Right On! Replicas

RoR Step-by-Step Review 20131101* 
Gee Bee Air Racer (R-2 Conv ONLY) 1/32 Scale Wms Bros Model Kit #32711 Review

 

Review and Photos by Robert Byrnes

The Gee Bees, perhaps the best-known of all “Golden Age” American racing aircraft, were produced by the five Granville Brothers, from which the name “Gee Bee” was derived. Beginning in 1929 with biplanes, the Granvilles soon turned to construction of low-wing sport aircraft, with a sideline excursion into canard experimental machines.  Competition types were the next step, and as the result of early successes, work began during early spring of 1932 on the R-1 and R-2 racers, which were structurally quite similar, and the R-1 was ready by August!  A Pratt & Whitney Wasp Sr. engine of approximately 800 horsepower, and targeted for the closed loop course racing, powered the R-1.  The R-2, designed for use in cross country events, featured a Wasp Jr. Engine of approximately 550 horsepower, and an additional fuel capacity.  Lee Gehlbach, piloting the R-2 sister ship, placed fourth in the Bendix cross country race, fifth in the Thompson Trophy event, and third in a competition limited to aircraft with engines of 1,000 cubic inches or less displacement.  The plane had proven itself and the reputation of the Granville company was sound as aircraft designers, although some pilot mishaps also drove a later, the erroneous reputation that their aircraft were “killers”

For the Modeler: This is the Gee Bee R-2 Air Racer 1/32 Scale Williams Brothers Model Kit #32711 conversion review. For full information on constructing the basic Gee Bee model airframe please see that Step-by-Step review here. This kit consists of ~70 highly detailed plastic pieces molded in white and one clear canopy piece and two black plastic tires. The radial engine is multi-piece construction for added details. The fuselage features recessed panel lines and the kit comes with colorful waterslide decals for two versions and well-Illustrated instructions. This review describes how to convert the Gee Bee R-1 to the optional Gee Bee R-2. You can also use the current W^ms Bros. Gee Bee R-1 kit #32511 to make this R-2 version as well. Finished dimensions: Length: 6-5/8″ (168.27mm) & Wingspan: 9-1/4″ (234.95mm).

Covered in this Review: Please note that this is the review for conversion of the Gee Bee R-1 to the R-2 version. The basic construction information is found in a separate review here; special construction and selection of the R-2 parts including; R-2 engine construction; scratch building the correct headrest; opening up the pilot’s access door for realism; scratch building the pilot’s access door; removing the R-1 fuselage panel lines and features; location and scribing the R-2 panel lines and features; scribing techniques; scratch building the tail wheel features; clamping techniques; reshaping the wheel flares to R-2 specifications; R-2 paint schema; R-2 decal variations; R-2 rigging changes; glue, paint and material selections; and decal preparation and application with setting solutions, are all fully examined in this 17 page, full-color Step-by-Step review.

  

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Right On Replicas, LLC ©2013 All rights reserved.

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

RoR SnapShot Review 20131031* 
Deal’s Glitter Bug Revell Model Kit #85-1740 Review

Review and Photos by Doug Cole

Dave Deal’s cartoons graced the likes of CARtoons magazine regularly back in the seventies and he did some work on the original Disney Cars movie. Dave lived large and his nickname “Big Deal” seemed a very appropriate match for his hobbies and talents. He was credited with being the first person to race a Baja Bug back in 1968 and set an off-road racing record in 1973. In addition to this he was also an accomplished pilot with thousands of hours in the air. His love of cars and planes combined with his talent for drawing were a natural fusion of passions so he put them all together and designed dozens of model kits for Revell.

This quote from the Revell website sums it up pretty well, “Custom cruiser from the cartoon king! Designed by the dashing Dave Deal, drawer of “Deals Wheels”, this devastating drag demon demands only the most daring drivers. The box art and kit design were both developed by Dave Deal who has been an avid racer, driver and restorer of classic cars as well as an artist for many years. With just a little effort you can build this custom contraption and display it proudly at home or in the office. This kit features a “far out” model with massive tires and a radically sculpted driver figure.” Dave passed away in 2008 but his legend lives on in our hearts.

For the Modeler: This is a re-issue of the Deal’s Glitter Bug Model Kit #85-1740, part of the Deal’s Wheels model series. This Skill Level 2 kit consists of 47 plastic pieces molded in white, clear and chrome with four black vinyl tires.  Finished dimensions: Length: 4-1/8″, Width: 3-3/4″, Height: 2-7/8″.

Have you ever been in a place where they sell models and saw a kit on the shelf that looked like fun but you thought, “I don’t have time for that”. Well make time, it won’t take much and this “Made in America” kit is the perfect way to help rejuvenate those modeling desires.

Construction is pretty straight-forward. The body and chassis are one piece each and a couple plastic axles connect the oversized tires.  The tires are a bit of a challenge because they are assembled in two pieces.  I simply let some household contact cement get tacky then put them together.  The exhaust was really the only other difficult part as the placement isn’t well shown in the directions and the mounting posts are on the wrong side of the pipes.  Just put the two halves together in the center with the triangular collector joint and glue the longer of the pipes to the bottom of the engine in the valleys provided for them.  You might also have a time getting the windshield in place.  I used a little five minute epoxy and placed it on the two mounting tabs of the frame letting the glue get tacky and pushed the frame into place. Hold it for a minute or two and you should be fine. Everything else goes together without issue.  Finishing off the crazy driver figure is up to you but it is well designed (to hide the seam) and the model wouldn’t be the same without him.  To paint the sunglasses I used a black Sharpie marker and an iridescent tint for the back of the lenses.  All considered – this is a great weekend project kit that will bring back some of those crazy memories from the sixties with some good clean fun!

 

Right On Replicas, LLC ©2013 All rights reserved.

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

RoR Step-by-Step Review 20131030* 
Gee Bee Air Racer 1:32 Scale Lindberg Model Kit #70561 Review

Review and Photos by Robert Byrnes

The Gee Bees, perhaps the best-known of all “Golden Age” American racing aircraft, were produced by the five Granville Brothers, from which the name “Gee Bee” was derived. Beginning in 1929 with biplanes, the Granvilles soon turned to construction of low-wing sport aircraft, with a sideline excursion into canard experimental machines.  Competition types were the next step, and as the result of early successes, work began during early spring of 1932 on the R-1 and R-2 racers, which were structurally quite similar, and the R-1 was ready by August!  A Pratt & Whitney Wasp Sr. engine of approximately 800 horsepower, and targeted for the closed loop course racing, powered the R-1. Although Broadman was scheduled to pilot the R-1 in the National Air Races, he was injured in another aircraft, and temporarily put out of action.  Thus, Jimmy Doolittle took over, and proceeded to capture the worlds speed record, with an average of 296.287 miles per hour.  Soon afterward, he won the Thompson Trophy Race over a closed course.

For the Modeler: This is the Lindberg Gee Bee Air Racer in 1:32 Scale, Model Kit #70561. This skill level 2 kit includes 30+ parts, molded in white plastic and a clear plastic canopy. These models are readily available at online retailers and larger hobby stores and are made in the USA. This kit features a pilot figure, detailed cockpit, moveable ailerons, elevators and rudder. It has a detailed engine and colorful waterslide decals. Easy to build and affordable this is a good kit for the novice builder. Have fun and keep learning!

Covered in this Review: Basic construction; glue, paint and material selections; seam identification and repairs; prop finishing; engine detail colors and applying highlights; detailing the cockpit; wheel/tire paint selection; paint masking techniques for finish; dihedral setting methods; finishing the pilot figure; using Future Floor Polish as a sealer; clamping methods; altered assembly sequence tips for better finishing; decal preparation and application with setting solutions; and detailed rigging instructions; and expanded information on the real aircraft are all fully examined in this 18 page, full-color Step-by-Step 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 in PDF format.

 

  

Right On Replicas, LLC ©2013 All rights reserved.

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