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RoR Step-by-Step Review 20110521*
M55 8 Inch Self-Propelled Howitzer 1:32 Scale Revell Kit #85-7855 Review
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The M55 used components of the M47 Patton tank, but the automotive aspects were reversed. The engine was mounted in the front and drove through a front-drive sprocket. The driver’s cupola is visible on the front left of the turret, and spare track blocks were stored on the turret front. When ‘Nam came around the U.S. Army quickly pressed the M55 into service. It only carried 10 rounds but its 203.2mm howitzer could drop them on targets over 10 miles away. While it borrowed components from the M-47 it had significant drive train and layout differences.

For the Modeler: This is a Revell Selected Subjects Program (SSP) release of the Renwal Blue Print Model Series 8 Inch Self-Propelled Howitzer Revell kit #85-7855. It is a skill level 2, 1:32 scale; kit molded in white, clear and chrome plated pieces with soft vinyl tires. My initial thoughts of the kit; Revell made a good choice bringing this model back because models of this vehicle are hard to find. Over all, the kit is less detailed than newer models on the market today but that should be expected from older re-released kits. The kit instructions have been updated by Revell and are very easy to follow and are clearly illustrated but because this kit is produced from an older mold most of the parts will require cleaning up, trimming, filling and sanding to produce an award winner. While comparing the kit instruction to my M55 reference material I noted that a muzzle and flash suppressor are available for the gun barrel. Puzzled by this, I conducted an extensive search to find photographs of the actual vehicle that had these parts installed but I was unable to find any. I decided to build the model to represent an M55 at the time of the Vietnam War. Unlike the box art, this vehicle was likely never camouflaged by the US Army at the time the vehicle was in service there. This kit also comes with six crew figures that were not used for this review. Happy Modeling – Pat

Covered in this Review: If you want to perfect your build; basic construction; paint selections and applications; preparing parts for better finishing; adhesive selections and applications; design and camouflage considerations are made for historical accuracy; altered assembly sequences for fit and finish; interior finishing options are discussed; marking and decals considerations; preparing parts for good adhesion; identifying and repairing mold flash, ejection pin marks and seams; using styrene rod to simulate hull bolts; making realistic exhaust grills; using differing shades of color for realism; more robust track construction; weathering techniques; highlighting panel lines for realism; barrel modifications for fit and authenticity; turret door issues; telescope sequence warning; adding scratch built parts to the commander’s hatch; adding a nickname with dry transfers; Using decal setting solutions; are all fully examined in this complete 14 page, full-color Step-by-Step review.

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RoR Review 20110517 – Northrop Snark Missile SM-62 Revell #85-7810 Scale 1:81 Review

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See the Step-by-Step review by Doug Cole

To many people the Snark missile represents a forgotten era. Coming on the heels of US missile defense systems like the Corporal along with heavy bombers it was America’s nuclear deterrent in a war that was growing ever colder. For 1959 it incorporated marvelous technology. It had a range of nearly 5,000 miles and could be returned to base on landing skids for reuse. From the records it appears that at least some were deployed from bases on the east coast and returned in that manner using an internal guidance system that used the stars – much like the ancient mariners. 

For the modeler – this is a review of one of Revell’s SSP series that returns to today’s modeler a kit that had long since been out of production. I have to give kudos to Revell for doing that because there are a lot of great modeling subjects that deserve another run to make them available to today’s hobbyist. That said, this kit has some areas where the casual and contest modeler will need to pay attention to make it display ready. The order of construction and some molding errors are highlighted to make this an easier build. The decals are outstanding but they also present a challenge. Overall this kit can be finished and detailed to great extent even though there are only 31 pieces but it takes some patience to install the decals so I would rate the kit a skill level 2+. This kit also includes two figures and good instructions.

 

  

RoR Review 20110501 – 1969 Chevy Nova COPO Review Revell® 85-4274

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See the Step-by-Step Review by Tony Gibson

Back in the late sixties the “muscle car” was selling so fast that factories couldn’t keep up with orders. Back then the corporation set targets for certain production runs based on orders from years of experience. Unfortunately, they included a lot of the cars that people weren’t buying just to fill the lots and keep the factories working. That’s where the COPO (Corporate Office Production Order) order came into play. Those production orders came straight from executive offices for personal cars or the top dealers with connections to the corporation. To fill the void in their lot offerings, dealers would order “street sleepers”. Those were classic muscle cars in every sense of the word. Stripped of outward emblems and paint schemes that would give it away – all the money for options went into the engine and maybe a little tweak on the suspension.

For the modeler this is a Revell® 1969 Nova™ COPO 1/25 scale model kit. There are 111 pieces molded in white, chrome and clear rated a skill level 2. It has a nice decal sheet with engine labels, speedo gauges and name plate emblems and redline or white wall tire options. A clear direction sheet with good views and options are included. This review includes some great information that you’ll need to consider to get a good fit for the windows glass and some finishing tips to really make this model stand out.

Revell® has hit a home run with this kit.  This is an excellent kit for a new modeler or a simple weekend build.  It would also be a great kit for a kid.  There is a lot of potential for detailing for the more experienced builder but it looks great straight out of the box too.  Skill level 2 is right on the mark.  Total build time for this was about 30 hours over a couple weekends.