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Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20140614*
Stearman PT-17 N2S-3 1:48 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-5264 Review

Review and Photos by John Orenski

The Stearman PT-17, also known as the Model 75 was developed as a primary trainer for the USAAC during the mid-1930’s. It was a simple, rugged design that was easy to fly and maintain making it ideal as an introductory aircraft for service and civilian pilots alike. It was also exported to many foreign countries for similar purposes. The design was so successful that many can be found today being used much in the same way as it was when first produced. The airframe itself is a basic biplane with metal tubing surrounded by doped cloth and various metal panels for the engine, tail, and landing gear sections. Able to accommodate two crewmen in the open cockpits, it isn’t equipped with any sort of escape system. It would be up to the pilot and observer to simply jump out. This was rarely necessary though, as the plane isn’t known for its speed. Being a biplane it also has better glide capabilities than its mono-wing counterparts. This makes for a very safe, comfortable flight.

For the Modeler: This is a review for the Revell Stearman PT-17 1:48 Scale Model Kit #85-5264. It is a skill level 3 kit for the advanced builder. Revell’s version of this kit is all new tooling. A welcome sight indeed since the other alternative is the older Lindbergh version which was not too bad, but showing its age and simplicity. Molded in white and clear you get 60 parts including a full engine and compartment, cockpit, well detailed wheels with separate hubs, excellent surface details, and no flash or sink marks were found. The clear parts consist of a pair of windscreens with molded brace bars, and a navigational beacon. Each sprue is separately bagged to protect from scuffing and rubbing, as well as a 12 page instruction book and full decals. The decals are in excellent register and are nice and opaque which is a big plus considering the choices of markings. An Air Force and Navy version are included in the markings options being Bright Blue/Yellow, and overall: Yellow respectively. I chose the Navy version for this review. Given the decals included, you could make up many different liveries using only the basic markings; another plus for this kit. Finished dimensions are: Length: 6-1/8″, Height: 2-5/16″, Wingspan: 8-3/16″.

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; motor construction and detailing; complete paint and adhesive selections and applications; test fitting; cockpit detailing and finishing; masking techniques are discussed; version considerations and options; rigging material is  discussed; using floor polish for a great finish; making foil frame accents; handling fragile parts, are all fully examined in this pictorial 11 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format.

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Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20140530*
Cop Out Plymouth Duster Funny Car by Tom Daniel 1:24 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4093 Review

Review and Photos by Tony & Martha Gibson

Funny Cars were all the rage on America’s drag strips and combined with the customizing talents of Tom Daniel you get – INSTANT AWESOME! This is one of my all time favorite Tom Daniel kits.  It has stood the test of time, having been released many times after its’ original release in the early 70s. Nothing looks like it’s changed with this new release, except for the box art, which is just like it was at the original release. Although this kit has been re-issued over and over, the dies are still leaving clean, sharp molds with minimal dies marks and flashing.  The chrome is really bright and smooth, a little heavy on some of the smaller parts, but all in all pretty good. The decals/colors are very sharp.  The big 426 Hemi is still unchanged, a bit out of scale without a lot of detail, but still an awesome old school design.  This kit is pretty basic in every way and I’m glad nothing changed.  It’s simple and fun build.

For the Modeler: This is review is for the Cop Out Plymouth Duster Funny Car by Tom Daniel 1:24 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4093. It is a Skill Level 2 kit for the average builder.  molded in black, chrome and clear glass with a total of 98 parts. This kt features all the tech of the 70s, including a tubular funny car chassis, safety roll cage, aluminum fire wall, fuel and water tanks, blown 426 engine, ‘zoomie’ exhausts headers and dual drag chutes to stop this monster! It’s decked out with roof flashers, gumball lights, spot lights and sponsor decals. It’s a sight to behold and a truly FUN model to build! Kit features vintage police light bar and one-piece lift-off body. It also includes water slide decals, 2 soft vinyl wrinkled Race Master drag slicks, two no label street style front tires, and an old school direction sheet. Finished Dimensions are: Length: 8-¼”, Width: 3″, Height: 2-¼”.

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; engine construction and detailing; complete paint and adhesive selections and applications; test fitting; mold seam identification and repair; chassis and  suspension construction; painting techniques; considerations for an unpainted model finish; detailing with a Sharpie pen; cockpit detailing and finishing; detailing the two-piece tires for realism; large decal preparation and application; using polish and wax for a great finish; making foil bumpers; freezing paint for an authentic aluminum finish;  installing the blower belt; handling fragile parts; light bar detailing, are all fully examined in this pictorial 19 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format.

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Click the Buy Now link below to purchase the full Step-by-Step review for  $3.95 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 ©2014 All rights reserved.

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

Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20140529*
Police (CHP) Helicopter Hughes 500D 1:48 Scale Academy Model Kit #12249Review

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

The Hughes 500 Police helicopter went into production in 1969 and is one of the fastest helicopters in its class. The 500 is a civilian version of the US Army’s OH-6A Cayuse/Loach. The improved Hughes 500D became the primary model in 1976, with a more powerful engine, a T-tail, and new five-blade main rotor; a four-blade tail rotor was available and was optional. In 1977 the California Highway Patrol (CHP) began using the 500D as the main service helicopter in their air unit and continued its use until 1985. A point of reference for the builder is this kit is an actual replica if a unit in service and the tail number used in the kit is a real number the CHP used. Note the photo of the actual unit CHP used. You can see it here CHP Hughes 500D.

For the Modeler: This review is based on the Academy 1/48 Scale Police Helicopter 500D model kit #12249. There are no skill level notations but if you read the very tiny little print on the side of the box it is listed as age 14 and above. The age requirement would consider this as a kit for the advanced builder (Skill Level 3). There are 66 parts in this kit and they are molded in White and Clear. This kit has previously been released a multitude of times and has even been produced under different brands such as Hasegawa. This kit is a 100% re-release (Re-pop) and is quite available in hobby stores and online avenues. Some neat features of the kit are it comes with an “in scale” companion motorcycle and three people figures. Also, the side door can be installed open or closed. A downfall of this kit is it is a Japanese released kit and therefore, the instructions are not in English.  There are English translations available, but they are limited. A third of the instructions sheet is a paint and decal guide for the kit; it even has the real CHP unit in Black and White photos included. At 1/48 scale the parts are small and the build requires more effort to paint and decal so take your time. Finished Dimensions:  Helicopter: From Blade tip forward to tail tip 7-¼” long. From Blade tip to Blade tip 7″ wide. 2¼” tall.  Motorcycle: 1-7/8″ long. ¾” wide. 1¾” tall.

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; motorcycle construction and detailing; decal carrier considerations; touching up the paint on small models; scratch building an antennae for the bike; complete paint and adhesive selections and applications; test fitting; sink, tab and mold seam identification; paint masking techniques; detailing the  window trim with a Sharpie pen; interior detailing and finishing; rotor blade construction and detailing; fixing warped parts; military version pieces discussed; glue to use for the windows; decal preparation and application; are all fully examined in this pictorial 17 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format.

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!

Right On Replicas, LLC ©2014 All rights reserved.

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