Right On! Replicas

RoR Step-by-Step Review 20111011* – Peterbilt 352 COE Cabover SnapTite 1/32 Revell 85-1964 Review
Click Here to Buy This Kit -> Peterbilt 352 Cabover Tractor Snap 1/32 Revell

See the Step-by-Step Review by Tom Schaefer 

A few years ago I had the opportunity to attend a semi truck show in St. Ignace, Mi. I was lucky enough to be there with my Father-in-law, who had been a trucker for 30 years. He knew most of the trucks inside and out, mainly because he shared the road with these guys. Since then I have had a big interest in big rigs.

For the Modeler: I would suggest this model for a young person who wants to take the next step in modeling. It has a little more detail than most snap kits, but the parts are a little fragile. The “Pete” looks good sitting on my shelf, and it would look really nice with a NASCAR hauler behind it. Decal modifications and special part handling are examined in the full review

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RoR SnapShot Review 20111009* –Batmobile Snap Kit Polar Lights 1:25 POL824 Review

Click Here to Buy This Kit -> Round 2 Batmobile Classic 1:25 Scale Snap Model Kit
 

Review and photos by Stephanie and Marty and Oberman   

Ever since I was a kid and watched the original “Batman” movie at a drive-in theater back in ’66, and was glued to the TV for every episode of that show, I’ve always loved the original Batmobile, the George Barris custom based on the ’57 Lincoln Futura concept car. To my great delight, Polar Lights (Round 2) has come out with not only a 1/25 glue and pre-painted (body) snap kits, but a 1:32 snap kit as well. My review is based on the 1/25 scale pre-painted snap kit #POL824.

This is a well-packaged kit consisting of black, chrome, and clear parts, with a beautifully-painted and pin-striped body, and includes pre-painted figures of the Dynamic Duo which can be placed inside the car when finished. The instruction sheet is well-laid out, with not only pictorial instructions, but accompanying printed step-by-step instructions as well. The decal sheet provides two of most every decal, which is quite a thoughtful touch, given the fact most of them are very small. If the builder chooses to detail-paint the car, painting instructions as well as color schemes are shown. Plus, the box shows many photos of an actual-built model which has been detail-painted to assist the builder in that respect.

Practically everything fell into place on this kit. Snap points were sturdy and exact, and fit was excellent. There were only a few snafus encountered: the driver’s side floorboard was warped at the long end, but a drop of CA glue took care of that quickly. The overhead “lighted vertical wings” (parts #16 and 17) on either side of the roof beacon should be mounted opposite of where they’re shown, otherwise the roof beacon will not fit between them. Parts #103 and 104 (taillights) are pretty much a moot point since the solid black grilles for them cover them up and they wouldn’t be seen anyway. I’m thinking maybe the glue kit has rear grilles that aren’t solid, so the taillights would show through. Otherwise, why waste the plastic for making them? The decal for the emergency bat-release on the side of the center roof span is shown as #14 in the instruction sheet…it is actually #17. Decal #14 is a small bat symbol for the fire extinguisher.

Despite these minor hiccups, this simple build was a welcome relief from the more involved projects this builder is involved in. It probably took a total of four hours to complete, including detail-painting and decal application. The finished car looks absolutely beautiful, and I have it displayed directly in front of me on my workbench. I can’t get enough of it, as I have loved this car since I first saw it when I was 7 years old. Kudos to Polar Lights for finally satisfying my craving for this gorgeous machine! This kit deserves a 4-1/2 star rating despite its minor glitches. I’d like to try the glue kit next! Would I build this snapper again? Did Adam West and Burt Ward wear capes? ;c)”

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RoR Step-by-Step Review 20111007* –1970 Plymouth Superbird Revell 1/24 85-4921 Review

Click Here to Buy This Kit–> Revell 1/24 70 Plymouth Superbird 

See the Step-by-Step Review by Mike Phelps 

One of the rarest muscle cars ever built was the 1970 Plymouth Superbird. This car along with the Dodge Charger Daytona was designed for NASCAR. This car was based on the Road Runner. The design of the Superbird body style followed suit of the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona. The Chrysler Corp. wanted to make the two cars as aerodynamic as possible. This is what gave them their most extreme and unique look. The cone shaped nose was to allow the cars to cut through the wind. The scoops on the fenders were to allow air to escape and not get trapped in the fender wells. The scoops allowing that to happen would help keep the car from flipping. They also wanted to add a rear spoiler to the cars. Now if you are wondering about the height of the wing. Well it had to be a production car before it could be a race car. So they had to make it high enough so that the public who bought them could use and open the trunk to its full extent. The Superbird was also made famous by the “King” Richard Petty and his NASCAR wins. By 1971 the Plymouth Superbird as well as the Dodge Charger Daytona was pretty much banned by NASCAR. Today both cars are some of the most sought after cars by collectors and museums.

For the Modeler – Some scratch “decal making” are used to enhance this kit and special finish details for the interior and wheels are fully explained in the Step-by-Step Review.

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