ROR Review 20101211 – SnapTite® Star Wars® X-wing Fighter #85-1856

2010 December 11
by Doug

ROR Review 20101211 – SnapTite® Star Wars® X-wing Fighter #85-1856

See the Step-by-Step Review

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Buy This Kit

This is the one that started it all and is a favorite of youngsters of all ages. Almost everyone remembers when Luke Skywalker® made his final run to defeat the Death Star® in the original film. It was a classic scene and thus started the movie merchandising craze.

According Revell’s® official description this kit represents the T-65 X-wing fighter which was the most important Rebel Alliance fighter and one of the most powerful single-seat star fighters ever produced. The X-wing fighter owes its name to the double wings one above the other that form an X in combat in order to increase the firing range of the pilot.
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For the modeler it’s an easy build and that’s the beauty of it. Children can build this kit. The great thing about this kit is that kids love it. It’s not always because of the movie. Most are too young to remember it but they all know the characters and quite often it’s the R2D2® figure that they relate to most. If you want to start a child in the model building hobby – this is the kit. It’s inexpensive, goes together easily and looks great when it’s finished. It looks great on display or can become a favorite toy for careful play. This is a SnapTite® kit with only 36 pieces and two figures to assemble in six main steps. It could be further detailed by the real Star Wars® enthusiast. With some added detail and finishing this could also make the base for a contest piece.

RoR Review 20101203 – Monogramâ„¢ 1:24 1957 Chevyâ„¢ Nomad 85-0883

2010 December 3
by Doug

RoR Review 20101203 – Monogramâ„¢ 1:24 1957 Chevyâ„¢ Nomad 85-0883
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See the Step-by-Step review by Tony & Aaron Gibson

The ’57 Chevy Nomad has achieved legendary status in the world of classic cars. They were produced in limited numbers and have become even more rare over time. The graceful lines and hot V-8 engine in the original versions were made “cool” by the hot rod set when they discovered that the frame and weight distribution made these cars awesome street sleepers. When the hand went up; what driver wouldn’t think a station wagon was an easy “fin”! To his credit the Nomad driver quietly took the money but didn’t brag in order to keep the secret. The other driver never told he’d been beaten by a “grocery getter” either!

This is a review of the re-released Monogram™ 1957 Chevy™ Nomad kit. The kit has 94 pieces, molded in white/chrome. A decal sheet with flame and optional plates are included. There’s an easy to follow direction sheet with multiple options for building including a stock or custom engine. There are two options for rear suspension. There are also options for the interior; custom look with bucket seats and roll bar or stock with bench seat. For the modeler there are three different foil treatments used, chassis modifications, donor parts from diecast models and detailed engine wiring techniques explored.


RoR Review 20101117 – Monogram® 1:24 scale 1982 Corvette® (kit #85-0885)

2010 November 17
by Doug

RoR Review 20101117 – Monogram® 1:24 scale 1982 Corvette® (kit #85-0885)

 See the Step-by-Step Review by Tom Schaefer

 

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Buy This Kit

Reviewed here is Revell’s® reissue of the Monogram® 1:24 scale 1982 Corvette® (kit #85-0885). At first glance I thought this kit looked familiar, and it was. It was originally issued in the mid ‘80’s as a SnapTite® kit. Now Under the “Classic Cruiser©” name it is re-issued as a skill level 2 glue kit. Skill level 2 is pushing it a bit, with a low parts count and not much detail, but it turns out it’s a very nice simple kit. If you’re looking for a model to take a break from that 6 month detail build or you are just getting into the hobby, this might be what you need.

Overall, assembly was a breeze, since it all snapped together, except for a little glue to help hold things in place. This car turned out better than I thought it would. It sits nice and will make a good scale replica model for your shelf. For the hobbyist there are fit adjustments to the wheel backing plates/hubs and engine mounts that need some attention but this is a great model for that first foray into glue kits for the novice or quick build for that Corvette fan.