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Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20160502*
Klingon Bird of Prey 1:350 Scale AMT Model Kit #949 Review

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

Pity the Warrior That Kills All His Enemies! – Klingon Proverb

The Klingon Bird-of-Prey (BoP) was a type of warship utilized by the Klingon Empire serving the Klingon Defense Forces from the 22nd century, when they were first encountered by Earth Starfleet, during a short confrontation on the edge of the Sol system in 2153. This type of craft, initially descended from its counterpart from a century earlier, was one of the most versatile warships employed by the Empire, serving a variety of mission roles, including that of a scout, raider, patrol ship, and cruiser. A well-publicized encounter with a Bird-of-Prey occurred in 2285 when a Bird-of-Prey, commanded by Kruge, conducted a mission to uncover the secrets of Project Genesis. After acquiring the information, the ship destroyed the Merchantman, and later the USS Grissom, before facing off against the USS Enterprise in orbit of the Genesis Planet. Kruge ultimately lost the battle, and his ship, allowing James T. Kirk the privilege of making Starfleet’s first Klingon Bird-of-Prey capture. This was well documented in the events leading up to the court martial of Admiral Kirk, and the ship was thereafter utilized for time travel back to Earth’s 20th century. A few years later, the first Bird-of-Prey to ever breach the Great Barrier was commanded by Captain Klaa in 2287.

FOR THE MODELER:  This review covers the recent re-release (Re-Pop) of the AMT kit of the Klingon Bird of Prey in 1/350 Scale by Round2. This is Kit #AMT664 in the current catalog and has been released in this version with the current contents since January 2011. AMT has rated this as a Skill Leve 2 kit for ages 10 and up as it requires paint and glue. The kit contains about 70 parts molded in Green, Clear and has Pewter landing gear. The stand is Black with a Steel rod. It includes Waterslide decals. Some of the major revisions in this version compared to the original release of this kit are the revised wing baffles that allow you to pose the wings properly in your choice of three modes, Attack, Cruise or Landed. The other major addition was the landing gear based on what was seen in the move “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock”. The original display base that was quite unstable has been replaced with a very nice Steel pole base also. The overall build color is Green and the molded color is close, most modelers could leave it as is and with detail painting and weathering you will still have a fairly accurate display. But the instructions do have a full list of MODEL MASTER Colors to help you with paint options. There are tons of pictures on the internet and videos of the movies to get references of the actual Bird of Prey. Do a little research and you will have a no problems with your color selection. Overall dimensions are: 14″ wide x 10″ long x 4.5″ tall (in landed pose).

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; abrasive choices; complete paint and adhesive selections and applications; test fitting; using white glue for the clear pieces; detailing the model with highlights; adding blackwash detailing to the exterior for depth; explaining instruction errors; detailing the engine with transparent paint; landing gear door construction modifications for accuracy; installing the gear doors; weathering the exterior with rust tones; detailing the wing cannons; finishing the metal landing gear parts; stand construction; dry brushing techniques; mounting the wings; additional episode specific markings; command pod accessories and highlighting; identifying and reviewing display mode version options; identifying leftover kit parts; decal preparation and application; using decal setting solutions for that “painted on” look; are all fully examined in this 18 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format.

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Right On Replicas, LLC ©2016 All rights reserved. *All registered trademarks are the property of their respective brands. Follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations for any product mentioned here.

Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20160429*
Convert a Ford Fusion NASCAR Model to a Factory Stock Replica

Review and Photos by Doug Cole

The Ford Fusion is a smart looking, great value family sedan. Confirming this is the fact that there are a zillion of those cars on the road today.  Many people that drive these cars would like to own a model of their vehicle but the bad news is there are none presently available.  Waiting for a plastic model is futile since the last time a current model year family four door sedan was issued; I think Nixon was In the Whitehouse!  The good news is that recent rule changes for NASCAR vehicles is forcing the teams to provide bodies that more closely resemble the real cars they represent. The model companies are still making NASCAR kits and that’s where we come in!

It’s easier than you think to make a model of your car! There are a few different ways to approach it, but we can show you how to take a current NASCAR model kit and turn it into a reasonable representation of your vehicle with practically no modeling experience and minimal tools. Of course, there are different degrees of conversion, and in this review we will stick to what are known as “slammer” models.  Slammers are models with no interiors or opening hoods or engines.

Different Strokes For Different Folks: This review converts the 2015 release of the Joey Logano #22 Shell Penzoil Ford Fusion 1:24 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-1473 into a four door late model sedan. Of course, you will need to buy the kit for its body and stickers.  For the simplest version you would also need some spray paint, putty filler, fine sand paper, and some flat plastic sheet (approximately .020” thick) clear or opaque from packaging material, white glue or tape, and a hobby knife.  It is also desirable to have a digital camera, printer and photo software to make printouts and decals to add realism and personalization.

Adding even more realism and customization for your model, the silver version above, requires a moderate knowledge of model building techniques and some plastic stock like Evergreen Products (sold at hobby stores or online). Additional features can be added with a small bottle of flat black paint and a small brush.  You could even take the model further buy using clear windows and a donor kit to provide an interior – but that goes beyond the scope of this article.  For any version, you can make a Fusion that looks like yours if: you can scratch a line with a hobby knife, print out photos to size, and use a can of spray paint to match your vehicle.

How to Build It:  The full article will take you Step-by-Step through the process of converting a NASCAR Ford Fusion into a factory stock vehicle in two versions. In version one, we show you how to construct the parts of the basic kit that you’ll need.  Filling and finishing old seams; creating new panel lines; making the wheels look like yours; using a combination of the kit’s stickers and homemade printouts or decals to add realism; adding factory options like a sunroof and making custom license plates with your camera and  printer.  In the second version, we take it a bit further for those having some moderate modeling skills with the addition of body trim; adding foil accents; installing a sunroof; modifying body features for realism; adding a muffler and constructing a roof mounted aerial.  All of these things are fully examined in this 26 page, full-color Step-by-Step tutorial in PDF format.

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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 ©2016 All rights reserved. *All registered trademarks are the property of their respective brands. Follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations for any product mentioned here.

RoR Step-by-Step Review 20110419*
1975 Plymouth Duster (The Mongoose) NHRA Funny Car 85-4289 1:25 Scale Revell Kit Review

Review and Photos by Pat Ackerson

Tom McEwen won a total of five NHRA national events during his 45 year drag racing career including one US Nationals victory in 1978. Listed as number 16 of the 50 most significant drivers of the NHRA’s first 50 years, McEwen received the nickname “the Mongoose” in 1964 largely as a way to entice Don “the Snake” Prudhomme into high-exposure match races. Although McEwen was not one of the most winning drivers in NHRA history his colorful personality and promotional ability made him one of the sport’s most influential and controversial figures

For the Modeler: This model kit is wonderfully reproduced in 1:25 scale and targeted for skill level 3 model builders, ages 12 and up. Molded mostly in white plastic and chrome plated parts, this kit consists of 102 pieces, 4 vinyl tires, 1 clear windshield and 1 sheet of beautifully reproduced racing decals. The kit instructions are very easy to follow and well illustrated with the exception of Step 2, the distributor [part #18] and its placement. However, with a little guess work finding this part’s correct location is easily overcome.

Covered in this Review: This is a well designed kit with good instructions but If you want to perfect your build, basic construction; paint and adhesives selection and applications; engine construction and finishing; cockpit finishing; altering the assembly sequence for finishing considerations; correct distributor location; dealing with flash pin marks and mold seams; how to handle flash on chrome parts; masking procedures; locating, marking and installing the hood fairings; using super glue and accelerant as a seam filler; decal preparation and application; using black washes for highlights; making realistic tires; safety blanket modifications for fit; are all fully examined in this extensive 10 page, full-color Step-by-Step review.

Important! – You MUST click on the “Return to Right on Replicas, LLC” link after you’ve made your purchase to download your review!

To get your copy of the full review – just select one of the payment methods above for $2.99 USD.

Right On Replicas, LLC ©2013 All rights reserved.
*All registered trademarks are the property of their respective brands.