ZombieHunter26 Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 So, I don't have any pics to show of this kit, but if you've been to the stores lately you've at least run across it. I got this kit in hopes that it would be an exhilarating build, something to pick my imagination, and make me feel accomplished afterwards. I got none of these feelings. From the removal of the box cover forward, I was immensely disappointed. First off, the plastic it's molded in is terrible. It's molded in black ??styrene?? (god knows it didn't FEEL like styrene), the parts are highly inaccurate and the engine assembly required little to no effort- mainly because it was pretty much horribly made. Heck, the belt assembly was molded in chrome and half of it didn't even have an attachment to the engine. Final assembly of the engine left me wanting. Lack of detail parts, a single-molded chassis/exhaust system, and poorly fitting pieces left me annoyed more than a few times. In short, it felt like I was building a snap-tite kit that needed glue. That's how simplistic this kit was. I managed to throw it together for the 2012 Post-Apoc CBP, barely. If you're looking to build a gasser, get the actual '55 Gasser model (don't waste your cash on the "Street Machine"), or go out and buy the Revell Special Edition 2-n-1 '57 Chevy 150 Utility Sedan 'Black Widow' kit. Open box on the Black Widow left me awash in relief. Plenty of parts, options, and details, details, DETAILS. This is purely opinion on my part, of course. I did NOT enjoy building the Street Machine as much as I'd like to have. If you've built it with better results, post 'em up! I'd like to see. Anywho. Just a heads up if you haven't bought/built this kit yet. Be prepared for plenty of annoyance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 (edited) On 2/3/2012 at 2:12 PM, DoubleD said: when it was modified into the gasser-ish, street machine and the Badman drag versions i don't know, but it was more than likely in the 70's. i'm pretty suprised that it's still in Revell's catalog but there must be enough demand for it still to have kept it there Yep, it's pretty much the Tom Daniel 'Badman' '55 gasser, as Dave mentioned, with different wheels and tires (the best part of the kit IMHO). As much as I like and publicly defend Monogram kits, this kit isn't great, as I found out when I picked up a reissued Badman. Parts fit is vague all over (round axle tube to flat leaf springs for example), the engine isn't great, and the front solid axle's mounting points are downright fragile. Edited November 9, 2018 by Casey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 From Bob Black's 'site: I think 1969 was when the Badman was first issued. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Most Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 I really wonder why Revell slaps their name on the old Monogram stuff, especially when they have the newer-tool, and much better, 1:25 Tri-Five kits out under the Revell name as well. Wait... those started out as Monogram kits, too. Really wish they'd make up their minds. I have to wonder how many inattentive modelers bought one of these expecting the mid '90's era kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niteowl7710 Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 (edited) I have to wonder how many inattentive modelers bought one of these expecting the mid '90's era kit. To further muddy the waters, the '55 tooling from the mid-'90's was released as a convertible originally two ways, the HT has a 2004 logo. But now both the convertible and HT are out in Monogram labeled boxes, which considering the tooling for the Street Machine kit is originally Monogram's, it seems equally plausible to presume the new tool HT is actually from the original tooling from the '60's... Edited February 4, 2012 by niteowl7710 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Most Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 Makes me wonder if they'll bring back the Aurora, Advent, Renwal, and Hubley brand names and start slapping those on every random reissue. Hobbico? It's called BRAND MANAGEMENT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 You can build a pretty nice model with it if you kitbash it with a '70 Chevelle from Monogram. Use the Chevelle front suspension,engine/trans,slicks and lower the rear down. You can also use the Centerline wheels if you want. I built one like that and sold it to a friend for $20 and regretted it afterwards. I had a set of Cragars from MRC on it. Someday,I'm going to build another one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey Posted February 4, 2012 Share Posted February 4, 2012 Revell putting that new tooling kit into Monogram labeled boxes is a little bizarre, not sure what that's all about I suspect they are trying to determine just how to effectively use both the Revell and Monogram names, since both have pretty good reputations and are recognizable with the public. It seems they were keeping Monogram originated kits in Monogram labelled boxes, but the "Car Show" category seems to be all jumbled up now. I like the "Classic Cruiser" category, which seems to indicate and kit which is based on older tooling, yet still gives you a solid, basic kit. I think as time goes one, we will see more defined labeling and branding, and hopefully some vintage box art (and by that I don't mean the '70s "generic" Monogram box art) to go along with some reissues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Hall Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 To further muddy the waters, the '55 tooling from the mid-'90's was released as a convertible originally two ways, the HT has a 2004 logo. But now both the convertible and HT are out in Monogram labeled boxes, which considering the tooling for the Street Machine kit is originally Monogram's, it seems equally plausible to presume the new tool HT is actually from the original tooling from the '60's... The strangest aspect about the '55 hts is both the old 1:24th Monogram '55 ht and the newer Revell 1:25th '55 have been both available in recent years in Monogram box art w/ black cars on the boxes. I think they should stick w/ Monogram labeling on Monogram-origin tooling and Revell for the Revell-origin tooling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
62rebel Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 that would help... at least, if they would indicate in the box-side text that "this kit was originally issued as..." or maybe a retro-style pic of the original issue art..... i wasn't a big fan of Monogram 1/24th kits myself but they do have a place in the history of this hobby AND a place in it TODAY. my "bone to pick" with them was lack of building choices in the kit itself; if you were a Monogram builder you probably had lots of spare parts to work with, but i wasn't, and the difference in scale dimension between 1/24 and 1/25 was too evident in my opinion at the time. i do recall that a Monogram kit went together with almost no issues regarding fit; their instructions were easy to follow and concise; and their decals were colorful to say the least. top it off with plastic in various bright colors that didn't necessarily need painting, and Monogram was a kid's (parent's!) dream.... if Revell would simply keep the brand labeling indicative of the original issue, regardless of the retools, it would make things easier to manage IMHO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Hall Posted February 6, 2012 Share Posted February 6, 2012 As far as Monogram 1:24th scale kits, Iv'e always avoided their tri-five kits--like their '69 Camaro, something always seemed off about those kits to me. On the other hand, I've built many '80s-era Monogram 1:24th muscle cars, NASCAR stockers, etc... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Most Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 I sent an email to Revell asking about the mixing up of the brand names, and here is the response I got: The tooling libraries have become very mixed ever since Revell and Monogram have been under one (1) ownership (1985). Consequently, brands have become mixed. There is no hard and fast rule. Both brands have made very good, premium kits over the years. But we do try when we can to but a Revell brand on a Revell kit and a Monogram brand on a Monogram kit. Below is information that is posted on our website at www.revell.com . Look for ABOUT US then, look for BRAND HISTORY. There you will find more background history regarding our Revell and Monogram name changes and Logo changes through-out many years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Cranky Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 In other words it sounds like they are trying to do all the business they can while they still can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 In other words it sounds like they are trying to do all the business they can while they still can. It sounds just like what they said- both brands are recognizable and they try to use both names to match the original kit manufacturers. At any rate, this is the lone remaining kit in the Revell lineup with a nice set of 15" deep 'n' deeper 5-slot 'mags', so it has value for those parts alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
62rebel Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 you have to admit, they're trying. it ain't easy satisfying everybody! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 are the tires in the lastest issue wiped clean or do they still have the Goodyear Rally GT lettering? They have blank sidewalls now, and the sidewalls are even a bit recessed, making the tires pretty much useless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.