Right On! Replicas

Right  On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20131207*
1970 Ford Galaxy Interceptor Police Car 1:25 Scale Model AMT Kit #788 Review

  

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

Ford started using the Galaxy name for all the full-sized car bodies they produced by the 70’s. The body was fairly standard across the line with 21 different models and only the trim level depicting the model’s differences. This was the fourth generation of the body and was built on a 121-inch wheelbase with the initial design style starting in 1969. The motor availability started at a 240 cu in (3.9L) Inline 6 and went up to the new 429 cu in (7.0 L) “Thunder Jet” that was introduced in the 1968 Ford Thunderbird. One major interior change was the dashboard was now built as a pod around the driver rather than traditionally extending across both sides. The rear trim panel below the tail lights was used to distinguish the different trim levels. For Police units the “Custom” trim level was the typical version used.

For the Modeler: This is an AMT Retro Deluxe Series 1970 Ford Interceptor Police Car 1:25 Scale Model Kit #788/12 Review. This is a skill level 2 kit featuring a roof-mounted siren and flasher unit, hand-held spotlight, police radio, 429 “Boss” interceptor engine, large and small antennae, shotgun, push bar, fire extinguisher, and authentic wheels and hubcaps. I am glad to see this kit re-released, as Police cars and 4 doors are hard to get, so it is nice to see! Now that said, let’s jump into what can be called “The kit of contradictions”. Parts count comes in at 87 pieces molded in White, Chrome, Clear, Clear Red and Clear Blue, Vinyl tires and metal axles and screws. AMT originally released this kit in the 70’s and it reappeared as a Hobby Heaven special run in the 90’s and again in the 2000’s by Stephens International. Now Round 2 has cleaned up the molds and re-released it in the Retro Deluxe version. The finished dimensions are; Length 8.75”, Width 3.0”, Height 3.0”.

Covered in this Review:  If you want to perfect your build; basic construction; preparing parts for better finishing; alternate assembly sequence suggestions for fit and ease of finishing; complete paint and adhesive selections and applications; engine assembly and detailing; test fitting; chassis detailing; correcting instruction errors; dash and police decal detailing; removing unwanted scripts and external features for authenticity; period correct decal considerations; engine plate consideration; how to remove unwanted chrome plating for authenticity; manifold location; correcting the transmission pigtail shape; aligning the exhaust pipes; identifying and addressing ejection pin marks; police equipment detailing; adding authentic instrument panel detailing; interior detailing; removing heavy attachment bosses; using foil for trim work; rear view mirror considerations; window installation tricks; adding black wash highlights to the grill; Chicago specific flasher details; decal preparation and applications, are all fully examined in this pictorial 14 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format. The instructions are also available with this review.

  

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Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20131206*
Red Knight of Vienna 1:8 Scale Model Monogram Kit #85-6522 Review
 

Review and Photos by Frank MacKay

I was delighted to build this kit as I remember making it as a child in the mid 1960’s. I painted it with leftover red house paint, so I welcomed the opportunity to do it again using more care and modern methods. Aurora released a total of five medieval knight kits (silver, blue, black and red on foot and a gold knight which was mounted on horseback. A Green knight was advertised but may not have been released.)    

The color coding idea is completely fanciful, a marketing tactic designed to appeal to the young modeler’s imagination. Actual armor of the period was only bare steel of course and there is no historical record of anyone ever wearing painted armor. I opted for the authentic highly polished steel finish and dismissed the ‘Red Knight’ thing entirely. The molds for these kits and many other classic kits were thought to have been destroyed in the famous New York train wreck when Monogram bought out Aurora, but modelers rejoiced when they were re-released in recent years by Revell, which had in turn acquired Monogram. Frankly, I think the destruction of Aurora’s molds is an urban myth; they’re all sitting in a warehouse somewhere in Morton Grove, Ill, along with the Ark of the Covenant.

For The Modeler:  Revell-Monogram’s 1:8 scale Red Knight of Vienna kit is a re-release of the old Aurora Models kit which originally debuted in 1958. Although it’s no longer in production these kits are readily available at online auctions. This kit comprises 49 parts in light gray styrene including a square plastic base. The finished model stands about 1 foot tall and depicts a knight in Germanic Gothic-style jousting armor of the late 15th century. Research shows that all the knights in this kit series were based on actual suits of armor in the Wallace Collection, which is still housed in a small museum in London, England. A good reference picture is available online which shows that the kit is definitely based on this suit despite minor variations and additions made by Aurora to add interest (http://www.wallacecollection.org/index.php). 

Covered in this Review: Basic construction; glue, paint and material selections; repairing mold marks and filling sink holes and gaps; adding texture details with soldering iron pyro-engraving; basic face painting with acrylic and oil paints, highlighting and shading of same; applying Archer Fine Transfer eyeball decals; adding detail with real leather; correcting minor inaccuracies; masking and painting with spray cans; dangers to the model presented by some metallic paints, adding shading with acrylic Floating Medium and Crackle Medium, are all fully examined in this 14 page, full-color, comprehensive article.

  

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Click the Buy Now link below to purchase the full Step-by-Step review for $3.95 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 ©2013 All rights reserved.

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

Red Knight of Vienna 1:8 Scale Model Monogram Kit #85-6522 Review, Red Knight of Vienna Model Review, Monogram Kit #85-6522, #85-6522 review, 856522 review, RoR, Right On Replicas, Scale Model Figure Kit Reviews

Right  On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20131205*
2010 Chevy Camaro Police Car 1:25 Scale Model AMT Kit #817 Review

 

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

In August 2006 General Motors announced the return of the CAMARO as a production line car; a model that was originally killed in 2002 after being in production since 1967. This would be the fifth generation body style of the Camaro. Due to production delays the car was not released for retail sales until the spring of 2009 and sold as 2010 models. GM had Pre-sold over 10,000 units by the opening sales and over 61,000 2010 Camaros were sold in 2009 overall.

For the Modeler: This is an AMT 2010 Chevy Camaro SS/RS Police Car kit #817L/12. AMT originally released the 2010 Camaro as a “Showroom Replicas” kit. This kit is molded in Black, Chrome, and Clear parts, with Rubber Tires and Metal Axles. These are what AMT calls “simplified” build kits. They have no engine and a low parts count (~40 pieces) for easy assembly; it was a step up from the “SNAP” kits and is considered a “CURBSIDE” kit. AMT has continued to release this kit in different forms. The original kit was an SS/RS, a Convertible was released and a USA-1 version was released with special decals, and now a Police Car version.  Each kit has the same parts with minor variations to fit the theme. While most kits are molded in white plastic the Police version is molded in black. The original kit glass has now been replaced with a nice pre-painted set. The decal sheet has interior decals for the dash, all GM badging and options for California Highway Patrol or a no name Sheriff’s unit. A generic light bar and push bar are the only Police specific additional parts beyond the decals. The instructions do a great job calling out painting specifics and are well detailed for building the car in 5 easy steps. The finished dimensions are; Length 7.75”, Width 3.0”, Height 2.5”.

Covered in this Review:  If you want to perfect your build; basic construction; preparing parts for better finishing; alternate assembly sequence suggestions for fit and ease of finishing; complete paint and adhesive selections and applications; engine assembly and detailing; test fitting; identifying directional tires; chassis detailing; correcting instruction errors; dash and police decal detailing; correcting the taillight housing for fit; removing unwanted scripts; properly installing window glass; interior detailing and color selection; suspension detailing; chassis and interior alignment; detailed front and rear fascia and fixture finishing;  decal preparation and applications, are all fully examined in this pictorial 10 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format. The 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 $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 ©2013 All rights reserved.

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