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Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20140515*
Garbage Truck by Tom Daniel 1:24 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4198 Review

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

Most garbage trucks are bent, dirty and…full of garbage, but not Monogram’s GARBAGE TRUCK! This zany and unusual Rod is a shiny custom machine with all the latest speed goodies plus all the equipment needed for a swinging beach party. The kit even includes a mod swinging trio complete with a Go-Go Girl vocalist! If you dig fun kits, you’ll dig the GARBAGE TRUCK. It’s The Boss!  Monogram Models owes much of its success in the 1960s and ’70s to the inspiring and creative designer Tom Daniel. Chances are you’ve seen something that has been graced with the wild, distinctive “TD” touch. Anyone who built model kits during Daniel’s time with Monogram, or read Hot Rod, Car Craft, or Rod & Custom, or watched “The Munsters” on television has seen his work. Daniel’s designs have influenced several generations of model and full-scale hot-rod builders.  Monogram was delighted by the success of the first kit design Tom produced and went on to commission him to create more than 75 other designs between 1968 and 1975.

“The name and idea for this one originated at Monogram, and I was called in to enhance the design and add snappy details like the lil’ rock group, decals, etc. Left to my own devices, I probably never would have initiated a garbage truck.” – Tom Daniel’s Quote.

For the modeler: This review is based on the GARBAGE TRUCK by Tom Daniel Revell # 85-4198 model kit. This kit is Skill level 2 for intermediate builder and contains 57 parts. The kit is molded in White and Chrome and has Vinyl Tires. This kit has seen very few different box-art designs over the years but has had multiple re-issues and is a 100% Reissue (Re-Pop). The original kit was released in 1968 and has had almost no changes in any releases after that. The copyright stamp on the chassis reads 1968 and the decals read 2014, so this is still based on the original molds. The buildup on this kit is 100% all exterior looks; there is no motor or detailed undercarriage. The suspension is basic. The cab is a multi-part unit and everything mounts to it aside from the seats. The trash body is also multi-piece and aside from the surfboards the accessories are molded in place. The mini band members are cool; you get a girl and two identical guy figures. The decals are new Revell quality and they replicate the originals that came in the kit.  Overall dimensions of the finished build are: Length: 6-7/8″, Width: 3-1/8″, Height: 4-7/8″.

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; complete paint and adhesive selections and applications; test fitting; contest considerations are discussed; sink, tab and mold seam identification; suspension construction; removing unwanted part numbers; using pearl paint and powdered pigments; paint product sources; interior detailing and finishing; removing unwanted ID stickers; trash box construction; utilizing the moveable floor; painting the band figures; where NOT to use glue; detailing the surfboards; detailing the tires for realism; removing the molded trademark scripts; correcting instruction errors; decal preparation and application; are all fully examined in this pictorial 19 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format.

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Right On Replicas, LLC SnapShot Review 20140512*
2008 Shelby GT500KR 1:25 Scale Revell Model Kit #85-4226 Review

Review and Photos by Alan Mann  

The Ford Shelby GT500KR was released in the spring of 2008. The car is powered by a 540 horsepower 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 version of the base GT500 engine with functional Cold Air Intake and unique calibration. SVT and Shelby announced that 1,000 40th Anniversary Editions will be built for the U.S. in 2008, with another 571 units in 2009. This 1,571 production run matches that of the original 1968 GT500KR. All KRs were built by AutoAlliance International on the normal Mustang production line and then shipped to Shelby Automobiles Incorporated (SAI) where final assembly was completed. SAI was the manufacturer of record. The Shelby GT500KR features a carbon fiber composite hood with functional scoops and vents, twist-lock hood pins modeled on the original 1968 KR, a unique carbon fiber splitter, carbon fiber mirror caps, and functional brake cooling ducts. The suspension was tuned by SVT with unique spring rates, dampers, stabilizer bars, and strut tower brace and was sourced from Ford Racing. Unique Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires were developed for the KR with a unique compound. The 2008–09 GT500KR draws on styling cues from the classic 1968 “King of the Road” GT500KR model, and the 2008 model includes “40th Anniversary” badging; both years will have availability of standard GT500 colors with “LeMans” stripes, and Carroll Shelby signature embroidered seats. The GT500KR’s starting price was $120,000.95 The GT500KR was featured prominently in the 2008 Knight Rider television series as the new “KITT”.

For the modeler: This review is based on the Revell # 85-4226 “Special Edition Series” version 1/25 scale 2008 Shelby GT500KR. This kit is for intermediate builder and contains 116 parts; No Skill Level is denoted just an age of 10 & up. I would rate this kit between Skill 2 and Skill 3. The kit is molded in White, Black, Silver, Chrome and Clear and has Vinyl Tires with Metal Axle Pins and Exhaust Tips. This kit was released in only one box-art version that I can find. And the box states “NEW TOOLING” right on the labeling, BUT, the chassis is stamped Revell 2005. Being as parts of the kit are actually re-used from earlier Mustang Kits this should be considered a CONVERSION kit. You get a detailed 5.4L V8 Super-charged motor. This is the same motor as the 2007 GT500 (Kit 85-2097). The motor is about 20 parts and makes a nice finished build. The chassis is simple and clean. With research I found this is the same chassis set-up as used in the GT500 and also GT350H (Kit 85-4212). The interior is also completely re-released but does include both the GT350H and GT500 seats. This is a typical Revell interior/engine bay set-up with separate door panels. As for the body it too is re-released. As it seems the only parts that are new tooling are the GT500KR specific front fascia, hood and vents. There are a few parts remaining from both the GT500 and GT350H kits that are not used in this version. You get an extra grille and a few different air intake units. The decals are extensive and give two stripe color options, all under hood, badging and interior options. The decals are new for this kit. Build-up is straightforward and assembly is great. Parts fit tightly and overall everything looks good when finished.  Overall dimensions of the finished build are: Length: 7-1/2″, Width: 3 1/8″, Height: 2-1/4″.

Overall Impressions: This kit is another example of Revell’s better quality as of late. The fit and finish is solid and the overall building of the kit is enjoyable. As a Mustang fan and a Knight Rider fan I am glad to see this kit released as I can replicate the car from the show quite easily!  Yes, for some, the fact the suspension is Stock and not Shelby specific may cause issues but overall model builders have gotten used to the “close enough” functionality of all the major kit suppliers. This does not detract from the overall finished build and desired exterior look that the kit offers. Revell has done a great job lately creating kits that with little additional effort and expense offers a wide range of different products, and that is what most builders want. The chassis and motor assembly stand out strong with some detailing as there is quite a bit of molded-in details on the chassis, all the wires and lines are there. The overall finished look of the interior is nicely done also. With the separate door panels it is very easy to do the fine detailing work. The Mustang body is iconic and Revell does a good job capturing the lines. The Shelby specific parts work well and make the finished build look accurate. This kit, the same as all Mustang kits previously, does suffer from a  ride height issue. Overall the car needs to hug the ground more. But there are numerous online references to fix that issue if you are so inclined to do so. I feel Revell has done an excellent job replicating the GT500KR and this kit is a MUST BUILD for Pony Fans. On a scale of 1 to 10 I rate this as a 9. My only complaints are the ride height and the fact Revell used the words NEW TOOLING on the logo which only pertains to the additional KR parts.

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Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20140511*
Texas Highway Patrol Car (Dodge Charger) 1:24 Scale Lindberg Model Kit #72785 Review

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

In early 2006, Daimler-Chrysler released a new police version of the Charger. It made its debut at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. Unlike the civilian version, the police version features upgraded heavy-duty brakes, a severe-duty cooling system, police-performance Electronic Stability Program, police performance-tuned steering, and a gear shifter that is mounted on the steering column instead of in the center console. In place of the center console, Dodge has equipped the police edition with an aluminum plate appropriate for mounting radio equipment, computers, and controllers for lights and sirens. The vehicle’s electrical system is specifically designed for integration of siren and light controls, and other police vehicle accessories. The Charger is in use with many American police departments. The 340 hp Hemi V8 is powerful enough to accelerate the car from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds and to a top speed of 146 mph. In Michigan State Police testing, the Charger V8 easily outperformed all other pursuit vehicles in acceleration, cornering, and braking (except the Dodge Magnum and V6 Charger, which stopped slightly faster in some tests) in the first five years since its introduction. When the Charger was redesigned for 2011 the police package version was renamed Dodge Charger Pursuit.

For the Modeler: This review is based on the Texas Highway Patrol Car version of this kit sold as Lindberg Kit #72785. It is Skill level: 2 1/24 scale kit for the intermediate builder. The kit contains and amazing 274 parts molded in White, Clear and Chrome with vinyl tires. This is a current release from 2010 and the kits are still available and released as current production. The kit is the same in every version but is packaged in seven different Police agency and blank (undecorated) car versions. Included in this kit are Stock parts to build a NON POLICE UNIT also. Because it is a multiple version kit it comes with 8 different current use light bars and all the up-to-date Police goodies! The motor is super detailed; you get the stock parts or police versions included. The chassis is molded in multiple parts and is a highly detailed unit. The interior is nicely detailed and has dash details as decals. The door panel detail is crisp and easy to see. You get all kinds of options in the interior for your version choice. The body shell is one piece with a separate hood and bumpers. There are almost no mold lines on the body and are light and easy to sand off. The box information does say it is a pre-painted body but it is not. Lindberg sets the bar on quality and quantity with this kit however, the plastic Lindberg uses is very difficult to paint with solvent based products. Finished dimensions are Length: 8-1/2″, Width: 3-1/4″, Height: 2-1/4″.

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; complete paint and adhesive selections and applications; body/frame alignment; engine detailing; test fitting; handling fragile parts; complete engine construction notes; identifying and repairing seams; contest considerations are discussed; sink, tab and mold seam identification; drivetrain alignment; detailed suspension and chassis construction; police interior selections and customizing ideas; body molding placement; chassis installation techniques; glass installation and detailing; lightbar selection; engine assembly and finishing; detailing the tires for realism; removing the molded trademark scripts; correcting instruction errors; Texas Highway Patrol specific decal preparation and application; are all fully examined in this pictorial 21 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 $4.95 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.