14 minutes after take-off at 0707 hrs Central European time.  During the flight, Gagarin used the radio to report the condition of technical systems, his health and his impressions of the flight.  At 0807 hrs Gagarin began preparations for his return to Earth.  After a total flight time of 1 hour and 48 minutes covering a distance of 41,000 km (25,461 miles) he successfully landed near the south-west Russian town of Engels at 0855 hrs.  The announcement of the successful launch of the Vostok Rocket was transmitted 55 minutes after take-off over Radio Moscow and in the USA had a similar effect to that of the Sputnik 1 four years earlier.  The flight counts as one of the greatest successes in the history of Soviet Space Flight.

For the Modeler: This is a Revell “Classics” Series Russian Spacecraft VOSTOK 1 1:24 Scale Revell Model Kit #00024 Review. This kit is no longer in production but can be found at online auctions and garage sales. It is in the Revell of Germany boxing and was a 2011 re-issue of the 1969 release.  It is a Skill Level 2 kit for the intermediate builder but this review takes the base kit to new heights and turns this simple kit into a museum quality masterpiece right before your eyes. The methods and techniques presented here involve advanced modeling skills to duplicate the model shown but if you just want to incorporate some of these efforts into your build; you will find it very rewarding when it goes on your shelf.  The original kit consists of 55 parts molded in gray and a clear display stand. It includes some waterslide decals and a multi-lingual instruction booklet. The finished dimensions are; Length: 14.0″, Diameter: 4.25″.

Covered in this Review:  If you want to perfect your build AND TRANSFORM IT INTO AN AUTHENTIC REPRODUCTION OF THE ORIGINAL SPACECRAFT using this kit as a base; basic construction; extensive scratch building and additional detail; complete authentic color selections; adhesive selections and applications; sturdy display stand(s) construction; Vzor hole alignment; extensive modifications to the cockpit, ejection seat, instrument compartment, Sharik Sphere, 3^rd stage segment alterations; and spacecraft history, are all fully examined in this pictorial 27 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format. The kit’s instructions are also available with this review.

100% money back guarantee!

Click the Buy Now link below to purchase the full Step-by-Step review for $6.95 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.

Right On Replicas Step-by-Step Review 20140113*
1950 Olds Custom 1:25 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4022 Review

 

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

The Oldsmobile 88 was a full-size car sold by the Oldsmobile division of General Motors and produced from 1949 until 1999. From 1950 to 1974 the 88 was the division’s top-selling line. Oldsmobile introduced the 88 badge in 1949. The new car used the same new Futuramic B-body platform as the Oldsmobile Straight-6 engine 76 but paired it with the powerful new Rocket V8 engine. This combination of a relatively small light body and large, powerful engine made it a precursor to the muscle car. The Rocket 88 vaulted Oldsmobile from a somewhat staid, conservative car to a performer that developed into the car to beat on the NASCAR circuit. Starting with the trunk-lid emblem of the 1950 model, Oldsmobile would adopt the rocket as its logo, and the 88 name would remain in the Olds lineup until the late 1990s, almost until the end of Oldsmobile itself.

For the Modeler: This is a Revell “California Wheels” 1950 Olds Custom 1:25 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4022 Review.  It is a Skill Level 3 kit for the advanced builder.  The kit comes in at a solid 132 parts molded in White, Clear, and Chrome with vinyl tires.. At first glance this is a very nicely detailed kit. This is a somewhat new release overall (as it is not really considered a RE-POP) but does share a majority of parts with the 50 Olds Club Coupe, also a recent release. The Stock parts are here to do a lowered Stock build or, as designed in this version, Customized. The motor is nicely detailed; it is still the Rocket 88 but with an Automatic Transmission and Tri-Carb intake. The chassis is molded in completely individual parts and is very impressive. The exhaust is now dual not single. Although the front suspension is only supplied as a lowered version returning it to STOCK position would be SUPER SIMPLE just cut the and flip the wheel pin mounts! The interior is likewise nicely detailed and has dash details as decals. The body is one piece with separate hood and is straight and well defined STOCK body, not chopped. Unfortunately all the great chrome trim is molded on the body not add-ons. There are few mold lines on the body and the ones it has are light and easy to sand off. Paint colors are standard issue that you should have on hand.  Overall I would say this is another very nice release from Revell. This will build an impressive likeness of the 1950 Olds and gives you OPTIONS. The finished dimensions are; Length: 8.”, Width: 3″, Height: 2.625″.

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; chassis alignment cautionary notes; how to make custom license plates; how to adjust the ride height for different versions; how to use flocking for interior carpeting; parting line identification and repair; version considerations; foil application and methods for trim; clear coating foil is discussed; installing the windows;  alignment techniques for the rear brakes; altered assembly sequences for ease of construction; installing the fender shirts; trimming the window glass; adhesive selection and applications; how to make and add black washes for authentic looking trim/grill; aligning the body/chassis, are all fully examined in this pictorial 16 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.